Mercedes-Benz has strengthened its manufacturing footprint in India by commencing local assembly of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS Celebration Edition at its Chakan plant near Pune, signalling a deeper commitment to localisation as it sharpens its focus on high-value and ultra-luxury segments. The localisation move coincides with the launch of the all-electric EQS SUV range, reflecting a twin strategy centred on domestic manufacturing and electric mobility.
India will become the first market outside the United States to locally assemble the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, a model that was previously imported as a completely built unit.
“India will be the first market outside the US where we will localise the Maybach GLS,” said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz India. He said the localisation programme had been implemented without compromising the vehicle’s specification. Iyer said the vehicle’s specifications remain unchanged despite localisation, adding that the locally assembled model meets regulatory norms and global quality standards without any reduction in features.
The shift to local assembly has brought down the ex-showroom price of the Maybach GLS Celebration Edition to INR 275 million, compared with around INR 410 million when it was sold earlier as a fully imported model. The locally assembled version replaces an imported variant that was priced at about INR 317 million, improving affordability while retaining equipment levels.
The decision to localise the Maybach GLS reflects Mercedes-Benz India’s emphasis on value-led growth as the top-end luxury segment expands faster than entry-level categories. The company said the ultra-luxury segment recorded double-digit growth even as overall volumes remained under pressure. Mercedes-Benz India closed 2025 with sales of 19,007 units, a marginal year-on-year decline, but reported its highest-ever revenue, supported by a richer sales mix and higher average selling prices.
Alongside the localisation announcement, Mercedes-Benz expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of the EQS SUV 4Matic in India. The all-electric luxury SUV is available in five-seater and seven-seater configurations. The EQS 450 SUV 4Matic five-seater is priced at INR 134 million ex-showroom, while the EQS 580 SUV 4Matic seven-seater is priced at INR 148 million. The company said the model combines electric drivetrain technology with luxury and performance features aimed at premium buyers.
Electrification is playing an increasing role at the higher end of Mercedes-Benz India’s portfolio. The company said electric vehicles contribute around 20 percent of its top-end sales, supported by favourable taxation and lower on-road prices compared with comparable internal combustion models. Mercedes-Benz has also expanded its charging ecosystem through MB.Charge, providing access to more than 9,000 DC fast chargers across the country.
Mercedes-Benz India is the Indian subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and operates local manufacturing at its Chakan facility in Maharashtra, producing a range of luxury sedans and sport utility vehicles for the domestic market.