Mercedes-Benz India has written a new chapter in its domestic history books. The German luxury carmaker delivered 5,422 vehicles in the July-September quarter of 2026, marking its highest-ever quarterly sales performance. This strong result reflects sustained demand across its luxury portfolio and growing traction for electric vehicles, setting a positive tone as the festive season approaches.
The 5,422 units delivered in Q3 2026 represent a 6 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when 5,119 vehicles were sold. More notably, sales rose 17 percent over the preceding quarter, showing consistent momentum throughout 2026. Over the first nine months of the year, Mercedes-Benz India handed over 15,190 vehicles to customers, an 8 percent growth over the 14,132 units sold during January-September 2025. This marks the strongest nine-month performance in the company's history in India.
According to Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, the record performance is the result of an unwavering focus on product substance, brand exclusivity, and customer experience. He noted that macroeconomic indicators such as GST collections and the manufacturing activity index remain healthy, which continues to support strong consumer demand heading into the festive season.
Sales were driven by growth across all major segments, with higher-end models outperforming the overall business. The long-wheelbase E-Class retained its position as India's highest-selling luxury car, while demand remained robust for the C-Class, GLC, and GLE. The Core Luxury segment contributed 60 percent of total sales during the period, proving to be the backbone of Mercedes-Benz India's success. Meanwhile, the Entry Luxury portfolio, comprising the GLA and CLA BEV, accounted for 15 percent of sales and grew 4 percent.
The Top-End Luxury portfolio, which includes models priced above Rs 1.4 crore such as the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach range, G-Class, V-Class, and AMG models, grew 13 percent year-on-year and represented over 25 percent of total sales. The MANUFAKTUR personalisation programme played a significant role, accounting for approximately 75 percent of Top-End Luxury vehicle sales. The Mercedes-AMG portfolio also saw an 18 percent increase, with the AMG G 63 achieving its highest-ever monthly sales despite ongoing supply constraints.
Electric vehicle sales grew 16 percent during January-September 2026, outpacing the overall business despite limited vehicle availability. The newly launched CLA BEV has emerged as one of India's most sought-after luxury electric vehicles, securing more than 1,000 confirmed orders with deliveries extending into March 2027. The company highlighted strong interest among younger luxury customers for this model. At the higher end of the electric portfolio, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV recorded a 68 percent year-on-year growth, while the EQS SUV and G 580 continued to attract demand from top-end customers.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz India is preparing for several key launches in the final quarter of 2026. Deliveries of the electrified S-Class are set to begin in mid-October, with the top-spec MANUFAKTUR Edition already sold out for the year and limited EXCLUSIVE Line units still available for booking. The GLC BEV is scheduled to debut on November 4, 2026. These new offerings, combined with the ongoing CLA BEV order book, are expected to further strengthen Mercedes-Benz's position in India's evolving luxury electric vehicle market.
Mercedes-Benz India's record-breaking quarter and strong nine-month performance demonstrate the effectiveness of its dual strategy of maintaining a robust core lineup while aggressively expanding into electrification and ultra-premium segments. With a healthy order pipeline, upcoming model launches, and sustained consumer appetite for both traditional luxury vehicles and new-age EVs, the company appears well-positioned to extend its momentum into the final quarter of 2026 and beyond. The success of its EV initiatives, in particular, signals that the brand's pivot toward electrification is resonating strongly with Indian luxury car buyers.
What drove the Q3 sales growth?
The 17 percent sequential growth in Q3 was supported by festive demand and the company's Dream Days campaign, which included financing offers that made vehicle ownership more accessible to potential buyers.
Which models contributed the most?
The Core Luxury segment, led by the C-Class, long-wheelbase E-Class, GLC, and GLE, contributed 60 percent of total sales. The long-wheelbase E-Class remained the highest-selling luxury car in India throughout the period.
How is the electric vehicle portfolio performing?
Mercedes-Benz's battery electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio grew 16 percent during January-September 2026. The CLA BEV secured over 1,000 confirmed orders, while the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV recorded 68 percent year-on-year growth. The company expects EVs to account for 20-25 percent of its sales next year if supply conditions improve.
Are there new models coming soon?
Yes, Mercedes-Benz India plans to begin deliveries of the electrified S-Class from mid-October 2026. The GLC BEV is scheduled for its India debut on November 4, 2026. Both models are anticipated to attract strong demand among Indian luxury car buyers.
How does Mercedes-Benz India view the overall market?
According to Santosh Iyer, the company sees healthy macroeconomic fundamentals supporting consumer demand. The broader luxury car market in India grew about 10 percent in the first nine months of 2026, reaching approximately 38,000 units, driven by replacement demand and growing EV adoption.
The figures speak for themselves. Mercedes-Benz India's record quarter and nine-month performance showcase a brand that has successfully balanced its heritage models with forward-looking electrification efforts. With a strong product pipeline, healthy order books, and unwavering momentum across all segments, Mercedes-Benz is not just riding the wave of India's luxury car resurgence, but actively shaping its electric future.
