Mahindra has launched its flagship electric origin SUVs, the BE 6e and XEV 9e, in line with its vision of Unlimit India. The SUVs are built on INGLO electric origin architecture and powered by Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture (MAIA). The price starts at INR 1,890,000 for the BE 6e and INR 2,190,000 for the XEV 9e.

The INGLO electric origin architecture equips the SUVs with a 3-in-1 integrated powertrain that delivers up to 210 kW power, along with brake-by-wire technology with integrated electronic booster (IEB), high-power steering with variable gear ratio (VGR) and fast charging that makes it possible to charge the vehicles from 20-80 percent in under 20 min (with 175 kW fast charger). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.7s for the BE 6e and 6.8s for the XEV 9e, whereas the certified range is 682 km (MIDC P1+P2) for the BE 6e and 656 km (MIDC P1 + P2) for the XEV 9e with 79 kWh advanced LFP battery pack. There’s a lifetime warranty for both 79 kWh and 59 kWh battery packs.

The BE 6e comes with edgy, athletic silhouette and race-inspired agility, whereas the XEV 9e flaunts a coupe design and offers unparalleled luxury with refined elegance. Both the SUVs come with a horde of features including VisionX augmented-reality Heads Up Display (HUD), Infinity Roof and LightUpMe, Sonic Studio Experience by Mahindra, LiveYourMood pre-set themes, ADAS Level 2+, EyeDentity, Secure360 cameras and Autopark. Apart from these features, the XEV 9e comes with Wide Cinemascope and the BE 6e comes with a race-ready digital cockpit. The SUVs come with three driving modes: Range, Everyday and Race.

Veejay Nakra, President – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, said, "The insight that inspired our brand idea is rooted in the most powerful human emotion – Love, which is eternal, inspires our deepest choices and defines who we are. Our electric origin SUVs, BE 6e and XEV 9e are about Unlimit Love that will inspire our customers to live a life without limits, filled with experiences that will make them feel alive. Crafted for unmissable presence, unparalleled technology and unrivalled performance, our electric origin SUVs will set new global benchmarks. The BE 6e, with its edgy, athletic silhouette and race-inspired agility, is designed for those who thrive on performance and adrenaline while the XEV 9e exudes sophistication with its suave SUV coupe design, seamlessly blending indulgent luxury with dynamic performance.”

R Velusamy, President – Automotive Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, said, "The BE 6e and XEV 9e are the next Indian icons that will be world beaters. The difference between a vehicle that is made-electric and these two Born Electric SUVs is that one you have seen before, and the other one is unlike anything you have seen before. One just about matches industry standards of performance while one sets a new standard for performance in the industry. One has tech that will soon be history, while one has tech that will make everything history. These two products built on our grounds up revolutionary electric origin architecture INGLO and powered by MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world embody Mahindra’s vision of Unlimit India, setting new global benchmarks.”

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German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has recorded its highest-ever sales for the H1 of 2026, retailing 9,768 units between January and June, a 9 percent YoY increase over the 9,013 units sold in the same period last year.

The company also achieved its best-ever second quarter Q2 CY2026, with 4,637 units sold, representing a 10 percent growth compared to Q2 2025.

Sales were driven by the performance of the core and top-end portfolios. The top-end luxury segment, which includes models such as the S-Class, Maybach, AMG and V-Class, grew by over 20 percent and accounted for 28 percent of total sales. Notably, Mercedes-AMG sales increased by 50 percent during the period.

Interestingly, electric vehicles now comprise 14 percent of total sales, supported by the launch of the CLA BEV and demand for the EQS SUV. The entry-level luxury segment also saw a 29 percent growth in Q2, aided by the introduction of the CLA BEV and the GLA SUV. The E-Class long-wheelbase sedan remained the highest-selling luxury car in the country.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz’s strong growth in first half of 2026 underlines the success of our strategy rooted in offering desirable products, elevated customer experience and transforming our network with clear focus on getting closer to customers. The new V-Class and CLA BEV drove our best-ever H1 and Q2 sales, underpinning superior product substance, reconfirming Mercedes customers’ preference for value over entry price points.”

He added: “The success of the new CLA BEV is an affirmation that Mercedes-Benz customers prefer owning the latest technology, with the car being sold out within few days of market introduction, customers willing to wait till 5-6 months, to proudly own the car which is truly distinctive and a ‘Class of its Own’. The CLA BEV has propelled Mercedes-Benz’s BEV penetration to reach 14 percent in Q2 2026.”

Regarding the top-end segment, he stated: “H1 2026 has shown increased preference for our top-end vehicles, with the share of TEVs now reaching an all-time high of 28 percent, fuelled by the introduction and growing demand for the new V-Class and the 50 percent growth trajectory achieved by the AMG portfolio.”

The company plans to expand its retail network, aiming to open 20 outlets across India in 2026, including a debut in Varanasi during the third quarter. This expansion is supported by an investment of INR 4.5 billion from franchise partners over the next two years.

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French automotive brand Renault India has introduced the new Renault Kwid hatchback, featuring updates to its design and a simplified two-variant structure: Evolution and Climber.

The company has also adjusted its pricing, with the Climber variant now available at an effective price of INR 499,000 following an online purchase benefit of INR 15,000. Prices for the Kwid range begin at INR 452,000 lakh with the Climber.

The updated model incorporates the Renault brand identity and includes features such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital LED instrument cluster and a rear-view camera. Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and seat belt reminders.

The vehicle is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine and is available with either a 5-speed manual or Easy-R AMT transmission. It offers a ground clearance of 184 mm and a boot capacity of 279 litres.

Francisco Hidalgo, VP - Sales and Marketing Renault India, said, “For millions of Indians, owning their first car remains an important milestone. With an increasingly aspirational middle class and a large base of two-wheeler owners looking to upgrade, first-time ownership continues to be a strong and enduring aspiration. Over 4.5 lakh customers in India have started their journey with Kwid, and that trust is something we deeply value. With the new Kwid, we are building on this legacy by making the offering simpler, clearer, and more relevant.”

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AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

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