Mercedes-Benz India has reported its highest-ever first-half sales, retailing 9,768 vehicles during January-June 2026, a growth of 9% over 9,013 units sold in the corresponding period last year.
The luxury carmaker also posted its best-ever second-quarter performance, with retail sales rising 10% to 4,637 units in April-June 2026, compared with 4,238 units in the year-ago period. The company attributed the growth to sustained demand for its new product portfolio, network expansion and an improving macroeconomic environment.
Top-end luxury segment leads growth
Mercedes-Benz said its top-end luxury portfolio continued to be the biggest growth driver during the first half of 2026. The segment, which includes the new V-Class, Mercedes-Maybach models, EQS SUV and AMG performance vehicles, registered more than 20% growth during the period.
The company said top-end luxury vehicles accounted for 28% of its total sales in India during H1 2026, the highest-ever contribution from the segment. Demand remains robust, with waiting periods ranging from four months to as long as one year for models such as the AMG G 63.
The strong performance reflects increasing demand from India’s growing ultra-high-net-worth customer base, as well as younger buyers opting directly for flagship luxury models.
Core models continue to anchor volumes
Mercedes-Benz’s core portfolio comprising the C-Class, E-Class Long Wheelbase (LWB), GLC and GLE continued to contribute significantly to overall sales.
The company said the E-Class LWB retained its position as the highest-selling luxury car in India during both H1 and Q2 2026, highlighting sustained customer preference for its executive sedan lineup.
Entry luxury and EV portfolio gain momentum
The Entry Luxury segment posted 29% growth during the second quarter, driven by the successful launch of the all-new CLA BEV and continued demand for products such as the GLA SUV.
Mercedes-Benz said battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 14% of its retail volumes in Q2 2026, supported by strong customer response to the CLA BEV and the EQS SUV. The company added that demand for its semi-electrified models also remains strong, with bookings for the S-Class AMG Line already closed and orders for the S-Class Exclusive Line continuing to grow ahead of the festive season.
Retail network expansion gathers pace
Under its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy, Mercedes-Benz India plans to add more than 20 luxury retail outlets across high-potential markets during 2026.
The company opened six new customer touchpoints in H1 across Bengaluru, Bhopal, Raipur, Goa and Visakhapatnam. During the second half of the year, it plans to enter Varanasi while expanding its presence in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad.
The expansion will be supported by an investment of more than ₹450 crore by franchise partners over the next two years. Mercedes-Benz also plans to upgrade existing facilities with global luxury standards while incorporating AI- and automation-led technologies to enhance customer experience.
Top-end luxury cars in great demand
Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director & CEO Santosh Iyer said the first half of 2026 reflected a growing customer preference for the company’s top-end luxury portfolio, with the segment’s contribution reaching a record 28% of total sales.
He said the performance was supported by the successful introduction of the New V-Class and continued strong momentum in the AMG portfolio, which recorded around 50% growth during the period.