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.”
Tata Motors To Gift Sierra SUVs To Women's World Cup Winning Team
- By MT Bureau
- November 05, 2025
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has announced it will present the Indian Women’s Cricket Team with the first lot of the soon-to-be-launched Tata Sierra SUV following their victory at the ICC Women's World Cup. The Tata Sierra is slated to be launched on 25th November.
The company will gift the top-end model of the Sierra to each team member as part of its salute to the team’s journey and contribution to the country.
Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Indian Women’s Cricket Team has made the entire nation proud with their extraordinary performance and remarkable win. Their journey stands as a true testament to determination and the power of belief, qualities that inspire every Indian. At Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, we are privileged to present these legends with another legend, The Tata Sierra. This is our salute to their spirit and the pride they have brought to the nation – Two legends, One spirit, Infinite inspiration.”
Maruti Suzuki India Crosses 30 Million Unit Sales Milestone
- By MT Bureau
- November 05, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained a new milestone by crossing the 30-million-unit sales milestone in the domestic market.
The new benchmark was attained by the company over a course of 42 years, with the first 10 million unit sales taking 28 years and 2 months to achieve.
The 20 million unit sales took 7 years and 5 months, while the recent milestone took just 6 years and 4 months.
Interestingly, the entry-level hatchback Alto was the most preferred model in the country, with over 4.7 million units sold, followed by Wagon R with 3.4 million units and the sporty Swift with 3.2 million units.
The Brezza and Fronx SUVs also played an instrumental role in contributing to the sales milestone, being featured among the top 10 models sold in the country.
It was on 14th December 1983, Maruti Suzuki India delivered its first model, the iconic Maruti 800, to its first customer.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “When I look at the length and breadth of India and think that 3 crore customers have placed their trust in Maruti Suzuki to realise their dream of mobility, it fills me with humility and gratitude. Yet, with car penetration at approximately 33 vehicles per 1,000 people, we know our journey is far from over. We will continue to make every possible effort to bring the joy of mobility to as many people as we can, while also be an asset to both the economy and the environment at the same time.”
Sharad Agarwal Is Tesla India’s First Business Head
- By MT Bureau
- November 04, 2025
American electric vehicle maker Tesla has appointed Sharad Agarwal, former Chief Business Officer of Classic Legends, as its new business head, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The report further stated that Agarwal joined the EV maker a week ago and is tasked to drive sales for Tesla in India, which as per industry observers, has not performed as per the company’s expectations.
Agarwal, an automotive industry veteran, had begun his career with TVS Motor Co as Area Sales Manager in December 2002, before joining Mahindra First Choice Wheels as its Business Head for North and Eastern region in March 2007.
It was in January 2013, he moved to Audi India as the head of Sales, before taking over as the head of Lamborghini India in April 2016, where he spent almost 9 years, before joining Classic Legends.
During his tenure at Lamborghini, the Italian super luxury car maker saw its dealerships across India achieved a Return on Sales (RoS) of more than 10 percent, setting a new benchmark for the automotive business in the country. He also grew India’s ranking for the automaker as the third market globally in terms of PR visibility in 2021.
He also expanded Lamborghini India’s reach to over 60 cities, with sales volumes from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributing more than 25 percent of the total.
Tesla, which formally started deliveries in September 2025 with its first dealership in Mumbai and the second facility in Delhi, has till date delivered 114 vehicles, of the estimated 600-plus bookings.
File photo for representational purposes only.
Mahindra & Mahindra Reports INR 36 Billion Net Profit For Q2 FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- November 04, 2025
Mumbai-headquartered business conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra has announced its financial results for Q2 FY2026 with consolidated Revenue reaching INR 461 billion, marking a 22 percent YoY growth.
The consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at INR 36 billion, a 16 percent increase YoY. The company stated that, excluding specific one-time impacts, PAT growth was 28 percent YoY.
Mahindra’s Auto business reported sales of 262,000 vehicles, up 13 percent, which includes around 146,000 SUV sales. This translated to a revenue of INR 271 billion, up 25 percent YoY, while net profit came at INR 15 billion, up 8 percent YoY.
On the other hand, the farm sector reported its highest ever Q2 market share at 43 percent with sales of 123,000 units, up 32 percent YoY. The revenue came at INR 102 billion, up 25 percent, while consolidated net profit came at INR 11 billion, up 45 percent YoY.
Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “We are pleased with the strong execution and solid performance delivered across the group in Q2 FY2026. Auto and Farm sustained their leadership with consistent gains in market share and profitability. TechM is progressing well on its transformation journey. MMFSL achieved a 45 percent PAT growth and remains committed to quality growth and digital transformation. Our Growth Gems are steadily advancing towards their ambitious goals, reinforcing our long-term value creation potential.”
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO (Auto and Farm Sector), Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Strong performance of our Auto and Farm businesses continues in Q2 FY2026 reinforcing our leadership position, with a gain of 390 bps YoY in SUV revenue share, and 100 bps YoY in LCV (< 3.5T) market share. In Tractors, we gained 50 bps YoY to reach 43 percent market share. Our Auto Standalone PBIT margin (excl. e-SUV Contract Mfg.) improved by 80 bps to 10.3 percent and core Tractor PBIT margins improved by 190 bps to 20.6 percent.”
Amarjyoti Barua, Group Chief Financial Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, “Our solid Q2 consolidated results reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio. We continue to deliver on our strategic priorities. We had strong cash generation in the first half, delivering over INR 100 billion of operating cash flow. We remain committed to sustainable growth and value creation.”
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