Mercedes-Benz EQS

At a price point of Rs 1.30 Crore, this vehicle enters a segment dominated by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series, yet it makes the baffling decision to pair a petrol engine with a manual transmission. For the Indian buyer, this creates a significant usability hurdle; while the 7 airbags and comprehensive ADAS suite—including Active Lane Keeping and Evasive Steering Assist—provide top-tier safety, the manual gearbox is ill-suited for the stop-and-go congestion of cities like Mumbai or Delhi. The claimed 857.0 kmpl mileage is a statistical anomaly that does not reflect real-world fuel costs, which will be substantial given the performance-oriented petrol engine. Maintenance costs are pegged at Rs 85,000 to Rs 1,10,000 annually, primarily because the sophisticated sensor suite for features like Blind Spot Assist and Active Brake Assist requires professional calibration that local mechanics cannot provide. Insurance premiums are high, reflecting the high repair costs associated with the body structure and specialized electronics. Reliability is tied to the availability of parts; with no spare tyre provided, owners are entirely dependent on roadside assistance, which is a concern for long-distance highway touring. Resale value will likely suffer compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS or S-Class, as the Indian luxury market heavily favors automatic transmissions and established service networks. While the inclusion of ISOFIX mounts and a full suite of active safety tech like EBD and Hill Assist makes it a safe family vehicle, the manual transmission makes it a niche product for a very specific type of driver. Long-term ownership will require a commitment to authorized service centers, as the proprietary software governing the ADAS features is not compatible with third-party diagnostics. Ultimately, while the safety credentials are high, the combination of a manual transmission at this price point and the lack of a spare tyre makes this an impractical choice for most luxury buyers in India.