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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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Grameena Bank to establish a vehicle financing partnership.

The agreement is designed to provide retail finance for new cars, pre-owned vehicles and commercial models. This collaboration aims to offer credit options to a wider customer base across Kerala, specifically targeting rural and semi-urban demographics.

The partnership integrates Maruti Suzuki’s dealership network with the bank's regional presence to provide finance solutions across the manufacturer's entire model range. The agreement seeks to assist first-time buyers and entrepreneurs by offering loan products for personal and commercial mobility.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Our tie-up with Kerala Grameena Bank is an alliance which underscores our dedication to making car ownership simpler and more affordable for Indian customers. The Kerala market has a strong affection towards Maruti Suzuki vehicles and this strategic partnership will provide our customers with competitive, customer friendly financing options that improve the overall car buying experience. We stay committed to always delivering a wider range of customised finance solutions with a seamless customer journey.”

Vimala Vijaybhaskar, Chairperson, Kerala Grameena Bank, said, “We are pleased to partner with Maruti Suzuki India Limited to expand our retail car financing network across Kerala. By combining Maruti Suzuki’s strong dealership network with Kerala Grameena Bank’s deep grassroots presence, we will offer convenient, affordable, and digitally enabled car loan solutions to customers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. This collaboration will help us reach first-time car buyers and small entrepreneurs, improve access to personal mobility, and support economic activity across the state, while reaffirming our commitment to inclusive and customer-centric banking.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched its dedicated commercial mobility range – the Prime HB (hatchback) and Prime SD (sedan).

These models, the company said, are designed for fleet operators and taxi entrepreneurs, focusing on maintenance costs and fuel efficiency. Bookings have opened at Hyundai dealerships across India for a fee of INR 5,000.

The Prime range is powered by a 1.2L Kappa 4-cylinder engine available in petrol and CNG variants. The Prime SD delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 28.40 km/kg, while the Prime HB achieves 27.32 km/kg. To comply with commercial regulations, the vehicles include a factory-fitted speed limiting function set to 80 kmph. Safety features provided as standard include six airbags, three-point seatbelts and rear parking sensors.

Interior specifications for the range include rear AC vents, steering wheel mounted audio controls and power windows. Hyundai Motor India is also offering an optional 9-inch infotainment system with a rear camera and a vehicle location tracking device equipped with four panic buttons. The Prime HB is priced from INR 599,900 and the Prime SD starts at INR 689,900.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO designate, Hyundai Motor India, said, “With the introduction of Prime HB and Prime SD, HMIL is proud to enter the commercial mobility space with products that are engineered for trust, reliability and good earning potential. Fleet operators and taxi drivers look for vehicles that deliver maximum uptime, predictable maintenance and low operating costs, and the Hyundai Prime range has been developed precisely with these priorities in mind. Backed by Hyundai’s extensive service network, attractive warranty, maintenance packages, low cost of ownership and flexible finance solutions, Prime HB and Prime SD will enable our commercial customers to enhance earnings while offering safe and comfortable mobility to passengers. This marks an important step in extending Hyundai’s promise of hassle-free ownership to the commercial segment as well.”

To support commercial ownership, Hyundai has introduced an extended warranty covering the fourth and fifth years or 180,000 km. The company estimates maintenance costs at INR 0.47 per kilometre. Finance options are available with repayment tenures extending up to 72 months to assist fleet expansion and first-time buyers.

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JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched an initiative extending its assured buy-back programme for electric vehicles (EVs) from three years to up to five years. This makes JSW MG Motor India to becomethe first OEM in the country to offer a guaranteed resale value for this duration in the mass EV segment.

The programme operates independently of any finance or loan schemes, allowing owners to choose a tenure of three, four, or five years. Under the existing three-year plan, the company guarantees a 60 percent buy-back value. For the first time in India, commercial MG ZS EV owners are also eligible for resale benefits on vehicles up to three years old or with an annual mileage of up to 60,000 km.

The MG Value Promise Program is facilitated by Lockton India Insurance Broking and Advisory in partnership with Zuno General Insurance. The initiative is designed to reduce depreciation risk and provide financial predictability for customers. At the end of the selected term, owners have the option to retain, return, or exchange their vehicle for a newer model.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “As a customer-centric brand, MG has always introduced initiatives like B-a-a-S (Battery-as-a-service), lifetime warranty on EV batteries that make EV ownership a delightful mobility experience. Resale value has been a key consideration for many customers who are considering buying an EV. With our industry-first MG Value Promise Program (Assured Buyback), facilitated by Lockton India Insurance Broking and Advisory Ltd in partnership with Zuno General Insurance, we want to give MG EV owners complete peace of mind as we now offer a Assured resale value where a customer has option to choose the tenure from 3 to 5 years. We believe this initiative will play a key role in expanding India’s EV market by eliminating a major concern for buyers and building stronger trust in electric mobility.”

Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance, said, “As a digital insurer, this partnership strengthens our vision of building a strong, future-ready EV insurance portfolio. Electric mobility is reshaping how India moves, and we’re excited to support that shift with solutions that stay true to Zuno’s promise of easy, friendly, and transparent. Our collaboration with JSW MG Motor India reinforces our commitment to making EV ownership simpler and more secure for customers.”

Dr Sandeep Dadia, CEO & Country Head, Lockton India, said, “As EV adoption accelerates, customers increasingly seek clarity and confidence around long-term ownership. MG EVs are known for its true-to-range offerings with highest resale value and through our participation in MG’s extended Assured Buy Back Program, we’ve focused on shaping a solution that provides predictable value in a simple and transparent way. Initiatives like this empower customers to plan their EV journey with greater certainty and strengthen overall trust in India’s rapidly evolving electric mobility ecosystem."

The expansion of buy-back solutions aims to address consumer concerns regarding the residual value of battery-powered vehicles. By providing a fixed exit price, the company intends to lower adoption barriers and support the transition to electric mobility as infrastructure and technology continue to evolve.

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Auto Hangar, a Mercedes-Benz India retail partner, has expanded its network in Mumbai with the opening of a showroom in Kandivali and a service centre in Charkop. The expansion targets the western corridor of the city, including Borivali, Malad and Andheri.

The Kandivali showroom follows the Mercedes-Benz ‘MAR 2020’ global retail design framework. The facility integrates digital tools with physical displays to facilitate vehicle customisation.

Key features of the showroom include:

• Digital Car Configurator: Allows customers to select paint finishes, alloy designs, and interior trims virtually.
• Model Range: On-site display of vehicles including the GLC, A-Class Limousine, and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
• Finance Integration: Access to STAR Agility+ programmes for vehicle financing.

The Charkop facility provides maintenance and repair services using Mercedes-Benz diagnostic systems. The centre is designed to meet the manufacturer's ‘Ambition 2039’ sustainability targets.

The service centre includes:

• Quick-Service Bays: Staffed by certified technicians for routine maintenance and electronic calibrations.
• Logistics: Pick-up and drop-off services for residents in the surrounding suburbs.
• Environmental Systems: Integration of solar-powered systems, waste segregation, and water recycling technologies.

“This expansion is about more than new locations, it’s about redefining the Mercedes-Benz experience for Mumbai’s west. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable practices and a customer-first approach, we are ready to serve a new generation of luxury car buyers,” said the company in a statement.

The company maintains an existing network across Mumbai, with locations in Hughes Road, Prabhadevi, Lokhandwala Circle, Lower Parel and Sakivihar.

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