Mercedes-Benz Plans 12 New Cars for India in 2026 as GLC EV Bookings Cross 1,000

November 07, 2026: Mercedes-Benz is betting big on the Indian luxury car market. The German automaker plans to expand its business in the country by tapping into the growing demand for premium cars and the rising popularity of electric vehicles. The company plans to introduce 12 new models in India in 2026. It is also focusing on increasing local production at its Pune facility.

According to company officials, there is significant potential to expand business in the Indian market over the next five to seven years. Mercedes-Benz Group Chairman Ola Källenius believes the company's sales in India could set a new record this year.

One of the reasons behind this optimism is the new GLC EV. According to a Financial Express report, bookings for the electric SUV have already crossed 1,000 units. As a result, the company's order book is reportedly full until March 2027.

Preparations Underway to Increase GLC EV Production

The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV has an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹78.5 lakh. The electric SUV is assembled at the company's production facility in Pune. According to the Financial Express report, the first phase of deliveries is expected to begin soon.

Speaking at the car's launch in Pune, Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said the company had received more than 1,000 bookings for the SUV. With demand exceeding expectations, the company has started taking steps to increase production.

Discussions are underway with the company's global leadership on this matter. Mercedes-Benz India is looking to secure additional assembly kits to increase production at the Pune plant and reduce waiting periods for customers.

Mercedes-Benz Plans to Launch 12 New Models in 2026

Mercedes-Benz has ambitious plans to introduce new models in the Indian market. The company aims to launch a total of 12 new models in 2026. According to Källenius, this is one of the largest product launch programmes in the company's history.

The plan could include several types of luxury vehicles, including petrol, diesel and electric models. The company sees significant growth potential, particularly in the premium electric vehicle segment.

Mercedes-Benz is also looking to increase the number of models manufactured in India. It plans to assemble more vehicles at its Pune facility and is considering expanding production capacity in line with market demand.

Mercedes-Benz Expects Record Sales in India

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Ola Källenius said Mercedes-Benz sold more than 5,400 cars in India in the third quarter of 2026. This marked the company's highest-ever quarterly sales in the country.

According to him, the stronger-than-expected pre-orders for the GLC EV have further boosted the company's confidence in the Indian market. Källenius also said that, outside China, the company recorded business growth across various markets during the first three quarters of 2026, supported by the introduction of new models.

Pressure in China Pushes Mercedes-Benz to Focus More on India

Mercedes-Benz's expansion plans in India come at a time when the company is facing several challenges in global markets. Demand for luxury cars and other premium products has weakened, particularly in China.

According to the report, the company's revenue declined by 9% last year. Its adjusted operating profit also fell by 15% in the third quarter of 2026. The company has also lowered its full-year financial forecast.

However, Mercedes-Benz has no plans to withdraw from the Chinese market. Källenius said the company is focusing on adapting its vehicle portfolio to the preferences of Chinese buyers and increasing investment in research and development.

Mercedes-Benz Has Invested More Than ₹3,000 Crore in India

Mercedes-Benz's plans for India go beyond car sales. Manufacturing, research and development, and partnerships with local suppliers and technology companies are also important parts of its strategy.

Källenius said the company has already invested more than ₹3,000 crore in India. It plans to add more models to its Pune production facility and increase local manufacturing in the coming years.

Vehicles manufactured in India are currently produced mainly for the domestic market. However, Mercedes-Benz is also working with Indian suppliers and technology companies to support its international business.

In other words, the German automaker sees India not just as a sales market but also as an important part of its wider global business strategy.