Mercedes-Benz Introduces First Electric Car with Vegan Interiors
Mercedes-Benz has taken a bold step toward sustainable luxury with the release of its first electric vehicle featuring fully vegan interiors. Debuting at CES 2026 in Las Vegas (January 6–9), the new GLC model is the first in the brand’s lineup to offer a cabin completely free of animal-derived materials.
At the heart of this innovation is ARTICO, a leather-like material crafted without animal products. Used for seat upholstery, steering wheel covers, and other high-touch surfaces, ARTICO delivers the premium look and feel Mercedes-Benz drivers expect—without any compromise on ethics or sustainability. Beyond the seats, the automaker employs certified vegan textiles and microfiber materials across door trims, pillars, headliners, and carpets, ensuring that the entire interior is cruelty-free.
Over 100 Materials Audited to Achieve Certification
Approximately 100 different components from multiple suppliers were scrutinized to meet strict vegan standards. To qualify for the Vegan Trademark, materials must:
- Contain no animal products, by-products, or derivatives.
- Avoid animal testing.
- Prevent cross-contamination with animal-derived substances wherever possible.
The result is a fully certified vegan interior for the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV, marking the first time a premium manufacturer has received this recognition for an electric vehicle. The vegan interiors are expected to be available for U.S. customers in the second half of 2026.
Sustainable and Stylish Materials
Mercedes-Benz’s vegan cabin uses a combination of synthetic fibers, textiles, and microfibers to replace traditional animal-based materials like leather, suede, and wool. Specific innovations include:
- Seat upholstery and interior panels: Crafted from ARTICO leather replica.
- Door trims, pillars, and headliners: Made from certified vegan textiles.
- Carpets and floor mats: Textile-based, free from wool or other animal fibers, incorporating recycled materials.
- Soft-touch surfaces: Microfiber fleece substitutes suede or leather.
- Synthetic polymers: Replace animal-based binders, glues, dyes, coatings, and processing agents.
Through these materials, Mercedes-Benz ensures a luxurious, high-quality feel while maintaining a cruelty-free interior.
Mercedes-Benz Leads the Way in Vegan Automotive Luxury
With the GLC electric car, Mercedes-Benz sets a new standard in ethical and sustainable luxury vehicles. By integrating vegan-certified materials throughout the cabin, the automaker proves that innovation, style, and conscience can coexist seamlessly. From the sleek ARTICO seats to the recycled-content carpets, every detail reflects a commitment to both premium design and animal-free materials.
As the automotive industry moves toward sustainable solutions, Mercedes-Benz’s vegan interiors demonstrate how luxury and ethics can intersect, offering drivers an experience that is stylish, responsible, and forward-thinking.
Summary
Mercedes-Benz is redefining the standards of luxury and sustainability with the launch of its first electric vehicle featuring fully vegan interiors. The GLC EV, unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, combines advanced electric technology with a cabin entirely free from animal-derived materials, offering drivers a premium experience that is both ethical and environmentally conscious. Central to this innovation is ARTICO, a leather-like material crafted without animal products, used for seats, steering wheels, and other high-touch surfaces. Complementing ARTICO are certified vegan textiles and microfiber materials throughout door trims, pillars, headliners, and carpets, providing a consistent and luxurious touch throughout the cabin.
To ensure authenticity, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with The Vegan Society, which audited over 100 interior components to verify that no animal products, by-products, or derivatives were used, and that production avoided animal testing and minimized cross-contamination. This meticulous approach earned the Vegan Trademark certification, a globally recognized seal of credibility that will appear in the vehicle configurator for customers selecting the Vegan Package.
The result is a GLC electric car that not only delivers Mercedes-Benz’s signature comfort and design excellence but also reflects a broader commitment to ethical innovation and sustainability. From synthetic microfibers replacing suede to recycled-content carpets, every detail has been carefully considered. As the automotive world moves toward eco-conscious solutions, the vegan GLC sets a new benchmark for cruelty-free luxury, proving that premium quality, sustainability, and ethics can seamlessly coexist in a modern electric vehicle. The vegan interiors will be available to U.S. customers starting in the second half of 2026, making this a milestone moment in responsible automotive design.