Mercedes‑Benz India logged its strongest Jan‑Sep 2026 run yet, shipping 15,190 cars and up 8% on a year‑on‑year basis. The spike came even as the company struggled to meet demand for key models.
The electric‑vehicle wing is where the squeeze shows most. BEV sales grew 16% in the first nine months, yet they only made up 9‑10% of total sales. The CLA BEV, in particular, drew over 1,000 confirmed orders, with many deliveries pushed to March 2027.
While Mercedes‑Benz’s rivals—like Tata and Hyundai—have managed smoother roll‑outs of their EVs, the brand’s supply chain hiccups keep it from turning that 16% growth into double‑digit sales. Forecasting errors meant the EQS SUV, a high‑end electric SUV, was short‑supply in India, leaving a gap in the lineup.
Price hikes were inevitable, but the brand kept buyers loyal with EMI holidays and low‑interest campaigns. Still, shipping delays added roughly two weeks to delivery timelines, meaning even delighted customers had to wait longer than expected.
The third quarter of 2026 was the best for Mercedes‑Benz, with 5,422 units sold—a 17% sequential jump. Yet the festive season’s surge in demand will test the supply chain further. The company expects EQS SUV supplies to ease by November‑December, and locally‑assembled GLC BEV deliveries should bolster the EV portfolio.
For anyone eyeing a Mercedes‑Benz EV, the takeaway is clear: demand is high, and the wait can stretch out to the next year. Keep an eye on the supply calendar—especially for the CLA BEV—and negotiate early to lock in the best terms before the next delivery window opens.