Mercedes-Benz plans to develop a new global compact EV platform based on Geely's architecture

Mercedes-Benz will develop a new entry-level EV platform codenamed Phoenix based on Geely's GEEA (Geely Electronic & Electrical Architecture) 4.0 platform. This marks the first time the 130-year-old German luxury automaker has granted independent development rights for a new vehicle platform to an R&D team outside its German headquarters 

Mercedes-Benz is shifting the development focus of its new electric vehicle (EV) platform to China and plans to adopt the technical architecture of its Chinese partner Geely Auto, according to a Chinese media report. Mercedes-Benz will develop a new entry-level EV platform codenamed Phoenix based on Geely's GEEA (Geely Electronic & Electrical Architecture) 4.0 platform. Mercedes-Benz China R&D Center will become the global headquarters for compact vehicle development, independently overseeing the design and development of new compact models, with the Phoenix platform marking the first project for Mercedes-Benz China under this reorganization, the report said. 

This marks the first time the 130-year-old German luxury automaker has granted independent development rights for a new vehicle platform to an R&D team outside its German headquarters, the report noted. The platform is expected to enter mass production by 2030, primarily for building Mercedes-Benz's globally sold compact models including the A-Class, B-Class, and CLA. 

The core driver behind this deep technical collaboration is reducing vehicle costs. Mercedes-Benz executives have recently made multiple visits to Geely's R&D center, according to the report. Internal evaluations and vehicle teardown data both indicate that Geely's vehicle architecture offers significant advantages in cost control — a critical factor for Mercedes-Benz, which needs to improve its profit margins. Entrusting the Phoenix platform entirely to its China R&D center — which employs around 2,000 personnel — underscores Mercedes-Benz's intent to fully leverage China's mature EV supply chain. This move also reflects a broader reshaping of the global automotive landscape. From Volkswagen partnering with Xpeng to Stellantis investing in Leapmotor, foreign brands are accelerating their integration of Chinese technological capabilities.