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Investing.com -- The Munich auto show opens next week, with expectations centered on major unveilings from Germany’s premium automakers against a backdrop of improving investor sentiment.
UBS analysts note that “investor sentiment on the space has improved over the summer months,” supported by stronger trading data in Europe and the U.S., though China remains a weak spot.
BMW is set to take the spotlight with the long-anticipated debut of its Neue Klasse platform. The iX3 all-electric SUV will headline, featuring around 800 km WLTP range, 400kW peak DC charging, and the ability to recharge 350 km of range in 10 minutes.
Priced between €60,000 and €70,000, the model is expected to help BMW compete in high-volume electric vehicle (EV) segments in Europe.
Analysts led by Patrick Hummel believe the iX3 and the upcoming 2026 3-series could “grab market share in high-volume segments that are so far a white space for BMW.”
Mercedes-Benz will present the first vehicle built on its MB.EA dedicated EV platform, the new GLC.
With specifications expected to match BMW’s Neue Klasse, the launch is seen as an effort to restart Mercedes’ EV momentum and challenge the perception that BMW is ahead in EV technology and profitability.
UBS pointed out that the GLC’s debut “will likely showcase that MBG is back in the race, also with a new design language that revives the ‘classic’ upright grille.” However, the bank flagged that Mercedes’ sales slump in China could remain a drag on investor sentiment.
There are expectations that Mercedes-Benz will soon execute a first tranche of Daimler Truck Group (DTG) stake sale, and this could trigger a resumption of share buyback activity (SBB) in the remainder of the year.
“Near-term share price performance will highly depend on the timing of these events; we believe without a DTG stake sale and resumption of SBB, growing concerns about China could prevail as a share price driver,” the analysts wrote.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen is set to introduce its ID.2 family, consisting of four affordable EV models starting at around €25,000.
Built on the new MEB Entry platform, these cars are scheduled for a 2026 launch and are expected to support Volkswagen’s CO2 compliance efforts in Europe.
Analysts highlighted profitability as the key question, particularly given intensifying competition from Chinese automakers in the low-cost EV space.
Chinese OEMs are also expected to have a strong presence at the event, but UBS noted their cumulative market share in Germany remains just 2–3%, with many sales still consisting of demo or short-term registrations.
Overall, the auto show is expected to deliver supportive sentiment for European automakers, with UBS maintaining a positive stance on BMW, a more cautious outlook on Mercedes, and a neutral view on Volkswagen and Porsche heading into the second half of the year.