Lately, the pendulum of luxury appears to be shifting from European shores to Asian ones. This shift is particularly evident in India’s rising luxury car market, which recorded around 42,371 units sold in 2023 alone, marking a significant 20 per cent year-on-year increase. Not wanting to miss out on their share of the pie, carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, among others, have set up manufacturing plants in India to price their latest and greatest more competitively. Here, we take a look at some of the most expensive made-in-India cars that are entirely produced or assembled locally. 

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class S580 

In 2022, Mercedes-Benz launched the locally assembled Maybach S580 for Rs 2.71 crore (ex-showroom). Introduced alongside the S680, which was brought in as a completely built unit, both models offer an unparalleled cabin experience better than most first-class airline seats. 

The rear cabin of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class S580 introduces electronically operated rear doors controlled with a simple hand gesture to the MBUX system. The extended wheelbase, 180mm longer than the standard S-Class, offers more room and comfort. The twin 'Executive Seats' are covered in fine leather and have plush pillows on the headrests. These seats can recline up to 43.5 degrees, offering a first-class airline suite experience. 

The dashboard mirrors that of the standard S-Class but includes a wood insert finish with Maybach-themed graphics for its MBUX infotainment system. Notable features include a 4D Burmester sound system, augmented reality head-up display, adaptive rear ambient lighting, and active noise suppression to ensure a quiet cabin environment. 

In India, the Maybach S-Class comes with two powertrain options: a 612PS/900Nm V12 petrol engine and a 503PS/700Nm V8 petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Both all-wheel-drive (AWD) and rear-axle steering are standard, and the car offers a new 'Maybach' driving mode. 

Mercedes-Benz EQS 

Alongside the Maybach S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is the electric counterpart to the limousine and serves as the flagship electric sedan for the German luxury brand. The EQS is available in two trims: the locally assembled 580 4Matic and the AMG-spec 53 4Matic+, which is a fully imported unit. 

The EQS features the impressive 3-screen MBUX Hyperscreen, including a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a similar-sized screen for the passenger, and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Additional features include a Burmester 3D sound system, heads-up display, rear axle steering, and ambient lighting. Safety features include nine airbags, electronic stability control, and various ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) such as auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous parking. 

Both the AMG 53 4Matic+ and EQS 580 4Matic variants are equipped with a dual electric motor setup and a 107.8kWh battery pack. The 580 4Matic delivers 523PS/855Nm and has a WLTP-claimed range of 857km, while the AMG variant offers 761PS/1020Nm, a range of 586km, and can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 3.4 seconds. The battery can be fast-charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes using a 200kW charger, with a 22kW wallbox AC charger included as standard. The EQS measures 5216mm in length, 2125mm in width, and 1512mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3210mm. 

BMW 7 Series 

BMW continues to double down on its efforts to gain a dominant foothold in the Indian luxury segment. As part of this, the German brand has introduced a slew of imported and made-in-India offerings, including the latest incarnation of the 7 Series, available in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric (i7) variants. The ICE-powered 7 Series is priced at Rs 1.91 crore, while the electric i7 is priced at Rs 2.03 crore (all prices, ex-showroom). The ICE variant is assembled in India, whereas the i7 is fully imported. 

The cabin design of the new 7 Series is futuristic, featuring a curved display with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s screen and a 14.9-inch infotainment system. Additionally, there is a 31.3-inch 8K screen at the rear for entertainment, and rear seat controls are managed via 5.5-inch displays integrated into the rear doors. Unique features include heated panels for the armrests and the underside of the instrument panel. 

The 7 Series is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, producing 380PS and 520Nm of torque, which can be boosted to 540PS with the 48-V mild-hybrid system. A V8 engine with an output of 544PS and 750Nm is available in other markets. 

Volvo XC90 

Moving away from the usual suspects, the Swedish brand Volvo has been quietly producing a significant fleet of its cars at its plant in Bengaluru. One of which is the XC90, which sells for a sticker price of Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). 

The XC90 is equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 19-speaker Bower and Wilkins sound system, a PM2.5 air filter, heated front seats with a massage function, a wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12.3-inch driver’s display. Safety features include multiple airbags, lane keep assist, hill start assist, blind spot detection, tyre pressure monitoring, and park assist with a 360-degree camera. Autonomous driving features include rear collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

Volvo offers the XC90 with two powertrains: a 300PS/420Nm mild-hybrid petrol and a 303PS/400Nm plug-in hybrid motor. Both come paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain. The mild-hybrid can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 6.7 seconds, while the plug-in hybrid does it in 5.8 seconds, with both having a top speed of 180kmph. 

Land Rover Range Rover 

In a bid to establish a more substantial presence in India, the JLR group has started assembling some of its products locally. Case in point, the Range Rover Autobiography LWB is priced at Rs 2.60 crore (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium turbo petrol engine that produces 400hp and 550Nm of torque. The vehicle includes all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and a Terrain Response 2 system with six driving modes. 

Features include a 35-speaker, 1,600W Meridian Signature Sound System, a 13.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, 11.4-inch rear-mounted touchscreens, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated, heated, and massage seats. 

Range Rover Sport 

In a similar vein, the locally assembled Range Rover Sport is priced from Rs 1.4 crores (ex-showroom). Thanks to the aforementioned local assembly, JLR was able to offer a price reduction of Rs 29 lakh on the SUV. 

The Range Rover Sport comes with two engine options: a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid straight-six producing 350hp and 700Nm, and a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid straight-six turbo petrol engine with 400hp and 550Nm. Both engines are paired with 8-speed automatic gearboxes and an all-wheel-drive system. 

Features include a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 19-speaker Meridian sound system, four-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, and Land Rover's Terrain Response 2 with adaptive off-road cruise control.