Mercedes-Benz India Q1 sales rise 10% to 4,238 units
'The best-ever sales performance in Q1 FY26 was achieved with robust demand for Core and Top-End Luxury vehicles. This sales momentum was also driven by a strong acceleration in the top-end luxury BEV portfolio, which has increased its penetration in the overall sales volume,' the company said in a statement.
The record sales performance was achieved despite micro-economic challenges, including forex fluctuations, price hikes and market dynamics, including pricing challenges at the luxury entry segment, it added.
'Our sharp focus on bolstering the Top-End Luxury has been highly successful in influencing customer preferences and differentiating Mercedes-Benz as the most desirable luxury brand in India,' said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India
The company has also announced the launch the GLS AMG Line luxury SUV, offering a sporty dynamic character to one of its best-selling luxury SUV. The GLS AMG Line is priced at ₹1.4 crore (GLS 450 AMG Line) and 1.43 crore (GLS 450d AMG Line)
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News18
18 hours ago
- News18
Mercedes-Benz GLS AMG Line Launched In India, Price Starts At 1.40 crore
GLS AMG uses a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 376 BHP and 500 Nm. It is also available in a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel. The German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has expanded its lineup in India and has launched the GLS AMG. The model has been released at the starting price of Rs 1.40 crore (ex-showroom) in petrol version, while the diesel avatar goes up to Rs 1.43 crore To attract more target audience, the company is offering the vehicle with the optional 'Night Package'. It comes with black ORVMs, roof rails, window line trim, dark chrome grille slats, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Interested customers can now visit the authorised dealership and pre-book the vehicle. The same can be done online, using the company's official website. The latest offering comes with a long list of AMG-specific cosmetic changes, which make it bolder and aggressive at the same time. The changes include updated front bumpers, bigger air vents, AMG's signature style front grill, body coloured wheel arch cladding, and an impressive rear bumper with 5-spoke alloy wheels. Engine and Power Under the hood, GLS AMG uses a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 376 BHP and 500 Nm. It is also available in a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel that churns out 362 BHP and 750 Nm. Both units are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. view comments First Published: July 12, 2025, 12:25 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Top-end EVs power Mercedes-Benz India's Q1 FY2025-26 growth; entry-level segment sees sharp decline
New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz India has posted a strong performance in the first quarter of FY2025-26, fueled by a 157 per cent growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales—entirely driven by top-end models priced above ₹65 lakh. As the company ups its ante on 'premiumisation', its high-end EVs and premium internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are driving the volume while there is a significant degrowth in the entry-level segment. 'We don't have an entry-level EV in our portfolio, and we're not looking to de-content cars like the GLA just to push price points,' said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. 'The growth is purely top-end—both EV and combustion.' During the April-June period, the company retailed 4,238 vehicles, registering a growth of 10 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. EV growth and product strategy In Q1, the luxury carmaker's EV portfolio, including the EQS sedan, EQS SUV, and the G580 electric, led the charge. All of these sit in the top-end bracket, with prices starting at ₹65 lakh. 'We've seen a 157 per cent growth in EVs, and that's primarily because our entire EV portfolio is top-end. There's no entry-level electric vehicle in our lineup,' Iyer noted. The company continues to follow a 'customer-led' strategy for EV adoption. While EV penetration in the brand's sales was around 3–4 per cent last year, it now stands at 8 per cent. As a strategy, the company is not chasing numerical targets but is instead focused on offering EV options across the premium spectrum. 'It's about giving the customer a choice and letting them decide the pace of transformation,' Iyer said. Luxury market flat, German trio stable According to Iyer, the overall luxury car market in India grew by only 1–2 per cent in H1 of the calendar year, with the German trio (Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi) posting largely flat results. He attributes this to a strong base effect from last year's H2, which accounted for over 50 per cent of total annual volumes. 'If you look at the first half of the year, the luxury market is flat. The full-year outlook is still cautiously optimistic, with flat to low single-digit growth,' Iyer said. Tier-2, Tier-3 markets in focus The carmaker is also focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities—not necessarily to drive volumes, but to improve service accessibility. It plans to open 19 new outlets this year, with recent launches in Agra and Jammu and upcoming ones in Patna, Kanpur, and Varanasi. 'In most cities, we're starting with service centres because customers hate traveling to Tier-1 cities just to get their vehicles serviced. It's a customer-centric move, not just a retail expansion,' Iyer emphasised. Premium products and price hikes Mercedes-Benz India has already implemented two price hikes this year—in January and July—with a third possible in September. Despite this, thanks to a timely RBI interest rate cut, the impact on customer EMIs has been mitigated. 'Even though prices went up, our captive financial services arm—which finances over 50 per cent of our cars—was able to pass on the benefit of the rate cut. So EMIs for customers remained unchanged,' Iyer said, adding that price hikes haven't dampened demand in the premium segments. In fact, most new launches have been at the top-end. The GLS, Maybach variants, AMG models, and the E-Class continue to be strong drivers in the core and top segments. 'There are no new launches planned in the entry or core segments. Most of our launches this year—around eight—are in the top-end segment,' Iyer said. Supply chain stable, no rare-earth disruption Speaking on the rare earth magnet crunch that the auto industry is currently grappling with due to the export restrictions imposed by China--which produces 90 per cent of the world's rare earth magnets-- Iyer said the company's supply chain is fairly insulated from the disruption as procurement operations are Germany-based. 'Our supply chain is managed out of Stuttgart and has been robust. We have no issues with sourcing or production. Waiting periods exist for some models like the EQS SUV or Maybach G580, but that's due to demand—not supply constraints,' Iyer clarified. The company also has no plans to localise or develop entry-level EVs for the Indian market. 'All localisation efforts will remain in the top-end segment. Entry-level localisation is not in the pipeline,' Iyer confirmed. Currently, Mercedes-Benz India localises several models in the top-end EV range. Clearly, Mercedes-Benz India is steering its India strategy towards sustainable profitability over sheer volume, banking on top-end electrification, customer experience in emerging cities, and premium-only positioning. As it puts the entry-level models on the backburner, and with EV penetration slowly climbing, the brand appears focused on quality over quantity in a market where luxury still accounts for just 1.1 per cent of total car sales.
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Mercedes-Benz GLS AMG Line launched at ₹1.4 crore
₹1.4 crore data-item-target-url=/auto/cars/ data-item-story-segment=Luxury> Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, with the new GLS AMG Line. Check Offers Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the new GLS 4MATIC AMG Line in India, adding a bold and dynamic dimension to its flagship luxury SUV lineup. Building on the success of the GLS, which has already crossed 16,000 units on Indian roads, the AMG Line brings in a performance-inspired aesthetic along with refined luxury and enhanced sporty attributes. The GLS AMG Line is priced at Rs. 1.4 cr (GLS 450 AMG Line) and Rs. 1.43 cr (GLS 450d AMG Line). Distinctive AMG Design Elements The GLS 4MATIC AMG Line takes styling cues from the iconic G-Class and Mercedes-AMG models, showcasing a more aggressive road presence. The exterior is defined by its AMG-specific design including the AMG front apron, muscular air inlets, extended front and rear wing flares, and sporty side sill panels — all finished in the body color. At the rear, it features a diffuser-style AMG bumper with chrome detailing and integrated black design accents, giving it a powerful stance. On the sides, there are 21-inch alloy wheels on offer now that look sporty. Sporty and Luxurious Cabin Inside the cabin, the AMG inspiration continues with multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, featuring silver chrome trim and a flattened bottom section for a more dynamic grip. Touch control panels and gearshift paddles provide both functionality and sportiness. The AMG sports pedals made of brushed stainless steel with rubber studs and specially designed AMG-branded floor mats elevate the sporty feel. Also Read : Mercedes CLA sees strong demand as production scales for EV and petrol models AMG Night Package and Alloy Wheels The GLS AMG Line comes equipped with the AMG Night Package, further enhancing its exterior with bold blacked-out elements. These include black mirror housings, matte black roof rails, dark chrome slats on the radiator grille, and high-gloss black detailing across the body. Completing the look are 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, which add to its commanding presence. Performance and Technical Specifications Mercedes-Benz is offering the GLS AMG Line in two variants — GLS 450 AMG Line and GLS 450d AMG Line. Both models are powered by inline 6-cylinder engines mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. While the petrol-powered GLS 450 delivers 375 bhp of power and 500 Nm of torque, the diesel-powered GLS 450d generates 362 bhp and a substantial 750 Nm of torque. Both variants can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 12 Jul 2025, 06:55 am IST
