In 1995, Mercedes-Benz began assembling luxury cars in India. Manufacturing a German luxury brand in the country was considered ambitious back then. Fast forward to 2025, and Mercedes-Benz has just produced its 200,000th ‘Made in India’ car at its Chakan plant near Pune. It reflects the shift in how India consumes, manufactures, and aspires toward global standards in premium automobiles. 200,000th car being the Mercedes Benz EQS.
A Production Journey in Three Acts
Here’s how long it took Mercedes-Benz to hit each significant milestone:
- The first 50,000 cars: 1995 to 2014 (19 years)
- The next 100,000 vehicles: 2015 to 2023 (9 years)
- The last 50,000 vehicles: 2023 to 2025 (just over 2 years)
Production is accelerating, and so is India’s appetite for luxury.
Chakan: Not Just a Plant, a Powerhouse
The Chakan facility is more than a factory. It has become a benchmark for quality and innovation.
It was the first plant outside Germany to produce a Maybach. It has run on 100 percent renewable energy since 2022. Today, it assembles 11 different models ranging from the A-Class to the S-Class and the entire EQ range.
This makes it the most diversified luxury car manufacturing site in India.
The EQS SUV: Flagship and Now, Local
The EQS SUV is the first electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz to be locally assembled in India.
It comes with a 122 kWh battery pack, a certified range of over 800 kilometers, and twin motors that deliver both performance and silence. Inside, it features a digital-first layout with expansive displays and premium comfort.
Local assembly brings down costs and reaffirms the brand’s focus on India’s transition to electric mobility.
Big Numbers, Bigger Commitment
Mercedes-Benz has invested ₹3,000 crore in its India operations to date. In 2024 alone, it added ₹200 crore more, the highest annual investment made by any luxury automaker in the country.
This is backed by a strong retail and service network, with more than 100 outlets in over 50 cities.
India’s Role is Changing
This milestone marks India’s rise not just as a consumer market but as a global production base for high-end automobiles.
India is no longer just an importer of luxury. It’s a country where luxury is built, refined, and future-ready.
In the words of Dr. Jörg Burzer from Mercedes-Benz Group AG, “This milestone underlines India’s potential as a key manufacturing hub for the future.”
The Road Ahead
This 200,000th car isn’t just a number. It’s a reflection of how far India has come in the luxury automobile segment.
Mercedes-Benz continues to bet big on India. And if the last few years are any indication, the road ahead looks electric, premium, and proudly made at home.
