Mercedes-Benz India Discontinues Four Models, Shifts Focus to Premium Segment

Mercedes-Benz India has discontinued four models, including the A-Class sedan, EQA, EQB, and EQE SUV, as part of a portfolio refresh. This move aligns with the company's new strategy to focus on the higher-end luxury segment in India, rather than pursuing sales volumes in the entry-level market.

Key Highlights

• Mercedes-Benz India discontinued A-Class sedan EQA EQB and EQE SUV in 2024
• GLA SUV is now the entry-level ICE model priced from Rs 5180 lakh to Rs 55 lakh
• CLA EV launch set for April 24 with up to 792 km range and bookings open
• FY26 sales reached 19363 units with top-end models growing 16 percent year on year

Discontinued Models and Current Lineup

The A-Class sedan, launched in India in 2021 and last available between Rs 44.46 lakh and Rs 45.92 lakh, is no longer part of the Mercedes-Benz India lineup. The A-Class targeted first-time luxury buyers and featured turbo petrol and diesel engines, along with the MBUX infotainment system. With its discontinuation, the GLA SUV becomes the most accessible internal combustion engine (ICE) model from Mercedes-Benz in India. The GLA SUV, sharing its platform and engine options with the A-Class, is priced from Rs 51.80 lakh to Rs 55 lakh.

In the electric vehicle (EV) segment, Mercedes-Benz has removed the EQA, EQB, and EQE SUV from its Indian portfolio. The EQA, previously the entry-level Mercedes EV, was priced between Rs 66 lakh and Rs 68 lakh. It featured a 70.5 kWh battery pack and offered a range of about 560 km. The EQB, a family-oriented SUV with a rare 7-seater configuration in the luxury EV segment, was available from Rs 72 lakh to Rs 79 lakh. It offered both FWD and AWD versions, with a range up to 535 km.

The EQE SUV, built on a dedicated electric platform, was priced between Rs 1.39 crore and Rs 1.41 crore. It came with a 90.56 kWh battery and a range of 550 km. Notable features included a 56-inch curved glass dashboard with three screens and air suspension.

Upcoming Launches and Market Strategy

Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce the CLA EV in India, with its launch scheduled for April 24. Bookings are open with a token amount of Rs 1.5 lakh. The CLA EV will use the new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles. Key features include an 800-volt architecture, 2-speed transmission, triple-display setup, and a low drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd. The CLA EV will be available in standard and long-range versions, offering up to 792 km of range. Expected pricing is between Rs 51.80 lakh and Rs 55 lakh.

This strategic shift comes after Mercedes-Benz India reported sales of 19,363 units in FY26, a 2.3% year-on-year increase. The brand's top-end vehicle sales grew by 16%, while entry-level luxury segment sales declined by 18% year-on-year. Vehicles priced above Rs 1.25 crore now account for about 25% of Mercedes-Benz India's total sales. The company aims to strengthen its position in the premium luxury segment, responding to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences.