Rolex, Tanishq, Gucci and Louis Vuitton are among the most respected brands in Indian luxury, based on the Mercedes-Benz Hurun India Best of the Best Brands 2025 survey.
The Hurun Research Institute’s annual report, which charts the direction of consumer preferences across premium categories, is a mix of global luxury behemoths and a robust Indian presence. Rolex remained the Best Watch Brand, while Gucci was awarded the Best Accessory Brand. Louis Vuitton became the Best Fashion Brand, with Jimmy Choo being the Best Luxury Shoe Brand. Montblanc ruled the Best Writing Instrument segment once again.
Indian players shine
Domestically, Tanishq was awarded Best Indian Jewellery Brand, CaratLane.com Best Indian Online Jewellery Brand, and Amrut Best Indian Drinks Brand. HDFC Bank was ranked as Best Indian Private Bank, while LIC was awarded Best Life Insurance Brand.
Taj Hotels were crowned Best Hotel Brand in India, and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts took the Best International Hotel Brand honour. In air travel, Emirates topped both the Best Business Airline and Best First-Class Airline categories, as well as being named Best Private Jet Brand by Airbus. Oceania Cruises was declared Best Luxury International Cruise Line.
Financial services & lifestyle
Citibank was ranked as Best Global Private Bank, and JPMorgan was Best International Financial Services – Investment Services Brand. Lifestyle vote-getters included Chivas and Krug as inners for Best Imported Spirits and Best Champagne, respectively, and Davidoff as Best Tobacco Brand.
The survey indicates that Indian consumers are looking for a combination of international luxury levels with familiar home-grown brands, indicating an all-encompassing shift in consumer preferences.