Stories
Mercedes-Benz India Sees Strong Potential for Plug-in Hybrids in Luxury Segment
- •Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer believes plug-in hybrids are a strong interim technology that balances the best of both electric and internal combustion engines.
- •Plug-in hybrids address key consumer concerns like range anxiety and charging infrastructure while offering around 100 kilometers of everyday EV driving range.
- •Although priced 5 to 6 percent higher than conventional or electric models, luxury buyers are willing to pay the premium for peace of mind, flexibility, and better resale value.
- •Mercedes-Benz is expanding its plug-in hybrid portfolio in India by introducing the technology to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the E53 AMG.
Key Questions Answered
Mercedes-Benz India believes plug-in hybrids offer a balanced interim solution that addresses concerns like range anxiety and charging infrastructure. Luxury consumers are willing to pay a premium for the flexibility of electric driving range combined with combustion engine backup, along with better residual values than pure EVs.
According to Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer, plug-in hybrid models are priced about 5 to 6 percent higher than conventional internal combustion engine cars or fully electric vehicles. However, luxury buyers are willing to make this trade-off for peace of mind and greater flexibility.
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its lineup by introducing plug-in hybrid technology to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the S-Class, with deliveries expected by the end of October. The company has also introduced the E53 AMG plug-in hybrid, and customer deliveries for it have already commenced.
