Bringing Sporty In The E-Class

Bringing Sporty In The E-Class

Mercedes-Benz India launched the E-Class long wheel-base (LWB) facelift priced from INR 6,360,000 ex-showroom India. The E-Class is one of the best-selling luxury sedans in India and has a rich history here, as it has managed to sell close to 46,000 units since its debut in 1995. The E-Class comprises 30 percent of Mercedes-Benz India’s sales. Adding another feather in Mercedes-Benz’s cap, in 2017 India became the first country in the world to get the E-Class LWD right-hand drive version. The extended version is 205 mm longer than the standard E-Class ensuring more cabin space, especially for the rear passengers. The 2021 E-Class is available in three variants—E 200 at INR 6,360,000, E 220d at INR 6,480,000 and the top-of-the-line E 350d at INR 8,090,000, all ex-showroom India. For the first time in India, Mercedes-Benz has also introduced the sporty avatar of the E 350d in the AMG Line.

At the launch, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The E-Class remains one of the most successful products in our portfolio, and a much anticipated one. With the new E-Class, we seamlessly combine rear-seat luxury, wide space owing to the LWB, various comfort features with that of latest generation telematics, avant-garde design and exciting driving dynamics. The new E-Class once more raises the benchmark significantly in the luxury saloon segment and we are confident of its stellar market performance and continuing its segment leadership.”

Going by Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language, the E-Class looks a lot bolder than its outgoing model with a more imposing front fascia and angular-shaped LED headlights. The luxury sedan sports an all-black front grille, but the standard versions have two chrome lines running across the mesh, while the AMG Line showcases a metal-studded grille with a single chrome line making the ‘Three-Pointed Star’ logo more prominent. The front bumpers have been redesigned and look aggressive, especially on the E 350d with its larger air vents.

Coming to the side profile, the E-Class remains more-or-less untouched apart from a newly designed set of 17-inch alloy wheels and, as expected, the AMG Line boasts of larger 18-inch ones. The rear has been spruced up with new triangle-shaped LED tail lights, which reminds us of the S-Class.

The 2021 E-Class is offered in six different colours—Designo Hyacinth Red, Mojave Silver, High-tech Silver, Polar White, Obsidian Black and Selenite Grey. The first three are new paint schemes. It also comes with a 3-year standard warranty.

Step inside and the two 12.3-inch screens grab all the attention. One screen is the all-digital instrument cluster and the other is the multimedia touchscreen unit, which is equipped with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that lets you control different features like the navigation system with the help of intuitive voice commands. It can also be paired to Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Apart from this, the other major update is that the steering wheel now comes with touch control buttons. As this is the long wheel-base E-Class, additional focus is given on the comfort of the rear passengers as the sedan now comes with a touchscreen pad neatly tucked inside the central armrest. And, of course, the rear seats recline as well. It comes fully loaded with features like a 590W Burmester sound system, two wireless phone chargers, a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery while the 350d comes standard with air suspension.

The E-Class is available in three different engine options. The E 200d is powered by a 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder in-line petrol engine that pumps out 194 bhp at 5,500-6,100 rpm with 320 Nm at 1,650-4,000 rpm. The entry-level diesel, the E 220d gets a 1,950 cc, 4-cylinder in-line diesel motor with 192 bhp of power at 3,800 rpm and a healthy torque of 400 Nm at 1,600- 2,800 rpm. The top-spec 350d churns out 282 bhp at 3,400-4,600 rpm and a colossal torque of 600 Nm at 1,200-3,200 rpm. The AMG Line trim is powered by a 2,925 cc 6-cylinder diesel powerplant. All three are mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

In terms of competition, the E-Class LWB goes up against the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series, the Jaguar XF and the Volvo S90. (MT)

BMW And BMW Motorrad Introduce 100 Jahre Nurburgring Limited Edition Vehicles In India

BMW - Nurburing Edition

German automotive luxury brand BMW India and BMW Motorrad India have opened pre-orders for the ‘100 Jahre Nurburgring’ edition vehicles to mark the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Nurburgring racetrack in 2027.

The limited collection includes five BMW M car models – the BMW M2 Coupé, BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan and the BMW M5 Touring – alongside the BMW M 1000 R motorcycle. The release marks the entry of the BMW M5 Touring into the Indian market.

The edition models feature specific paint finishes in Nurburgring Green and Sapphire Black metallic with green accents, incorporating the ‘100 Years’ logo, Nurburgring since 1927 lettering and the Nurburgring circuit outline.

Exterior details include carbon fibre roofs, model-specific graphics and green wheel accents across select models, while the M5 Touring features a steel roof with custom stripes. Interior specifications across the car lineup include black leather with green and white stitching, door sills, carbon fibre trims, M Carbon bucket seats with individual upholstery, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker.

The BMW M 1000 R motorcycle features a painted fuel tank with the Nurburgring outline, an airbox cover with ‘one of 100’ numbering, carbon wheels with green accent stripes, an Alcantara seat with embroidered ‘100’ logos and black components for the rear swingarm and frame.

Honda Cars India Sales Decline 19% In September 2026

Honda Cars India

Honda Cars India (HCIL), one of the leading manufacturers of passenger vehicles in the country, has announced its wholesales for September 2026.

The company reported total sales of 6,955 units, down 16 percent YoY, as compared to 8,296 units sold for the same period last year.

In the domestic market, the company sold 4,465 units, down 19 percent YoY, as compared to 5,503 units sold a year ago. On the exports front, the company shipped 2,490 units, down 11 percent YoY, as compared to 2,793 units last year.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, We are pleased to see positive sales momentum for the Honda City and Honda Amaze during the month. We are also gearing up for the launch of new Elevate, which will further strengthen our SUV offering with a refreshed and enhanced package. With the festive season underway and an exciting product introduction ahead, we look forward to building stronger momentum in the coming months.”

Kia India Clocks Highest-Ever Monthly Sales Of 32,017 Units In September 2026

Kia India

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its best-ever monthly wholesale performance of 32,017 units in September 2026, representing a 41 percent increase compared to 22,700 units sold last year.

For Q3 of CY2026, the company recorded sales of 89,259 units, reflecting a 38.5 percent growth over 64,443 units for the same period last year.

In terms of YTD (January – September 2026) cumulative sales reached 253,008 units, marking a 22.5 percent increase from 206,582 units reported during the corresponding period in 2025.

Kia India attributed the robust performance to healthy demand across its portfolio incuding Seltos and Sonet models, alongside contributions from the Carens, Carens Clavis, Clavis EV, Syros EV and Sorento, which is offered in diesel and hybrid powertrain options. The company's powertrain options now span petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, and electric configurations across its product range.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, "Our strong performance in September and across the third quarter reflects the continued trust of our customers and the strength of Kia’s evolving portfolio. The Seltos and Sonet continue to be key contributors to our growth, while the strong response to the Sorento and Syros EV reinforces our strategy of expanding into new segments and powertrain categories in line with evolving customer aspirations. As mobility needs become increasingly diverse, we are focused on providing meaningful choice across conventional, CNG, hybrid and electric powertrains, supported by ownership solutions that address real customer needs. We remain committed to building on this momentum through distinctive products, advanced technologies and differentiated experiences designed around the needs of Indian customers."

At present, Kia India operates a retail and service network comprising 915 touchpoints across 425 cities, alongside 137 certified pre-owned outlets across the country.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Sells 25,027 PVs In September 2026

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its total wholesales of 28,218 units in September 2026, comprising 25,027 units sold in the domestic market and 3,191 units exported.

For the YTD period (January – September 2026), the automaker reported cumulative total sales of 294,914 units, representing an 8 percent increase compared to 272,824 units sold last year.

Domestic sales for the 9-month period rose 9 percent to 269,619 units, up from 247,081 units in the previous year, while exports reached 25,295 units, compared to 25,743 units a year ago.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "September witnessed continued customer interest across segments, supported by our focus on quality, durability and reliability. As we enter the festive season, we remain committed to strengthening customer engagement and working closely with our dealer partners to deliver enhanced mobility experiences and address evolving customer needs."