Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG could price high in India

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the latest two-door super luxury sports sedan, may cost much more in India as compared to its price in European market. The price tag of the car could be in the range of Rs 5 to 6 crores in the Indian market due to the high import duty and other taxes in the country.

While indicating that the price could be as high as Rs 5 to 6 crores for SLS AMG, Piyush Arora, Mercedes-Benz India director (technical) and board member, said that the SLS will be available in India in the third quarter, though a date for the official launch has not yet been determined. 

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which was the center of the attraction at Mercedes pavilion at the Delhi Auto show (held in January), will attract an excise duty of 120%, given the heavy duty import structure on completely-built-units (CBU) in India. The 120 percent duty includes customs duty (106%), countervailing (CVD) and additional duties.

It is expected that the company will launch this model in India in the third quarter of this year, following the launch of the right-hand drive for the car in Germany in July. Despite this very high price tag, about 12 units of this car has already been booked by sports-car enthusiasts from different cities of India. 

Mercedes India has recently replaced BMW from the top spot in the luxury car segment the country. The Indian luxury car market is around 10,000 cars a year. However, with the economy getting stronger and purchase power and aspirations of buyers also rising, this size will also rise eventually, Mr Majeed added.

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