BMW has launched the upgraded X5 in India. Produced at BMW’s group plant in Chennai, the SUV is available in petrol and diesel variants. It is priced at INR 9.39 million for the xDrive40i xLine variant, INR 10.4 million for the xDrive40i M Sport variant, INR 9.59 million for the xDrive30d xLine variant and 10.6 million for the xDrive30d M Sport variant. 

Laced with twin-turbo technology, the powertrains of the X5 include a 381 bhp three-litre six-cylinder petrol engine on the xDrive40i variants with a 0 to 100 kmph acceleration figure of 5.4 seconds, and a 286 bhp three-litre six-cylinder diesel engine on the xDrive30d variants with a 0 to 100 kmph acceleration figure of 6.1 seconds. Both the powertrains feature a 48-volt electrical motor with a power output of 12 hp and torque output of 200 Nm. The motor helps to better efficiency and dynamics. 

Coupled with either powertrain of the two powertrains is an eight-speed ‘steptronic’ auto transmission, which offers distinct driving setups in both automatic and manual mode such as comfort, efficient, sport and sport plus. The driveline of the X5 is made up of an intelligent all-wheel drive set up which monitors the driving situation and quickly responds to maintain maximum traction, agility and vehicle stability.  

Equipped with electronically controlled ‘automatic differential brakes/locks’ (ADB-X), extended ‘dynamic traction control’ (DTC), hill-start assist and hill descent control, the upgraded X5 gets an adaptive two-axle air suspension. This enables the SUV to raise or lower the vehicle height with the touch of a button. The height is also automatically adjusted to suit the given driving situation with a self-levelling function. 

The BMW ‘ConnectedDrive tech presents a host of ‘connected’ tech features such as ‘BMW ID,’ ‘BMW App,’ ‘Digital Key Plus,’ ‘Emergency Call,’ real-time traffic information, remote services, and smartphone parking. The BMW live cockpit professional includes the freestanding BMW curved display with navigation (that offers real-time traffic information and augmented view). There is also a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel, and another 14.9-inch control display besides the BMW head-up display on the M Sport variant. 

The 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 system which has a self-learning intelligence function that adopts a driver’s individual habits, proactively provides useful tips on new driving functions and seamlessly integrates smartphone apps. wireless smartphone integration and regular remote software upgrades ensure that the car is always up to date. 

The myBMW app functions include popular options for always keeping an eye on the current vehicle status as well as learning navigation, which offers destination suggestions and traffic information based on the owner’s driving habits. Customers can also use the app to generate the BMW digital key plus, which turns a smartphone into a digital vehicle key. it will enable customers to physically open the doors when unlocking them this way. If the digital key plus is activated, it is also possible to perform automated parking manoeuvres via smartphone. 

BMW efficient dynamics includes features such as reduced aerodynamic drag, auto start-stop, electronic power steering and my modes in driving experience control. 

The spread of driver assistance systems is more extensive than ever. they support and relieve the driver, thus increasing comfort and safety. standard equipment includes functions like cruise control, the attentiveness assistant, parking assistant professional with surround view camera, drive recorder, remote parking via smartphone and reversing assistant. 

BMW safety technologies include six airbags, attentiveness assistance, dynamic stability control (DSC) including cornering brake control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, Isofix child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor. 

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “There are no limits to confidence when you're driving the new BMW X5. The most powerful car in the segment, the new BMW X5 is distinctive and imposing. Exuding a dominating road presence, its confident stature leaves a lasting impression. The newly crafted luxurious interiors underscored by state-of-the-art technology provides an unparalleled elegance that makes the new BMW X5 as convenient and compelling as ever. It has all the ingredients required to strengthen its position as the global market leader in its segment. The new BMW X5 not only demands high standards but lives up to them earning your respect with every mile of the journey.” 

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has upgraded its popular offering, the Scorpio-N Z8L variant, with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tech.

This will see the Scorpio-N Z8L variant coming with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Pilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist features.

The ADAS tech will further enhance safety quotient for the Scorpion-N with exclusive features such as Speed Limit Assist and Front Vehicle Start Alert, marking a first for Mahindra ICE SUVs.

Furthermore, the company has also expanded the Scorpio-N line-up with the introduction of the Z8T variant at INR 2.02 million. The new variant will sit between the Z8 and Z8L variants. It comes with a compelling mix of premium features, including R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Sony-branded audio system, front camera, front parking sensors, 6-way powered driver seat, electronic parking brake (EPB), ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming IRVM.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new milestone in its aftersales service. The company recorded servicing (free and paid) over 2.45 million vehicles in May, the highest in a single month in its history.

The feat was achieved through the company’s vast network of over 5,400 service touchpoints.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This is the first time in the company’s history that we have serviced over 24.5 lakh vehicles in a month, an achievement that reflects scale, depth, and efficiency of the service network. It is a result of the tireless efforts of our service teams and dealer partners across the country.”

“Good quality aftersales service is critical to maintain vehicle health, leading to a delightful car ownership experience and strengthen customer retention. Even before we started mass sales of vehicles in India, our focus was on building a robust service network, a foundation that continues to support us as we expand our business further. Going forward, we aim to expand our service touchpoints to 8,000 by FY 2030-31 and introduce innovative formats to cater to the requirements of diverse customer needs. This will help in our EV launch as well. We are preparing 1,500 EV enabled service workshops covering over 1,000 cities with specially trained manpower and special equipment to extend all EV related support to our customers,” he said.

Maruti Suzuki India has through its dealer partners introduced several innovative and industry-first service formats, to address the smallest query to full-car service needs ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar workshops to mobile workshops. Over the years, it has also created a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) to provide emergency on-road assistance across the country.

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Mercedes-Benz India, the German luxury car brand, has announced a significant organisational change, effective from 1 August 2025, with the appointment of Brendon Sissing as the new Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He will take over from Lance Bennett, who has moved to Mercedes-Benz Middle East as their Chief Financial Officer.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "We are excited to welcome Brendon Sissing as the Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz India. Brendon takes over the responsibility from Lance Bennett, who has joined Mercedes-Benz Middle East as the CFO. Brendon brings rich experience from the world of financing and insurance, as he successfully steered Mercedes-Benz Financial Service India, doubling its portfolio, driving record profit and business transformation, while elevating the integrated customer journey. We are confident Brendon will continue the growth momentum of Mercedes-Benz in this highly diverse and dynamic Indian luxury car market. We thank Lance for his immense contribution and wish them both, the very best in their respective new roles."

Brendon Sissing previously served as the Head of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India, where he was instrumental in doubling the company's portfolio and achieving record profits. He is recognised for his strong advocacy of digital transformation and risk management, leveraging his expertise in credit risk to drive operational excellence. He has extensive experience within the Mercedes-Benz group, having worked with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz South Africa, leading Credit Operations in both markets. He also held roles in Credit Underwriting and Key Accounts at Daimler Mobility, Stuttgart, before joining Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India in 2022.

The German brand stated that under Sissing's leadership, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India significantly enhanced customer journeys through integrated online and offline platforms. He is also noted for his passion for coaching and mentoring, fostering high-performing team environments. Sissing holds a B. Tech degree in Cost & Management Accounting from Technikon Pretoria, South Africa and a Diploma in Credit Management from the Institute of Credit Management. He is also a founding member of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, established in 2012.

A South African national, Sissing has worked in various international locations, including Malaysia, South Africa, Germany and India.

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Honda Cars India has launched a new variant of its popular mid-size sedan, the Honda City Sport, adding a dynamic and youthful edge to the City line-up. Priced at INR 1.48 million (ex-showroom, Delhi), the City Sport is positioned as a limited-edition offering designed to appeal to style-conscious, spirited drivers.

The new variant will be exclusively available with a CVT automatic transmission and is offered in three colour options — Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Sporting a blacked-out exterior theme, the car features a Sporty Black Grille, Glossy Black Shark Fin Antenna, Trunk Lip Spoiler and multi-spoke grey alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gets an all-black treatment with red stitching, leather seats and ambient lighting for a premium, performance-inspired feel.

Under the hood, it retains the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.4 kmpl. The model also comes equipped with Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance suite.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The new City Sport has been crafted to meet the aspirations of young buyers who value individuality and a spirited driving experience. It embodies a perfect blend of sporty exterior and interior style, fun to drive performance and the everyday usability that Honda City is known for, at a price that makes it even more compelling.”

The City Sport is being positioned as a limited-unit, exclusive edition for customers seeking distinction in both design and driving dynamics.

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