BMW has launched the X3 M40i in India at a starting price of INR 8.65 million. A CBU import and available in limited numbers, the new X3 model is engineered by M Sport. A sporty iteration of the X3 compact SUV line-up thus, the vehicle presents an elevated experience in terms of performance and luxury without letting go of the intrinsic qualities of the platform that the X3 is based on. 

Available in Brooklyn Grey and Black Sapphire colours and featuring an exclusive Sensatec Perforated upholstery in Black, the X3 M340i is powered by a 360 bhp, twin-turbo 3-litre six-cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic Steptronic sport transmission with paddle shifters. Flaunting ‘M High Gloss Shadow Line’ package with extended features such as window graphics, roof rails and a ‘kidney shaped grille finished in a unique shade of black, the SUV gets stylish 20-inch diameter alloys and M Sport braking system (with callipers painted a bright shade of red and having the M logo on them). 

Riding on 245/45 R20 tyres at the front and 275/40 R20 tyres at the rear, the vehicle flaunts carbon fibre accents in the cabin to match its sporty exterior. The accents duly highlight the vehicles performance and luxury orientation. The M badged multi-function steering wheel comes with contrast stitching of leather. Equipped with electrically adjusted seat with memory function, exterior mirror package, panoramic sun roof, ‘welcome light’ carpet, ambient lighting (with six dimmable designs) and electroplated controls, the X3 M40i also presents 3-zone automatic climate control and connected vehicle technologies in the form of BMW Gesture Control and wireless Apple CarPlay /Android Auto.  

The vehicle’s Live Cockpit Professional system runs on BMW Operating System 7.0 and includes 3D Navigation with a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The BMW Gesture Control recognises six pre-defined hand movements for control of a number of functions whereas the BMW Head-Up display projects information discreetly in the driver’s field of vision.  

Fitted with an adaptive M suspension which ensures interesting balance between ride and sporty handling, the X3 M40i gets variable sport steering that is precise and highly responsive. The BMW Performance Control System increases the stability of the car by targeted breaking of the wheels. The list of driver assistance systems includes Parking Assistance Plus with 360 camera system. It aids parking in tight spaces. 

Offering Comfort, Eco Pro, Sport and Sport+ modes, the X3 M40i gets auto start-stop, brake energy regeneration, 50:50 weight distribution and many other innovative technologies to ensure an undiluted sporty driving experience.  

On the safety front for a vehicle that can do 0 to 100 kmph acceleration in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph, there’s a list of offerings such as six airbags, ABS with brake assist, Attentiveness Assistance System, DSC, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, ISO-Fix child seat mounting, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobiliser and crash sensor, and dynamic braking lights. 

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Maruti Suzuki India has announced that cumulative exports of its Fronx model have passed 200,000 units in under 38 months following the commencement of overseas shipments in June 2023.

Manufactured at the company's Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, the SUV is exported to nearly 90 markets, including Japan. The Fronx reached its initial 100,000 export milestone within 25 months, with the subsequent 100,000 units shipped over the following 13 months.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Every vehicle exported by Maruti Suzuki carries the hard work and pride of our people. Together, these vehicles take a piece of Indian manufacturing to nearly 120 countries. Fronx has been a key contributor to Maruti Suzuki’s success in exports. Since FY 24-25, it has been India's No. 1 exported passenger vehicle* and is now shipped to nearly 90 countries. After crossing the milestone of 100,000 exports in record time, Fronx reached its second lakh significantly faster, underlining its growing demand in the international markets.”

“Aligned with ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, Maruti Suzuki continues to showcase the prowess of India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Sustained focus on exports has earned the Company the number one position in passenger vehicle exports from India*. Illustrating this leadership, all three of India’s top exported passenger vehicles in Q1 FY 26-27^ were from Maruti Suzuki. The growing export volumes year-on-year are a strong endorsement of the reliability and appeal of the Company’s products across global markets,” added Takeuchi.

The Fronx remains the company's primary export model within its passenger vehicle lineup, supporting its total export volume across international regions.

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Stellantis-owned Jeep India has launched the Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition, limited to 85 units at prices starting at INR 2.67 million (ex-showroom).

The anniversary edition incorporates visual updates to the exterior and interior of the vehicle platform. External changes include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black alongside anniversary badging. The interior cabin features a black colour scheme paired with gold accents and contrast trim detailing.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "The Jeep Compass has always been central to the Jeep story in India, bringing the brand's legendary capability, design and authenticity to customers who expect more from their SUV. As Jeep celebrates 85 years globally, the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition gives this iconic nameplate a distinctive new expression. With exclusive anniversary-inspired styling, curated accessories and safety technologies, this special edition has been crafted for customers who seek a Compass that feels even more personal, intelligent and exclusive."

The vehicle is offered with optional accessory packages under the brand's personalisation options. These packages add functional and cabin features, including sunroof illumination, ambient lighting, a digital inner rear-view mirror and integrated front and rear dashcams. Bookings for the limited-run vehicle have opened across the company's dealership network and online sales platform.

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German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has opened its new sales facility in Lucknow in partnership with dealership operator T&T Motors. The outlet expands the company's network in Uttar Pradesh to 10 touchpoints across cities including Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi, contributing to a national presence of over 150 locations across more than 60 cities.

The new facility occupies 9,000 square feet, including over 5,000 square feet of carpet area and was completed in five months. The showroom accommodates four vehicle display bays, private and semi-private consultation zones, a lounge section for vehicle lines and a dedicated delivery bay. To support battery electric vehicles, the location incorporates a 180 kW DC fast charger with two charging bays, backed by a staff of 88 employees.

Brendon Sissing, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its luxury retail footprint across India, reflecting our ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. The inauguration of T&T Motors’ new facility in Lucknow marks yet another important milestone in bringing world-class luxury products, services and experiences closer to our customers. Uttar Pradesh remains an important emerging market for Mercedes-Benz, and the growing aspiration for luxury mobility in Lucknow presents strong growth potential for Mercedes-Benz. Through modern luxury infrastructure, personalised consultations, digital capabilities and EV readiness, we are elevating luxury retail experience for our discerning customers in the city.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled its first global pick up christened Lifestyler, which will be launched in India as the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler. The vehicle will go on sale by April 2027 with prices starting below INR 1.97 million ex-showroom. 

First shown as a concept in Cape Town, South Africa, in August 2023, the pickup was designed at the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai and developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. It is built on Mahindra’s next-generation body-on-frame architecture and is intended for both payload and lifestyle use. The company claims to have around 267 patents in terms of innovation for the Lifestyler.

Dr Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “From the outset, our vision was to create a world-class global pickup that raises the bar for the segment while remaining true to Mahindra's strengths in authentic capability and value. The Scorpio Lifestyler is a testament to the strong product development capabilities at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV). Built on our advanced next-generation body-on-frame architecture, it has been engineered to deliver the capability, durability, safety and refinement demanded by customers around the world.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler is inspired by how our customers work, play and explore. Combining bold exterior design, plush interiors and SUV-like comfort with unmistakable Mahindra toughness, it brings style and refinement to every journey. This philosophy is reflected in the three editions showcased today: Valley celebrates purposeful refinement, Reef embodies freedom and exploration, and Trail captures the spirit of boundless adventure. Together, they express our vision of a pickup that celebrates individuality while remaining rooted in capability, authenticity and the freedom to explore without limits.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler represents the convergence of global engineering and evolving customer aspirations. As we prepare for its India launch, we see a growing appetite among customers for a vehicle that delivers authentic capability without compromising on technology, safety, comfort or everyday usability. We are investing in building awareness, strengthening our network and creating the right ownership experience for this category. We believe the Scorpio Lifestyler has the potential to redefine expectations and shape the future of the pickup segment in India.”

While the technical details are still under the wraps, the company showcased three editions - the Valley Edition finished in Artemis Grey, the Reef Edition uses an Aquareef finish and the Trail Edition finished in Sahara Beige.

The Mahindra Lifestyler is aimed at the midsize lifestyle pickup segment in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. It has been developed to meet requirements for capability, durability, safety, technology and everyday use across those markets.

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