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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Japanese luxury brand Lexus India has introduced the new Lexus LM 350h limousine in the country.

The LM 350h is claimed to set a benchmark for first-class travel, focusing on a calm and productive experience. Improvements include: An E20-compliant engine, supporting sustainability. Power sliding door switch at the rear console for convenience and intuitive control. Auto-dimming ORVM function for safety and driver comfort in the four-seater variant. A new rear console tray for rear-seat occupants in the four-seater variant.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said, "We are truly humbled by the overwhelming response from our guests to the Lexus LM 350h and wish to sincerely thank our customers for their patience in waiting for this exceptional vehicle. The LM is a testament to our unwavering commitment to luxury, featuring grand interiors and an exclusive private lounge that redefines comfort and sophistication. It sets a new benchmark in first-class luxury travel, offering our guests an unparalleled experience of refinement, prestige and indulgence in India."

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Mercedes-Benz India has fortified the legendary G-Class lineage with the launch of the all-new G 450d, a vehicle distinguished by the most potent diesel engine in the brand's portfolio. This introduction completes a comprehensive powertrain strategy for the iconic SUV in India, now encompassing a diesel, a petrol, and a fully electric model. The G 450d is powered by an advanced 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine, augmented by a 48-volt electrical system and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). This sophisticated powertrain generates 270 kW and a formidable 750 Nm of torque, propelling the substantial SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 210 kmph.

The model's identity remains deeply rooted in its unparalleled off-road capability, honed over 45 years. Its proven ladder-frame construction, three 100 percent mechanical differential locks and a suspension system combining a double-wishbone independent front setup with a rigid rear axle form the bedrock of its rugged character. Key off-road metrics include a maximum 100 percent gradeability, a fording depth of 70 cm and approach, departure and breakover angles of 31, 30 and 26 degrees respectively. The standard adaptive adjustable damping and the DYNAMIC SELECT system – which includes three dedicated off-road driving programmes – allow drivers to effortlessly tailor the vehicle's character for any terrain. A redesigned Offroad Cockpit in the digital displays provides vital information like steering angle and tyre pressure, while the ‘Transparent Hood’ function offers a virtual view of the terrain ahead.

Visually, the G 450d retains the timeless, commanding silhouette of the G-Class while incorporating subtle yet distinct updates. A new radiator grille with four horizontal louvres and a redesigned front bumper with integrated vertical louvers define the front aspect. The vehicle rides on standard 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, reinforcing its powerful stance.

Inside, the cabin merges traditional robustness with state-of-the-art technology and luxury. The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and multimedia, housing the latest MBUX NTG7 infotainment system. This system features augmented reality navigation, which superimposes directional cues onto a live video feed, along with wireless smartphone integration. The exclusive MANUFAKTUR programme offers near-limitless personalisation, from unique paint colours to bespoke interior trims, spare wheel rings and decorative stitching. The AMG line interior theme, enhanced by Nappa leather, ambient lighting and an available Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, creates an exceptionally luxurious environment. Comprehensive noise insulation and acoustic glass ensure exceptional cabin serenity, while a suite of advanced safety features, including Active Brake Assist and a 360-degree camera, provides confidence on every journey.

To celebrate the G-Class heritage, Mercedes-Benz India will soon initiate the exclusive ‘G-Tribe Escapade,’ a curated driving expedition for select customers. This journey will traverse from India to the scenic landscapes of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, offering a firsthand experience of the vehicle's capabilities.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "The new G 450d underlines our commitment to offer diesel, petrol and electric powertrain for the first time in India to the G-Class, the longest running nameplate in the automotive industry. The G 450d featuring Mercedes-Benz’s powerful and efficient diesel engine, combines performance with efficiency, reiterating the sustained customer demand for a diesel powertrain in the G-Class. The G 450d ensures Mercedes-Benz now has a ‘G-Class’ for every customer requirement in India, further elevating practicality along with desirability and cult status of this iconic SUV."

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VinFast, one of the youngest automotive companies, has announced that it has become the first car brand in Vietnam to pass 100,000 vehicle sales within the first three quarters of a single year. The milestone follows 11 consecutive months as the nation’s top-selling carmaker.

In September 2025, VinFast delivered 13,914 electric vehicles, bringing the total for the first nine months of the year to 103,884 units.

• The VF 3 recorded 31,386 units sold in the first nine months, with 2,682 units sold in September.
• The VF 5 followed with 30,956 units sold over the same period, including 3,847 units in September. Its fleet variant, the Herio Green, sold 8,604 cumulative units.
• The VF 6 reached 14,425 units since the start of the year, with 1,933 delivered in September.
• The VF 7 recorded 5,877 cumulative sales over nine months, with 778 units sold last month.
• The Limo Green, a seven-seater MPV, sold 2,120 vehicles in September.

With three months of Q4 remaining and production capacity increased at its Hai Phong and Ha Tinh manufacturing complexes, VinFast expects to set more records by end-2025.

Duong Thi Thu Trang, Global Deputy CEO of Sales and Marketing, VinFast, said, “Behind the figure of more than 100,000 vehicles are millions of acts of trust and support from our customers. We are deeply grateful for their confidence and remain committed to delivering ever greater value, thereby accelerating Vietnam’s green transition.”

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German luxury carmaker Audi has opened two new facilities in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The brand has opened an Audi Approved: plus pre-owned car showroom and a service workshop. Both facilities were established in partnership with existing dealer Adventure Auto Car India. The new facilities mark the brand’s first presence in Uttarakhand.

Every vehicle sold under the Audi Approved: plus programme undergoes mechanical, bodywork, interior, and electrical checks at over 300 multi-point checks, along with a full on-road test. The programme offers 24x7 Roadside Assistance and a vehicle history before purchase. Customers can also use financing and insurance benefits through the programme.

The service facility features periodic maintenance and repair capabilities. It is staffed by Audi-trained technicians and uses approved tools and diagnostic technologies.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The inauguration of two new facilities in Dehradun – our 27th Audi Approved: plus pre-owned car showroom and a new service workshop – marks a significant milestone as we make our debut in Uttarakhand. Over the past five years, we have experienced strong growth in the pre-owned luxury segment, with our Audi Approved: plus network expanding from 7 to 27 facilities across the country. This growth underscores our commitment to making Audi ownership more accessible while upholding the highest standards of quality and customer service. The Audi Approved: plus business has emerged as a key growth driver for our strategy, and with its strategic location, Dehradun will serve as a vital gateway to the growing luxury car market in the region. The addition of the new service facility not only enhances convenience for our customers but also reinforces our focus on staying closely connected with them.”

Aditya Agarwalla, Dealer Principal, Audi Approved: plus Dehradun, said, “We are excited to bring Audi's prestigious pre-owned car experience to Uttarakhand for the first time. The region has shown tremendous growth potential in the luxury segment and we are committed to setting new benchmarks in customer satisfaction and service excellence. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised service that matches Audi's global standards while understanding the unique preferences of customers in this region. With the launch of the new service facility, we are pleased to deepen our association with Audi India and are committed to serving our customers with the highest standards of care.”

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