India becomes first market outside Germany to manufacture Mercedes EV

The country’s largest luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz on Saturday rolled out its electric vehicle EQS 580 4MATIC. With this, India became the first market outside Germany to manufacture the EQS 580 4MATIC.

The EQS 580 4MATIC, which is claimed by Merc as India’s longest range EV, is a design and technology marvel and sets new benchmark in the luxury EV segment, stated a company press release. The launch of the EQS 580 4MATIC also underpins Mercedes-Benz’s global vision towards achieving a climate-neutral car fleet in the foreseeable future. The local manufacturing of the EQS 580 4MATIC underlines Mercedes-Benz India’s global competencies accomplished in flexible production at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that now produces series, Maybach, AMG and luxury EVs, all under one roof, added the press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The EQS 580 4MATIC is our first locally manufactured EV in India and will play a pivotal role in driving our ambitious EV plans for the market. It is a perfect blend of technology, luxury and safety, pioneering numerous tech features for our customers. India is the first country outside Germany to manufacture the EQS 580 4MATIC, and this unique distinction underpins Mercedes-Benz India’s deep customer commitment and long-term vision for developing the luxury EV market here.”

“The manufacturing of EQS 580 4MATIC in India is a key milestone and a strong testament to our state-of-the-art manufacturing prowess and our commitment to the vision of ‘Make in India’. It reiterates our relentless focus on developing the local market, creating value for customers, and introducing future-ready products, combining the best of luxury, technology, and safety. The ‘Made in India’ EQS sets a very high benchmark in the entire Indian automotive market and combines luxury and technology like no other modern EV in the market,” he added.

Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The roll-out of the EQS in India as the first market outside Germany is a very proud moment for our plant and confirms our commitment towards ‘Make in India’. It highlights our manufacturing prowess and global competence in handling complex assembly processes for a sophisticated and technologically advanced product like the EQS."

With a drag coefficient of 0.20, the luxury saloon is claimed to be India’s longest range EV with 677 kms (WLTP)/857 kms (ARAI approved) range. The lithium-ion battery comes with usable energy content of 107.8 kWh and is equipped with a 400 volt battery.

As far as the safety quotient is concerned, the EQS has a EURO NCAP rating of 5 star and comes equipped with 9 airbags for customer safety. Like all other Mercedes, the EQS features a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is standard.

Other features include rear-axle steering with 10° steering angle adjustment, HEPA Filter, Dynamic Select, and Predictive Route Planning. The sustainability in the EQS is enhanced through recycled & renewable raw materials as well as usage of recycled steel among other elements.

• Charge up to 300 kms (WLTP) in just 15 minutes at a fast-charging station

• MBUX Hyperscreen: most advanced infotainment screen ever mounted in a series-built car, measuring 56 inches comes as a standard fitment

• Priority delivery for Mercedes-Benz customers

• Service interval of 2 years or 30,000 kms | Vehicle warranty at 3 years | Battery warranty of 8 years/unlimited kms

• Service Ease Maintenance package price starts as low as INR 1 Lac

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC is launched at a price of INR 1.55 crores (all India ex-showroom)