Delhi’s Old Vehicle Policy Forces ₹84 Lakh Mercedes SUV to Be Sold for Just ₹2.5 Lakh

Delhi is stepping up efforts to combat vehicular pollution by enforcing stricter rules on older vehicles. As of July 1, 2025, a new regulation has come into effect mandating the removal of aging vehicles from city roads. Under this rule, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are no longer allowed to refuel at any fuel station across Delhi. This move leaves vehicle owners with no option but to either scrap their vehicles or sell them at significantly low prices, often resulting in major financial loss.

Thousands of Vehicles Now Unusable

The rule, which aligns with the directives of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has rendered thousands of vehicles both unusable and unsellable. Many Delhi residents are now scrambling to get rid of their cars, often letting them go at throwaway prices, despite the condition or emotional value attached.

Mercedes ML350 Sold for Just ₹2.5 Lakh: Owner Shares His Ordeal

One such affected citizen is Varun Vij, a resident of Delhi, who had to sell his cherished Mercedes-Benz ML350 for a shockingly low price of ₹2.5 lakh. Vij had originally purchased the luxury SUV in 2015 for ₹84 lakh. Despite the car being in excellent condition and having clocked over 1.35 lakh kilometres, he struggled to find buyers—even at such a drastically reduced price.

Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Value—Still Not Enough

The ML350 had served the Vij family reliably for years, requiring only basic maintenance like tyre replacements and periodic servicing. Vij noted that the SUV, powered by a 204bhp 2.2L twin-turbo diesel engine, was a joy to own and drive. The emotional connection with the vehicle made the parting even more painful for the family.

New Rule Creates Panic Among Car Owners

Vij’s story is just one among many. He humorously pointed out that no one was ready to pay even ₹2.5 lakh for such a premium SUV, reflecting the widespread panic and desperation among Delhi residents due to the new policy. Car owners are now caught between low resale value and mandatory scrapping, with little room to maneuver.

The Legacy of the ML250 CDI in India

Launched in India on October 10, 2012, the Mercedes-Benz ML250 CDI was the first M-Class to be locally assembled, priced at ₹46.5 lakh ex-showroom. It was a more affordable option compared to its sibling, the ML350 CDI, and competed with rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Despite its engineering prowess and comfort, policies have now turned this luxury machine into an unsellable asset.