Mercedes-Benz Launches India's Priciest Electric SUV

Mercedes-Benz has made headlines by introducing one of India's most expensive electric vehicles, the G-Class SUV, with a price tag of Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom). Despite the steep price, the company reported that all 85 units allocated for India were sold out at launch, with new orders set to open in the second half of the year.

Strong Demand in the Luxury Segment

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes India, highlighted the robust growth in the top-end vehicles (TEV) segment, with a 20%-plus increase in sales. The TEV category, which includes cars priced over Rs 1.5 crore, accounted for one in every four cars sold by Mercedes in India. The company is optimistic about maintaining this momentum into 2025, starting the year with a strong order bank of over 2,000 cars.

Expanding Electric Vehicle Portfolio

Mercedes-Benz is intensifying its focus on electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to increase the share of EV sales to around 10% this year, up from 6% last year. With seven green cars already in its portfolio, the company plans to launch eight new models, including electrics, to bolster both its EV and internal-combustion engine (ICE) offerings.

Enhancing Sales Network and Market Reach

To support its ambitious sales targets, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its retail presence across India, with plans to open 20 new outlets this year. The company is also venturing into smaller towns and cities, such as Jammu, Patna, Kanpur, and Agra, to tap into new customer bases. Franchise partners have committed to investing over Rs 450 crore in this retail expansion, which includes modernizing existing outlets.