Mercedes-Benz India targets luxury segment with plug-in hybrids

Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer has identified significant potential for plug-in hybrid vehicles within the luxury segment. According to Iyer, consumers are willing to pay a 5% to 6% premium over pure electric or internal combustion engine models to gain the benefits of electric driving range combined with the flexibility of a combustion engine.

Iyer noted that plug-in hybrids serve as a useful interim technology that addresses common electric vehicle concerns, such as range anxiety and limited charging infrastructure. For example, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class hybrid offers an electric range of approximately 100 kilometers for daily commuting while allowing for combustion engine use when charging is unavailable.

The company is expanding its plug-in hybrid portfolio in India, which includes the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the E53 AMG plug-in hybrid. Deliveries for the S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class models are expected to commence by the end of October.