The iconic Mercedes Gelandewagen, popularly known as G-Class, will pack a robust electric powertrain under the hood, informed Mercedes-Benz India Chief Executive Officer Santosh Iyer during the company’s fourth Annual Press Conference. 

Unveiling the new G 580, Vice President Sales and Marketing Lance Bennett said, “The electric Gelandewagen is powered by the EQ technology and more. Electrifying this iconic vehicle presented several challenges as we needed to preserve its signature design and legendary off-road capabilities. Integrating EV components required us to develop a unique drive system featuring four individual electric motors.”  

“At the rear, the motors are connected to form a rigid axle, ensuring exceptional off-road traction. The axle is equipped with a two-speed gearbox, enabling gear reduction for low-range, off-road performance. The G 580 stands apart from other G-Class models with its raised bonnet and rear wheel arch air curtains. These elements are seamlessly integrated to improve aerodynamics and acoustic performance.”  

The electric variant delivers 587 horsepower and an astounding 1,164 Nm of torque, courtesy of its four electric motors. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Powered by a large 116 kWh battery and an intelligent recuperation system, it offers a WLTP range of up to 473 kilometers. Fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes only 32 minutes.  

Like every G-Class, the G 580 underwent the legendary Schöckl test, completing the grueling trail 336 times. This symbolic number guarantees every G-Class meets the highest standards of durability, reliability and off-road capability, earning it the Schöckl badge displayed on the B-pillar.  

“To put this into perspective, the G 580 can complete the Schöckl trail 13 times on a single charge. Its electric drivetrain and low-range gearbox make it the most capable off-roader in its class. It can climb inclines of up to 45 degrees—even in reverse—and wade through water up to 850 mm deep,” added Bennett.   

“Engineers have designed a water- and dust-proof battery pack, encased within the ladder chassis. The innovative four-motor drive system also allows for unique off-road maneuvers, enabling the vehicle to pivot on the spot by up to 720 degrees. This feature ensures that if you reach a dead end on a trail, you can turn around with ease.

Another highlight is the G-Steer function, which tightens the turning circle off-road by braking the inner wheel to slide the rear end around sharp bends,” revealed the executive.   

Inside, the electric off-road cockpit and Dynamic Select system offer a range of driving modes. In Rock Mode, the G 580 crawls effortlessly in low range with speed adjustable via steering wheel paddles, making hill ascents and descents seamless.  

The G 580 is available in a special Edition 1 model, offered in five colors including the exclusive Manufaktur South Sea Blue Magno. This edition features AMG line styling, the night package and 20-inch black alloy wheels. Additional details include blacked-out door handles with keyless go and blue brake calipers.  

The G580 is priced at INR 30 million (ex-showroom, pan-India). This icon has already garnered electrifying demand and is sold out until Q3 2025! Bookings and deliveries for the G 580 will start in Q4 2025, noted a company official. 

EQS 450 SUV

The company also launched its 5-Seater EQS 450 SUV during the event. Commenting on the same, Iyer noted, “The EQS 450 SUV builds on the success of the EQS 580, which we launched a few months ago. The EQS 450 caters to customers seeking cutting-edge technology, generous space, and sustainability at its core.”  

“We launched the EQS 580 in September last year in a 7-seater configuration. The response was phenomenal. We received feedback that there was a demand for both 7-seater and 5-seater variants. The EQS 580 exceeded all expectations, selling out within three months of its launch. Deliveries for the 7-seater will resume in April 2025, while the 5-seater variant is set to roll out soon.  The EQS SUV line-up now includes two configurations: the 7-seater EQS 580, ideal for larger families with pets and frequent travel needs and the 5-seater EQS 450, designed for nuclear families who still want generous luggage space,” he added.   

The EQS 450 comes in the electric art line, which distinguishes it from the 7-seater variant. It boasts features like energising air control, advanced luggage capacity and an impressive WLTP-certified range of 820 kilometers, making it one of the longest-range electric SUVs.  

It is priced at INR 12.8 million(ex-showroom). Deliveries will begin in February 2025. 

Look back into 2024

It was reported that Mercedes-Benz India achieved its best-ever sales of 19,565 units during the January to December 2024 period, representing a 12.4 percent increase compared to the 17,408 units sold in the same period in 2023. Growth during the second half of 2024 (July to December) was noted to be a strong 16 percent.

The fastest-growing segment was top-end vehicles (TEVs), which experienced a 30 percent year-to-date (YTD) growth. It was also highlighted that one out of every four Mercedes-Benz cars sold in India in 2024 was a TEV.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also marked its best-ever sales with a 94 percent YTD growth, achieving over 6 percent sales penetration. It was noted that Mercedes-Benz introduced four new BEVs in 2024 namely, EQA 250+, EQB SUV, EQS SUV 580 and the Maybach EQS SUV. This expansion of the BEV portfolio reportedly generated significant customer interest and reinforced Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in the luxury BEV segment by achieving its highest-ever annual BEV sales.  

Moreover, the company achieved the sale of 200,000 cars in India since 1994. It was mentioned that of these, 100,000 cars were sold in just the last six years (2019–2024). 

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services also achieved a portfolio of INR 10 billion in India with over 50 percent penetration. It was stated that every second Mercedes-Benz retailed in India was financed through the service, which also attained an 80 percent insurance penetration rate. 

Road Ahead

The company revealed plans for the launch of eight new models in 2025 with most focusing on BEVs and TEVs to offer consumers the latest products and cutting-edge intuitive technology. The company was also reported to expand its luxury network reach in 2025, planning 20 new luxury outlets supported by a commitment of over INR 4.5 billion in investment from franchise partners over three years.

It was stated that the focus on TEVs extended beyond cars with plans to partner for dedicated stores selling Maybach collection items, the first of which would be opening in Bengaluru.

Mercedes-Benz India announced a collaboration with Tata Cliq Luxury to allow enthusiasts to purchase or gift exclusive Mercedes-Benz collection items online through the ‘House of Mercedes-Benz’. 

To mark the milestone of 200,000 vehicles on Indian roads, Mercedes-Benz reportedly launched several corporate citizenship initiatives. The company committed INR 75 million to road safety initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities on highways like the ‘Samrudhhi Mahamarg’ and the ‘Nizamabad Corridor’ in Hyderabad.

Additionally, a new retail campaign was launched to celebrate the 200,000 milestone, offering exclusive event invitations to existing customers and a chance for a lucky new customer to attend the F1 race in Monaco.

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  - uthpsl May 04, 2025 20:09 PM

  Mercedes-Benz is redefining luxury and innovation with the all-electric G 580-combining rugged off-road legacy with cutting-edge EV tech. The 4-motor setup, Schöckl-tested toughness, and futuristic features make it a game-changer. Pair that with the EQS 450’s record-breaking range, and it’s clear: the future of electric luxury is already here!

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Jaguar has unveiled the Type 01, a four-door electric grand tourer, during a premiere event in New York. The model marks the start of the manufacturer's product architecture overhaul, with customer orders scheduled to open in early 2027 and initial deliveries expected in the second half of that year.

Designed, engineered and built in the United Kingdom, the Type 01 features a low roofline, long bonnet silhouette and aerodynamically focused body panels. Built on the bespoke Jaguar Electric Architecture, the 850-volt system produces over 1,000 PS of power. The electric vehicle provides an estimated 400-mile range under EPA testing standards, with 350kW rapid-charging capabilities adding 200 miles of range in 13 minutes.

During the event, Jaguar named actor Florence Pugh as the brand ambassador for its new product phase. The unveiling at STORIED in West Chelsea included displays detailing the vehicle's production engineering, structural panel development and testing protocols.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said, "From its dramatic design to its captivating drive, Type 01 distils the essence of Jaguar into a luxury grand tourer for a new era. Type 01 is the foundation of this British brand, one that makes no compromise between design and engineering in our quest to create objects of desire, just as it was in the days of the E-type and XJS."

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Honda Cars India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has unveiled the updated Elevate SUV, featuring styling updates, interior additions and expanded safety technology.

Interestingly, India is the first market to launch the updated vehicle globally, representing the third of six product launches planned by the manufacturer for the current financial year.

The Elevate SUV gets a redesigned mesh grille with gloss black upper moulding, revised position light elements, gloss black trim on the lower bumper and side garnishes and a full-width connected tail lamp setup.

It features 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and retains its vehicle dimensions, measuring 4,312 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and 1,650 mm in height, with 220 mm of ground clearance and a 2,650 mm wheelbase. A new exterior paint finish, Nordic Forest Pearl, has been added to the palette.

The Elevate continues to be powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine generating 89 kW (121 PS) and 145 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuous variable transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 15.31 kmpl for the manual version and 16.61 kmpl for the automatic. The model is offered across five trim levels – SV, V, VX, ZX and ZX+ – with ex-showroom Delhi prices ranging from INR 1.18 million for the base manual variant to INR 1.84 million for the top-spec automatic.

On the inside, the SUV features a dual-tone ivory and black cabin layout, orange ambient lighting, ventilated front and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats and an electric sunroof.

Technology updates include a 360-degree camera system, front parking sensors, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, an air quality indicator and wireless smartphone integration. The safety suite adds low-speed follow functionality to its camera-based advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) on automatic variants, alongside standard features such as six airbags, vehicle stability assist and electric parking brake.

Toshiyuki Yanagisawa, President & CEO, Honda Cars India, said, "The Honda Elevate has established a strong connection with customers through its confident design, versatility and enjoyable driving experience. With the New Elevate, we are taking this character forward with a much bolder expression and significant enhancements across design, comfort, technology and convenience. Being the lead market for its sales, India is the first country to launch the New Elevate globally. Its bolder, more rugged styling and enhanced premium features are designed to meet the evolving aspirations of today’s SUV buyers. This is the third of our six key launches planned for this financial year. We expect the New Elevate to play a key role in driving our momentum during the ongoing festive season and strengthening our product portfolio offering customers more exciting choices."

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced pricing for the updated Slavia sedan, starting at INR 999,900 (ex-showroom) for the base Classic manual variant to INR 1.88 million for the top-spec Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI automatic model.

The Slavia is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform and is available across six trim levels: Classic, Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and Monte Carlo. The deliveries are set to commence next week, with an additional Cappuccino Beige colour variant scheduled for release in December 2026.

The sedan retains its existing petrol powertrain options, offering a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre TSI engine variant is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and includes rear disc brakes.

Exterior updates include redesigned light units, revised front and rear sections, sequential rear indicators, and new alloy wheel options.

On the inside, the Slavia gets a rear-seat massage function on higher trim levels, alongside a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors and a digital instrument cluster measuring up to 26.03 centimetres.

The 25.6-centimetre infotainment system incorporates a voice assistant powered by Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, supporting wireless smartphone integration. Safety equipment includes six airbags and standard electronic assistance systems across the range, maintaining its 5-star rating from Global NCAP testing.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Slavia has become an important part of Skoda Auto India’s sedan legacy, bringing together the design, driving experience, safety and engineering that customers associate with our brand. The new Slavia builds on that strong foundation with a more striking presence, greater comfort, smarter technology and an all-new eight-speed automatic. That is the essence of Says it All: a sedan that does not ask customers to choose between aspiration and practicality, performance and comfort, or technology and peace of mind. It brings these strengths together in one confident, complete package, making the sedan experience even more relevant and desirable for a new generation of customers.”

The vehicle comes with a four-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four routine labour-free services. Warranty coverage can be extended up to six years.

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German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has launched the Mercedes-Maybach S 580e 4MATIC, introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain to its Maybach range in India at INR 33.5 million. The company has introduced the Maybach S 580e with an initial allocation limited to 30 units. 

It combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine delivering 443 hp and 560 Nm of torque with an electric motor producing 160 hp and 480 Nm. Together, the system generates a total output of 585 hp and 750 Nm of torque via a nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive.

Powered by a 22 kWh usable battery, the saloon provides a WLTP-certified electric range of up to 98 km and reaches 100 kmph in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 kmph. Charging options include up to 11 kW AC and up to 60 kW DC fast charging.  

The interior features a four-seat layout with individual rear seats and a central console. Equipment includes air suspension using navigation data, rear-axle steering up to 10 degrees, 15 airbags, and a 31-speaker sound system. Digital interfaces operate on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, incorporating a front-passenger display screen and driving assistance functions.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "The Mercedes-Maybach S 580e perfectly reflects our strategy of offering the most desirable luxury portfolio, while offering customers the freedom to choose the technology that best suits their lifestyle. We are seeing rising demand for Plug-In-Hybrid among our top-end customers, and the Maybach S 580e combines the timeless exclusivity, handcrafted luxury and iconic luxury of a Maybach with the convenience of a plug-in hybrid technology. With ICE, BEV and PHEV models in our portfolio, Mercedes-Benz is uniquely positioned to offer diverse luxury mobility solution, ensuring performance, sustainability and luxury."

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