On this page
Mercedes-Benz India's diesel share rises to 40% in 2026 from 38%, while EV sales grow 16% in January-September
Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer sees no structural decline in diesel demand and says the company will keep a multi-powertrain portfolio as customers set the pace of electrification. It has also added plug-in hybrid versions of models such as the E 53 and S-Class.
The numbers
Figures from Business Today
| Plug-in hybrid pure electric range: | 100 plus kilometres |
|---|
Why it matters for the brand
Mercedes-Benz India's decision to hold a multi-powertrain lineup, with diesel at 40% and EVs growing 16%, indicates that luxury-auto partnerships and supplier deals in India should cover both ICE and EV demand rather than assume a one-way shift.
What to track next
- Mercedes-Benz India's full-year 2026 diesel share against the 40% reached this year
- Whether EV sales growth stays at or above the 16% January-September rate in the final quarter
- Rival luxury brands announcing new diesel launches or withdrawing diesel variants
- Government announcements on diesel restrictions, taxes or EV incentives
- Mercedes-Benz India's next product launches and the powertrain mix they carry
Likely next moves
Our read of what comes next — analysis, not reported by the source.
- Mercedes-Benz India is likely to keep diesel variants in its core models while it widens EV availability, rather than commit to a single powertrain path.
- Expect Mercedes-Benz India's management to cite the 40% diesel share and the 16% EV growth as evidence for its multi-powertrain stance in coming results and press briefings.
- Rival luxury carmakers in India may keep or extend diesel options in their own lineups if Mercedes-Benz's mix gain looks durable.
- Regulators are likely to remain the main swing factor, and any signal on diesel or EV policy would quickly shift how luxury buyers choose between powertrains.
- Luxury customers who prioritise range and highway use are likely to keep supporting diesel, while urban and early-adopter buyers drive EV growth.
The source
Filed
First seen