Mercedes-Benz Requests Phased and Gradual Rollout of Blended Petrol Beyond E20
By Arjun Nair
Updated July 13, 2026
Mercedes-Benz has claimed that its new models can run on E20 and E25 fuel. However, the automaker says India should safeguard older vehicles and allow manufacturers sufficient time to prepare before raising the ethanol content by more than 20%. Also, any shift must also consider the millions of older vehicles currently on our roads.
Santhosh Iyer, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz India, has stated that the automaker’s newer models are E20 compliant. Iyer also said,
“Give us time; allow us to change what is required up to a reasonable extent”.
Some models, like the S-Class Hybrid, can run on E25 petrol. However, the vehicle components and technology may need a revision if India shifts to higher blends extensively.
Mercedes is not against higher ethanol blends, it just wants E20 to remain as an option at fuel pumps with the higher blends, which would allow older petrol car owners to continue using fuel compatible with their cars while newer owners adopt higher blends.
Also Read - Why Buying a Petrol or Diesel Car Feels Risky Right Now
Mercedes-Benz believes the biggest challenge is the millions of older petrol vehicles already on Indian roads.
Many of these cars were designed for lower ethanol blends, and prolonged use of higher-ethanol fuel could accelerate wear in rubber hoses, seals, gaskets, fuel pumps, and other fuel-system components. A gradual transition would give manufacturers enough time to adapt without disrupting the existing vehicle fleet.
Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz believe a phased rollout backed by extensive testing, clear regulations, and multiple fuel options will help ensure both newer and older vehicles can coexist during India's transition to cleaner fuels.
Source: The Economic Times
Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz
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