In a surprising twist in India’s burgeoning luxury electric vehicle (EV) market, MG Motor has momentarily overtaken Mercedes-Benz to claim the second spot behind BMW, based on the latest registration data. This feat is largely driven by the introduction of two standout models through its premium MG Select dealership network: the eye-catching Cyberster roadster and the opulent M9 Presidential Limousine. While the absolute sales figures remain modest—reflecting the niche nature of the segment—these launches highlight MG’s aggressive push into high-end electrification, blending novelty, variety, and relative affordability to capture early adopter attention.
The momentum comes at a pivotal time for India’s luxury EV landscape, where registrations have surged over 170% year-on-year in recent months, with BMW maintaining its lead through consistent volume. MG’s brief leapfrog over Mercedes underscores a shift toward more accessible luxury EVs, but as experts caution, direct comparisons require nuance due to stark differences in pricing, target demographics, and import dependencies.
The Cyberster: A Head-Turning Roadster Redefining Electric Thrills
Launched on July 25, 2025, the MG Cyberster marks India’s first electric convertible roadster, injecting a dose of retro-futuristic flair into the premium EV space. Priced at an introductory Rs 74.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for fresh bookings—or Rs 72.49 lakh for pre-reserved units—it undercuts many rivals while delivering supercar-like performance. Powered by dual electric motors producing 510 PS and 725 Nm of torque, the Cyberster accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 3.2 seconds and boasts a claimed range of 580 km on a single charge, making it as practical for weekend getaways as it is exhilarating for urban cruises.Since its debut, the Cyberster has clocked around 250 deliveries, fueled by its limited early allocations and a three-to-four-month waiting period that only amplifies its exclusivity. Sold exclusively through MG Select’s high-end showrooms, it appeals to self-driving enthusiasts seeking a statement piece—think scissor doors, a fabric soft-top, and customizable ambient lighting that evokes MG’s classic British heritage with modern Chinese engineering prowess. This niche positioning has helped it punch above its weight, drawing comparisons to performance SUVs from mainstream brands rather than the sedans of traditional luxury marques.
The M9 Presidential Limousine: Rear-Seat Royalty for Chauffeur-Driven Elite
Complementing the Cyberster’s driver-focused drama is the MG M9, a seven-seater electric MPV launched just days earlier on July 21, 2025, and dubbed the “Presidential Limousine” for its yacht-inspired luxury. Starting at Rs 69.90 lakh (ex-showroom), with on-road prices hovering around Rs 73-81 lakh depending on the city, the M9 offers a 548 km range courtesy of its advanced battery pack and rear-wheel-drive setup. Deliveries kicked off on August 10, and while exact figures are modest—a steady trickle of buyers—it has carved out a dedicated following among those prioritizing rear-seat opulence over outright speed.
Inside, the M9 spoils passengers with massage seats, a panoramic “yacht-style” glass roof, quadruple-zone climate control, and a 25-speaker audio system, all wrapped in supple leather and wood accents. Its extended wheelbase ensures limo-like legroom, positioning it as a chauffeur’s dream for business tycoons and VIPs who value discretion and comfort over the spotlight. The three-to-four-month waitlist here stems from bespoke customization options, further enhancing its appeal in a market where personalization is king.
Together, these models have propelled MG to temporary second place in luxury EV registrations, trailing only BMW’s robust lineup. In September 2025 alone, BMW registered 310 units, while Mercedes managed 97, allowing MG’s combined Cyberster and M9 sales to squeeze into the silver medal spot.
Apples to Oranges: Why MG’s Lead Over Mercedes Demands Context
While the headlines celebrate MG’s ascent, pitting it directly against Mercedes-Benz invites caveats. The German icon’s flagship EVs, like the EQE and EQS sedans, command premiums exceeding Rs 1.3 crore, targeting ultra-wealthy buyers with fully imported, tech-laden flagships that boast superior customization and global badge prestige. In contrast, MG’s duo starts well below half that threshold—the Cyberster at around Rs 75 lakh and M9 at Rs 70 lakh—making them gateways for aspirational luxury seekers rather than entrenched elites.
Even Mercedes’ entry-level EV, the EQB, kicks off at approximately Rs 70.36 lakh, but its volume is dwarfed by higher-end models that define the brand’s EV identity. This pricing chasm means MG’s 250-plus Cyberster units and incremental M9 sales represent a broader market share in the sub-Rs 80 lakh bracket, whereas Mercedes’ lower numbers reflect a more selective, high-value clientele. Availability plays a role too: MG’s domestic assembly keeps lead times shorter, while Mercedes grapples with import duties and longer delivery cycles for bespoke orders.
Strategic Edges: Variety, Accessibility, and the Road Ahead
MG’s secret sauce lies in its diverse portfolio under one roof—offering a convertible thrill-ride and a limousine lounge in the same MG Select showroom taps into bifurcated buyer psyches: adrenaline junkies and comfort connoisseurs. This variety, coupled with aggressive introductory pricing and a focus on India-specific features like enhanced ride comfort for pothole-prone roads, positions MG as the agile challenger in a segment dominated by European heavyweights.
Mercedes, for its part, doubles down on refined engineering and ecosystem integration, with over-the-air updates and a sprawling service network that reassures conservative buyers. Yet, as India’s luxury EV market balloons—racing past a million units in the first half of 2025 alone—MG’s playbook of accessibility could sustain its momentum. The brand eyes the top spot by 2026, banking on expanding the MG Select network and introducing more hybrids to bridge the gap.
In absolute terms, these are small numbers in a vast auto market, but they signal a democratizing force. MG’s brief eclipse of Mercedes isn’t just about registrations; it’s a preview of how electric innovation, priced right, can reshape luxury hierarchies. As waiting lists dwindle and competitors respond, the premium EV map in India is getting a vibrant, two-wheeled makeover—one Cyberster spin and M9 recline at a time.
