How Sourav Joshi made his Merc

Sourav Joshi, India's most popular YouTuber with over 4.1 crore followers on his main channel, recently sparked controversy after expressing concerns about the impact of E20-blended petrol on his high-end Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing national debate surrounding the government's push to introduce E20 fuel, a blend containing 20% ethanol. Joshi claimed that his car's fuel efficiency dropped dramatically after using the new fuel, leading him to fear potential mechanical failure. However, the situation has since evolved, with Joshi retracting parts of his initial statement following discussions with Mercedes-Benz technicians. Ten years ago, Joshi was working alongside his father, who was a POP plasterer, at construction sites in Hansi, Haryana. At that time, he often observed luxury vehicles entering driveways of homes far removed from his own humble beginnings. Now, he resides in a multi-storey bungalow in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where his garage houses multiple vehicles, including a G-Wagon, a Porsche, a Mercedes-Benz, and a Mahindra Thar. His rise to fame has been marked by his ability to transform everyday experiences into engaging content, aided by his cousin Piyush, whom fans affectionately refer to as "the algorithm." In a recent YouTube vlog titled "Race With Brothers. Kon Jeetega?" Joshi and his wife, Avantika Bhatt, discussed their experience with the E20-blended petrol. They showed footage of their Mercedes-Benz's dashboard, indicating a sharp decline in fuel efficiency. According to the video, the car's mileage dropped from 17 km per litre to just five km per litre within two days. The video received widespread attention, garnering 4.3 crore views before being edited to remove specific references to E20 fuel. Following the release of the video, Joshi posted on X, clarifying that the issue stemmed from an engine problem identified during a visit to the Mercedes-Benz service center. He expressed regret for any confusion caused and stated that the section discussing E20 fuel had been removed from the video. Despite this clarification, earlier statements from Joshi suggested a direct link between the E20 fuel and the vehicle's poor performance. Mercedes-Benz has certified the GLC 300 4MATIC model to achieve approximately 15 kilometers per liter under standard testing conditions. Joshi attributed the drop in fuel efficiency to the ethanol-blended fuel available at local gas stations in Haldwani. His wife emphasized the financial investment required for such a vehicle, highlighting the concern over potential damage to the car due to the new fuel type. The controversy highlights the broader implications of introducing E20 fuel in the Indian market. While proponents argue that ethanol blending reduces dependence on fossil fuels and supports agricultural sectors, critics raise concerns about its impact on vehicle performance and maintenance costs. Joshi's case has brought these issues to the forefront, prompting further discussion among consumers and industry experts alike. As the debate continues, the automotive sector awaits official responses from both manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Meanwhile, Joshi's experience serves as a cautionary tale for others considering the transition to E20-blended petrol. His initial concerns, though later revised, underscore the need for thorough evaluation of new fuel standards and their effects on existing vehicle technologies.