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.”
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Scores 3 Star In Global NCAP Rating, Ciaz Gets 1 Star
- By MT Bureau
- December 22, 2025
Global NCAP, the automotive safety watchdog, has announced the latest results for its #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, with two models from Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, receiving mixed results.
The latest crash test result saw Global NCAP awarding the Maruti Suzuki Celerio a three-star rating for adult occupant protection following the inclusion of six airbags as standard. A previous version of the vehicle, equipped with two airbags, had received two stars for adult occupant safety and one star for child protection.
The technical evaluations of the six-airbag Celerio indicated protection levels ranging from good to marginal. The assessment noted that both the footwell and the bodyshell were unstable. Tests also showed exposure of children’s heads during front and side impacts.
On the other hand, the company’s popular sedan model the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz received a 1-star rating in the same assessment. The report for this model highlighted:
- The absence of side head protection.
- An unstable footwell and bodyshell.
- A lack of three-point seatbelts in all seating positions.
In contrast, Global NCAP reported that the new Dzire and Victoris models achieved five-star ratings.
Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Global NCAP, said, “We are encouraged that Maruti Suzuki is committed to improving safety with five star performance for new models like the Dzire and Victoris, it remains disappointing however that some legacy models fall short.”
The results follow a commitment from Maruti Suzuki to increase safety standards across its future vehicle range.
CARS24 Appoints Divanshu Saxena As CBO Of Financial Services Arm
- By MT Bureau
- December 22, 2025
CARS24 has announced the promotion of Divanshu Saxena to Chief Business Officer (CBO) of its NBFC arm, CARS24 Financial Services.
In his new role, Saxena will oversee the strategy, growth and execution of the financial services division. His responsibilities include scaling lending operations, managing risk and maintaining profitability as the company develops its financial services platform.
Saxena previously managed the consumer financing business for LOANS24. During his tenure, the division recorded growth in finance penetration and contributions from non-retail lending. The company noted that his work focused on unit economics and portfolio quality.
Ruchit Agarwal, Co-Founder & Group CFO, CARS24, said, “Divanshu has played a pivotal role in building CARS24 Financial Services into a strong and institutionally sound business. His disciplined approach to growth, deep understanding of lending economics, and consistent execution have laid a solid foundation for scale. We are proud to elevate leaders from within, and as CBO, Divanshu will be central to shaping the next phase of growth for LOANS24.”
Before joining CARS24, Saxena served as a Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) within the Financial Services and Industrial Goods practice. He is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta, where he graduated with a silver medal, and Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi.
Divanshu Saxena said, “Building LOANS24 has been about creating a lending business that balances speed with discipline and growth with resilience. As CBO, my focus will be on scaling responsibly, strengthening our fundamentals, and continuing to build a financial services platform that earns long-term trust from customers and partners.”
Hyundai Motor Group Announces Executive Appointments For 2026
- By MT Bureau
- December 19, 2025
South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Group has announced executive appointments effective from 1st January 2026. The changes focus on the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDV) and the development of manufacturing technology.
In total, 219 executives have been promoted across the Group, comprising four Presidents, 14 Executive Vice Presidents, 25 Senior Vice-Presidents and 176 Vice Presidents. Approximately 30 percent of these promotions are within R&D and technology sectors.
Manfred Harrer has been promoted to President and Head of the R&D Division. Since joining in 2024, Harrer has managed vehicle development. His new role focuses on SDV competitiveness and development projects.
Juncheul Jung is promoted to President. Jung currently manages the Manufacturing Solutions and Procurement Divisions. His remit involves the Group's Software-Defined Factory (SDF) approach and the integration of robotics into production systems.
Yeong Il Choi becomes Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production. Choi also takes the role of Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for production facilities in South Korea.
The company also announced revamping leadership positions in its regional business, where it has appointed Seung Kyu Yoon as President of Kia North America Operations, Bo-Ryong Lee as President and CEO of Hyundai Steel Operations, Gang Hyun Seo as Head of Corporate Planning, Affiliate Business Optimisation, Sungwon Jee as Executive Vice-President, Hyundai Brand Marketing and Yongseok Shin as Executive Vice-President of HMG Business Intelligence Institute.
Hyundai Motor Group has internalised technologies including the 'Pleos Connect' infotainment system and 'Atria AI' for autonomous driving. Appointments in engineering include Jeonghun Seo in Battery Engineering and Duckhwan Kim in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Engineering.
Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair, continues to oversee the direction for mobility, hydrogen energy and robotics. Within the financial sector, Chang Hyun Cho (Hyundai Card) and Si Woo Jeon (Hyundai Commercial) have been promoted to Executive Vice-President.
"The appointments are intended to strengthen organisational resilience and expand the leadership pipeline across functions. In addition, the appointments reflect the Group’s commitment to turning global uncertainties into opportunities for renewal and growth. It will continue to advance bold leadership transformation and secure strong competitiveness in the SDV era," the company said.
Maruti Suzuki India’s WagonR Surpasses 3.5 Million Units Production Milestone
- By MT Bureau
- December 18, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India has attained a production milestone of 3.5 million units for the popular hatchback the WagonR.
The model, which spans three generations, was first launched in India in December 1999 and is currently manufactured at the company's facilities in Gurgaon and Manesar, Haryana.
The WagonR joins the Alto and Swift as models within the Maruti Suzuki portfolio to reach this volume. Globally, the Suzuki WagonR was first introduced in Japan in September 1993 and is now sold in over 75 countries. In August 2025, the model reached 100 million units in cumulative global sales.
The current WagonR is built on the fifth-generation Heartect platform. Standard safety features include six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
On the inside, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth and voice command functionality.
The vehicle has been the highest-selling car in India for the previous four financial years.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This achievement is not just a production milestone, but reflects the enduring love and confidence that generations of customers have shown towards brand WagonR. It is rare for a vehicle to receive such acceptance even after 25 years since its launch. The WagonR kept evolving with the introduction of new technology and features over time, while retaining its original DNA. The WagonR has been highly appreciated for aspects like its iconic tall-boy design, spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, which aptly reflect our customers’ needs and expectations. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and remain committed to providing ‘Joy of Mobility’ for generations to come.”
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