Mercedes-Benz India has started local production of the all-new electric GLC at its manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. The first domestically produced GLC 400 4MATIC rolled off the assembly line on Wednesday. The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ms. Sunetra Pawar.
The launch was also attended by a number of Mercedes-Benz executives, including Martin Brudermueller, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mercedes-Benz AG; Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz AG; Dr. Joerg Burzer, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz AG; Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India; and Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India.
India’s first SUV based on new electric platform
The Electric GLC is India’s first Mercedes-Benz SUV based on the company’s next-generation electric vehicle architecture, MB.EA-M. It uses an 800-volt power system and has a range of up to 711 kilometers (WLTP, ARAI certification combined). The SUV also runs on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
The company said the deployment demonstrates the efficiency and flexibility of its India facilities and its focus on talent. The factory relies on production systems powered by digitalization, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Electric vehicles and diesel locomotives are on the same line
At Chakan, the electric GLC is assembled on the same flexible production line as Mercedes-Benz India’s internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The facility builds multiple vehicle platforms under one roof, including internal combustion engines and battery-electric powertrains.
Made in India for 30 years
Mercedes-Benz India has sold over 240,000 vehicles in the country, the highest among luxury carmakers. Most of the cars it sells are produced at the Chakan plant.
The company has invested 32 billion Indian rupees (approximately 320 million euros) in the facility. This includes an additional INR 2 billion in 2026 for new product start-ups, manufacturing operations and digitization. The factory works with nearly 20 direct suppliers in India. In addition to its own employees, the company estimates it supports approximately 18,000 employees at suppliers and service providers in the region.
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics on the Shop Floor
The factory runs more than 15 real-time artificial intelligence projects to improve quality, efficiency, decision-making and workforce skills. Camera-based visual AI system checks quality in real time. In supply chains, data-driven models can predict possible problems so teams can take early action. AI-powered tools can also help train workers. Industrial robots handle critical tasks such as welding, riveting and painting. The company says it combines networked artificial intelligence systems with manual precision.
Based on ten years of GLC
GLC arrived in India in 2016 and has nearly 22,000 customers so far. It remains one of the brand’s most successful SUVs. The electric version is aimed at tech-savvy buyers who expect digital, intuitive technology.
Early demand has been strong. Mercedes-Benz received over 550 expressions of interest in the first 36 hours of bookings opening, even before the SUV made its debut in India. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-November 2026.
Mr Kallenius said: “India is a very important market for us and we see huge potential for the future. A new generation of customers is choosing Mercedes-Benz and we are bringing them the strongest product portfolio ever. The electric GLC shows where we are heading: it brings everything that customers love about the GLC into the electric age: unmistakable Mercedes-Benz design, comfort and innovation, combined with electric performance. The electric GLC It’s already off to an overwhelming start and I believe it will improve its position as the best in its segment and make electric driving even more desirable.”
Dr. Burzer said: “India is of strategic importance to Mercedes-Benz, both as a key market and as an integral part of the international R&D network. The all-electric GLC powered by MB.OS brings our latest digital innovations to Indian customers, creating an intuitive, seamless and deeply integrated experience. At the same time, our engineers in India are contributing to shaping the future of Mercedes-Benz globally. The combination of local expertise, global innovation and local production makes this GLC particularly special.”
Mr. Iyer said, “The launch of the electric GLC with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and members of the Board of Directors of Mercedes-Benz AG is a key moment in the history of Mercedes-Benz in India. The presence of Indian dignitaries, as well as the Supervisory Board and Management Board of Mercedes-Benz, highlights the importance of India as a strategic market for Mercedes-Benz. The launch of the electric GLC will be a catalyst for Mercedes-Benz’s future growth trajectory in India, as it strives to provide ideal products and services to Indian customers while making a significant contribution to the Indian economy and local communities.”
Mr. Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India, added, “The launch of the electric GLC is a proud and defining moment for Mercedes-Benz India. With our first software terminal, we have introduced the MB.OS architecture in our locally manufactured product portfolio for discerning Indian customers, and the GLC-BEV “