BYD unveils SEALION 7 at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

BYD India launched its much-anticipated BYD SEALION 7 Pure Performance eSUV at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The fully electric SUV is now open for bookings under a special Promotional Booking Offer valid until 17 February 2025. Alongside the SEALION 7, BYD India showcased the BYD SEALION 6, BYD Super Plug-in Hybrid EV and the groundbreaking Yangwang U8 luxury electric SUV. 

Marking 17 years of successful operations in India, the SEALION 7 embodies ocean-inspired aesthetics and advanced innovation. This globally acclaimed vehicle is built on BYD’s cutting-edge technology, including Intelligence Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) and CTB (Cell to Body) technology. The SEALION 7 features an 82.56 kWh Blade Battery integrated into the chassis for enhanced safety, performance and interior space. 

Available in Premium and Performance variants, the eSUV delivers impressive acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds in the Performance trim and 6.7 seconds in the Premium variant. The Performance model offers 542 km range and generates 390 kW of power with 690 Nm of torque, while the Premium provides 567 km range, 230 kW power and 380 Nm torque. 

Designed by BYD’s Global Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, the SEALION 7 boasts aerodynamic styling with a distinctive ‘OCEAN X’ front design. Interior features include a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, quilted Nappa leather seats, 128-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced noise insulation. It also offers 12 Dynaudio speakers, ventilated and heated seats, a 50 W wireless phone charger and a VTOL (Vehicle to Load) system, allowing the vehicle to function as a portable power station. 

Under the Promotional Booking Offer, customers can reserve the SEALION 7 for INR 70,000, matched by a INR 70,000 contribution from BYD India. Early bookings include benefits such as a complimentary 7 kW home charger with free installation, an additional 7-year/150,000 km warranty on the low-voltage battery, and early deliveries for the first 70 customers. 

The BYD SEALION 6, powered by BYD’s DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligence) hybrid platform, combines electric and petrol propulsion for seamless performance and outstanding fuel efficiency. The platform enhances driving dynamics and eco-friendliness, advancing BYD's vision of sustainable mobility. 

Also showcased was the Yangwang U8 luxury electric SUV, featuring BYD’s e4 platform for Independent Torque Control and real-time wheel torque regulation. The U8 boasts unique capabilities such as all-terrain tank turns and the ability to float and steer in water for up to 30 minutes, making it a one-of-a-kind passenger vehicle. 

BYD India also presented its existing portfolio, including the BYD ATTO 3 eSUV, eMAX7 eMPV and the award-winning BYD SEAL electric sedan, alongside models from BYD’s global portfolio. With plans to expand its dealership network to 40 locations by January 2025, BYD India is poised to lead the transition to sustainable mobility.

Commiting on the occassion, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India Rajeev Chauhan said, "The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a milestone event for BYD, as we proudly launch the SEALION 7, a model that epitomises our vision for innovative and sustainable luxury mobility at the congregation. We are also showcasing the BYD SEALION 6, BYD Super Plug-in Hybrid EV with DM-i technology and the luxurious Yangwang U8. Our lineup represents a breakthrough in automotive technology, setting new standards for what consumers can expect from electric vehicles. We are excited to lead the charge in transforming the industry with products that not only inspire but also contribute meaningfully to a greener future. In line with this, we are set to expand our dealership network to 40 within January and grow our network even further through 2025."

JSW MG Motor India Introduces All-New Hector SUV At INR 1.19 Million

MG Hector SUV

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.

Hyperion-Powered Tata Sierra Sets New Fuel Efficiency Benchmark

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. 

Škoda UK’s Matthew Bowden Shifts To Global Sales; Eric Boutin Named Successor

Škoda UK’s Matthew Bowden Shifts To Global Sales; Eric Boutin Named Successor

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.”

Mahindra XUV 7XO To Premiere on 05 January 2026

Mahindra XUV 7XO To Premiere on 05 January 2026

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has revealed that it will launch the XUV 7XO, which is based on the XUV 700, on 05 January 2026. A premium SUV segment vehicle, the XUV 7XO, the company claims, will be a gamechanger. Said to have been crafted to inspire and engineered to excite, combining the proven strengths of the XUV700 with superior design, technology, comfort and performance, the XUV 7XO is expected to be a feature a fascia with the new signature grille design and '7'-shape sleeker LED head lamps. 
Claimed to draw an amount of design and styling details from the new seven-seater electric SUV the company introduced recently, the XUV 7XO is expected to built on the technologies that made the XUV 700 a competitively priced tech savvy SUV with monocoque construction and an option of an AWD. As an ICE vehicle the 7XO is expected to further the gamut of features found on the XUV 700, including the ADAS Level 2 suite. 

The XUV 7XO is expected to replace the XUV 700 over a period of time if not immediately.