BMW M5 Competition Launched In India

BMW M5 Competition Launched In India

BMW has launched the M5 Competition in India as a completely built-up unit (CBU) for INR 16,190,000 (ex-showroom).

Updates to the new BMW M5 Competition include:

Exterior

  • A new redesigned kidney grille
  • BMW laser lights with L-shaped light tubes connecting towards the kidney grille
  • Gloss black treatment to the kidney grille surround, M-specific double bars, the mesh on the M gills, mirror caps and the additional rear spoiler on the boot lid
  • 3D LED rear light with typical BMW L-shape
  • Standard M Sport exhaust finished in black chrome
  • Large carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sunroof

Interior

  • Merino leather upholstery with three colour choices – Silverstone, Aragon Brown and Black
  • M multifunctional seats with integral head restraints, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions available as standard
  • Comfort features include seat heating (driver and front passenger), electrical seat adjustment with memory function, automatic tailgate, M Seat belts, M Leather Steering Wheel, M footrest and pedals
  • Ambient lighting with six dimmable light designs
  • Four-zone automatic A/C
  • 7.0-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 3D navigation and BMW virtual assistant
  • 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
  • Other features include BMW Gesture Control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system (with options to upgrade to Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system), BMW Head-up display and the unique BMW Display key

Mechanicals and equipment:

  • Powered by a high revving, high-performance V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology
  • Produces a maximum output of 625 hp and 750 Nm torque
  • 0-100 kmph sprint in just 3.3 seconds
  • Mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with paddle shifter
  • Standard equipment: Adaptive M-specific Suspension, M Sport exhaust system, M high-performance compound brakes and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels
  • The driving experience control switch allows drivers to choose between different drive modes preset (Road, Sport and Track) while the M setup will enable drivers to tweak individual settings
  • BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive helps switch between 2WD and AWD
  • Upgrades include M Carbon ceramic brakes, M Carbon engine cover and 20-inch 810 M double-spoke wheels in polished Orbit Grey

Safety and technology

  • Six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
  • Parking Assistant Plus with a surround-view camera helps with parking in tight spots
  • Reversing assistant provides support by remembering the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering
  • Comfort access system makes it possible to open all four vehicle doors without using the key

Interested customers can book the new M5 Competition exclusively on the BMW online shop. (MT)

Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative

Maruti Suzuki India - AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India

Skoda Kodiaq RS

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026

Honda City

Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.

“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.

Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026

Renault Duster

French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.

Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.

During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.