Mercedes-Benz India achieved its strongest first-half performance with 9,768 vehicles retailed during January-June 2026, representing a 9% increase from 9,013 units in the previous year. According to Mercedes-Benz India, the second quarter showed even stronger momentum with 4,637 units sold, marking the company's best-ever second-quarter performance with 10% growth compared to the same period last year. As reported by Mercedes-Benz India, Managing Director & CEO Santosh Iyer attributed the record performance primarily to new product launches, with the new V-Class and CLA BEV driving the best-ever H1 and Q2 sales. This growth was primarily driven by new launches, particularly the all-electric CLA and the New V-Class, alongside sustained demand across the core and top-end luxury portfolio. Iyer emphasized that the strong response to the CLA BEV has pushed Mercedes-Benz's BEV penetration to 14% of total sales in the second quarter, with customers willing to wait up to six months for deliveries, reflecting superior product substance and Mercedes customers' preference for value over entry price points.
The company's top-end luxury segment demonstrated exceptional performance with more than 20% growth during the first half, accounting for a record 28% of total sales - the highest share ever for Mercedes-Benz India. These vehicles were led by the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach models, Mercedes-AMG vehicles and the new V-Class. Mercedes-AMG sales surged 50% during the first six months of 2026, reflecting increasing demand for high-performance luxury cars among affluent Indian buyers. The long-wheelbase E-Class remained the highest-selling luxury car, with strong demand for the top-end E450 variant. The Entry Luxury segment registered 30% growth in the second quarter, driven by the launch of the CLA BEV and sustained demand for the GLA SUV. The core segment comprising the C-Class, E-Class Long Wheelbase, GLC and GLE also continued to contribute significantly to volumes, with the E-Class Long Wheelbase retaining its position as the country's highest-selling luxury car.
Battery electric vehicles played a significant role in the company's growth story, with BEVs contributing 14% of Mercedes-Benz India's total sales mix in Q2 2026, nearly double the previous level. As reported by Mercedes-Benz India, the CLA BEV was sold out within days of its launch, with customers currently facing waiting periods of five to six months. The electric sedan has emerged as one of Mercedes-Benz India's strongest-performing new products, while the EQS SUV continues to remain the company's highest-selling luxury electric vehicle. Battery electric vehicles also made significant inroads into the premium segment, with BEVs contributing 25% of all top-end luxury sales during the period. Within the top-end luxury portfolio, BEVs contributed 25% of sales during the first half, demonstrating strong customer acceptance of electric luxury vehicles across Mercedes-Benz's premium range. The company reported that one in every four vehicles sold during the first half of 2026 was a BEV, while sales of top-end electric models priced above ₹1.4 crore grew 85% year-on-year in the April-June quarter.
The newly introduced V-Class luxury MPV has exceeded company expectations and has effectively created a niche within India's luxury mobility market. According to Mercedes-Benz India, the V-Class has attracted both family buyers and chauffeur-driven customers seeking premium space and comfort, with initial allocation fully booked. The company plans to strengthen its retail footprint further during Q3 2026 with the inauguration of five new luxury dealerships across emerging markets, including Varanasi, as part of its strategy to improve accessibility and customer experience beyond traditional metro cities. The expansion will be backed by an investment of over ₹450 crore by franchise partners over the next two years to add more than 20 luxury outlets across India, including entry into Varanasi, while expanding presence in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad.
Several Mercedes-Benz models continue to face waiting periods ranging from four months to as long as a year for some products, reflecting sustained customer demand. As reported by Mercedes-Benz India, waiting periods for several top-end models range from four months to nearly a year for the iconic AMG G 63 SUV, demonstrating robust market demand. The company plans to expand its retail footprint by opening more than 20 luxury outlets across India during 2026, including the inauguration of five new outlets in Q3. According to Mercedes-Benz India, franchise partners are expected to invest more than ₹450 crore over the next two years to add more than 20 luxury outlets across India, including entry into Varanasi, while expanding presence in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune and Hyderabad. The luxury segment recorded 29% growth in the April-June quarter, driven by the successful debut of the CLA BEV and healthy demand for the GLA SUV.
