Mercedes-Benz has announced an unprecedented performance in India, marking its best-ever sales figures for the first half (H1) of 2024, alongside a remarkable second quarter (Q2). The luxury carmaker recorded 9,262 units sold in H1 2024, reflecting a 9% year-over-year growth compared to 8,528 units sold in H1 2023. This milestone underscores Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in the Indian luxury car market, driven by robust demand across its diverse portfolio, including SUVs and top-end vehicles.
Expanding Electric Vehicle Portfolio
A significant highlight of this year’s performance is the impressive growth in Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales. The company reported a 60% increase in BEV sales, with electric models accounting for over 5% of total H1 2024 sales. To further solidify its position in the electric vehicle market, Mercedes-Benz introduced two new BEVs: the EQA 250+ and the EQB 350 4Matic in a five-seater configuration, marking their Indian debut.
Launch of the All-New EQA 250+ and EQB 350 4Matic
The EQA 250+ and EQB 350 4Matic are set to enhance Mercedes-Benz’s BEV portfolio significantly. The EQA 250+ is globally recognized as the brand’s highest-selling BEV, combining progressive design with cutting-edge technology. The EQB 350 4Matic, available for the first time in a five-seater configuration in India, offers versatility and premium features, including MBUX Gen 2 with augmented reality navigation and advanced driver assistance systems.
Features and Pricing
Both models come equipped with state-of-the-art features:
- High-Resolution Head-Up Display
- Burmester Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos
- Augmented Reality Navigation
- MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture control
- Thermotronic dual-zone automatic climate control
- Parktronic Parking Package with 360° camera
- Remote services using Mercedes Me Connect
- Comprehensive safety features, including seven airbags and advanced driver assistance systems
The introductory price for the EQA 250+ is INR 66 lakhs, while the EQB 350 4Matic (5-seater) is priced at INR 77.5 lakhs. The EQB 250+ (7-seater) is available at INR 70.90 lakhs, with bookings open for January 2025 deliveries.
Strategic Vision and Market Response
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, emphasized the brand’s commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. “Mercedes-Benz remains the most desirable luxury brand in the Indian market owing to continued customer trust in our products and services. New and updated products, elevated customer experience at retail and ease of ownership, combined with positive customer sentiments; boosted our best-ever H1 sales performance. With some of the most awaited products lined up for the upcoming festive season, we expect the remaining quarters to continue the forecasted growth,” he said.
He further highlighted the growing inclination towards sustainable living among customers, stating, “Customers are increasingly adopting sustainable lifestyles and their choice of vehicle manifests these changing preferences. With the EQA and EQB, we are targeting young customers desiring sporty, dynamic, highly intuitive BEVs, which are practical, offering ownership experience better than ICE counterparts.”
Financial and Ownership Benefits
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services offers attractive financing options, including a 20% down payment with an approximate EMI of INR 68,000 over a four-year tenure. Additionally, the EQA 250+ promises the lowest Total Cost of Ownership compared to its ICE counterpart, with estimated annual savings of INR 2,40,000 over four years for an average usage of 2,000 km per month.
Enhancing Customer Experience
To support the growing BEV market, Mercedes-Benz is also expanding its charging infrastructure across its franchise partner network, offering DC Fast and Ultra-Fast Chargers (60 kW and 180 kW), along with complimentary AC wall box chargers for customers.
With six new launches planned for H2 2024, including the luxurious EQS Maybach SUV, Mercedes-Benz aims to cater to a broad spectrum of customer needs and preferences, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the Indian market.
As Mercedes-Benz continues to set new benchmarks in the luxury automotive sector, the introduction of new BEVs and a robust sales performance reflect the brand’s dynamic strategy and customer-centric approach. The company’s focus on sustainable mobility solutions and superior customer experience positions it for continued success in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Key Specifications:
| Parameter | EQA 250+ | EQB 250+ | EQB 350 4M |
| Dimensions | 4463 x1834 x1608 | 4684 x 1834 x 1654 | 4684 x 1834 x 1689 |
| Drive | 4×2 (FWD) | 4×2 (FWD) | 4×4 (AWD) |
| Battery capacity (kWh) | 70.5 | 70.5 | 66.5 |
| WLTP Range (km) | 497 – 560 | 464 – 535 | 397 – 447 |
| Power consumption (WLTP) kWh/ 100 km | 14.4 -16.4 | 15.2 – 17.5 | 17.2 – 19.2 |
| Rated Output (kW) | 140 | 140 | 215 |
| Rated Torque (Nm) | 385 | 385 | 520 |
| Acceleration (0 – 100km/h) | 8.6 sec | 8.9 sec | 6.2 sec |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 160 | 160 | 160 |
| AC charging 0% to 100% SOC @ 11 kW | 7 h :15 mins | 7 h :15 mins | 6 h 45 mins |
| DC charging time 10%-80% SOC @ 100 kW | 35 mins | 35 mins | 32 mins |
Paint Upholstery Matrix
| Model | Paint | Upholstery |
| EQA 250+ and EQB 250+ | Polar White | ARTICO man-made leather with Cupertino two-tone fabric (Rosé gold/ Titanium grey pearl) |
| Cosmos Black | ||
| Mountain Grey | ||
| High-tech Silver | ||
| Spectral Blue | ||
| MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic | ||
| MANUFAKTUR Mountain Grey MAGNO |
| Model | Paint | Upholstery |
| EQB 350 4M | Polar White | Black Leather |
| Cosmos Black | ||
| Mountain Grey | ||
| High-tech Silver | ||
| Spectral Blue | ||
| MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic | ||
| MANUFAKTUR Mountain Grey MAGNO |
