Mercedes-Benz India says the CLA Electric has received more than 1,000 confirmed orders, with deliveries extending into March 2027 due to limited supply. Customers are currently facing waiting periods of up to six months for the electric sedan. The strong demand comes as Mercedes-Benz recorded its highest-ever January-September sales in India, with 15,190 cars retailed in the first nine months of 2026, up 8 percent from the same period last year.
The July-September quarter also set a new sales record, with 5,422 units retailed, a 6 percent increase over Q3 2025. Growth was driven by new launches and demand for long-wheelbase models like the E-Class, GLE, GLS and V-Class. The company also said repeat purchases from existing Mercedes-Benz customers as part of the replacement cycle contributed to demand.
Mercedes-Benz sees strong demand for CLA Electric
The CLA Electric, launched in April this year, has helped drive Mercedes-Benz India’s electric car sales, which grew 16 percent in January-September 2026. Mercedes-Benz expects EVs to account for 20-25 percent of its sales next year if supply improves. The company says supply remains the main constraint on its electric car sales. Managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer said Mercedes-Benz India could have achieved 7-8 percentage points higher EV penetration this year if not for supply-side issues.
The automaker also recorded strong demand at the top end of its range. Sales of the EQS Maybach SUV grew 68 percent year on year in January-September 2026, and the company will begin deliveries of the new electrified S-Class from mid-October. The top-spec MANUFAKTUR version is sold out for the year, while a limited number of Exclusive Line cars remain available for order.
Mercedes-Benz sales rise 6 percent in Q3
The core luxury segment accounted for around 60 percent of Mercedes-Benz India’s sales in January-September, with the C-Class, GLC, GLE and long-wheelbase E-Class making up the bulk of this segment. The entry-luxury segment, comprising the GLA and CLA Electric, accounted for around 15 percent of sales and grew 4 percent during the period.
The company’s top-end portfolio grew 13 percent and accounted for more than 25 percent of sales. Mercedes-AMG sales rose 18 percent during the period. Q3 sales were also 17 percent higher than in the previous quarter.
Diesel share rises to 40 percent
Diesel models now account for 40 percent of Mercedes-Benz India’s sales, up from 38 percent, according to managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer. The increase comes as chief rival BMW has been shifting its model line-up away from diesel and towards electrified powertrains in India.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric bookings open
Mercedes-Benz has opened bookings for the GLC Electric in India ahead of the model’s launch on November 4. The SUV will be assembled at the company’s Chakan plant and will initially be offered in the 400 4Matic version, with a 94kWh battery and a claimed WLTP range of 715km.
The GLC Electric will join the CLA Electric, EQS SUV, EQS Maybach SUV and G580 in Mercedes-Benz India’s electric line-up.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
