Mercedes-Benz India has announced its best-ever first-half sales performance for 2026, largely propelled by the overwhelming success of its newly launched CLA battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and the V-Class luxury MPV. The luxury automaker retailed 9,768 vehicles across India between January and June 2026, marking a 9% increase over the 9,013 units sold in the same period last year.
The second quarter alone saw a 10% rise in retail sales, reaching 4,637 units compared to 4,238 units a year earlier. According to Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, this robust growth underscores customer preference for value and superior product substance.
Electric Vehicles and Top-End Models Fuel Growth
The all-electric CLA BEV has been a significant contributor to this success, selling out within days of its launch and leading to current waiting periods of five to six months for customers. Its strong performance doubled Mercedes-Benz's BEV penetration to 14% of total sales in the second quarter of 2026. Iyer noted that the CLA BEV's reception affirms customer demand for the latest technology.
The company's top-end luxury portfolio, which includes prestigious models like the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-AMG, EQS SUV, and the new V-Class, experienced over 20% growth in the first half of the year. This segment now accounts for a record 28% of Mercedes-Benz India’s total sales. High-performance Mercedes-AMG sales also saw a substantial 50% jump during this period, reflecting a growing appetite for luxury performance vehicles.
Strong Demand Across Segments
Battery-electric vehicles constituted 25% of all top-end Mercedes-Benz models sold in the first half, with top-end BEVs priced above ₹1.4 crore growing by an impressive 85% in the second quarter. The entry luxury segment also recorded 30% growth in the April-June quarter, driven by the CLA BEV and sustained demand for the GLA SUV. The long-wheelbase E-Class maintained its position as India's highest-selling luxury car, with particularly strong demand for its E450 variant.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz India plans to expand its retail footprint significantly. The company intends to open more than 20 new luxury outlets across India over the next two years, including five new dealerships in the third quarter of 2026. This expansion includes entering new markets like Varanasi and strengthening presence in key cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Hyderabad, supported by franchise partner investments exceeding ₹450 crore.