In the first quarter of 2026, the prominence of electric vehicles in the Turkish automotive market became increasingly evident. According to ODMD data, electric car sales reached a market share of 18.5% (11,304 units) in January, 17.8% (23,302 units) in the January–February period, and 18.2% (38,420 units) in the January–March period. During this same period, SUVs accounted for 62.8% of the car market, while the C-segment remained the largest category with a 54.4% share.
This landscape clearly illustrates why the new electric models gaining prominence in Turkey in 2026 consist largely of SUVs, crossovers, and vehicles designed for family use. At the same time, more compact models geared toward urban driving and new options featuring more aerodynamic body designs are also entering the market. The list below includes only those models that have an official Turkish webpage, a price list, or a Turkish market launch announcement.
How Is the Turkish Electric Vehicle Market Shaping Up in 2026?
Data from the ODMD for January, February, and March 2026 indicates that electric cars have now become an established category in the Turkish market. While the market share of electric vehicles hovered around the 18% mark during these first three months, hybrid cars also maintained a strong position. During this period, electric cars with power outputs below 160 kW constituted the bulk of the market, highlighting the importance of balancing accessibility, tax structures, and suitability for daily use within product lineups. Easy access to charging stations is also a decisive factor for users in this context.
In terms of body styles, SUVs continue to hold a clear lead, with the C-segment and compact crossover classes serving as the focal point for new model launches. Consequently, a significant portion of the electric models offered for sale—or officially listed—in Turkey in 2026 are concentrated in the C-SUV, B-SUV, and large SUV segments.
New Electric Vehicle Models Set to Enter the Turkish Market in 2026
The models for 2026 that can be clearly confirmed through official Turkish sources are as follows: Mercedes-Benz’s new electric GLB model went on sale in Turkey in April 2026; additionally, Mercedes-Benz Turkey announced that the all-electric new GLC would arrive in the second quarter of 2026, the all-electric C-Class in the third quarter of 2026, and the electric GLA in the fourth quarter of 2026. On the BMW side, Borusan Otomotiv and BMW Turkey announced that pre-orders for the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Neue Klasse) opened on February 16, 2026, with initial deliveries scheduled for May 2026.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Neue Klasse)
The BMW iX3 is entering the Turkish market in 2026 as one of BMW’s new-generation electric models based on the Neue Klasse platform. A headline reading “New BMW iX3 50 xDrive Pre-orders Open in Turkey” appears on Borusan Otomotiv’s press release page, dated February 16, 2026. BMW Turkey’s official model page states that pre-orders for the model opened on February 16, 2026, and that initial deliveries are scheduled to begin in May 2026. The same official page lists specifications for the vehicle, including a WLTP range of up to 805 km, a maximum DC charging power of 400 kW, and a charging time of 21 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge. In another official statement from Borusan Otomotiv, the New BMW iX3 is referred to as the first representative of the Neue Klasse.
New Electric Mercedes-Benz GLB
According to the official announcement by Mercedes-Benz Otomotiv dated April 2, 2026, the new electric GLB has gone on sale in Turkey. The same statement highlights specifications for the GLB 200+ AMG, including a WLTP range of up to 590 km, a usable battery capacity of 85 kWh, DC charging up to 320 kW, and the ability to gain up to 260 km of range in just 10 minutes. Consequently, the new electric GLB stands out as one of the most significant 2026 market launches in Turkey.
New All-Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC
An official statement from Mercedes-Benz Turkey dated January 9, 2026, clearly indicates that the brand will introduce the new all-electric GLC model to the Turkish market in the second quarter of 2026. This confirms the model's official inclusion in the lineup of electric vehicles scheduled to arrive in Turkey in 2026.
All-Electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The same official statement from Mercedes-Benz Turkey specifies a timeline of the third quarter of 2026 for the all-electric C-Class. Consequently, this model should be considered part of the new electric vehicle lineup planned for the Turkish market in 2026.
Electric Mercedes-Benz GLA
In the same announcement, Mercedes-Benz Turkey also revealed that the electric GLA model would arrive in Turkey in the fourth quarter of 2026. As this information comes directly from the distributor's official statement, the model can be confidently included in this section.
2026 Electric Vehicle Trends
Electric vehicles maintained a strong position in the Turkish automotive market during the first quarter of 2026. According to ODMD data, electric car sales reached a market share of 18.5% in January, with 11,304 units sold. The cumulative figures for January–February stood at 23,302 units (17.8% share), while the total for January–March reached 38,420 units (18.2% share). This picture indicates that electric cars have evolved from a seasonal offering into a permanent product category in the Turkish market.
One of the most notable trends of the first quarter is the market's shift not merely toward fully electric vehicles, but toward a broader electrification transformation. During the January–March 2026 period, hybrid cars captured a 33% share with 69,504 units sold. In the same period, gasoline-powered cars held the top spot with a 42.1% share, while electric cars maintained a strong market presence with an 18.2% share. This landscape suggests that while some consumers are transitioning directly to fully electric vehicles, others are entering the electrification process via hybrid models.
Another significant trend is the prominence of electric vehicle models that align with power output categories and tax structures. According to ODMD data for January–March 2026, sales of electric cars with power outputs below 160 kW rose by 45.9%, securing a 16.4% share of the total automotive market. Meanwhile, sales of electric cars exceeding 160 kW increased by 15.5% but remained at a 1.8% market share. This distribution reveals that models positioned at more accessible price points—offering lower tax burdens and catering to daily usage needs—are reaching a wider audience in Turkey. Body style preferences are also clearly shaping the trends for 2026. According to ODMD data, SUV models reached a market share of 60.3% in January, 61% in the January–February period, and 62.8% in the January–March period. Sedan and hatchback body styles lagged behind SUVs. Consequently, the majority of new electric vehicles coming to the fore in Turkey throughout 2026 consist of SUVs, crossovers, and high-bodied models suitable for family use.
The segment breakdown also supports this picture. In the January–March 2026 period, the C-segment captured a 54.4% share with 114,588 units, while the B-segment reached a 30.5% share with 64,155 units. While the combined share of the A, B, and C segments stood at 83.7% in January, it rose to 84.9% for the January–February period and approached 85% by the end of March. These figures indicate that both compact city cars and C-segment family cars continue to drive the bulk of the volume in the Turkish market.
Most Anticipated Segments in 2026
In 2026, the C-SUV segment—and the SUV class in general—continues to stand out as the most prominent segment in Turkey. The primary reason for this is not merely manufacturers' plans for new models, but the market data itself. According to ODMD figures, the SUV body type held the top spot by a wide margin during the January–March 2026 period, capturing a 62.8% market share. During the same period, the C-segment emerged as the largest class in the automotive market, accounting for 54.4% of sales. Consequently, the C-SUV segment sits at the heart of the 2026 market landscape, both in terms of sales volume and the influx of new models.
Key models in this segment launching through official Turkish channels include the Škoda Elroq, Peugeot E-3008, Mercedes-Benz’s new electric GLB, and the Hyundai IONIQ 9. Peugeot Turkey’s official press release states that the E-3008 has gone on sale in Turkey with a WLTP range of 500 km and an output of 210 HP. Mercedes-Benz Turkey has announced the launch of the new electric GLB, highlighting a range of up to 590 kilometers. Meanwhile, Hyundai Turkey has cited a range of up to 620 kilometers for the IONIQ 9. These figures clearly demonstrate that a significant portion of the new product lineup is focused on SUVs.
The second key area comprises compact electric models suitable for urban driving. The fact that the B-segment secured a 30.5% market share between January and March 2026 underscores the continued significance of this class within the Turkish automotive market. On the electric vehicle front, models such as the Renault 5 E-Tech and BYD ATTO 2 serve as prime examples meeting this demand. Renault Turkey’s official website lists a range of up to 312 km for the Renault 5 E-Tech with the 40 kWh battery and up to 410 km with the 52 kWh battery. As for the BYD ATTO 2, its official model page highlights a DC fast-charging time of 28 minutes (from 30% to 80%) and its compact crossover design.
A third area of interest comprises fastback and sedan-style models—distinct from SUVs—that focus on balancing aerodynamics and range. The Togg T10F stands out in this category; the official Togg website lists a WLTP range of 623 km, a DC charging time of 28 minutes (20% to 80%), and various power options for the model. Although the SUV segment remains dominant in Turkey, these types of vehicles are generating significant interest for 2026 among users seeking lower air resistance, extended range, and alternative body designs. Models prioritizing long range also feature prominently on lists of the electric vehicles with the greatest range available in Turkey.
The premium, large-volume electric SUV segment is another area drawing attention in 2026. While they may not represent the mass market in terms of total sales volume, models such as the Hyundai IONIQ 9, the electric Mercedes-Benz GLB, and the BYD SEALION 7 elevate the electric vehicle lineups of their respective brands in Turkey. Key attributes in this class include long range, high equipment levels, spacious interiors, and suitability for family use. The active presence of these models on official Turkish websites demonstrates that brands view the premium electric SUV category as a significant part of the Turkish market.
References:
- Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD). “ODMD Press Release – February 3, 2026”
https://www.odmd.org.tr/folders/2837/categorial1docs/6037/ODMD%20Bas%C4%B1n%20Bulteni%203%20%C5%9Eubat%202026.pdf - Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD). “ODMD Press Release – March 3, 2026”
https://www.odmd.org.tr/folders/2837/categorial1docs/6053/ODMD%20Bas%C4%B1n%20Bulteni%203%20Mart%202026.pdf - Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD). “ODMD Press Release – April 2, 2026”
https://www.odmd.org.tr/folders/2837/categorial1docs/6070/ODMD%20Bas%C4%B1n%20Bulteni%202%20Nisan%202026.pdf - Mercedes-Benz Turkey. “The New Electric GLB in Turkey”
https://medya.mercedes-benz.com.tr/yeni-elektrikli-glb-simdi-turkiyede/ - Mercedes-Benz Turkey. “Historic Record from Mercedes-Benz Turkey”
https://medya.mercedes-benz.com.tr/mercedes-benz-turkiyeden-tarihi-rekor/ - Borusan Otomotiv. “Press Releases”
https://www.borusanotomotiv.com/kurumsal-iletisim/basin-bultenleri - BMW Türkiye. “BMW iX3 Model Page”
https://www.bmw.com.tr/tr/all-models/x-serisi/ix3/bmw-ix3.html
