Mercedes-Benz India posts record first half and Q2 sales

NEW DELHI: Luxury may be slowing down for no one, especially when the waiting list is part of the appeal. Mercedes-Benz India has reported its strongest-ever first-half and second-quarter sales, signalling that demand for premium automobiles remains firmly in the fast lane despite broader economic headwinds.

The German luxury carmaker retailed 9,768 vehicles between January and June 2026, registering 9 per cent year-on-year growth. Second-quarter sales climbed 10 per cent to 4,637 units, making it the company’s best-ever April-June performance in India. The results point to a notable shift in buying behaviour, with affluent customers increasingly opting for flagship, performance-oriented and electric vehicles rather than entry-level luxury models.

Mercedes-Benz’s top-end portfolio including the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach range, Mercedes-AMG models and the recently launched V-Class grew by more than 20 per cent during the first half of the year. The premium line-up contributed a record 28 per cent of the company’s total sales.

Demand for high-performance cars gathered further momentum, with Mercedes-AMG deliveries surging 50 per cent year on year. Several flagship models continue to face demand exceeding supply, resulting in waiting periods ranging from a few months to almost a year.

Electric vehicles also emerged as a major growth engine. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 14 per cent of Mercedes-Benz India’s second-quarter sales, nearly doubling their share from the corresponding period last year. Within the company’s top-end portfolio, one in four vehicles sold during the first half was fully electric.

The newly launched CLA BEV has become one of Mercedes-Benz India’s fastest-selling electric models, with initial allocations selling out shortly after launch. Meanwhile, the EQS SUV retained its position as the company’s highest-selling electric vehicle.

The entry luxury segment recorded nearly 30 per cent growth during the second quarter, driven by robust demand for the CLA BEV and GLA SUV. In the core luxury category, the long-wheelbase E-Class continued to be the brand’s highest-selling model.

Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz plans to strengthen its retail footprint through its “Go to Customer” strategy. The company intends to open more than 20 luxury outlets across India during 2026, including its first dealership in Varanasi, while expanding its presence in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad. To support the expansion, franchise partners are expected to invest more than Rs 450 crore over the next two years, underscoring the brand’s confidence in India’s premium automobile market.

The latest sales figures reinforce a broader trend reshaping the luxury vehicle segment. As mass-market demand remains uneven, affluent buyers continue to fuel growth by gravitating towards flagship models, performance cars and electric mobility, proving that for India’s luxury car market, premium experiences remain firmly in demand.