BMW India has introduced the first-ever M car in its high-performance model line-up in the mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of BMW X3 M today. The car available as a completely built-up unit (CBU) is retailed for an ex-showroom price of INR 99 lakh. 

Designed to offer standout performance characteristics the vehicle personifies with squarely geared features to meet the functional requirements of a high-performance car.

Powered by the newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine coupled with M TwinPower Turbo technology update, plus track-tested cooling and oil supply systems, it generates maximum output of 353 kW/480 hp from its 3.0-litre displacement, together with peak torque of 600 Nm (442 lb-ft), and goes from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

The engine is mated with eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and uses the new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The M xDrive system has a rear-wheel bias and offers four driving modes that optimise performance. The centrally controlled interaction between M xDrive and the Active M Differential at the rear axle allows the all-wheel-drive system to split the engine’s power between the four wheels as required to deliver optimal traction, agility & directional stability.

The engine is complemented with a sophisticated chassis technology, tuned astutely to marshal the engine’s prowess and provide sublime dynamics. The bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics of the M-specific suspension – with its double-joint spring strut front axle and five link rear axle – deliver precise wheel location and directional stability. Composed to deliver precisely controllable on-limit handling, the chassis technology package rounds off with M-specific steering (including M Servotronic & variable ratio) & powerful M compound brakes.  

The X3 M is loaded with cutting edge safety technologies such as front, side and head airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including M Dynamic Mode, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control, Dry Braking function, Cruise Control with braking function along with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function. Also available as part of the standard package are Adaptive LED headlights, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, High Beam Assistant & Parking Assistant. M-specific display content can also be shown on the BMW Head-Up Display, projecting driving information onto the windscreen & into the driver’s immediate field of vision.

The car features a 12.3-inch Multifunction Display touchscreen, iDrive Touch Controller, multifunction steering wheel’s buttons, the voice control feature along-with the optional BMW Gesture Control. It also gets BMW Virtual Assistant, telephony with wireless charging, and hi-fi speaker system. In addition, it has 21-inch light alloy wheels, Display Key, M Sport exhaust, M Driver’s package and Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment is a testament to a remarkable success story. The introduction of a high-performance mid-size SAV will further strengthen our presence in the segment & entice new driving experiences. Uniqueness of the first-ever BMW X3 M lies in a newly developed powerful engine & sophisticated chassis technology. This vehicle, to the very last detail, offers a unique combination of luxury & sporting dynamics, providing an exciting, safe & novel driving experience to our customers. The new SAV is equipped with world-class features, evidently distinguishing it from others in the segment.”

Available in Donington Grey, Toronto Red, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey, Black Sapphire & Alpine White its interior is decorated with leather ‘Vernasca’ Design in Black & Oyster. (MT)

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Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has announced that its recently launched iconic Tata Sierra SUV has garnered over 70,000 confirmed bookings on the first day of the booking opening. The SUV prices start at INR 1.14 million and goes up to INR 2.12 million for the top-spec model.

The company claims it also received an additional 135,000 customers submitting their preferred configuration as they progress to complete booking formalities.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We sincerely thank our customers for this overwhelming response which reaffirms the legendary status of the Tata Sierra. True to its legacy of redefining norms, the Sierra has pioneered a new category: the premium mid-SUV. Harnessing a deep understanding of evolving consumer aspirations, it reimagines what a mid-size SUV can be. By enriching every dimension – space, comfort, luxury, safety, and everyday usability, the Sierra elevates the segment to an entirely new benchmark. The Sierra is more than a vehicle – it stands as a symbol of progress, individuality and aspiration.”

The Tata Sierra was launched on 25 November, and is pipped as a premium mid-SUV and is available in three powertrain options – the 1.5L Kryojet Diesel, the 1.5L TGDi Hyperion petrol and the 1.5L NA Revotron petrol.

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company has announced that  its all-new Hyundai Nexo fuel-cell electric SUV has bagged 5-star crash test rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety assessment.

The Nexo, Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV, emits only water vapor and is central to the company’s push for zero-emission mobility. The top rating follows five-star Euro NCAP results for the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9. The rating validates Hyundai’s performance in crash protection and its suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies.

Euro NCAP, Europe’s independent organisation for evaluating vehicle safety, assesses vehicles across four areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, protection of vulnerable road users and safety assistance technologies.

The new Hyundai Nexo achieved results across all four areas, including:

90 percent in Adult Occupant Protection.

85 percent in Child Occupant Protection.

In adult occupant tests, the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, with protection of the knees, femurs, and all critical body regions for both driver and passenger. The Nexo performed well in the full-width rigid barrier test, achieved maximum points in the side barrier test and provided effective far-side occupant protection via its centre airbag. Whiplash protection for both front and rear seats was rated as good in rear-impact evaluations.

Child occupant protection performance was strong. The six- and 10-year-old dummies showed protection in all critical body areas in both frontal and side-impact tests, earning maximum points.

Additional safety features noted by Euro NCAP include an advanced eCall system and post-crash secondary impact prevention technology.

This achievement underlines Hyundai’s long-term commitment to hydrogen technology and safety innovation. The previous generation NEXO was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, also achieving a five-star rating under the standards at that time.

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JSW MG Motor India has introduced the all-new MG Hector SUV featuring a revised exterior with new front and rear bumper designs, a new grille design and new alloy wheels at prices starting INR 1.19 million (ex-showroom) for limited units. The SUV comes in two new colours – Celadon Blue and Pearl White.

The interiors feature a Dual Tone Ice Grey Theme in the 5-seater trim and Dual Tone Urban Tan for the 6 and 7-seater trims. Exterior details include the new Aura Hex Grille, a hexagonal structure that symbolises strength and precision. New Aura Sculpt Bumpers at the front and rear deliver a muscular, assertive stance and also the Aura Bolt Alloy Wheels.

The all-new Hector's infotainment system, featuring a 14-inch HD portrait touch screen, receives a performance boost through Smart Boost technology. The system features the i-SWIPE Touch Gesture Control, enabling intuitive multi-touch operations for AC, music and navigation. Further convenience is provided by the Digital Bluetooth Key and Key Sharing capability along with Predictive Maintenance Alerts, Remote AC Control. A Full Digital Cluster with a 17.78 cm Embedded LCD Screen provides a driver interface.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Hector was our maiden nameplate and quickly became synonymous with the MG brand, emerging as one of India’s most loved SUVs with 150,000 customers since its debut. With the All-New MG Hector, we take this legacy a notch higher by enhancing its design, comfort, and technology, offering an unmatched value proposition. We believe truly advanced mobility should not be an exclusive luxury reserved for the few. With this superior package, The All-New MG Hector will further democratize technology while setting a new benchmark for what a premium SUV can deliver.”

The new Hector also features a 360deg HD Camera with Wheel View, offering surround visibility along with tyre-level perspective. In terms of standard it gets ABS, EBD, ESP, TCS, Hill Hold Control and Brake Assist. The SUV is powered by a 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol engine (CVT & MT) offering 143 PS Power and 250 NM Torque.

Launched in 2019 as India’s First Internet Car, the MG Hector includes features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD infotainment system, 8-colour Ambient Mood Lighting, and MG’s advanced i-SMART connected technology with 70+ features, and an advanced ADAS suite. Further features include Push Button Engine Start/Stop with a Smart Key and Anti-Theft Immobilisation, automatic powered tailgate, air purifier with PM 2.5 filter, rain sensing wipers, Remote Control for Audio, AC & Mood Light in i-Smart App and front parking sensors.

The prices for the diesel variant of the all-new Hector SUV will be announced next year.

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The Tata Sierra has entered the India Book of Records for maximum fuel efficiency in 12 hours. In a certified run at NATRAX Indore, the Sierra delivered an exceptional 29.9 kmpl mileage, surpassing the previous national benchmark. The feat was executed by the Pixel Motion team, that drove the 1.5-lire Hyperion-engine powered Sierra continuously from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on 30 November 2025 with brief halts for driver swaps. The record was officially validated the same day.
The new 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol engine, engineered to deliver high efficiency without compromising refinement, performance or drivability, has an advanced combustion system, torque-rich performance band and friction-optimised architecture. 
The compact SUV also achieved a top speed of 222 kmpg at the track under specified test conditions. 
“Setting a national efficiency record so early in the Sierra’s journey is a proud moment for us. The Hyperion engine platform was built to push the boundaries of what petrol powertrains can achieve, and this milestone validates that effort. It strengthens the Sierra’s value proposition for customers and underlines TMPV’s commitment to bringing advanced, efficient and future-ready technologies to the market," said Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. 

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