Mercedes has launched six new cars and SUVs in the first half of 2024 and plans to release six more models by the end of the year. At the launch event for the EQA and EQB facelift in India, the German brand confirmed the upcoming all-electric G-Class, called the G 580 with EQ Technology, and the luxurious Maybach EQS SUV. They also hinted at an AMG model and showed a silhouette of a four-seat convertible.
Upcoming EVs in India
Mercedes will bring two more electric vehicles (EVs) to India this year. They have already started taking bookings for the all-electric G-Class. Priced around Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom), the G 580 with EQ Technology features a 116kWh battery, offering a range of up to 473km (WLTP). It has four individual motors powering each wheel, providing a combined 587hp and 1,164Nm of peak torque, with each motor having a separate 2-speed gearbox.
Mercedes claims the G 580 can go from 0 to 100kph in less than 5 seconds and has a top speed of 180kph. While it resembles the standard G-Class, it has subtle design tweaks to improve aerodynamics. The G 580 includes three special features for off-road driving: G-Turn for rotating 720 degrees on the spot, G-Steering for reducing the turning circle, and an off-road crawler function that operates as low as 2kph. It also has a ‘transparent bonnet’ function using front-facing cameras to display an image on the infotainment screen.
Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV
The most expensive Mercedes EV, the Maybach EQS SUV, will also be launched in India soon. It features more chrome than the standard EQS SUV and includes signature Maybach wheels, dual-tone paint, and various logos. Expected to be launched in the ‘680’ form, it will have a 108.4kWh battery, providing a range of 600km. Two electric motors deliver a total output of 658hp and 950Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100kph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 210kph. Prices are expected to be around Rs 4 crore (ex-showroom).
New Mercedes E-Class LWB
The sixth-generation E-Class will be launched this festive season, competing with the newly launched BMW 5 Series LWB. Prices are expected to be around Rs 70 lakh-80 lakh, with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engine options. The new E-Class is larger than its predecessor, though the 5 Series LWB is still bigger. It’s uncertain if the ‘Superscreen’ – a combination of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen – will be available in the India-spec E-Class.
New Mercedes-AMG GT
The new AMG GT, likely priced around Rs 2.5 crore, is larger, roomier, and more practical than its predecessor. It has a new body structure made of aluminum, composite fiber materials, magnesium, and steel. Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, producing 476hp in the 55 4Matic+ version and 585hp in the 63 4Matic+ version. A 9-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.
Mercedes also teased a four-seat convertible, likely the CLE Cabriolet, which was revealed last July. Internationally, it’s available in various versions, including the CLE 200 (204hp), CLE 300 (258hp), CLE 450 (381hp), and CLE 220d (197hp). There is also an AMG ‘53’ version with a 449hp mild-hybrid straight-six turbo-petrol engine. The more powerful CLE 63 AMG, with a 4.0-litre V8 engine, is also in development. It’s unclear which of these versions will be available in India. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch approaches.