Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz today strengthened its BEV portfolio in India by launching its second Made in India BEV, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC. The company also announced the start of local production of the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC from its state-of-art manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC will be the second locally manufactured BEV in India from Mercedes-Benz after the EQS 580 luxury sedan. With the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz offers six BEV across the portfolio comprising the EQA, EQB, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQS sedan and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV 680.

With 400 kw power output, 858 Nm of torque and a sprint of 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is a high-performance oriented BEV. The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is equipped with a state-of-the-art electric drive train (eATS) on the rear as well as front axle, making it a 4MATIC all- wheel drive. The electric motors are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM), offering high power density, excellent efficiency and consistent power delivery. It comes with rear-axle steering with up to 10 degrees of movement and five different modes – ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL and OFFROAD.

The EQS SUV shares the long wheelbase (126.4 inches) with the EQS Sedan but stands over 7.8 inches higher, enhancing its SUV profile. The vehicle can accommodate up to seven passengers, with electrically adjustable second-row seats provided as standard. The trunk has a generous capacity, able to fit up to four golf bags. Additionally, an optional third row with two individual seats can be added for increased flexibility. A 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger is part of the virtually full dashboard-spanning MBUX Hyperscreen, which enables dynamic content with intelligent dimming to maintain driver focus. Furthermore, by arranging discrete audio components all around the listener, the Burmester 3D Surround sound system with Dolby Atmos® produces a 360-degree soundscape that improves spatial awareness and immersion.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The EQS SUV marks a significant milestone in our electrification journey in India, as the second locally manufactured luxury BEV from Mercedes-Benz and the third luxury BEV launched this year. EQS SUV’s localisation underpins our deep commitment to grow the Indian luxury Electric car market and reinforce our commitment for a greener and sustainable future. With the EQS SUV we further strengthen our comprehensive lineup of BEVs across segment,catering diverse customer requirements ranging from EQA to Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. Mercedes-Benz is deeply committed to the Indian market with an additional investment of Rs. 200 crores in 2024 towards manufacturing operations, new product start-ups and digitisation of manufacturing processes. The localisation of the EQS SUV manifests our local competencies, creates value for Indian customers and supports the government’s vision of ‘Make in India’.”

Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Local production of the second world-class BEV from our manufacturing facility in Pune is an immensely proud moment for our highly experienced and dedicated team. This success emphasises our core technical skills, flexibility at production, ongoing commitment to develop our plant, various technological processes and our incredible team for the future. To embrace future manufacturing needs in electric transformation, we leverage high-voltage technology know-how and intensified data-driven strategies to bring digitalisation to the forefront of the shop floor, acknowledging that our people drive our innovation and success. This accomplishment also underlines our global standard practices in quality, with an unwavering focus on sustainability across our products, plant and supply chain. It showcases our manufacturing prowess,developed over decades,and our expertise in complex assembly processes to produce high-end, sophisticated BEVs like the EQS SUV 580.”

The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC claims to be India’s longest range electric SUV with the largest battery capacity of 122 kWh and ARAI-certified range of 809 km. The electric SUV starts at an introductory price of INR 14.1 million (all-India ex- showroom) and comes with a 2-year/30,000-Km service interval.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japanese automotive company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced its intention to participate in the Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS). The plan was discussed during a meeting between President Marcos and Takao Kato, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors.

Subject to application approval, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) intends to commence production of a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model at its facility in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, with production scheduled to begin in mid-2028.

To facilitate this transition, MMPC will undertake additional investments to upgrade its manufacturing facilities for electrification. The company expects these initiatives to expand the local supply chain and create employment opportunities within the Laguna region.

Takao Kato, CEO, Mitsubishi Motors, said, “The Philippines has long been one of our most important markets, where we have engaged in production and sales for many years. In cooperation with the Philippine government, we are honoured to contribute to the advancement of vehicle electrification and industrial development through the EVIS program, as well as to support the further growth of the Philippine economy.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tesla has announced the commissioning of its first in-mall charging location at Nexus Seawoods in Navi Mumbai. This site provides eight chargers, expanding the company’s charging infrastructure to locations where customers spend time, such as retail destinations and highway rest stops.

The new station, located in the B1 parking area of the mall, features a combination of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) charging options:

V4 Superchargers: Four units providing peak charging speeds of 250 kW. A Model Y can add up to 275 km of range in 15 minutes using this technology.

Destination Chargers: Four units providing 11 kW for standard AC charging.

The charging process is integrated with the Tesla app, which allows owners to navigate to stations, precondition vehicle batteries, monitor stall availability, and complete payments. The company reports a claimed global charging uptime of 99.95 percent.

With the addition of the Navi Mumbai site, Tesla now operates five charging locations across India, totalling 20 Superchargers and 14 Destination Chargers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kia has been crowned ‘Best Manufacturer’ at the TopGear.com EV Awards 2026, a significant honour in UK’s electric vehicle calendar. These annual awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate the top-performing EVs on the British market while recognising the manufacturers that truly drive the industry forward. This latest accolade follows closely on the heels of another triumph for the brand at the BBC TopGear.com awards, where the PV5 Passenger was named ‘Family Car of the Year’.

Kia’s electric journey began in 2014 with the first-generation Soul EV, ending its first full year of EV sales with just 149 registrations. By the close of 2025, however, that figure had surged to over 94,500 fully electric vehicles sold in UK, supported by a diverse lineup including the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9 and PV5. Looking ahead, the EV2 represents the next phase of the brand’s ‘Plan S’ strategy, which started with the EV6 in 2021. Designed and manufactured in Europe exclusively for that market, this compact and affordable model packs premium, segment-above technology into a bold, boxy body.

First examples of the Kia EV2 are due to arrive later in 2026, joined by high-performance GT versions of the EV3, EV4 and EV5. These launches underscore Kia’s continued commitment to expanding its electric footprint with accessible yet advanced vehicles.

Ollie Kew, Deputy Editor, TopGear.com, said, "Whether you’re in an EV3 or the enormous EV9, the sleek EV6 or the boxy PV5, there’s a familiar sortedness running through the e-Kias like the proverbial stick of rock. Reliable range, unfussy performance, pleasing comfort... and the confidence to bookend its EV ranks with an entry-level EV2 alongside a GBP 83,000, 500-bhp super SUV in the shape of the EV9 GT.”

Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia UK, said, “We’re honoured to have been named Top Gear’s Best Manufacturer for 2026. This recognition follows a busy year for the Kia brand, with the launch of eight new products in 2025, including EV4, EV5 and PV5. This recognition reflects the strength and breadth of our electric lineup, and our commitment to delivering innovative, desirable and accessible EVs for our customers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

VinFast has opened bookings for its new VF MPV 7, a premium 7-seater electric MPV tailored for Indian customers. This third model from the company in India offers a spacious interior, smart technology and strong practicality to meet daily mobility needs. With an outstanding value proposition, the vehicle reinforces VinFast’s long term commitment to building a complete green mobility ecosystem across the country, delivering modern and sustainable transport solutions for Indian households.

Starting 2 April 2026, customers can reserve the VF MPV 7 through the official website or any of VinFast’s 50 authorised dealerships nationwide for a booking amount of INR 21,000, with the official launch and price announcement scheduled for 15 April 2026. Designed with the signature golden ratio proportions of MPVs, the wheels are pushed towards the corners to maximise cabin space.

Measuring 4,740 mm in length, 1,872 mm in width and 1,734 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,840 mm, the VF MPV 7 offers a roomy cabin across all three rows, ensuring consistent comfort for larger families. Its R19 alloy wheels give the vehicle a strong yet sporty presence. Powered by a 60.13 kWh battery, it delivers over 500 kilometres of driving range per full charge, and fast charging technology can take the battery from 10 to 70 percent in about 30 minutes.

Before the VF MPV 7, VinFast launched the VF 6 and VF 7 premium electric SUVs in September 2025, both winning multiple industry awards. The company continues to strengthen its EV ecosystem by expanding showroom and aftersales networks, partnering with local financial institutions, and offering an industry best product warranty. Customer centric policies include a value assured programme, trade in support for switching from gasoline to electric vehicles and free charging within the V Green network until 31 March 2029, making the transition to electric mobility easier.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “The VF MPV 7 marks another step forward in VinFast’s efforts to win over Indian consumers with modern, practical and accessible electric mobility solutions. We believe this model will help redefine standards in its segment and become an ideal choice for families seeking a clean mobility solution that meets everyday practicality.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!