Mercedes has introduced six new cars and SUVs in the first six months of 2024 and plans to fulfill its commitment to launch six more models by the end of this year. At the India launch of the EQA and the EQB facelift, the German brand confirmed the upcoming arrival of the all-electric G-Class, known the G 580 with EQ Technology, and the ultra-luxurious Maybach EQS SUV. An AMG-badged model was mentioned, and a silhouette of a four-seat convertible was also showcased.
- After the EQA, two more EVs will be brought to India this year
- Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology India bookings open
- New-gen E-Class, AMG GT likely to be the ICE launches
Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology
Alongside revealing prices for the EQA and EQB facelift, Mercedes-Benz India has also mentioned that bookings for the all-electric G-Class have begun. Expected to be priced around Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom), the battery-powered G 580 with EQ Technology features a 116kWh battery pack that provides up to 473km of range (WLTP). Four individual motors power each wheel, generating a combined 587hp and 1,164Nm of peak torque, and each motor is driven by a separate 2-speed gearbox.
Mercedes claims a 0-100kph time of less than 5 seconds and a top speed of 180kph. While the G 580 looks a lot like the standard G-Class, a lot has been done in terms of subtle design tweaks, to make it far more aerodynamic. The G 580 offers three bespoke functions to aid off-road driving. The first is a G-Turn, which allows it to rotate 720 degrees on the spot. The second is called G-Steering, which reduces the turning circle by enabling it to pivot around an individual wheel. The last one is an off-road crawler function that can run as low as 2kph. The SUV also features a ‘transparent bonnet’ function that uses the front-facing cameras to project an image onto the infotainment screen.
Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV
Mercedes’ most expensive EV is also coming to India soon and it’ll sport a lot more chrome than the standard EQS SUV that’s on sale abroad. Signature Maybach wheels, a new dual-tone paint and a variety of logos will also help to differentiate it from the standard model. Expected to be launched in ‘680’ form, the India-spec Maybach EQS will have a 108.4kWh battery, which is said to provide 600km of range. Two electric motors on each axle deliver a total output of 658hp and 950Nm of torque. The opulent e-SUV has a claimed 0-100kph time of 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 210kph. Prices are expected to be in the Rs 4 crore (ex-showroom) region.
New Mercedes E-Class LWB
Expected to arrive this festive season, the sixth-generation E-Class will directly compete with the recently launched BMW 5 Series LWB. Prices of the new E-Class are expected to be around Rs 70 lakh-80 lakh, and Mercedes is likely to offer mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engine options. The all-new luxury sedan has grown in size compared to its predecessor, but the 5 Series LWB is still the larger one. How they will compare on interior space is a big question for now. It remains to be seen if the ‘Superscreen’ – made up of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen – will be available on the India-spec E-Class.
New Mercedes-AMG GT
Likely to be priced at around Rs 2.5 crore, the all-new AMG GT is said to be larger, roomier and more practical than its predecessor. Based on the new SL, the two-plus-two seat coupe has a newly developed body structure, which uses aluminium, composite fibre materials, magnesium and steel. Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 developing 476hp in 55 4Matic+ guise and 585hp in 63 4Matic+ form. A 9-speed automatic sends power to all-four wheels.
While the last model that Mercedes India has promised to bring in 2024 is unconfirmed, the brand teased its new models coming with the silhouette of a four-seat convertible. This is likely to be the CLE Cabriolet, which was revealed in July last year. Abroad, the two-door convertible is available in 204hp CLE 200, 258hp CLE 300, 381hp CLE 450 guise, and 197hp CLE 220d form. A mid-spec AMG ‘53’-badged version has also been revealed for international markets with a 449hp mild-hybrid straight-six turbo-petrol engine.
The German brand is also working on the more hardcore CLE 63 AMG, which will be powered by AMG’s M177 4.0-litre V8 engine, instead of the 680hp plug-in hybrid four-pot powertrain used in the C 63. Which one of these powertrain options will be brought to India is still unknown. Stay tuned for more details as the launch nears.
Also see:
Mercedes-Benz India retails 9,262 cars, SUVs in H1 2024
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EQA's youth appeal to boost EV sales: Mercedes Benz India