Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Mercedes Says Luxury Buyers Will Pay More for Plug-In Hybrids
Mercedes-Benz says some luxury-car buyers want to drive on electricity but do not want to depend on finding a charger.
A plug-in hybrid can use electricity for shorter trips and a petrol engine when needed.
The company has launched a new Maybach model that can travel around 100 kilometres using electric power, according to Mercedes-Benz.
It costs Rs 3.35 crore, and only 30 are being offered at first.
Santosh Iyer says different buyers have different access to charging.
Mercedes-Benz is also selling fully electric cars, and its battery-electric portfolio grew during the reported period.
The company says it is offering several kinds of powertrains rather than relying on only one.
Mercedes-Benz India says some luxury buyers will pay extra for plug-in hybrids to avoid charging dependence and anxiety.
The company launched the Mercedes-Maybach S 580e 4MATIC in India at Rs 3.35 crore, initially offering 30 units.
The limousine has a 3.0-litre petrol plug-in hybrid system producing 585 hp and 750 Nm, with a 22-kWh usable battery.
Mercedes-Benz says the car can travel around 100 km on electric power, with its petrol engine available for longer trips.
The company reported 15,190 vehicle sales in India from January to September 2026, while its battery-electric portfolio grew 16%.
- Who
- Mercedes-Benz India and its MD & CEO, Santosh Iyer.
- What
- Mercedes-Benz launched the Mercedes-Maybach S 580e 4MATIC and said luxury buyers are willing to pay extra for plug-in hybrids.
- When
- The launch was reported on Monday; the article also gives sales figures for January–September 2026.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The plug-in hybrid offers electric driving for daily use while retaining a petrol engine for longer journeys or when charging is inconvenient.
Plug-in hybrid advantages
Charging and electric-car considerations
Choosing a powertrain
Plug-in hybrid advantages
Santosh Iyer said a plug-in hybrid can provide electric driving for daily travel and a combustion engine as a backup, making it logical for some top-end buyers.
Charging and electric-car considerations
The article says some customers with access to home or workplace charging may find fully electric vehicles convenient, while those in high-rise buildings may face greater charging constraints.
- Model
- Mercedes-Maybach S 580e 4MATIC
- Price
- Rs 3.35 crore
- Initial availability
- 30 units
- Powertrain output
- 585 hp and 750 Nm
- Usable battery
- 22 kWh
- Electric driving range
- Around 100 km, according to Mercedes-Benz
- Mercedes-Benz India sales
- 15,190 vehicles from January to September 2026
- Battery-electric portfolio growth
- 16% during January–September 2026