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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German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz India has reported its strongest ever start to a fiscal year, retailing 4,238 new vehicles between April and June 2025 (Q1 FY2026), marking a 10 percent YoY growth.

The company shared that its performance in Q1 was primarily driven by robust demand for its Core and Top-End Luxury segments.

The Top-End Luxury segment proved to be a significant highlight, experiencing a 20 percent growth. This category includes models such as the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach range, EQS products and AMG performance vehicles. Notable demand was seen for the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach Night Series, G 580 with EQ Technology, EQS SUV and the iconic AMG G 63. The limited-edition AMG G 63 'Collector’s Edition' has already garnered an overwhelming response, and the recently launched AMG GT 63 PRO is reportedly sold out for the remainder of the year.

The Core segment, comprising the C-Class, E-Class LWB saloons and the GLC and GLE SUVs, contributed 60 percent to total sales volume and grew by 10 percent. The E-Class LWB continues to be India's highest-selling luxury car, further boosted by the introduction of the E450 performance variant.

While the Entry Luxury segment saw a marginal decline due to intense competition from lower-priced offerings, Mercedes-Benz emphasised the feature-rich and value-oriented approach of these products.

Mercedes-Benz's BEV portfolio witnessed an outstanding 157 percent growth in Q1, increasing its penetration to 8 percent of total sales. This surge was predominantly driven by the Top-End Luxury BEVs, with the EQS SUV, EQS Maybach Night Series and the G 580 SUV with EQ Technology seeing record demand. Waiting periods for the EQS Maybach and G 580 with EQ Technology currently extend up to six months.

The luxury car maker stated that this record-breaking quarter was achieved despite various micro-economic hurdles, including fluctuating foreign exchange rates, price increases and competitive market dynamics, particularly within the entry-luxury segment. Mercedes-Benz attributes its success in the higher-end categories to a growing consumer preference for exclusive, hyper-personalised and premium vehicles.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz kick-starts the current fiscal with best-ever sales performance, registering 10 percent growth. This strong sales performance is buoyed by the robust demand for our portfolio, particularly for the top-end luxury and BEV segments, highlighting a growing customer preference for exclusive luxury vehicles with hyper-personalisation and customisation. We are equally thrilled with the outstanding momentum of our BEV portfolio, driven by top-end BEVs like the EQS SUV, EQS Maybach and the G 580 with EQ technology."

"Our sharp focus on bolstering the Top-End Luxury has been highly successful in influencing customer preferences and differentiating Mercedes-Benz as the most desirable luxury brand in India. Launch of the GLS AMG Line, reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s focus on enriching the top-end luxury portfolio with new products. The GLS has been Mercedes-Benz’s top-selling ‘Large Size Luxury SUV’ with more than 16,000 units on Indian roads. The addition of the New GLS AMG Line will further bolster Mercedes-Benz’s SUV portfolio, accentuating the strong DNA of the GLS, with a road presence and grandeur that is unparalleled. With AMG styling GLS becomes sporty and expressive in design, completely redefining the segment with space, performance and ride comfort, in the most commanding way,” concluded Iyer.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced significant upgrades to its popular hatchback the Toyota Glanza.

The company has announced that all variants of the Toyota Glanza will now come standard with six airbags. As part of its move to provide comprehensive protection for both drivers and passengers in the urban-centric vehicle.

In addition to the safety upgrade, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has introduced a limited-period ‘Prestige Package.’ This accessory bundle, available from June until 31 July 2025, includes dealer-fitted enhancements such as premium door visors, body side moulding with chrome and black accents, rear lamp garnish, chrome garnishes for ORVMs and fenders, a rear skid plate, illuminated door sills and lower grille garnish.

The Toyota Glanza, celebrating six years in India with over 200,000 units sold, continues to be recognised for its dynamic styling, fuel efficiency and advanced features. Powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine, it has a claimed fuel efficiency of 22.94 kmpl (AMT) and 30.61 km/kg (CNG). Key features include a 9-inch infotainment system, Head-Up Display (HUD), 360-degree camera and Toyota i-Connect with over 45 connected features.

The Glanza also boasts a robust TECT body structure and other safety features like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Hold Assist. It comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km, along with Toyota's 60-minute Express Maintenance service and 24/7 roadside assistance.

The updated Toyota Glanza starts at an ex-showroom price of INR 690,000.

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Kia India, a leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles, has appointed Atul Sood as Senior Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, effective 11 July 2025. Reporting to Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, he will be responsible for leading the brand’s nationwide sales strategy and operations.

With over 3 decades of experience in the automotive industry, Sood was most recently the President and Director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India.

He is credited to having grown the business across the country, including dealer expansion and customer centric innovation. He also held senior roles at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific previously.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Atul Sood to Kia India family. His deep industry expertise and strategic acumen will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our market position and enhance customer satisfaction. We look forward to his leadership and contribution in driving the next phase of our growth journey."

Atul Sood, said, “I am excited to join Kia India at such a dynamic time in its evolution. Kia has established itself as a forward-thinking and customer-focused brand and it’s commitment to innovation and customer delight resonates strongly with me. I am looking forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional value and drive sustainable growth across the country.”

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the IONIQ 6 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking the latest step in its electric high-performance vehicle development. The model is designed around Hyundai N’s three core pillars – cornering capability, racetrack performance and everyday usability.

The IONIQ 6 N is powered by dual motors producing 478 kW (650 PS) and 770 Nm of torque in boost mode, delivering 0–100 kmph acceleration in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 257 kmph. It uses an 84.0 kWh high-voltage battery, which can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 18 minutes under optimal conditions using a 350 kW charger. A new N Battery system supports various track driving scenarios with improved thermal management and reduced conditioning time.

Jose Munoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, said, “With IONIQ 6 N, Hyundai N aims to elevate its offerings, enticing drivers with electric powertrains that offer high-performance enthusiasts a thrilling new avenue to electrify their passion both on the road and the track.”

Engineering upgrades include a reworked suspension geometry, stroke sensing electronically controlled dampers and a chassis tuned for high-speed stability and improved grip. Braking is managed by 400mm front and 360mm rear discs, supported by up to 0.6 G regenerative braking. Aerodynamic enhancements such as a swan neck rear wing and wider fenders aid high-speed cornering stability. The vehicle achieves a drag coefficient of 0.27.

Key performance features include N e-Shift, which simulates internal combustion gear shifts, N Launch Control, N Grin Boost for short bursts of full power, N Drift Optimiser with configurable settings and adjustable front-rear torque distribution across 11 levels. The IONIQ 6 N also features N Pedal for agile cornering and TPMS Custom Mode for targeted tyre pressure settings.

Driver engagement is further supported by the N Active Sound+ system with multiple sound profiles and the N Ambient Shift Light, which visually signals optimal gear shift points. The N Track Manager allows users to log, monitor and analyse track performance.

The IONIQ 6 N will be available in six colours, including a new Performance Blue Pearl, and a black interior with Performance Blue accents. It will also be offered with N performance parts for further personalisation.

Hyundai showcased the model alongside others from the N lineup during the Goodwood event, including the IONIQ 5 N, i30 N, and various motorsport vehicles, culminating in a coordinated demonstration run.

Manfred Harrer, Executive Vice-President and Head of Vehicle Development Tech Unit, Hyundai Motor Company, said, “IONIQ 6 N combines formidable power, sophisticated battery management, aerodynamic mastery and advanced suspension systems to deliver a compelling blend of speed, stability and comfort, setting new benchmarks in modern automotive engineering.”

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