India set to become top market for Mercedes-Maybach with EQS 680 SUV launch
Mercedes-Benz India has ambitious targets from its Maybach brand to drive India among the top five markets in volume sales of luxury vehicles globally. The announcement on Thursday was made along with the launch of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, its first fully electric model under the Maybach marque.
Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer underlined the strategic positioning of the Maybach brand in the company's portfolio said, "India has tremendous growth potential for Maybach. We are already among the top 10 markets worldwide in terms of sales and the fastest growing. We expect to sell more than 1,500 Maybach vehicles across various models this year."
We are rewriting automotive excellence: Iyer
This flagship offering, starting at Rs 2.25 crore, ex-showroom, is yet another big step in Mercedes-Benz's roadmap to dominance in the digital and electric mobility space. Iyer said, "The launch of the EQS 680 SUV reflects our commitment to leading the ultra-luxury segment while advancing in electric mobility".
He added, “Not a modest entry of electric vehicles by Mercedes-Benz India, the company is selling five BEVs in the country, the EQA, EQB, EQE SUV, EQS sedan, and now the Maybach EQS 680 SUV.” Iyer also underlined the sustained growth in the BEV segment, saying, "With our fast-growing BEV portfolio, we are rewriting automotive excellence. In line with our focused approach to sustainability, we continue to develop the BEV ecosystem for the future."
With the addition of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV to the lineup, Mercedes-Benz expands its offering in luxury electric vehicles and strengthens its position as one of the higher-end auto brands. "This new model epitomizes our ambition to integrate digital and electric innovations with top-tier luxury," Mr. Iyer underlined. He said, "We believe true luxury must align with sustainability, and Mercedes-Benz is committed to advancing this vision."
Wide-ranging benefits expected
The emergence of India as a key market for Mercedes-Maybach is expected to bring in wide-ranging benefits at all levels. At one level, the growth in the ultra-luxury car segment is expected to spur economic growth through growing investments, rising employment, and a multiplier effect on related industries of automotive parts, services, and retail.
Besides, higher models launched in the market, such as the all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, will further push the pace of technology and innovation, hence making local manufacturers learn to adapt and develop the same.
The focus on electric vehicles hence is in harmony with the objectives of sustainability of the nation, and encouragement of green technology for the conservation of the environment. This will also offer consumers a wider choice within the luxury brand selection leading to better products and services.
Finally, entry by advanced automotive technologies ensures knowledge transfer whereby local engineers and technicians become aware of the world's best practices and state-of-the-art technologies. In the future, Mercedes-Benz will continue to expand its portfolio with newer and more technologically innovative models.