Mercedes-Benz India has quietly but meaningfully expanded its flagship portfolio with two parallel announcements that underline where the brand currently sees demand shaping up in the country. The first is the start of local production of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS at its Pune manufacturing facility, while the second involves a round of updates to the EQS SUV range, including equipment additions and configuration changes across both the 450 and 580 variants.

Local assembly of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is a notable step. India now becomes the first market outside the United States where this ultra-luxury SUV will be produced, moving away from its earlier completely built unit status. Since its introduction in India in mid-2021, the Maybach GLS has found steady traction among buyers looking for a chauffeur-driven luxury SUV that prioritises rear-seat comfort over outright driving involvement. With India now counted among Mercedes-Maybach’s top five global markets, the shift to local production appears to be driven as much by demand stability as by the need to shorten delivery timelines.

This move also fits into a broader pattern the brand has been following in India, where the focus has steadily shifted from chasing volume growth to strengthening its presence in high-margin, high-luxury segments. We had earlier explored this strategic shift in detail in our analysis of Mercedes-Benz India’s 2025 story, which highlighted how the brand’s priorities are increasingly aligned with where the luxury market itself is headed rather than sheer numbers here- Mercedes Benz 2025 Story

At its core, the Maybach GLS remains mechanically unchanged. It continues to use a 3,982 cc petrol V8 engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, producing a combined output of 557 hp and 770 Nm of torque, with an additional boost from the electric assist. Power is delivered through a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, and despite its size and weight, the SUV is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds. That said, performance is largely incidental here. The Maybach GLS is designed to be experienced from the rear seat, and that is where the focus clearly lies.

The rear cabin layout resembles what one would expect from a long-distance luxury cruiser rather than a conventional SUV. Two individual executive seats dominate the space, separated by a substantial centre console that houses controls, storage, and a refrigerated compartment. Folding tables, champagne flute holders, and a rear MBUX tablet reinforce the idea that this vehicle is as much about travel comfort and work-on-the-move functionality as it is about luxury. Features such as multi-contour seats with massage functions, seat ventilation, and ambient comfort programmes are intended to make longer journeys less tiring, especially when the vehicle is chauffeur-driven.

Material choices play a large role in shaping the Maybach GLS experience. Extensive use of nappa leather through the MANUFAKTUR packages extends upholstery to areas often overlooked in standard luxury vehicles, including roof liners and window surrounds. Acoustic insulation is well judged, and the Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system, with its 29-speaker layout, contributes to a cabin environment that feels isolated from the outside world. Ride quality is managed by the E-ACTIVE Body Control suspension, which adapts constantly to road surfaces and driving conditions, lending the GLS a sense of composure even on less-than-perfect roads.

Visually, the Maybach GLS does not attempt to disguise its size. The signature two-tone paint finish, large alloy wheels, subtle chrome detailing, and restrained Maybach badging distinguish it from the standard GLS without dramatically altering its silhouette. It remains an SUV that signals luxury through proportion and finish rather than aggressive design cues.

Alongside this, Mercedes-Benz India has also introduced updates to the EQS SUV range, reflecting a gradual evolution rather than a major overhaul. Both the EQS SUV 450 and EQS SUV 580 continue to be powered by a 122 kWh battery and support DC fast charging at up to 200 kW, allowing a 10 to 80 percent charge in just over half an hour under optimal conditions. The EQS SUV 580 produces 400 kW and 858 Nm of torque, while the EQS SUV 450 delivers 265 kW and 800 Nm, with both models using a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.

The EQS SUV 580 once again offers a seven-seat configuration, something that had previously seen limited availability. The third row adds flexibility for buyers who need occasional additional seating, while the second row benefits from features such as rear seat ventilation and access to vehicle controls via an MBUX rear tablet. Packaging constraints mean that certain features, including Energizing Air Control Plus and a spare wheel, are no longer offered with the seven-seat layout, a trade-off that buyers will need to consider depending on their usage.

The EQS SUV 450, meanwhile, gains the AMG Line package, bringing with it sportier exterior detailing, AMG-specific bumpers, and larger alloy wheels. This update gives the 450 variant a more assertive visual presence, narrowing the perceived gap between it and the higher-spec 580. Rear seat ventilation has also been added, improving overall passenger comfort, particularly in warmer conditions.

Performance figures remain competitive within the segment. The EQS SUV 580 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, while the 450 completes the same sprint in 6.2 seconds. Claimed ARAI-certified driving ranges of 809 km and 775 km respectively place both models among the longest-range electric SUVs currently on sale in India, although real-world figures will naturally vary based on driving style and conditions.

Taken together, these updates reflect a measured approach rather than a dramatic shift. By localising production of the Maybach GLS and refining the EQS SUV range, Mercedes-Benz India appears focused on consolidating its position at the top end of the luxury and electric segments, addressing practical ownership considerations while maintaining the core character of its flagship offerings.