After recording its highest-ever annual sales in India in 2023, Mercedes-Benz is entering 2024 with a flourish, bringing the GLS SUV, priced between Rs 1.32 crore-1.37 crore, to the market a week into the new year. The German luxury brand has confirmed that the GLS is the first of over 12 new launches planned for India this year. The company says it is bringing three EVs and that half of the new models coming cost upwards of Rs 1.5 crore. Here are eight new cars and SUVs we can confirm are coming to India during 2024.
2024 Mercedes India cars launch details
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
With prices expected between Rs 70 lakh-90 lakh, the sixth-generation E-Class will arrive by late 2024. It’ll only be available in long-wheelbase form, like previous generations. The all-new luxury sedan is larger than its predecessor and has many design elements seen on the S-Class. 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. Mercedes is expected to offer either a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid assist option or a 2.0-litre diesel engine option for India; a 9-speed automatic will be standard across the range.
Mercedes GLC Coupe
A swanky alternative to the more upright GLC SUV, the GLC Coupe looks similar, but gets a raked roofline with a plunging liftback-like tailgate. Like its SUV sibling, the new-gen GLC Coupe is larger than its predecessor and sports the latest in connectivity, tech and features from Merc’s parts bin. The Coupe is likely to share its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre diesel powertrain options with the SUV. A performance-oriented AMG version is also likely to be on offer, when SUV-coupe arrives in early 2024. Expect prices in the Rs 75 lakh-80 lakh range.
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Merc’s relatively new two-door, two-plus-two seater, the CLE, shares its underpinnings with the C-Class and new-gen E-Class. The CLE’s cabin is strikingly similar to the C- and E-Class, but it features front seats with speakers integrated into the headrest that enhance the sound from the 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system. The new model is roomier than the old C-Class coupe, especially at the rear; even boot space has increased to 420 litres. The global powertrain range includes four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with rear- and four-wheel drive options. However, India gets 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engine options. When it arrives in late 2024, the CLE is expected to be priced at around Rs 1.1 crore.
Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift
Expected to be priced at about Rs 45 lakh-49 lakh, the GLA facelift, which was showcased in May last year, is expected to launch in the first half of this year. Most of the design changes will be seen at the nose of the facelift – there’s new LED lighting at the front and rear, and the wheel arches are now painted the same colour as the car’s exterior, replacing the black plastic on the outgoing model. Changes to the cabin are minimal, though the GLA facelift does get an updated MBUX infotainment system, with interior ambient lighting and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The current 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines are expected to continue.
Mercedes-Benz GLB facelift
Around the same time as the GLA facelift, the refreshed GLB will arrive with similar cosmetic enhancements on the inside and outside, as well as updates to the infotainment system. The petrol and diesel engines paired to dual-clutch auto gearboxes and the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, are expected to continue unchanged. Prices are expected to be in the Rs 65 lakh-70 lakh region.
New Mercedes-AMG GT
Arriving in the middle of the year will be the new Mercedes-AMG GT. It’s larger and roomier than its predecessor, and is based on the new SL. The GT features a two-plus-two seating layout and a larger, more accessible boot; the new model is more practical as well. It has a newly developed body structure, which uses aluminium, composite fibre materials, magnesium and steel. The two-door sports coupe is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 developing 476hp in 55 4Matic+ guise and 585hp in 63 4Matic+ form. Transmission duties are performed by a 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic that powers all four wheels. Expect Mercedes to price it at about Rs 2.5 crore.
Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV
Coming late this year, the ultra luxurious and all-electric Maybach EQS SUV will sport a figurative tonne of chrome, along with signature Maybach wheels, dual-tone paint and logos to help differentiate it from the standard model. The EV SUV will be available in ‘680’ form – a 108.4kWh battery, which is said to provide 600km of range, powers two electric motors on each axle, delivering a total output of 658hp and 950Nm of torque. This will help this big SUV sprint to 100kph in 4.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 210kph. Expect prices to be in the Rs 4 crore region.
Mercedes-Benz EQG
The all-electric version of the iconic G Wagon, the EQG, will also arrive late this year. While Mercedes has managed to retain most of the boxy styling, there are a number of revisions to make it more aerodynamic, and therefore, more efficient. Said to be as capable and tough as the ICE G-Class, this ladder frame EV gets four motors – one at each wheel – and features a ‘G-Turn’ function. This allows the electric motors turn the wheels in opposing directions, allowing the vehicle to perform an on-the-spot 360-degree turn. Expect EQG prices to hover around the Rs 3 crore mark.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
