BMW India has launched the new M340i xDrive that is produced locally at its plant in Chennai. It is the first high-performance automobile with an M Series engine to be made in India. Combining high-performance with attractive design and a rich features list, the ‘M’ car based on the 3-Series is priced at INR 6,920,000 ex-showroom. 

Powered by a 374 hp 2,998 cc straight-six petrol engine that does 500 Nm maximum torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic ‘Steptronic’ transmission, the M3401 xDrive is fitted with an intelligent all-wheel drive system that monitors the driving situation and responds to ensure maximum traction, agility and vehicle stability. A part of the system is a M sport rear differential.  

The M sport suspension can lower the ride height by 10 mm to offer a more engaging driving experience whereas the variable sport steering ensures precise response. The M sport brakes (with blue coloured callipers having M logo) provide excellent braking performance and intuitive feel. The BMW ‘Performance Control System’ increases stability. 

The BMW ConnectedDrive technology makes the car an interconnected digital device with a host of ‘ConnectedDrive’ features like digital key plus, emergency call, real-time traffic information and remote services. These are operated via the ‘MyBMW’ app. The BMW Live Cockpit Plus includes the freestanding 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display with navigation, a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel and BMW Head-up Display.

The latest BMW iDrive with ‘Operating System 8’, offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch, gesture or speech. It is complemented by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant which has a self-learning intelligence that adopts a driver’s individual habits, proactively provides useful tips on new driving functions and seamlessly integrates smartphone apps. Regular remote software upgrades ensure that the car is always up to date. Wireless smartphone integration opens access to a range of functions and apps. Smartphone holder integrated in the centre console allows inductive, wireless charging. 

The BMW Digital Key Plus turns a smartphone into a vehicle key enabling remote locking / unlocking and starting the car. The spread of driver assistance systems is more extensive than ever and includes parking assistant with rear view camera and a reversing assistant. 

BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as auto start-stop, brake-energy regeneration, electronic power steering, 50:50 weight distribution and Eco Pro mode in ‘Driving Experience Control’. 

BMW Safety technologies include six airbags, attentiveness assistance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that includes Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobiliser and crash sensors, run-flat tyres with tyre pressure indicator, Isofix child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel. Fitted with a M Sport exhaust unit, the M340i xDrive is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds, making it the quickest BMW to be produced in the country. 

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The BMW M340i xDrive is a sure-shot winner as it amplifies the thrill of sheer driving pleasure to a different level, thanks to the power of M which lies right at its heart. This captivating formula meets the cravings of auto enthusiasts who want a premium sedan for everyday use that doubles up as performance machine when desired. It is amongst the best-selling models of BMW Group India today. The new BMW M340i xDrive presents an even greater package full of M performance, unbeatable dynamics, space, comfort and a new innovative digital experience. This refreshed avatar will further consolidate the leading position of M340i and win over more brand fans and M enthusiasts.”

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced its wholesales for April 2025 at 84,170 vehicles, a growth of 19 percent, including exports.

The auto major sold a total of 52,330 SUVs in the domestic market, which was 28 percent higher than 41,008 SUVs sold for the same period last year. Commercial vehicle sales in the domestic market came at 22,989 units, which was 4 percent YoY. 

Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Building on the strong momentum of last year's performance, we began the year on a strong note in April by achieving SUV sales of 52,330 units, a growth of 28 percent and total vehicle sales of 84,170 units, a 19 percent growth over the same month last year. These numbers indicate the strength of our portfolio and customer offerings.”

JSW MG Motor India, a leading passenger vehicles manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for April 2025.

The company reported sales of 5,829 units, which was 23 percent higher over April 2024, when it sold 4,725 vehicles.

Interestingly, the automaker's popular offering, the Windsor EV, has continued to be the top-selling electric passenger vehicle for the seventh month in a row.

JSW MG Motor India's Windsor EV has now gone home to over 20,000 customers.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has reported its wholesales of 179,791 units in April 2025, marking a 7 percent increase compared to 168,089 units sold in April 2024. The growth was primarily propelled by strong performance in utility vehicles and a sharp rise in export volumes.

Domestic sales, including passenger and light commercial vehicles, remained flat with 142,053 units, as compared to 140,448 units in April 2024. Within this, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) like the Super Carry saw a significant jump of 34.2 percent, with sales rising to 3,349 units from 2,496 units last year.

In the passenger vehicle segment, SUVs such as the Brezza, Ertiga, Grand Vitara and others recorded a 4.4 percent increase, selling 59,022 units compared to 56,553 in the previous year. However, sales for Eeco declined by 5.2 percent, while the mini segment (Alto, S-Presso) saw a sharp 45 percent drop, falling to 6,332 units from 11,519 units. The compact segment, which includes high-volume models like the Baleno and Swift, grew by 8.1 percent, reaching 61,591 units.

Sales to Toyota Kirloskar Motor rose sharply by 79.2 percent, from 5,481 units to 9,827 units, indicating a growing demand for cross-badged products.

The standout performer was the export segment, which surged 26 percent to 27,911 units from 22,160 units in April 2024. This strong export growth helped bolster the company’s overall numbers despite weaknesses in domestic sub-segments.

While some product lines such as the mid-size sedan Ciaz (-63 percent) continue to struggle.

Tata Motors reported total wholesales of 72,753 units for April 2025, reflecting a 6 percent year-on-year decline from 77,521 units in April 2024.

The passenger vehicle (PV) segment, including electric vehicles, accounted for 45,532 units, down 5 percent from 47,983 units in the same month last year. Within this, domestic PV sales dropped 6 percent to 45,199 units, while international business (IB) sales rose significantly to 333 units, up from 100 units. Electric vehicle sales (domestic + IB) declined 16 percent year-on-year to 5,318 units.

Commercial vehicle (CV) sales stood at 27,221 units, marking an 8 percent YoY drop from 29,538 units in April 2024. Domestic CV sales contracted 10 percent to 25,764 units, while CV exports (IB) grew 43 percent to 1,457 units. Key sub-segments like Small Commercial Vehicles (SCV) and pickups saw a steep 23 percent decline.

Despite growth in certain categories like ILMCV trucks and passenger carriers, overall sales momentum was tempered across both PV and CV segments.