Pune, India – Mercedes-Benz has officially begun local production of the highly anticipated sixth-generation Long Wheelbase (LWB) E-Class at its cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. This marks a significant step in the brand’s commitment to delivering luxury vehicles tailor-made for the Indian market under the “Make in India, for India” initiative. The new LWB E-Class, set to debut on October 9, 2024, promises to redefine the luxury car segment with cutting-edge technology, safety features, and a first-class cabin experience.
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, expressed excitement about the production milestone: “The Long Wheelbase E-Class has been our most successful luxury business sedan in India, and with this sixth generation, we are confident it will set new benchmarks in luxury, technology, and safety for discerning Indian customers.”
A Legacy of Local Production and Innovation
India is the only global market where the right-hand-drive (RHD) version of the LWB E-Class is produced, emphasizing the country’s unique role in the global Mercedes-Benz supply chain. Since 1995, Mercedes-Benz India has been manufacturing the E-Class locally, with this model becoming the company’s highest-selling vehicle in the region.
The latest LWB E-Class received the CMVR Type Approval (Homologation) Certificate from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), following rigorous tests across various locations in India and internationally. These tests included emissions, crash safety, pedestrian protection, and more, showcasing the brand’s commitment to ensuring world-class safety and performance standards.
Advanced Technology and Production Excellence
The production process at the Pune facility seamlessly integrates global quality standards and cutting-edge innovations. Collaborating closely with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘E-Class production competence center’ in Sindelfingen, Germany, the Indian production team continues to set benchmarks for quality and excellence in automotive manufacturing.
The new LWB E-Class will feature several key innovations, including a state-of-the-art MBUX Super-screen with personalized display options for the front passenger, advanced digital assistance systems, and an innovative center airbag designed to protect the driver and front passenger in the event of a side collision.
Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director & Head of Operations at Mercedes-Benz India, emphasized the significance of the milestone: “Starting local production of the New Long Wheelbase E-Class underlines our world-class manufacturing capabilities and highlights our deepening localization footprint. We are proud to support the ‘Make in India’ initiative by sourcing various components locally while maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s global production standards.”
A New Era for Luxury Automobiles in India
As Mercedes-Benz gears up for the market debut of the new LWB E-Class on October 9, 2024, the company is confident that this model will continue its legacy as India’s most successful luxury sedan. Combining world-class technology, enhanced safety features, and an unmatched luxury experience, the new LWB E-Class is set to raise the bar for automotive excellence in India.
The vehicle is now available for pre-booking, signaling high anticipation from India’s luxury car buyers, eager to experience the next generation of Mercedes-Benz engineering and design.
