Mercedes-Benz has made a significant mark in India by becoming the first luxury car brand to assemble 200,000 passenger vehicles locally. This groundbreaking achievement coincided with the launch of their electric flagship, the EQS SUV, from its plant in Chakan, Pune. The journey began slowly; it took 19 years to manufacture the first 50,000 units from 1995 to 2014. However, astonishingly, just a decade was needed for the next 150,000 vehicles (2015-2025), showcasing an incredible production increase of 470 percent.

To put this into perspective: the last 50,000 units were produced in just over two years! In fact, back in 2018, the E-Class LWB (V213) marked the milestone of being the factory’s 100,000th vehicle.

Dr. Jorg Burzer from Mercedes-Benz Group AG emphasized that this remarkable accomplishment highlights India’s potential as a crucial manufacturing hub for the future. He stated that “the Chakan plant has achieved a high level of production agility,” successfully producing world-class internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles all under one roof. This is not just about numbers; it’s about India’s rising prominence on the global automotive stage.

“We are committed to investing in our cutting-edge manufacturing facility to meet the increasing market demand,” stated Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO of Mercedes India. Over the years, this production facility has garnered over Rs 3,000 crore in investments, including a recent injection of Rs 200 crore in 2024.

Notably, back in 2015, our Chakan facility became the first outside Germany to produce the Mercedes-Maybach S500. In 2022, we began local assembly of the EQS sedan, marking a significant milestone as that year also saw our plant completely transition to renewable energy. This commitment continued with the introduction of the EQS SUV in 2024. Presently, Mercedes India boasts an impressive lineup of 11 completely knocked down (CKD) models—the highest number among luxury car manufacturers in India—demonstrating our leadership and dedication to excellence in this competitive market.

Mercedes India Shifts Gears: FY2025 Sales Drive Ahead

E-Class LWB: The Bestselling Model

Mercedes has made a significant impact in the Indian market, selling 18,928 cars in FY2025 — a remarkable 4 percent increase from the previous year. This achievement marks their highest sales ever in a financial year, with the new E-Class LWB leading the pack as the top seller. It’s clear that luxury isn’t just about having vehicles; it’s about choosing excellence.

The high-end vehicle segment (TEVs; those priced above Rs 1.5 crore) also flourished, experiencing an impressive 34 percent surge, driven by enthusiastic demand for models like the AMG G 63 and Maybach Night Series, along with their innovative electric G-Class. Furthermore, the EQS SUV emerged as their bestselling electric vehicle last fiscal year, contributing to an overall rise of 51 percent in EV sales.

SUVs have taken center stage within this success story, capturing a substantial 60 percent share of total sales. However, it’s worth noting that retail sales dipped by 11.8 percent to 4,775 cars during Q1 of March 2025—a decline primarily tied to challenges in the entry-level segment, while TEV sales increased by six percent during this period. Looking ahead, Mercedes is set to introduce eight exciting new models into the Indian market this year! Notable mentions include premium offerings like the G 580 and EQS 450 SUV, reinforcing why investing in a Mercedes is synonymous with quality and innovation at its finest.