German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has expanded its footprint in the southern market with the inauguration of three new state-of-the-art facilities across Bengaluru and Hyderabad, reinforcing its customer-centric ‘Go to Customer’ strategy.

In Bengaluru, the luxury carmaker opened a sprawling 2S (Sales & Service) facility with a Delivery Bay by long-standing partner Sundaram Motors on International Airport Road. The 47,000 sqft facility, built to Mercedes-Benz’s global MAR20X luxury retail standards, features 10 dedicated service bays, a Premium Aero Hub and a Mercedes Cafe. It also offers fast EV charging and quick repair zones, enhancing convenience and sustainability.

Hyderabad saw the addition of two new 2S facilities. Mahavir Motors inaugurated a 39,000 sqft outlet in a high-net-worth residential area near the city’s growing IT corridor. The facility, equipped with 19 service bays, combines digital interfaces with personalised service zones and eco-friendly features.

Landmark Cars also launched a new 12,000 sqft service centre in Hyderabad with six service bays. The facility offers specialised vehicle servicing, body paint work and Premier Express service for priority customers.

These openings mark a significant investment in customer engagement and service infrastructure in key southern metros, aligning with rising aspirations and demand for luxury vehicles in India.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We are delighted to inaugurate 3 state-of-the-art luxury facilities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, reaffirming our commitment to delivering the best customer experience and deepening our presence in these key markets. These modern facilities reflect Mercedes-Benz’s vision of offering a world-class luxury retail experience, backed by digital innovation, modern luxury design and personalised customer consultation. We continue to invest in our luxury retail experience, with sharp focus on elevating customer experiences by creating new standards in luxury automotive retail. We are creating desire for the brand not only in emerging markets, but also in key metropolises like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, where Mercedes-Benz has a strong brand presence.”

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Chinese automotive major Geely Auto has announced that its Monjaro EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV achieved a Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of the Black and White Desert in the Sahara by a plug-in hybrid production SUV.

The announcement took place during the Monjaro EM-i Product Capability & Core Tech Deep Dive event following a continuous 188.6-kilometre drive from the volcanic terrain of the Black Desert to the chalk-white landscape of the White Desert in Egypt.

The crossing served as a testing platform across five evaluation areas – handling and stability, steep-slope ascents, cross-axle recovery, ride comfort over rough surfaces and acceleration at a low state of battery charge. The vehicle is constructed on Geely’s GEA Evo new-energy architecture and utilises the GEEA 3.0 electronic structure to coordinate power delivery across its drive systems.

The Monjaro EM-i features Geely’s e-AWD Intelligent Electric AWD System, which alters front-to-rear torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 ratios. The system functions alongside traction control algorithms to reduce wheel slip by up to 50 per cent on low-friction surfaces.

Suspended by a Continuous Damping Control system that adjusts up to 50 times per second with a 20-millisecond response time, the EM-i Super Hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with electric drive units to output 250 kW of power and 667 Nm of torque, achieving a claimed zero to 100 kmph acceleration time of 5.83 seconds. Thermal management systems regulated component temperatures across the engine, battery and power electronics during the desert run.

The Sahara driving programme was attended by media representatives and automotive commentators from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Peru. Geely Auto reported export sales of 110,094 vehicles in August, marking a 205 percent increase compared to the same month in the prior year. The company plans to present the Monjaro EM-i at the Paris Motor Show in October as part of its ongoing international product rollout.

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Hyundai Motor India has opened bookings for its upcoming Bayon crossover SUV ahead of its scheduled release during the upcoming festive season. Customers can reserve the vehicle online via the official company portal or at authorised dealerships for a booking amount of INR 11,000.

The 4.2-metre vehicle is constructed on the company's Global K Enhanced Platform, engineered to meet five-star Indian crash safety parameters. Positioned as an intelligent utility vehicle, the Bayon claims to introduce an integrated generative artificial intelligence voice assistant designed to process driver interactions and vehicle controls.

Powering the vehicle is a petrol engine offered with a choice of a manual transmission or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Exterior design elements encompass a sculpted bonnet, front daytime running lights, geometric wheel arches, door cladding and bridge-type roof rails, while the interior layout optimises legroom, headroom and shoulder room across both rows.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we continuously strive to redefine mobility experiences through meaningful innovation. The Hyundai BAYON embodies our vision of intelligent mobility by seamlessly integrating advanced technology, futuristic design and comprehensive safety into a compelling SUV package. Hyundai BAYON has been developed for new-age Indian customers who seek more from their vehicles: more intelligence, more comfort, more confidence and more style. Hyundai BAYON introduces a new dimension of human-centric technology and unlocks a truly intuitive mobility experience. We are confident that Hyundai BAYON will set new benchmarks and resonate strongly with modern Indian consumers.”

Delivery timelines for the vehicle will be confirmed at the time of its official commercial launch.

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Thar OG, an updated version of its three-door lifestyle utility vehicle, with introductory prices starting at INR 1.03 million ex-showroom.

The vehicle succeeds the three-door model introduced in 2020, with deliveries scheduled to begin on 11 October 2026. Introductory pricing will remain valid for vehicle deliveries completed through 30 November 2026.

Underpinning the Thar OG is the M_Glyde 4G platform, paired with a rear Pentalink suspension setup featuring a Watts Linkage and frequency-dependent damping technology.

Mechanical revisions include electric power steering, an electronic locking differential and selectable terrain modes covering mud, sand and snow.

The Thar comes with three engine options: a 2.0-litre G20 TGDi mStallion petrol engine generating 119 kW and 330 Nm of torque, a 2.2-litre D22 mHawk diesel engine generating 111.9 kW and 330 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel engine producing 87.2 kW and 300 Nm of torque.

On the outside it features a redesigned front grille, circular LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights, revised front and rear bumpers, LED fog lamps with cornering functions and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Interior equipment includes leatherette upholstery, a 26.03 cm infotainment touchscreen, rear air-conditioning vents, wireless charging, and a soft rear armrest. Safety features encompass four-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, front parking sensors, and six airbags, including side pelvis and thorax airbags.

Dr Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business – Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Thar is not just an SUV, it is an emotion. With over 4 lakh customers, it has become one of India's most successful lifestyle SUV brands. With the Thar OG, we have elevated the iconic three-door Thar through significant advances in on-road refinement and off-road capability. Built on the advanced M_Glyde 4G platform, it features technologies such as DAVINCI Damping, Rear PENTALINK suspension with Watts Link, Electronic Locking Differential and Electric Power Steering. Together, these deliver the best ride quality, handling, stability and driving confidence ever offered in a Thar, while preserving the authentic capability and rugged character that enthusiasts cherish. We are confident the Thar OG will further strengthen the brand and attract a new generation of enthusiasts.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer for Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Thar is one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant nameplates in Indian automotive history, representing authenticity, adventure and a character that has inspired generations of enthusiasts. Designing the Thar OG was never about reinventing an icon but making it even more Thar. Our vision was to preserve its authentic, boxy attitude, strong stance and unmistakable silhouette, while evolving it for a new generation. The new grille, classic circular LED headlamps, signature C-shaped DRLs, LED fog lamps and new R19 alloys enhance its purposeful and instantly recognisable presence. Every design element balances functionality with iconic road presence, reinforcing the Thar’s ability to go anywhere, anytime.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Thar has evolved far beyond being an SUV. It has become an icon that represents freedom, adventure and a way of life for an entire generation of customers. Every new chapter in its journey has expanded its appeal while remaining rooted in the authenticity and capability that have always defined the Thar. The Thar OG is our commitment to that community and to the countless new enthusiasts waiting to join it. With enhanced ride comfort, driving dynamics and capability, the Thar OG takes everything our customers love about the Thar and raises it to a new level.”

The vehicle lineup spans AXT, LXT, and ZXT trims across rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, with manual and automatic transmission choices. Pricing ranges up to INR 1.89 million for top-specification four-wheel-drive diesel variants.

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Tata Motors has announced the introduction of the Tata Sierra Dark edition, adding an all-black design package to its mid-size sport utility vehicle range. The prices for the variant start at INR 1.39 million ex-showroom for the base manual option.

The Dark model features a Friesian Black exterior finish, a Violet Eclipse interior theme and purple chrome trim elements. The treatment retains the vehicle's body structure and feature set while applying black leatherette upholstery inside the cabin. It is available across multiple trim levels, including the Pure L, Pure L (O), Pure + L, Adventure + L, Accomplished, and Accomplished + personas within the Legend Series line-up.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "The #DARK range has become one of the most sought-after expressions in our portfolio, resonating strongly with customers who value exclusivity and distinctive design. As the SUV that created the Premium Mid-SUV segment in India, the Sierra has always stood apart through its iconic design and commanding presence. The Sierra #DARK brings together the legacy of two powerful icons, preserving everything that makes the Sierra legendary while elevating it through a more premium, sophisticated and exclusive interpretation. The result is a Sierra that remains unmistakably true to its heritage, while embodying the bold and distinctive spirit that has made the #DARK range so aspirational."

The Sierra continues to be available with the 1.5-litre Revotron petrol engine, the 1.5-litre Kryojet diesel engine and the 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol unit, paired with manual, dual-clutch automatic and torque-converter automatic transmissions options.

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