Cars, SUVs set to become more expensive from tomorrow: Mercedes-Benz, MG and more

Several car manufacturers have confirmed new price increases starting in January 2026, attributing the move to rising raw material and logistics costs. With these revisions set to take effect imminently, buyers considering a new car or SUV may want to finalise their decisions soon. Both luxury names, such as Mercedes-Benz, and mainstream brands like MG Motor are revising prices across parts of their portfolios, a development that will push up costs across multiple segments of the market.So far, only a limited number of manufacturers have officially confirmed the price increase, but more carmakers are expected to announce similar revisions in the coming days. In this article, let’s take a look at the manufacturers that have confirmed price hikes so far. 1. Mercedes-Benz India Mercedes-Benz India announced that it will increase the prices across its model lineup by up to 2 per cent. The price adjustment would take effect from tomorrow, i.e, January 1, 2026. Mercedes-Benz says the price adjustment is a result of continued currency fluctuations, escalating input costs, inflation-related pressures, and increased transportation expenses. The carmaker also emphasised that it has taken steps to cushion customers from the full effect of exchange rate movements, transferring only a part of the additional burden to buyers. 2. JSW MG Motor India The next brand on the list is JSW MG Motor India. The company has announced a 2 per cent price increase across all its models. The price increase will be effective from January 1, 2026, and MG says it is a response to rising input costs and broader macroeconomic factors affecting the automotive sector. The company explained that the revision is essential to partly absorb the increased expenses in manufacturing and supply chain operations. The upcoming revision is set to impact some of MG’s high-demand models. Topping the list is the Windsor EV, currently the company’s strongest-selling electric car, which is likely to see an increase of up to Rs 35,000. Once revised, its ex-showroom pricing is expected to start from Rs 14.25 lakh (ex-showroom). MG’s entry-level EV, the Comet, is also expected to receive an upward adjustment of around Rs 20,000, pushing its ex-showroom prices to approximately Rs 7.7 lakh (ex-showroom). MG is likely to reveal the revised prices for individual models and variants in the early part of next month. It is still unclear whether the recently launched Hector facelift will also be included in the price revision.3. Nissan Motor India The next brand on the list is Nissan Motor India. The company will hike prices of its cars from January 1, 2026, by up to 3 per cent. The Japanese automaker currently sells only the Magnite subcompact SUV in India, with prices ranging from Rs 5.62 lakh to Rs 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom). After a 3 per cent hike, the subcompact SUV’s prices will range from approximately Rs 5.79 lakh to Rs 11.23 lakh (approximate, ex-showroom). The price hike is likely part of the annual price revision exercise and could also be attributed to rising input costs and fluctuations in exchange rates. Talking about the company's plans for the Indian market in 2026, Nissan is preparing a renewed push in the Indian market and plans to introduce three all-new products within a span of around 16 months. This product-led reset is aimed at rebuilding the brand’s presence and expanding its footprint in key segments.4. Renault India Next is Renault India, which will hike the prices of its models across its model range by up to two per cent. The automaker stated that the upward revision in prices stems from increasing production costs and the broader economic environment. Renault India is also set to reveal the new Duster on January 26, 2026. This new-generation model is set to reignite one of the most celebrated nameplates in India’s SUV landscape. Originally introduced in 2012, the Duster was the pioneer that reshaped India’s compact SUV segment, laying the foundation for what would become one of the fastest-growing categories - now representing nearly one-fourth of the country’s passenger vehicle market. The teaser shots offer a glimpse of the distinctive LED daytime running light signature and confirm the presence of full-width, connected tail lamps. This feature is absent on the international Dacia and Renault Duster models, hinting at India-exclusive styling updates for the SUV. When launched, the SUV will rival the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, and VW Taigun.In terms of design, the next-gen Duster looks completely new and doesn’t look like it’s an evolution from the previous generation. The SUV takes inspiration from the Bigster concept. At the front, it gets a sleek LED headlight setup with Y-shaped LED DRLs and large air intakes on both ends with fog lamps below. It gets a muscular bonnet with aggressive lines and scoops, and the front grille gets chrome elements.At the sides, the design is all new and features squared-off wheel arches with roof rails and dual-tone alloy wheels. It gets Body cladding all around, which adds ruggedness and character to the SUV. At the rear are V-shaped LED taillights with a Y-shaped signature. The SUV also features a rear skid plate, and it gets an integrated roof spoiler.