Mercedes-Benz has once again reaffirmed its dedication to electric mobility with the launch of two exclusive Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in India: the G580 with EQ technology and the EQS SUV 450. These new additions further expand the company’s electric portfolio, offering luxury and sustainability options tailored to diverse customer needs.

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology Edition One is priced starting at INR 3 crore (all-India ex-showroom), offering a premium electric off-road experience. Meanwhile, the EQS SUV 450, a luxury electric SUV, is available at an introductory price of INR 1.28 crore (all-India ex-showroom), making it an accessible option in the high-end electric vehicle market.

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

The Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology will be launched exclusively in India as the Edition One, featuring a range of high-end specifications designed for both performance and luxury. Powered by four individually controlled electric motors, the vehicle delivers a combined output of 587 hp and 1,164 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

The Edition One comes equipped with advanced features like the Burmester 3D surround sound system, MBUX NTG-7 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Augmented Reality navigation. Its off-road capabilities are enhanced with technology such as G-TURN for tight maneuvers, G-STEERING for reduced turning radius, and intelligent off-road crawl functions.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450 4MATIC, locally manufactured at the brand’s state-of-the-art plant in Chakan, Pune, offers a luxurious and spacious 5-seat configuration designed for maximum comfort. Powered by two electric motors generating 360 hp and 800 Nm of torque, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450 4MATIC, locally manufactured at the brand’s state-of-the-art plant in Chakan, Pune, offers a luxurious and spacious 5-seat configuration designed for maximum comfort. Powered by two electric motors generating 360 hp and 800 Nm of torque, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

The EQS SUV 450 is a full-size vehicle with a 3.2-meter wheelbase, providing ample space for rear passengers. It features a striking Electric Art Line exterior, 21-inch light-alloy wheels, and advanced technology such as the MBUX Hyperscreen with a 17.7-inch OLED central display.

Additionally, the EQS SUV 450 includes the Burmester 3D surround sound system and ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL Plus with a HEPA filter for enhanced air quality. Bookings for the EQS SUV 450 are now open, with deliveries expected to begin in February 2025, while the EQS SUV 580 has already sold out until April 2025.

Mira Bhayandar: In a significant development in the Torres Jewellery Investment Scam, the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police have managed to freeze Rs 9.51 crore which was parked by the management of the jewellery firm in two bank accounts. While one bank account had Rs 1.77 crore, the other had a balance of Rs 7.74 crore.

“So far 76 people who have lost around Rs 1.7 crore to the evil designs of the scammers have come forward to register their complaints at the Navghar police station in Bhayandar. Funds amounting Rs 9.51 crore which were parked in two bank accounts of the firm have been freezed.” informed DCP (Zone I)- Prakash Gaikwad who has appealed to other investors to come forward and register their complaints.

According to the FIR registered at the Navghar police station four people including – Sarvesh Ashok Surve, Victoria Kowalenko, Olena Stoen (both Ukrainian Nationals) and Imran Javed have been booked under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and provisions of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (In Financial Establishments) Act, 1999.

However, former CEO of the firm Tausif Riyaz has claimed that he and Surve were actually the whistle-blowers who reportedly flagged the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and also sent a letter to the prime minister. The scam is expected to run into 1,000 crore.

The firm- Torres which boasted of being one of the largest jewellery houses in India was headquartered in Dadar having a chain of grand showrooms housed in rented spaces in areas including- Grant Road, Navi-Mumbai, Kalyan and Mira Road.

To the shock of investors in Mira Road, the establishment which was operational till Sunday (5, January) never opened on Monday. People thronged the showroom in Mira Road after learning that they had been scammed. All other branches and the headquarters in Dadar had simultaneously closed down, leaving the investors in lurch.

As per their modus-operandi, the scamsters lured investors by floating a fake scheme envisaging purchase of moissanite stones and gems with an assured 11 percent weekly cashback on the purchase value for the next one year (52 weeks).

A person investing Rs 1 lakh was assured Rs 11,000 a weekly cash back for next 52 weeks which translated into a whopping 400 percent profit amounting Rs 5.72 lakh in a year.

Mumbai: A massive investment scam by the foreign-based Torres Jewelry company has left over 1.25 lakh investors defrauded of ₹1,000 crore. The company, which promised high returns on jewelry and diamond investments, has collapsed, with its directors shifting the blame to Indian executives. The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) has taken over the investigation, and an FIR under the Maharashtra Protection of Depositors Act and various BNS sections has been registered.

Three individuals—Sarvesh Ashok Surve, Tanya Casatova, and Valentina Kumar—have been arrested, while the alleged masterminds, Ukrainian nationals John Carter and Victoria Kowalenko, fled the country. Lookout Circulars (LOCs) have been issued for their arrest. Torres Company launched operations in Mumbai in February 2024, opening a flagship showroom in Dadar and branches in Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Borivali, and Mira Road. The company offered an alluring investment plan.

Investors purchased jewelry or moissanite diamonds and received official receipts. A digital account and unique customer ID were created for each investor. A weekly return of 6% was promised, amounting to triple the investment value over 52 weeks.

Sarvesh Surve, a local resident with no prior business credentials, was appointed as the director to provide a local face to the foreign venture. Surve’s digital signatures were used for all official documents, while John Carter and Victoria Kowalenko controlled operations from the shadows. Tanya Casatova, an Uzbek national, managed stores, and Valentina Kumar, a Russian citizen married to an Indian, oversaw retail operations.

Police sources revealed that Surve was unaware of the larger conspiracy, making him a convenient scapegoat. Before fulfilling the promised 52-week term, Torres stopped payments in December 2024, citing technical issues. On January 1, 2025, the company abruptly shut down its showrooms.

When irate investors gathered outside the Dadar office on January 6, Tanya and Valentina were confronted and detained by Shivaji Park police. Surve was also arrested. Preliminary investigations estimate that over 1.25 lakh investors were defrauded, based on the highest customer ID numbers issued. The total fraud amount could exceed ₹1,000 crore. Police stations in Shivaji Park, APMC (Navi Mumbai), and Mira Road witnessed long queues of investors filing complaints, with many FIRs registered in just two days.

Authorities are now coordinating with international agencies to apprehend Carter and Kowalenko. Meanwhile, the EOW has urged investors to file complaints to strengthen the case.