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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French automaker Renault has unveiled the Filante, a premium crossover designed to lead the brand's 2027 International Game Plan. Developed on the CMA platform, the vehicle marks Renault's return to the premium E-segment. The model will launch in South Korea in March 2026, followed by releases in South America and the Gulf states by early 2027.

The Filante name draws on Renault's history, referencing the Étoile Filante speed record prototype of 1956 and the 2025 electric concept car. The vehicle is manufactured at the Busan plant in South Korea, a facility central to Renault’s strategy for the Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

The exterior features an avant-garde style with a specific light signature and an aerodynamic stern. Inside, the cabin includes lounge seating, customisable lighting, and a sound system designed for audiophiles. The digital environment is supported by the My Renault app, which allows for remote vehicle control and transparent software updates.

The Filante introduces a suite of driving aids to the Renault range, including Emergency Steering Assist, a Smart Rearview Mirror and Child Presence Detection. These systems are integrated into a connected cockpit designed to provide a personalised experience for the driver and passengers.

The vehicle debuts an upgraded full hybrid E-Tech 250 ps powertrain. This system utilises a dual electric drive and a Multimode Auto gearbox to balance power with efficiency. The architecture, developed through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, is optimised for hybrid performance to meet the targets of the 2027 International Game Plan, which aims for one in every three Renault sales outside Europe to be electrified.

Nicolas Paris, CEO, Renault Korea, said, “Renault Filante represents the best of what Renault group and Renault Korea can achieve together. Combining Renault's global DNA in design and innovation with the technical excellence of Renault Korea, it is backed by the advanced capabilities of the Korean automotive industry.”

Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Groupe, and CEO Renault Brand, added, "We are opening a new chapter in the Renault International Game Plan 2027, here in Korea which plays a central role in our global ambitions. After the launch of Grand Koleos in October 2024, we are now about to unveil another flagship for Korea: Filante, the fifth new-generation vehicle of our international plan, designed for markets beyond Europe. Today is an important milestone, because it proves one thing very clearly: we are sticking to our roadmap and delivering on our promises. Filante perfectly illustrates our approach, combining Renault's French DNA - emotional design, humanised technology and best in class electrified technology - with Korean excellence to meet local customer expectations."

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avis Leasing to expand its Kia Lease Program.

The agreement represents Kia’s third partnership in the sector, following previous arrangements with Orix India and Ayvens India. The collaboration is intended to increase brand accessibility by offering mobility options that bypass traditional vehicle ownership.

The Kia Lease program targets customers with long-term requirements by providing tenures between 36 and 60 months with various mileage limits. The service allows users to access vehicles without an initial down payment. The monthly lease fee covers maintenance, insurance renewals and resale management, intended to provide a simplified experience for the user.

Under the terms of the agreement, customers have the option to return the vehicle or upgrade to a different Kia model at the conclusion of the contract. The initiative, which launched in 2024, aligns with shifting consumer preferences towards usage-based models rather than asset ownership. By integrating with established leasing firms, Kia aims to create a scalable platform that generates demand outside of standard retail sales.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “At Kia India, we recognise the Leasing and Subscription space emerging as an important growth driver in the Indian auto industry. Our partnership with Avis Leasing reflects our efforts towards strengthening Kia Lease as a scalable platform that addresses evolving customer needs while creating incremental demand beyond traditional ownership. Through such collaborations, we aim to build a strong, sustainable mobility business aligned with our long-term growth strategy in India.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has announced that its upcoming all-electric seven-seater flagship model will be named the Peaq.

The vehicle represents the series production version of the Vision 7S concept first introduced in 2022. The name is intended to signify the model’s position at the summit of the Czech manufacturer's vehicle portfolio.

The Peaq incorporates the brand’s Modern Solid design language, which focuses on sustainability and functional aesthetics. Engineered for families and travel, the interior features seven seats and focuses on space and practicality. The model integrates the company's ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and marks an expansion of the Skoda electric vehicle range.

The development of the Peaq follows the brand's shift toward a refined product identity. By bringing the Vision 7S concept into production, Skoda aims to provide a vehicle that balances work and leisure requirements. The flagship is designed to meet user-friendliness standards while utilising the company's latest electric platform technology.

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Skoda, with a clear idea of how to elevate the brand. Since then, we have introduced a new design language and further refined our product identity. Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life. Our new flagship model takes our brand values of spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level. As of today, our bold vision for Skoda’s electric future has a name: Peaq - a clear statement of where this model belongs in our portfolio.”

The world premiere of the Skoda Peaq is scheduled for summer 2026. This launch will follow four years of development since the initial debut of the design direction.

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Honda Motor Co, has announced the adoption of a redesigned H mark as the symbol for its automobile business. The logo has represented Honda vehicles since 1963 and has undergone several modifications to reflect the company’s evolution.

The redesign coincides with the development of next-generation electric vehicles, including the Honda 0 Series. The company states that the design expression, resembling two outstretched hands, signifies its commitment to expanding mobility possibilities and meeting customer needs. The logo will be applied to electric and hybrid-electric models introduced from 2027.

Beyond vehicle badges, Honda will implement the mark across all automobile touchpoints. This includes dealership signage, communication materials, and motorsports activities. The transition marks what the company describes as its ‘second founding’ during the shift towards electrification and intelligent technologies.

By adopting this symbol, the manufacturer aims to lead the transformation of the automotive market. The move follows the strategy of utilising technology and ideas to move beyond conventional practices in vehicle production and branding.

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