In March 2026, multiple media outlets reported that Mercedes-Benz plans to develop a new electric vehicle platform based on Geely’s GEEA4.0 electronic and electrical architecture, which would be the first time the two companies have cooperated on a vehicle-level technology.
1. Core of the Cooperation: Technology and Platform
(1) Cooperation Content
Mercedes-Benz plans to develop a brand-new pure electric vehicle platform, codenamed “Phoenix,” based on Geely’s GEEA4.0 electronic and electrical architecture.
(2) Electronic and Electrical Architecture (EEA)
This is the “brain” and “nerve center” of a smart car, determining the vehicle’s level of intelligence, software iteration capabilities, and the performance limits of driver assistance and intelligent cockpit. Mercedes-Benz chose to directly adopt Geely’s mature architecture to shorten the R&D cycle, reduce costs, and quickly address its shortcomings in the field of intelligent technology.
(3) “Phoenix” Platform
This platform is Mercedes-Benz’s first independently led global project for its China R&D center. It will replace the existing MMA platform and become the unified technological foundation for Mercedes-Benz’s future global entry-level electric vehicles.
2. Future Impact: Covering Major Global Models
(1) Target Models
Models built on the “Phoenix” platform will cover core compact car product lines globally, including the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class, GLA, GLB, and CLA.
(2) Mass Production Timeline
Mass production of the platform is expected to officially begin in 2030 (SOP).
