Pune: Mercedes-Benz India Launches Two New Electric Models and Reports Record 2024 Sales

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Chakan, 9th January 2025: Mercedes-Benz India has launched two new electric vehicles and reported record-breaking sales for 2024, marking a significant milestone in its 30-year history in the country. The luxury carmaker unveiled the G580 with EQ Technology and the EQS SUV 450, expanding its electric vehicle portfolio to seven models in India.
The company achieved its highest-ever sales of 19,565 units in 2024, representing a 12.4% growth compared to the previous year. This success was driven by strong demand across all segments, with Top-End Vehicle (TEV) sales growing by 30% and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales increasing by 94% year-on-year.
Mercedes-Benz’s BEV portfolio now accounts for more than 6% of its total sales in India, reflecting the growing consumer interest in electric vehicles. The company leads the luxury BEV segment, selling its highest number of electric vehicles in a single year.
The G580 with EQ Technology, priced at Rs 3 crore, is exclusively launched as Edition One in India. It features four individually controlled electric motors, producing a combined 587 hp and 1,164 Nm of torque. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.7 seconds and has a WLTP range of 473 km.
Key features of the G580 include:
– G-TURN: Enables up to a 720-degree turn on the spot.
– G-STEERING: Reduces the turning circle for tight off-road turns.
– Intelligent Off-Road Crawl Function: Maintains consistent speed on loose surfaces.
– Climbing capability of up to 45° inclines.
– Maximum water-wading depth of 850 mm.
– 116 kWh battery with DC fast charging (10% to 80% in approximately 32 minutes).
– Ground clearance of 250 mm.
The EQS SUV 450, priced at Rs 1.28 crore, is locally manufactured in Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant in Pune. It is designed with a 5-seat configuration and delivers 360 hp and 800 Nm of torque. The vehicle accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and has an Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)-certified range of 821 km.
Notable features of the EQS SUV 450 include:
– MBUX Hyperscreen with three seamless displays.
– Burmester 3D surround sound system.
– Electrically adjustable rear seats.
– Rear Seat Comfort Package with wireless charging and MBUX rear tablet.
– Driving Assistance Package Plus (L2).
– Rear-axle steering with up to 10-degree angle.
– AIRMATIC suspension.
– 122 kWh battery capacity.
– Maximum DC charging capacity of 200 kW.
Mercedes-Benz’s success in India extends beyond vehicle sales. The company has achieved a milestone of selling 2,00,000 cars in the country since 1994, with half of these sales occurring in the last six years alone. This growth reflects the increasing affluence and aspirations of Indian customers.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch eight new models in India in 2025, focusing on BEVs and TEVs. The company aims to enhance its presence with 20 new luxury touchpoints, entering new markets such as Agra, Kanpur, Jammu, and Patna.
To support this expansion, Mercedes-Benz’s franchise partners are set to invest over Rs 450 crores in the next three years to transform their facilities into a world-class luxury format. The company has over 100 DC charging points across its network.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services has also grown significantly, with its portfolio crossing INR 10,000 crores. The financial arm funds every second Mercedes-Benz retailed in India and has achieved an 80% insurance penetration.
In line with its commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship, Mercedes-Benz has announced several initiatives:
1) A INR 75 million commitment for road safety initiatives to improve safety on the Samrudhhi Mahamarg and Nizamabad Corridor in Hyderabad.
2) Collaboration with Tata Cliq Luxury to retail its ‘Luxury Collection’ items under the ‘House of Mercedes-Benz’ brand.
3) Launch of ‘Maybach Icons of Luxury’ collections across all franchise partners and online platforms, with a dedicated store coming up in Bengaluru.
4) A customer campaign called ‘Celebrating 200,000 STARS in India’ offers exclusive experiences to existing customers and a chance for new customers to win a trip to the Monaco Grand Prix 2025.
Mercedes-Benz’s strong performance in India is part of a broader strategy to lead in the luxury electric vehicle segment. The company’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer experience has positioned it well in the evolving automotive landscape.
The launch of the G580 with EQ Technology and the EQS SUV 450 demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles to cater to different customer preferences. The G580 brings the iconic off-road capabilities of the G-Class into the electric era, while the EQS SUV 450 offers a more accessible entry point into the luxury electric SUV segment.
These new models, combined with Mercedes-Benz’s existing electric lineup, provide customers with options ranging from high-performance off-road vehicles to spacious family SUVs. The local production of the EQS SUV 450 in India also highlights the company’s commitment to the Indian market and its ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Mercedes-Benz’s success in India comes amid a growing interest in electric vehicles in the country. The government’s push for electric mobility, coupled with increasing environmental awareness among consumers, has created a favourable environment for luxury electric vehicles.
The company’s focus on enhancing its retail network and customer experience is likely to further strengthen its position in the Indian market. The planned expansion into new cities and the transformation of existing outlets to a world-class luxury format demonstrate Mercedes-Benz’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards electrification, Mercedes-Benz’s strong performance and strategic initiatives in India position it well to capitalize on the growing demand for luxury electric vehicles. The company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer experience is likely to drive its continued success in the Indian market.