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- Mercedes-Benz EV sales have doubled to around 14% of its total deliveries in India, reflecting a significant shift in consumer preferences towards electrified powertrains.
- Nearly 49.1% of passenger vehicles registered in the ₹30 lakh-plus segment during January-May 2026 are electric or hybrid, indicating a strong trend among premium buyers.
- This shift means that nearly every second premium car registered in India is now electrified, suggesting a potential for electric and hybrid models to overtake conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.
- The share of electrified vehicles in the premium segment was only 10% three years ago, highlighting the rapid change in buyer preferences.
- Premium buyers are now evaluating multiple propulsion technologies based on performance and ownership experience, rather than just choosing between petrol and diesel.
- The wider availability of hybrid and battery electric models, along with improved technology and rising consumer confidence, is accelerating this shift in the market.
Mercedes-Benz India has seen its electric vehicle sales double to 14% of total deliveries, reflecting a broader trend in the premium car market where 49.1% of vehicles priced above ₹30 lakh are now electrified. This marks a significant increase from 10% three years ago.2
According to Jato Dynamics, nearly half of the premium cars registered in India are now hybrids or battery electric vehicles, indicating a shift in consumer preferences. “Consumer preference for a powertrain depends on the latest technology and the total cost of ownership,” said Santosh Iyer, managing director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India. “Customers are doing the math, and if the total cost of ownership is lower than an internal combustion engine vehicle, they are willing to look beyond traditional ICE technologies,” he added.
The trend is echoed by other luxury brands. BMW India reported a 78% increase in EV sales, with electric models now accounting for 26% of its sales, up from 21% the previous year. “We sold 78% more EVs as compared to the same period last year,” said Hardeep Singh Brar, CEO of BMW India.
The shift towards electrification is reshaping product strategies, with manufacturers expanding their portfolios across hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles. “Premium buyers are no longer simply choosing between petrol and diesel,” said Ravi Bhatia, president of Jato Dynamics India. “They are evaluating multiple propulsion technologies based on performance, refinement, ownership experience and sustainability.”5
“Jato Dynamics data shows electrified vehicles captured 49.1% of premium registrations in Jan-May 2026, up from ~10% three years ago. BMW India reported a 78% surge in EV sales for the first half, and Volvo Car India's MD said the conversation has shifted from 'should I buy an EV' to 'which EV to buy'.”
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