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.

South Korean automotive major Kia India has attained a new milestone of rolling out its 1.5 millionth vehicle – Carens SUV – from its Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. What’s more, the company also announced that it will launch the newest iteration of Kia Carens SUV on 8 May, which it said will be loaded with tech and safety features.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “Rolling out our 1.5 millionth 'Make in India' vehicle is a proud and emotional moment for Kia India and every partner who has been a part of this journey. From the very first Seltos to the 1.5 millionth Carens today, each car stands as a testament to the trust, love, and support of our customers and partners. We are deeply grateful for this association and look forward to continuing our pursuit of automotive excellence. The future of Kia India looks bright as we remain steadfast in driving innovation, offering industry-leading products, and shaping the mobility landscape in India.”

Interestingly, the Anantapur facility has so far manufactured over 700,668 units (46.7 percent) of Seltos, followed by 519,064 units (34.6 percent) of the Sonet, 241,582 units (16.1 percent) of the Carens, 23,036 units (1.5 percent) of the Syros and 16,172 units (1.1 percent) of the Carnival.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest car maker, has announced its financial results for FY2025.

The company, with sales of 2.23 million vehicles, clocked revenue of INR 1,451 billion in FY2025, up 7.5 percent YoY, as against INR 1,349 billion for the same period last year.

The net profit came at INR 139 billion, up 5.6 percent YoY, as against INR 132 billion last year.

During the year, the company recorded its highest-ever annual sales and exports. What’s more, Maruti Suzuki India continued to be the top exporter for the fourth consecutive year with a share of 43 percent of total passenger vehicle exports from the country.

JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its Hector SUV is now certified for E20 fuel (20 percent Ethanol blended) petrol. The E20 fuel-compliant Hector SUV will be available in 1.5 L Petrol MT and CVT variants, aligning with India’s mandate for E20-compliant petrol-fuelled vehicles manufactured post 1 April 2025. The price for Hector SUV starts at INR 1.39 million (ex-showroom India).

Rakesh Sen, Director Sales, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The enduring popularity of the Hector highlights its outstanding quality and an alignment with our customers' needs. The introduction of the E20-compliant version demonstrates in no uncertain terms our commitment to innovation and sustainability in everything we do. We aim to provide vehicles that not only satisfy customer expectations but also play a vital role in fostering a more greener automotive future.”

Launched in 2019, the MG Hector was touted as the country’s first Internet SUV and offered features such as dual pane panoramic sunroof and a segment-best 14-inch HD infotainment system and more than 70 connected car features.

As part of its ‘Midnight Carnival’ marketing campaign, JSW MG Motor India invites car buyers to visit MG Motor showrooms open until midnight every weekend for a limited time to purchase the Hector SUV. What’s more, 20 lucky MG Hector buyers stand a chance to win a trip to London, along with exclusive benefits worth up to INR 400,000. 

Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has added another feather to its cap with the Nexon.EV extending its 5-star safety rating in Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP).

The automaker has been actively pursuing safety as a critical parameter in its passenger vehicles, with the Nexon SUV being the first vehicle manufactured in India to have scored 5-star rating at Global NCAP way back in 2018.

Going forward, the company has continued to strengthen its portfolio with actively getting its vehicles assessed in Global NCAP as well as Bharat NCAP protocols.

In June 2024, Tata Motors’ Punch.ev became the first electric vehicle in India to bag the 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP. And now, the company continued the tradition with the Nexon.ev continuing to sport the badge of 5-star safety rating.