Conceived as pure electric mobility, the new car will redefine the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The newly developed, precise and minimalist design of the BMW iX is representative of a trailblazing generation of cars poised to redefine the driving experience, the feeling of space inside and the relationship between vehicles and those on board.

The BMW iX is created to provide quality of life and wellbeing for drivers and passengers. The vehicle harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity to deliver a mobility experience which puts people more than ever at its heart. The clear and minimalist design of the car’s exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants. In contrast, the interior design offers those on-board innovative options for using the time during a journey enjoying relaxation, safety, security, and a new form of luxury in the process.

The concept and design of the BMW iX are rooted in an all-embracing approach to sustainability. It is reflected in the areas such as optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight design and extensive use of natural and recycled materials that help to create a cutting-edge sense of luxury and comprehensive feeling of wellbeing on board.

The car comes with the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology – which encompasses the two electric motors, power electronics, charging technology and the high-voltage battery which guarantees exceptional efficiency and long-range. The power unit is manufactured using sustainable materials without the use of critical raw materials like rare earth elements, and by the most recent calculations will develop maximum output of more than 370 kW. This unit will be enough to power the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5.0 seconds. At the same time, the vehicle’s apparent aim is to post an exceptionally low combined electric power consumption figure for its segment of less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometres (62 miles) in the WLTP test cycle.

The BMW iX comes with a new charging technology that enables DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. This technology allows the vehicle to be charged from 10 to 80 percent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. Ten minutes charge can feed enough energy into the battery to increase the car’s range by more than 120 kilometers (75 miles). On a standard Wallbox at 11 kW, the high-voltage battery can be charged from 0 to 100 percent in less than eleven hours. The batteries in the car are designed as a part of a long-term resource cycle, making it exceptionally easy to recycle. Besides, the power used to produce the cells, and the high voltage battery comes exclusively from renewable sources contributing to an eco-friendly future.

The new technology toolkit making its debut in the car has computing power in the areas of automated driving and digital services, 20 times more than the previous models. As a result, around double the amount of data from vehicle sensors can be processed than was previously possible.

Talking about the technology and the computing power of the car, Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG said, “We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX”. The iX has more computing power and more robust sensor technology that will help in new and improved automated driving and parking functions and using the high-performing fifth-generation electric drive system.

The kidney grille at the front has been completely blanked off and converted into an intelligence panel. The camera technology, radar function and other sensors are integrated seamlessly into the grill behind a transparent surface. The grill has reinvented itself as an innovative and multifunctional high-tech interface for the advanced driver assistance systems which paves the way for automated driving. Developed and produced at BMW’s LuTZ lightweight design and technology centre the kidney grille presents a technological showcase for intelligent mobility. Also, the material used to make the intelligence panel on the kidney grille is self-healing.

Like the kidney grille, all the technologies are subtly located on the car. For example, an array of sensors and cameras are discreetly placed around the vehicle to help with automated driving. The filler neck for the windscreen washer fluid is concealed under the BMW logo on the bonnet. The rear-view camera has been integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate. Technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.

The exterior design of the car features the slimmest headlight units ever on a series-production model from the carmaker. The flush-fitted door handles, the frameless side windows, the tailgate – which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear and the likewise extremely slim rear lights carry forward the minimalistic theme.

On the inside the newly developed seats with integral head restraints and a vast electrochromic panoramic glass roof that imbibes the feeling of spaciousness and gives the cabin a luxurious lounge-like ambience. The all-new architecture of the car adds to the straightforward functionality that revolves around the needs and emotions of the driver and the passengers. The missing central tunnel adds to the open, airy feel while allowing extra legroom.

The interior involves shy technology, which makes previously visible functions hidden and creating stylish elegance. The technology represents the panels wherein the controls on the central console of the car are placed. It only becomes visible when it is needed making it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complicated. The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in several features, including speakers integrated out of sight, intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the discreet recessing of the Head-Up Display’s projector into the instrument panel, so it is almost invisible.

The BMW iX is expected to hit the market in late 2021, showcasing the best of vehicle maker to come in the future. The company plans to launch 20 plus fully electric cars shortly, and the use of sustainable material to build cars show its concern towards a greener and better tomorrow. (MT)

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company has announced that  its all-new Hyundai Nexo fuel-cell electric SUV has bagged 5-star crash test rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety assessment.

The Nexo, Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV, emits only water vapor and is central to the company’s push for zero-emission mobility. The top rating follows five-star Euro NCAP results for the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9. The rating validates Hyundai’s performance in crash protection and its suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies.

Euro NCAP, Europe’s independent organisation for evaluating vehicle safety, assesses vehicles across four areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, protection of vulnerable road users and safety assistance technologies.

The new Hyundai Nexo achieved results across all four areas, including:

90 percent in Adult Occupant Protection.

85 percent in Child Occupant Protection.

In adult occupant tests, the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, with protection of the knees, femurs, and all critical body regions for both driver and passenger. The Nexo performed well in the full-width rigid barrier test, achieved maximum points in the side barrier test and provided effective far-side occupant protection via its centre airbag. Whiplash protection for both front and rear seats was rated as good in rear-impact evaluations.

Child occupant protection performance was strong. The six- and 10-year-old dummies showed protection in all critical body areas in both frontal and side-impact tests, earning maximum points.

Additional safety features noted by Euro NCAP include an advanced eCall system and post-crash secondary impact prevention technology.

This achievement underlines Hyundai’s long-term commitment to hydrogen technology and safety innovation. The previous generation NEXO was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, also achieving a five-star rating under the standards at that time.

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JSW MG Motor India has introduced the all-new MG Hector SUV featuring a revised exterior with new front and rear bumper designs, a new grille design and new alloy wheels at prices starting INR 1.19 million (ex-showroom) for limited units. The SUV comes in two new colours – Celadon Blue and Pearl White.

The interiors feature a Dual Tone Ice Grey Theme in the 5-seater trim and Dual Tone Urban Tan for the 6 and 7-seater trims. Exterior details include the new Aura Hex Grille, a hexagonal structure that symbolises strength and precision. New Aura Sculpt Bumpers at the front and rear deliver a muscular, assertive stance and also the Aura Bolt Alloy Wheels.

The all-new Hector's infotainment system, featuring a 14-inch HD portrait touch screen, receives a performance boost through Smart Boost technology. The system features the i-SWIPE Touch Gesture Control, enabling intuitive multi-touch operations for AC, music and navigation. Further convenience is provided by the Digital Bluetooth Key and Key Sharing capability along with Predictive Maintenance Alerts, Remote AC Control. A Full Digital Cluster with a 17.78 cm Embedded LCD Screen provides a driver interface.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Hector was our maiden nameplate and quickly became synonymous with the MG brand, emerging as one of India’s most loved SUVs with 150,000 customers since its debut. With the All-New MG Hector, we take this legacy a notch higher by enhancing its design, comfort, and technology, offering an unmatched value proposition. We believe truly advanced mobility should not be an exclusive luxury reserved for the few. With this superior package, The All-New MG Hector will further democratize technology while setting a new benchmark for what a premium SUV can deliver.”

The new Hector also features a 360deg HD Camera with Wheel View, offering surround visibility along with tyre-level perspective. In terms of standard it gets ABS, EBD, ESP, TCS, Hill Hold Control and Brake Assist. The SUV is powered by a 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol engine (CVT & MT) offering 143 PS Power and 250 NM Torque.

Launched in 2019 as India’s First Internet Car, the MG Hector includes features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD infotainment system, 8-colour Ambient Mood Lighting, and MG’s advanced i-SMART connected technology with 70+ features, and an advanced ADAS suite. Further features include Push Button Engine Start/Stop with a Smart Key and Anti-Theft Immobilisation, automatic powered tailgate, air purifier with PM 2.5 filter, rain sensing wipers, Remote Control for Audio, AC & Mood Light in i-Smart App and front parking sensors.

The prices for the diesel variant of the all-new Hector SUV will be announced next year.

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The Tata Sierra has entered the India Book of Records for maximum fuel efficiency in 12 hours. In a certified run at NATRAX Indore, the Sierra delivered an exceptional 29.9 kmpl mileage, surpassing the previous national benchmark. The feat was executed by the Pixel Motion team, that drove the 1.5-lire Hyperion-engine powered Sierra continuously from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on 30 November 2025 with brief halts for driver swaps. The record was officially validated the same day.
The new 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol engine, engineered to deliver high efficiency without compromising refinement, performance or drivability, has an advanced combustion system, torque-rich performance band and friction-optimised architecture. 
The compact SUV also achieved a top speed of 222 kmpg at the track under specified test conditions. 
“Setting a national efficiency record so early in the Sierra’s journey is a proud moment for us. The Hyperion engine platform was built to push the boundaries of what petrol powertrains can achieve, and this milestone validates that effort. It strengthens the Sierra’s value proposition for customers and underlines TMPV’s commitment to bringing advanced, efficient and future-ready technologies to the market," said Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. 

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Matthew Bowden is concluding a successful four-year tenure as Director of Škoda UK, departing to assume the role of Head of International Sales for Škoda Auto. Under his leadership, the UK market achieved significant growth, rising to become the brand's third largest global market and consistently exceeding performance records while maintaining a market share beyond four percent.

His successor, Eric Boutin, will join the Volkswagen Group UK board of management as Director of Škoda UK in the first quarter of 2026. Boutin brings extensive international experience from pivotal markets including Canada, China and United States. He is currently responsible for Škoda Auto's global customer experience programme, with direct oversight of the worldwide retail network and omnichannel integration, and is spearheading the brand's overarching customer centricity transformation.

This strategic leadership transition aims to leverage Bowden's commercial acumen on a global scale while injecting Boutin's specialised customer-focused expertise into the UK operations.

Damien O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group UK, said, “Matthew has made a significant contribution towards Škoda’s evolution and growth over the past four years. I’m grateful for all he’s done for the brand and the Group and wish him well in his new role. I’m looking forward to welcoming Eric to the UK board of management and am sure his global experience and customer focus will support the brand’s future ambitions and Human Touch proposition.”

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