Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the SUVs BE6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs in West Bengal. The company introduced them at a function in Kolkata. Present at the function was Rahul Kamani, Managing Director, NR Autos (the Kolkata dealer), and Joysubha Mukherjee, the Mahindra Regional Business Manager.  
Commenting on how the market penetration for Mahindra is changing in Bengal, especially in the electric vehicle era, Kamani noted, “Mahindra still has a dominance in the internal combustion engine segment. However, the EV race has seen changes in the market race. Earlier, Mahindra had a 15 percent market share in the state but we expect that to grow up to 22 percent in the next fiscal with the introduction of the new models.” 
Besides the metropolitan area, Kamani has a dealership network that spans several districts including South and North 24 Parganas. It is also coming up with a new showroom in Arambagh. 
Alluding to the supply chain model that will be used for deeper penetration of EVs in the state, Mukherjee noted, “We will use our own dealership network other parts of Bengal as we have a robust on ground presence. This launch is mainly slated for Kolkata and nearby localities.” 
The launch event witnessed an overwhelming response from car enthusiasts, industry experts and potential buyers eager to experience the future of electric vehicles. With Mahindra’s commitment to redefining mobility, the BE6 and XEV 9e showcased a range of industry-first features including ADAS Level 2++ technology with five radars and a vision camera, high-performance computing powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 and secure 360-degree live footage recording. 
Alluding to the demand for EVs in Bengal, Kamani noted, “EV segment has picked up pace in the last one year because of more charging stations. The state government has formulated a plan to boost up the charging infrastructure in the state this year. Hence, the market remains very bullish and the business is going to grow in double digit.”
He added, “Earlier, we used to sell around 150 electric vehicles that were made in the old platform. Today, we are going increase the sales as there has been good market response. We expect around 300 bookings and we believe that these two models will have a good urban and rural penetration.” 
NR Autos – a division of the 100-year-old Narbheram Group of Companies – has started accepting bookings for the two ‘born’ EVs at its showrooms in Chowringhee and Salt Lake, effective 14 February 2025. Those who book either of two electric vehicles, will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of attractive colour options without any price difference. The ex-showroom price of the BE6 starts at INR 1,940,000 and INR 2,240,000 for the XEV 9e, depending on the battery pack configurations.
Speaking on this occasion, Kamani said, “At NR Autos, we are proud to be part of Mahindra’s vision of ‘Unlimit India,’ which pushes the boundaries of innovation and performance. This grand launch event celebrates technology, sustainability and superior engineering, reaffirming Mahindra’s leadership in the electric mobility sector. With a structured production ramp-up ensuring optimised delivery timelines, Kolkata’s automobile enthusiasts can now look forward to owning a vehicle that not only sets new benchmarks in performance and safety but also represents the future of sustainable transportation.”

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German luxury automotive brand BMW Group extends its approach to sustainability to vehicle derivatives with the BMW X5, with an aim to optimise the vehicle lifecycle and minimise the carbon footprint across the supply chain, production, use phase and recycling.

Decarbonisation across the supply chain remains a lever for reducing CO2e emissions. The BMW Group focuses on renewables, recycled materials, and process innovations. During the product development process, CO2e emissions of the BMW X5 fell by 40 percent.

The body uses flat steel, of which 50 percent is electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel) with recycled material content, produced using renewables. This share of steel results from collaboration with suppliers in North America.

The BMW X5 uses recycled materials in components, including aluminium wheel rims, swivel bearings, wheel supports, rear axle supports and brake callipers.

Renewables power the electrolysis and production of these components. The aluminium for the doors contains 35 percent recycled material from the press shop at BMW Spartanburg. The material for the yarn of the headliner fabric consists of 100 percent recycled PET. In the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, one third of the vehicle consists of recycled materials, equivalent to a weight of 940 kilograms.

The Gen6 battery cells in the battery of the BMW iX5 include recycled materials in the cobalt, lithium and nickel content. Renewables power the production of anode materials, cathode materials and cell manufacturing. Compared with the Gen5 cell in the BMW iX, CO2e emissions fell by 28 percent per watt-hour.

The EfficientDynamics technology package optimises vehicle efficiency across subsystems during the use phase. This includes aerodynamics, lightweight construction, wheels, tyres and energy management.

The BMW iX5 features the ‘Heart of Joy’ from the BMW iX3 and BMW i3, with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed in-house. The system enhances efficiency: during deceleration, energy is recovered through recuperation down to a standstill.

Depending on the drivetrain variant, mileage and electricity source for charging, the BMW iX5 60 xDrive achieves a CO₂e advantage over a model with an internal combustion engine after one to two years of use.

The sustainability approach extends to vehicle manufacturing at Plant Spartanburg. Power for production at Plant Spartanburg comes from renewables. Between 2006 and 2025, energy consumption per produced vehicle decreased by 66 percent. The volume of waste sent to landfills fell by 88 percent over the period. The battery assembly plant in Woodruff runs without fossil fuels in operation.

The BMW Group will publish the Product Carbon Footprint for the BMW X5, validated by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), to accompany the series launch. The report, including the calculation methodology, will be available to the public. The BMW Group provides transparency regarding raw materials and CO2e emissions across the vehicle lifecycle.

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German luxury carmaker BMW India has launched the new X6 M60i xDrive, a performance Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) at INR 17.79 million (ex-showroom).

At the heart of the new X6 M60i is a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system. The powertrain delivers 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the SAC to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 4.3 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.

The SAC comes is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic with paddle shifters, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with an M Sport differential. For handling it gets integral Active Steering and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The stopping power comes with M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.

The exterior features a coupe silhouette, slim Adaptive LED headlights with M Shadowline accents and an M-specific kidney grille. The vehicle comes standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.

The interior is anchored by the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under a single glass surface. The cabin is upholstered in Sensafin and includes features such as Harman Kardon surround sound, ventilated comfort seats with memory functions, and an ambient light bar. Customers can further personalise the vehicle with optional BMW Individual paint finishes and Merino leather upholstery.

The X6 M60i xDrive runs on BMW iDrive Operating System 8.5 and includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Connected features provided through the My BMW app include Digital Key Plus, remote services and real-time traffic information.

Driver assistance systems include a 360-degree surround view for parking assistant, reversing assistant, which records and executes the last 200 metres of steering input. Safety suite features Six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Through BMW India Financial Services, customers can access BMW SMART Finance, which includes an assured buyback offer of 60 percent after three years or 10,000 km. Financing packages for service, secure advance and extended warranties are also available.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive is an absolute powerhouse engineered to command the road with an unmistakable, muscular stance. Positioned at the pinnacle of expressive luxury, this sports activity coupé is crafted for individuals who demand a distinct lifestyle. At its heart lies the legendary V8 engine, offering raw, emotional power.”

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Renault India has introduced four variants to its Kiger SUV range, updating the model’s powertrain and trim options. The changes include the addition of an Evolution+ variant and an expanded selection of turbo-powered models.

The French automaker has added the Evolution+ trim across its naturally aspirated (manual and AMT) and turbo (manual) engines. Features included in this variant comprise a keyless entry and start system, driver seat height adjustment, smartphone replication, automatic climate control and fabric upholstery.

Additionally, Renault has expanded its turbo-powered range from three to five options by offering the Techno trim with a 5-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated range has increased from six to eight variants.

With these updates, the Kiger turbo-powered line-up now starts at INR 789,000 (ex-showroom). The base price for the Evolution+ variant is INR 699,000 (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, VP – Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “At Renault, our focus has always been on making innovation and mobility more accessible to customers. With the New Kiger range, we are taking this commitment further by bringing turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice within easier reach. As customer expectations continue to evolve, accessibility today goes beyond price—it is about enabling a more complete and rewarding ownership experience. This update reflects our effort to democratise features and technologies that matter most, while staying true to Kiger’s core promise of performance.”

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has introduced the Aircross Comfort Edition, a limited-run series starting at INR 909,000 (ex-showroom). The launch coincides with the brand’s 108th-anniversary celebrations and aims to provide premium features and comfort-oriented upgrades across all trim levels.

A standout inclusion in this edition is the standardisation of premium leatherette interiors across all Comfort Edition trims, a move the company describes as a segment-first. Other ergonomic improvements include adjustable headrests for both front and rear seats, as well as refined interior finishes with soft-touch materials.

Citroen has introduced a structured accessory pack strategy to allow customers to personalise their vehicles.

YOU Pack (INR 36,600): Includes soft-touch IP, fog lamps, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera with guidelines and door cladding with chrome inserts.

PLUS Pack (INR 8,460): Adds a reverse camera with guidelines, a wireless charger, and door cladding with chrome inserts.

MAX Pack (INR 40,000): Focuses on technology and audio, featuring a JBL speaker system with an amplifier and an advanced front, cabin and rear dashcam with predictive safety alerts (e.g., front collision, lane change and pedestrian detection).

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “At Citroen, comfort is at the heart of our product philosophy. We have been closely listening to our customers, who are increasingly seeking more features, enhanced comfort, and a premium in-cabin experience at value-driven price points. The Aircross Comfort Edition is a direct response to this evolving demand.”

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