With its emotive, aesthetic design, dynamic ability and spacious interior, this is the most luxurious sports coupe ever built by the company as the car embodies a perfect fusion of performance and progressive luxury. The two-door car offers luxurious ambience with the ultimate motorsport feeling, designed to challenge the limits of dynamic performance.

Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India said, “The first-ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is a creation between ambition and emotion, between presence and extravagance - an avantgarde choice for frontrunners who drive the future. On the other hand, with the first-ever BMW M8 Coupe, we are addressing our high performance-oriented customers. These two top-of-the-line offerings in the uber-luxury segment define everything that captures one’s imagination.”

The standalone character of 8 Series Gran Coupe comes alive with a graceful elongated design, athletic proportions and an aura of sporting exclusivity. The two extra doors and impressive space combine with an extended wheelbase and exceptional ride comfort, making it an outstanding operator both in everyday driving and over longer journeys. For those who want an even sportier, bolder avatar of the 8 Series Gran Coupe, the ‘M Sport’ Edition is on offer.

8 Series Gran Coupe

Presence of precise vehicle lines are few, however, they underline the graphic design of 8 Series Gran Coupe. The muscular surfaces and precise contours of the bonnet together with large air intakes exhibit unconditional power and forward thrust. The striking double kidney grille widens towards the bottom, emphasizing the vehicle’s low centre of gravity – an effect that is further enhanced by extremely slim headlights. When viewed from the side, the long wheelbase, elegantly flowing coupe roofline and wide wheel arches create a dynamically stretched silhouette underlining the length and grandeur of the car. A suggestive third line runs through the door handles into the pronounced, curved shoulder. At the rear, the car’s sporting allure is intensified by extremely wide tracks, sport exhaust system and wrap-around LED lights.

The interior is seen as a living space, surrounded by the highest possible sensuous quality. In the driver-focused cockpit, sports car atmosphere is clear. Electrically adjustable sport seats provide a better grip and dynamic driving position. This experience is extended to all passengers thanks to the single-seat design of the rear seats for the first time.

The center console, which is wide and steeply ascending as is typical of sports cars, underscores the longitudinal orientation and has all relevant controls. Generous space allows passengers to stretch out and enjoy the experience of absolute freedom of movement. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 440 litres. The 40:20:40 split backrest allows greater flexibility and ease of loading / unloading.

The TwinPower Turbo BS-VI petrol engine delivers spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The three-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine of the 840i Gran Coupe produces an output of 340 hp and maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1,600 – 4,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km / hr in just 5.2 seconds.

M8 Coupe

Racing and design are intricately linked in the M8 Coupe and it is evident with its offer - a unique combination of racing flair with everyday usability. Its effective handling and supportive steering precision make it perfect for days when one wants to experience its sporting prowess.

Few but very precise surface lines convey the extent of power lurking beneath the hood. The hexagonal kidney grille with M typical double slats draws attention to itself between the iconic four-eye face of laser-light. The size of the air intakes widens towards the bottom and shows how immense the cooling requirements of the high-performance engine and brakes are. The torsion-resistant and light carbon-fibre material in the M carbon-fibre roof reduces weight and lends modern technological value to the aerodynamic shape. The side view amplifies aerodynamics with the sharp inclination of the shark nose, extra-large air curtains and few bold lines. Flared aluminium wings with M gills and M8 designation emphasise track width and wheel size. The rear spoiler lip, M-specific M8 rear diffuser and M-specific double-flow exhaust system with twin tailpipes highlight racing aspirations. Bringing out the sporty character is a range of new metallic paints - hatch grey, sonic speed blue, marina bay blue, donington grey, barcelona blue and motegi red. Optionally, customers can choose from a wide range of BMW Individual Paintwork options.

Interior

The driver-focused interior of the car accelerates sportiness and luxury. The driver and front passenger have a sporty, low seating position and the controls are grouped into clusters according to their function. The unique comfort and grip of the newly developed M sport seats is perfected by side bolsters and a flared shoulder area. This claim is visually underlined by the exclusive two-tone full leather 'Merino' upholstery with hexagonal embroidery in the seat’s center section and an exclusive illuminated ‘M8’ logo in the headrest.

The M TwinPower Turbo 4-litre 8-cylinder petrol engine is amongst the most powerful V8 engine ever developed by BMW M GmbH for a production vehicle. With two dynamic turbochargers, high-pressure direct injection, Valvetronic and a proven cooling concept, the engine creates a driving experience that even professionals dream of. It produces an output of 600 hp and maximum torque of 750 Nm at 1,800 to 5,600 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 3.3 seconds.

Transmission

The eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission in both the cars performs smooth, almost imperceptible gearshifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. The M Sport differential in 8 Series Gran Coupe ensures that even with challenging changes of direction or on various surfaces, the engine power is optimally brought to the road. While in M8 Coupe the steering wheel paddle shifters and cruise control with braking function add to greater driving pleasure.

Personalization

Both the cars adapt perfectly to an exclusive lifestyle and also to personal taste. A multitude of bespoke personalization options are presented right from the moment customers configure their car. In addition, BMW Individual presents the most luxurious choice of special paint finishes, hand-crafted leather, interior trims and other equipment details of the highest quality that are available in a diverse range. Each car becomes a unique reflection of the owner’s personal style statement.

The cars are available as completely-built-up units in BS-VI petrol variants. The ex-showroom prices are 840i Gran Coupe – INR1.3 Crore, 840i Gran Coupe ‘M Sport’ Edition - INR1.55 Crore and M8 Coupe - INR2.15 Crore.

Customers of the cars will gain membership to the BMW Excellence Club that caters to the discerning taste of BMW customers and curates unmatched experiences and benefits from the world of luxury, travel, lifestyle and sports and adventure. Its forte lies in creating ‘money can’t buy’ experiences that customers can’t find elsewhere. The program features four main categories: Bespoke Travel, The High Life, Grandstand and BMW Privileges.

Using the recently introduced ‘BMW Contactless Experience’, customers will be able to select, customise and book these cars from the comfort of their home. (MT)

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Matthew Bowden is concluding a successful four-year tenure as Director of Škoda UK, departing to assume the role of Head of International Sales for Škoda Auto. Under his leadership, the UK market achieved significant growth, rising to become the brand's third largest global market and consistently exceeding performance records while maintaining a market share beyond four percent.

His successor, Eric Boutin, will join the Volkswagen Group UK board of management as Director of Škoda UK in the first quarter of 2026. Boutin brings extensive international experience from pivotal markets including Canada, China and United States. He is currently responsible for Škoda Auto's global customer experience programme, with direct oversight of the worldwide retail network and omnichannel integration, and is spearheading the brand's overarching customer centricity transformation.

This strategic leadership transition aims to leverage Bowden's commercial acumen on a global scale while injecting Boutin's specialised customer-focused expertise into the UK operations.

Damien O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group UK, said, “Matthew has made a significant contribution towards Škoda’s evolution and growth over the past four years. I’m grateful for all he’s done for the brand and the Group and wish him well in his new role. I’m looking forward to welcoming Eric to the UK board of management and am sure his global experience and customer focus will support the brand’s future ambitions and Human Touch proposition.”

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Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has revealed that it will launch the XUV 7XO, which is based on the XUV 700, on 05 January 2026. A premium SUV segment vehicle, the XUV 7XO, the company claims, will be a gamechanger. Said to have been crafted to inspire and engineered to excite, combining the proven strengths of the XUV700 with superior design, technology, comfort and performance, the XUV 7XO is expected to be a feature a fascia with the new signature grille design and '7'-shape sleeker LED head lamps. 
Claimed to draw an amount of design and styling details from the new seven-seater electric SUV the company introduced recently, the XUV 7XO is expected to built on the technologies that made the XUV 700 a competitively priced tech savvy SUV with monocoque construction and an option of an AWD. As an ICE vehicle the 7XO is expected to further the gamut of features found on the XUV 700, including the ADAS Level 2 suite. 

The XUV 7XO is expected to replace the XUV 700 over a period of time if not immediately. 

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BMW India has enhanced its top-selling premium electric vehicle, the locally produced iX1 Long Wheelbase, with a new exterior colour and expanded upholstery selections, available for booking nationwide. The model now presents a fresh Night Dusk Blue metallic paint, deepening its sophisticated and commanding aesthetic alongside existing shades like Carbon Black and Mineral White. Inside, the cabin gains two new sustainably sourced vegan leather options: Veganza Smoke White + Atlas Grey dual tone and Veganza Castanea. These are distinguished by a premium 3D stitching pattern, emphasising both craftsmanship and modern, eco-conscious luxury.

A defining interior design philosophy, the 'Cocooning Effect’, extends the chosen upholstery colour cohesively across the cabin. This approach envelops the door panels, dashboard and speaker mesh, creating a harmonious and immersive environment that is both plush and visually continuous. The iX1 LWB’s interior is characterised by a spacious, modern design that merges innovative functionality with superior materials.

As the brand’s highest-selling electric model, the iX1 has been pivotal to BMW’s leadership in India’s luxury EV segment. The company has consistently adapted the vehicle to market preferences, introducing features like the Surround View Camera and now refreshing its colour and trim options. In under a year, it has become the best-selling electric vehicle in its premium category.

The vehicle combines practicality with sustainability, boasting segment-leading dimensions that make it one of the longest five-seater SUVs in India. Its bold exterior stance is matched by advanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This integrated drive unit delivers 204 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, powered by a 66.4 kWh battery capable of up to 531 kilometres on a single charge. Features like adaptive recuperation and one-pedal driving further enhance efficiency and convenience, solidifying its position as a comprehensive premium electric package.

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In what may come as a surprise to many, the made-in-India Hyundai Grand i10 has scored a zero star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign.

While the model did score three stars for child occupant protection, the test identified shortcomings in adult occupant protection, which resulted in a risk of life-threatening injuries. The Indian-built model was tested as part of the campaign and the results are valid for South Africa.

The Hyundai’s standard safety equipment includes driver and passenger frontal airbags, but none for side body or head protection, and no Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The crash test report noted the following:

• Weak protection was concerning for the driver’s chest in the frontal impact test.
• The side impact test indicated a high risk of non-recoverable chest injuries, leading to a strong probability of life-threatening injuries for the adult occupant. Maximum allowed injury levels in a body region such as the chest were exceeded, resulting in zero points for adult occupant protection.
• In the frontal impact test, the bodyshell and footwell were rated as unstable and could not withstand further loading.
• There was no standard side body or head protection, and the Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) was only for the driver.
• There was no standard ESC.

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Global NCAP, said, “It is unacceptable to see the continued double standard on safety in low and middle-income countries. Democratising vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority, and consumers deserve safer vehicles regardless of where in the world they live.”

Bobby Ramagwede, CEO, Automobile Association of South Africa, said, “These results are deeply concerning and highlight a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not meet the same safety standards applied in other regions. South African motorists deserve better. The Hyundai Grand i10’s zero-star rating reinforces the urgent need for manufacturers to commit to equal safety for all markets. This result underlines why Africa urgently needs stronger regulatory standards and greater manufacturer accountability. The AA believes no vehicle should be sold here without side protection systems and Electronic Stability Control as standard. Safety should never be optional, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”

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