Pune: Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has clocked its best-ever fiscal performance, retailing a record 19,363 cars in FY 2025–26. That’s not just growth—it’s a statement, preferably delivered in leather seats with ambient lighting set to “celebration mode.”
The German luxury giant also reported a strong start to 2026, selling 5,131 units in Q1, marking a 7% year-on-year growth. Clearly, India’s appetite for luxury isn’t slowing down—it’s simply shifting gears.
At the heart of this success is the surging demand for top-end luxury models, which grew by 16% during the fiscal year and now contribute a significant 27% of total sales. From the opulent Mercedes-Maybach S-Class to the performance-heavy Mercedes-AMG G 63, Indian buyers are increasingly choosing “more” over “moderate.”
And yes, waiting periods stretching up to 12 months for select models suggest that patience is now officially a luxury feature.
Adding some spice to the luxury mix, Mercedes-Benz has introduced two new AMG machines in India—the track-focused Mercedes-AMG A45 S Aero Track Edition priced at ₹87 lakh, and the powerful Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe Performance Edition priced at ₹1.52 crore (both ex-showroom). These aren’t just cars; they’re rolling declarations of intent for enthusiasts who believe subtlety is overrated.
Meanwhile, the brand’s core segment continues to anchor volumes. Models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB remain India’s best-selling luxury sedans, proving that sometimes, stretching things—like wheelbases—is a very good idea.
Electric mobility is also gaining serious traction. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) now account for 20% of top-end Mercedes-Benz sales, with high-end EVs (priced above ₹1.4 crore) witnessing an impressive 85% growth. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has emerged as the brand’s best-selling electric model, indicating that silence truly is the new status symbol.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz is preparing for an aggressive expansion under its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. With over 20 new luxury outlets planned in 2026—including new markets like Visakhapatnam, Varanasi, and Goa—the brand is ensuring that luxury finds you, even before you start looking for it. Newly inaugurated facilities in cities like Bengaluru, Bhopal, and Raipur further strengthen its footprint.
Speaking on the milestone, Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer emphasized the brand’s “value over volume” approach, highlighting a clear focus on customer aspiration rather than chasing entry-level numbers.
Interestingly, while the entry luxury segment saw an 18% decline, Mercedes-Benz appears unfazed. After all, when your customers are upgrading to Maybachs and AMGs, “entry-level” starts sounding like a phase people grow out of.
With strong demand across segments, a growing EV portfolio, and performance cars that could probably double as adrenaline generators, Mercedes-Benz India seems firmly in the fast lane.
And if this is just Q1, the rest of 2026 might just need a seatbelt warning.
