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Mercedes-Maybach GLS Now Made in India, A First Outside the US

Mercedes-Benz India has begun local production of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, making India the first market outside the United States to assemble the ultra-luxury SUV. This strategic move underscores the brand's confidence in India's growing appetite for high-end vehicles. In 2025, despite a slight dip in total sales, the company's Top-End Vehicles segment, including Maybach and AMG models, saw an 11% growth. The electric vehicle portfolio also grew significantly, accounting for 20% of all top-end Mercedes cars sold in the country.

Key Points: Mercedes-Maybach GLS Local Production Starts in India

  • First Maybach GLS production outside US
  • Top-End Vehicle sales grew 11% in 2025
  • AMG portfolio surged 34% in India
  • EVs accounted for 20% of top-end sales
2 min read

India becomes 1st market outside US to start local production of Mercedes-Maybach GLS

Mercedes-Benz India begins local assembly of the ultra-luxury Maybach GLS SUV, highlighting confidence in the country's top-end vehicle market.

India becomes 1st market outside US to start local production of Mercedes-Maybach GLS
"The decision to start the local production... reiterates Mercedes-Benz's deep commitment to the Indian customers. - Santosh Iyer"

New Delhi, Jan 14

Mercedes-Benz India on Tuesday announced that it has achieved a major global milestone by becoming the first market outside the United States to start local production of the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

The move highlights India's growing importance for the German luxury carmaker and underlines the company's strong confidence in the country's appetite for top-end luxury vehicles.

According to Mercedes-Benz India, local manufacturing of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will not only strengthen its top-end portfolio but also help the brand respond better to rising demand while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Indian market.

"The decision to start the local production of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS reiterates Mercedes-Benz's deep commitment to the Indian customers, offering the pinnacle of luxury SUV, 'Made in India'," Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said.

"Local production will further enhance the vehicle's appeal, reiterating our world-class manufacturing prowess and agility, catering to most demanding customer wishes for such exclusive top-end vehicles," Iyer added.

In its 2025 sales performance highlights, the German luxury carmaker announced it has sold 19,007 units in India during CY 2025, slightly lower than the 19,565 units sold in 2024.

Despite the marginal dip in volumes, the company recorded its best-ever year in terms of revenue.

According to the company, the Top-End Vehicles portfolio, which includes the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach models and AMG cars, showed strong resilience and grew 11 per cent year-on-year.

This segment accounted for 25 per cent of total sales, reflecting rising demand for ultra-luxury vehicles in India.

The high-performance AMG portfolio performed particularly well, registering a sharp 34 per cent growth, as Indian customers continued to show strong interest in performance-oriented luxury cars.

Mercedes-Benz India's electric vehicle business also maintained its growth momentum in 2025.

The company's battery electric vehicle portfolio grew 12 per cent year-on-year and accounted for 20 per cent of all top-end Mercedes-Benz cars sold in the country.

Notably, 70 per cent of the electric vehicles sold during the year belonged to the top-end segment, priced between Rs 1.25 crore and Rs 3.1 crore.

These included models such as the EQS SUV, EQS Sedan, Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV and the Mercedes-Benz G580.

The EQS SUV remained the company's highest-selling luxury electric vehicle in India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While it's great for the economy and jobs, I can't help but feel a disconnect. Cars costing crores being made here when millions struggle for basic transport. The wealth gap in our country is just staggering.
R
Rohit P
The demand for top-end vehicles growing 11% YoY is the real story here. India's luxury market is booming despite global headwinds. This will attract more foreign investment in high-end manufacturing. Smart move by Mercedes.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the EV numbers. 20% of their top-end sales are electric, and 70% of those EVs are in the 1.25Cr+ range. Shows that for early adoption in India, luxury is leading the way. The infrastructure needs to catch up fast though.
V
Vikram M
Local production should ideally bring the price down a bit, no? Or at least reduce the waiting period. The Maybach GLS is an absolute beast on the road. Hope to see one soon in Gurgaon!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while this is a corporate achievement, I wish the article also highlighted the skilled jobs created and the technology transfer involved. That's the real long-term benefit for India, not just selling expensive cars.
A
Ananya R
AM

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