Quick Highlights:
- 4,238 units retailed in Q1 FY25-26 (Apr–Jun 2025), highest-ever Q1 for the brand
- 10% YoY growth driven by strong demand across all segments
- Top-End Luxury segment is up 20%, with models like the GT 63 Pro and SL Maybach sold out for the year
- Battery EV sales up 157%, EV penetration at 8%
- Core segment grows 10%, led by strong demand for E-Class LWB and GLE
- Launch of the new GLS AMG Line to further bolster SUV portfolio
A New Benchmark in the Luxury Space
Mercedes-Benz India has set a new benchmark for itself, reporting its highest-ever Q1 sales for any fiscal year with 4,238 units retailed in the April–June 2025 period (Q1 FY25-26). This performance reflects a well-rounded growth strategy that combines exclusive top-end luxury offerings with a growing appetite for electric vehicles and the enduring appeal of core luxury models.
In his LinkedIn update, Mr. Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, credited this momentum to the brand’s consistent focus on premium innovation, customer trust, and a top-down product strategy. “This quarter not only reflects robust demand—it shows where the market is headed,” he said, adding that Indian buyers are becoming increasingly discerning, seeking vehicles that balance legacy with modernity.
Segment Breakdown: Performance Across the Portfolio
Mercedes’ growth in Q1 was underpinned by strong performances in three key verticals:
Top-End Luxury (TEV)
Models such as the AMG GT 63 Pro, Maybach GLS, and the SL 680 Monogram Series helped drive a 20% YoY growth in the top-end segment. These cars, often priced upwards of ₹2 crore, continue to serve as brand shapers and aspiration leaders. Some of these models are already sold out for the year, highlighting both their exclusivity and demand.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Luxury EVs are beginning to find firmer footing in the Indian market, and Mercedes-Benz is leading this charge. The company reported a 157% growth in EV sales, with BEV penetration rising to 8%. Flagship electric offerings such as the EQS 580, EQS 450, and the upcoming electric G-Class (G580) have made EVs aspirational, not just sustainable.
Core Luxury Segment
The LWB E-Class and GLE SUV continued to show stable traction, pushing this segment up by 10%. These models remain the backbone of Mercedes’ sales volume in India, catering to both business leaders and family-first luxury buyers.
New Launch: GLS AMG Line Adds Sporty Flair
In addition to sales momentum, Mercedes-Benz India also introduced a key new model this quarter: the GLS AMG Line. Long regarded as India’s flagship full-size luxury SUV, the GLS now receives a dynamic update with AMG design enhancements, including a signature grille, larger air intakes, and refreshed interiors.
Powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, the new GLS delivers 375 bhp, 500 Nm of torque, and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Its sporty demeanour complements the GLS’s longstanding reputation for opulence and road presence, with over 16,000 units already on Indian roads since launch.
Showdown: Mercedes-Benz Ahead of BMW
When combining Q1 FY25-26 sales (4,238 units) with the previously reported January–March 2025 numbers (4,775 units), Mercedes-Benz India clocks 9,013 units sold in H1 2025, reaffirming its position as India’s number-one luxury carmaker by volume. BMW India, which recently reported H1 sales of 7,774 units (BMW + MINI combined), comes close second.
Conclusion
Mercedes-Benz India’s Q1 FY25-26 results don’t just indicate strong numbers—they tell a story of market leadership built on evolving customer expectations, product differentiation, and early bets on electrification. As newer models line up for launch in the second half of the year, the brand appears well-positioned to extend its lead even further.