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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Honda Cars India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has opened pre-launch bookings for the updated Honda Elevate SUV ahead of its scheduled launch on 6 October 2026.

Customers can reserve the SUV at authorised dealerships across India with a booking amount of INR 21,000.

India serves as the initial market for the release of the updated model, which incorporates revisions to exterior styling, interior appointments and equipment specifications.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The Honda Elevate has established a strong position among SUV buyers in India, appreciated for its bold design, road presence, driving pleasure, safety, space and comfort. With the new Elevate, we are taking this proposition further by introducing several strongly desired features and enhancements, along with a bolder design and more premium cabin experience. India is the lead market for the Elevate and we are proud to introduce the new Elevate first in India. As we open pre-launch bookings ahead of the festive season, we look forward to offering our customers an even more compelling Honda SUV and making their celebrations even more special."

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced its wholesales for September 2026, selling 114,874 vehicles, up 15 percent YoY.

Last month, the company sold 64,092 SUVs in the domestic market, up 14 percent YoY, as compared to 56,233 units sold a year ago.

Commercial vehicle sales, including three-wheelers, came at 30,420 units, up 14 percent.

In terms of exports, the company saw a decline of 7 percent last month, with a total of 4,019 units shipped, as compared to 4,320 units a year ago.

Dr Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “In September, SUV sales clocked 64,092 units with a growth of 14 percent, and total vehicle sales stood at 114,874 units, a 15 percent YoY growth. Adding to this momentum, we are proud to have crossed the milestone of 100,000 units billing of our Electric Origin SUVs since launch.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its monthly wholesales of 77,916 units in September 2026, marking a 10.8 percent YoY growth.

This, the company said, marks the highest monthly wholesales, setting a new monthly sales record for Hyundai Motor India, surpassing its previous monthly record of 75,360 units, set in July 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 57,166 vehicles last month, up 10.9 percent YoY, while exports reached 20,750 units, reflecting a 10.4 percent YoY increase.

Tarun Garg, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "We are delighted to close September 2026 with our highest-ever total monthly sales of 77,916 units (domestic + exports), registering a healthy double-digit growth of 10.8 percent YoY. This number surpasses our previous record achieved in July 2026. The well-rounded growth across domestic and exports markets is a testament to the strong appeal of our product portfolio and our commitment to delivering world-class mobility solutions in India and across global markets. Going ahead, we are expecting sustained customer enthusiasm during the festive season, also supported by the opening of bookings for the Hyundai Bayon, our upcoming all-new nameplate for India."

The company opened order books for its Hyundai Bayon model ahead of the festive sales period.

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Freelander, the brand established through a partnership between Tata Motors-owned British luxury marquee brand Jaguar Land Rover and China’s Chery, has launched internationally in Abu Dhabi, introducing a left-hand-drive Freelander 8 as the initial vehicle in a phased global release.

Jaguar Land Rover holds the rights to the name and oversees design through a designated studio, while Chery provides the technology platform and supply chain architecture for the plug-in hybrid vehicle.

The Freelander 8 combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a 34.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and two electric motors, generating a power output of up to 460 kW.

The variants configured for Middle East markets hold an official combined operating range of 886 km, including 110 km on electric power alone, with an air suspension system offering up to 266 mm of ground clearance.

The United Arab Emirates serves as the initial retail market, with customer registrations of interest now open. Al Tayer Motors will manage distribution in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, while Premier Motors handles sales in Abu Dhabi.

Right-hand-drive and European Union specification models are scheduled for subsequent launch phases, with the United Kingdom market following later in the rollout timeline.

Lucia Mao, Chief Executive, Freelander International, said, “Freelander is a British legend. But we want to do more than just bring it back. Chinese technology opens up new possibilities. That is what ‘Beyond the Legend’ means. British soul. Chinese intelligence. A legend going further than ever.”

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