India will be only country outside US to produce Mercedes EQS SUV 580: Santosh Iyer

In a significant move toward strengthening its electric vehicle portfolio, Mercedes-Benz India has commenced local production of its top-of-the-line electric SUV, the EQS 580 4MATIC, at its Pune facility. India becomes the only country outside the United States to manufacture the luxury electric SUV, marking a major milestone for both Mercedes-Benz’s global EV strategy and its commitment to ‘Make in India.’

Launched at an introductory price of Rs 1.41 crore on Monday, the EQS SUV 580 boasts a driving range of 809 kms and comes with a 10 years high voltage battery warranty.

“We are proud to introduce the locally produced EQS SUV 580 4MATIC, further cementing India’s role as a key market in our global EV roadmap,” said Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India. “This milestone showcases our manufacturing expertise and reflects our commitment to supporting India’s electrification journey.”

The company’s BEV penetration stands at 5% of total sales in H1 24. This launch is part of Mercedes-Benz's aggressive push toward electrification, aligning with the company's vision for a sustainable, all-electric future. The EQS 580 4MATIC is the second Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) to be manufactured locally, following the production of the EQS luxury sedan. It has so far sold more than 500 EQS sedans in India.

So far, the company has announced investments worth Rs 200 crore in 2024 towards manufacturing operations, new product start-ups and digitization of manufacturing processes. The company's total investments till 2024 stand at Rs 3000 crore.

“Mercedes Benz will have the strongest BEV portfolio in India with its 6 luxury BEVs launched so far. Our decision to produce the EQS SUV locally, is supported by India’s growing preference for SUVs, which currently account for 55% of the luxury vehicle market. This is the best of technology, luxury and space with sustainability at its heart,” Iyer said.

The target audience for the SUV, he adds, is a second-generation entrepreneur who is tech savvy and likes to travel with family and typically in the age group between 35-42 years.

The Pune plant now handles the production of both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and BEVs under the same roof. The company grew at 60% in H1 24, Iyer adds.

“The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC local production underscores flexibility of production of ICE & BEV under one roof, managing a complex supply chain process, complex battery fitment process, complex fitment of MBUX Hyperscreen, etc. Mercedes Benz Inda is the only luxury OEM to manufacture two Battery Electric Vehicles from its manufacturing facility,” said Vyankatesh Kulkarni, ED and head of operations, Mercedes-Benz India.

Kulkarni adds that Mercedes-Benz India has made significant strides in electrification, with a BEV portfolio that now includes six models: the EQA, EQB, EQE, EQS, and the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV.

In the first half of 2024, the company saw a 60% growth in BEV sales, contributing to 5% of its total sales in India. The EQS 580 sedan has already sold over 500 units locally, and there are confirmed bookings for 80+ Electric G-Class models ahead of its launch.

With the launch of the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz India is poised to further accelerate its leadership in the luxury electric vehicle space.