Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Concept CLA Class, a new electric iteration of the CLA, alongside the latest Gelandwagen and a Mercedes-Maybach ultra-luxury SUV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. Positioned as the electric successor to the CLA, the Concept CLA Class is the first model to feature the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). It debuts the brand’s latest operating system, alongside fresh design and technological updates.

The Concept CLA Class previews the latest electric-drive technology from Mercedes-Benz, drawn directly from the Vision EQXX concept. With a claimed range exceeding 750 km and an energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km, it has been dubbed the "one-litre car for the electric age" in reference to hyper-efficient internal combustion vehicles. The 800V electric architecture supports 250 kW DC fast charging, enabling the vehicle to recharge up to 400 km in just 15 minutes. Two battery variants are available: silicon-oxide anode for higher-spec models and lithium-iron phosphate for entry-level variants. Powering the vehicle is a 235 bhp permanently excited synchronous motor coupled with a 2-speed transmission. Weighing only 110 kg, the powertrain delivers an impressive 93% energy efficiency during long-distance driving.

Built on the MMA platform, the Concept CLA Class is designed primarily for electric drivetrains but also accommodates combustion engines. The vehicle is rear-wheel-drive by default, though the modular platform can be configured for all-wheel-drive. The concept also includes bi-directional charging, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and vehicle-to-appliance (V2A) functions, underscoring its potential for smart energy integration.

Inside, the MBUX Superscreen delivers a full-width digital dashboard powered by the new MB.OS operating system. It integrates Google Maps and other embedded apps for a seamless user experience. Notable interior features include digitally visualised AC vents with floating effects and physical control interfaces, dynamic ambient lighting in blue and violet, and sustainable nappa leather upholstery in silver and crystal white. The cabin is also designed with advanced Level 3 Lidar-based autonomous driving capabilities, with over-the-air updates enabling future upgrades to higher levels of autonomy.

A standout safety feature is the Child Presence Detection (CPD) system, which uses cameras and sensors to detect breathing patterns. If a child is left unattended, the system triggers air conditioning, sounds the horn, and issues alerts to mitigate risks in hot weather.

Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the Concept CLA Class in India in 2025. The production model will closely resemble the concept and will offer Indian buyers a preview of the future of luxury electric mobility. Pricing details are yet to be announced.

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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has appointed Ashutosh Dixit as its new Brand Director for Porsche India, effective immediately. He succeeds Manolito Vujicic, who is leaving the Volkswagen Group to pursue other opportunities.

Dixit brings over 28 years of automotive industry experience to the role, with nearly 20 years spent within the Volkswagen Group. His career includes leadership roles across India, China and Europe, focusing on strategy, sales operations and brand development. Most recently, he served as Market Development Director at the Porsche Middle East and Africa regional office. In his previous regional position, he was instrumental in shaping initiatives specifically for the Indian market.

The appointment comes as SAVWIPL continues to focus on strengthening internal Indian talent and expanding its presence in the domestic luxury segment.

In his new role, Dixit will be responsible for guiding Porsche India into its next phase of market presence and performance. Building stronger relationships with customers and achieving new milestones in the dynamic Indian market. Continue to nurture the progress made under previous leadership while maintaining a focus on sustainable growth and innovation.

Piyush Arora, MD and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ashutosh Dixit as the new Brand Director of Porsche India, who will further bolster the leadership team in India. Ashutosh is a familiar face within the Volkswagen Group, with his understanding of markets, customers, and the brand making him well-suited to lead Porsche India. I’m confident he will build on the progress Porsche has made in India and continue to strengthen the brand's presence. This appointment is a testament to our unwavering focus on strengthening internal talent from within India.”

Dr. Manfred Braunl, CEO, Porsche Middle East and Africa, added, “Ashutosh brings a deep understanding of both the Porsche brand and the Indian market to this role. His leadership experience across regions and functions makes him exceptionally well-positioned to guide Porsche India into its next phase.  India continues to be an important market for us, and we are confident that under his leadership, the brand will further strengthen its presence and performance.”

Jan Bures, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Digital, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, added, “Ashutosh’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for Porsche in India. His proven ability to navigate diverse markets and lead with vision makes him the right person to drive our journey forward. India is a dynamic and strategic market for us, and with Ashutosh at the helm, we look forward to building stronger connections with our customers and achieving new milestones.”

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BMW Group India has introduced the all-new BMW M440i xDrive Convertible as a completely built-up (CBU) unit, priced at an ex-showroom rate of INR 10.9 million.

The premium model combines a classic soft-top silhouette with modern performance and engineering, featuring a panel bow soft-top roof that can be operated at speeds up to 50 kmph. The electric mechanism completes the opening or closing process in 18 seconds, offering a blend of open-air driving and refined design.

Under the bonnet, the convertible is powered by a B58 inline 3-litre 6-cylinder engine equipped with a 48V mild hybrid setup for improved efficiency and performance. This powertrain produces 374 hp and 500 Nm of maximum torque, enabling the car to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph from a standstill in a claimed 4.9 seconds.

The M440i xDrive Convertible comes with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology to maintain traction and stability. Precision handling is further supported by standard features such as adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential and M Sport brakes.

The exterior design is highlighted by a vertically arranged BMW kidney grille in high-gloss black and adaptive LED headlights with a black tint. The rear of the car features CSL-style taillights with an intricate woven laser pattern and an M rear diffuser. The car sits on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and is available in eight different colours, including Portimao Blue, Fire Red and Cape York Green, with additional customisation options available for a bespoke finish.

Inside, the cabin features the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital information display. The interior is finished with a luxury instrument panel, sports seats with electric adjustments, and an M leather steering wheel with standard gearshift paddles. For entertainment, the vehicle is equipped with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Technological features include the latest BMW Operating System 8.5, a head-up display and the MyBMW app for remote services and digital key functionality.

The sedan is also equipped with a wide range of safety and driver assistance systems. The Parking Assistant includes a 360-degree surround view, while the Reversing Assistant helps navigate narrow driveways by taking over steering for the last 50 metres driven. Safety technologies include six airbags, attentiveness assistance, and dynamic stability control.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President, BMW Group India, said, “The all-new BMW M440i xDrive Convertible exemplifies BMW’s passion for combining exhilarating performance with timeless elegance. With its unmistakable design, powerful M tuned performance and refined open top driving experience, it delivers a new expression of sporting freedom. At BMW Group India, we are proud to introduce a convertible that not only excites behind the wheel, but also represents a distinctive, aspirational lifestyle for our customers.”

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TATA.ev has introduced the new Curvv.ev SeriesX, featuring two long-range variants designed for intercity travel. The new SUV-coupe lineup starts at INR 1.69 million (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and includes the Accomplished X 55 and Empowered X 55 personas.

The SeriesX is built on the acti.ev architecture and focuses on delivering high range and performance for highway driving. The EVs are equipped with a 55 kWh battery pack, delivering 167 HP and 215 Nm of torque. The SeriesX offers an ARAI-certified range of 502 km and a real-world C75 range of approximately 400 km. Tata Motors is providing a lifetime HV battery warranty to ensure long-term ownership security.

The Curvv.ev SeriesX simplifies the lineup into two distinct, feature-rich choices – Accomplished X 55 and Empowered X 55.

The Accomplished X 55 focuses on comfort and daily technology needs. It includes a panoramic sunroof, dual 26.03 cm digital screens for instrumentation and infotainment, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Interior features include ventilated R-Comfort seats, premium leatherette upholstery and rear sunshades.

The Empowered X 55 on the other hand offers the flagship expression of the range. This variant adds advanced luxury and safety features including a 31.24 cm cinematic touchscreen by HARMAN, a 9-speaker JBL sound system and Level 2 ADAS with 20 safety features. Additional premium equipment includes R18 alloy wheels, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging capabilities. This variant is also available in the #DARK edition.

The series introduces a new Nitro Crimson colour option alongside the existing palette – Accomplished X 55 at INR 1.69 million, Empowered X 55 at INR 1.91 million and Empowered X 55 #Dark at INR 1.94 million (ex-showroom Mumbai).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “With every new EV we introduce, our focus is to make electric mobility more accessible and rewarding. The Curvv.ev SeriesX personas invite customers to experience India’s first SUV Coupé powered by a 55 kWh battery pack that delivers 502 km of long-driving range for effortless intercity journeys. It combines practical and premium features with a lifetime HV battery warranty, ensuring truly stress-free ownership at a compelling price point, enhancing its value proposition”.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has reported its wholesales for April 2026.

In April 2026, the Japanese automaker sold a total of 4,938 vehicles, a flat growth, as against 4,871 units sold last year.

Interestingly, domestic sales grew by 21 percent at 4,069 units, as against 3,360 units last year. On the other hand, the exports saw a decline of 42 percent at 869 units, as against 1,511 units a year ago.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The new fiscal year has begun on a positive note for us, with good sales momentum for Amaze, City and Elevate. Honda Cars India has recorded a 21 percent growth in domestic sales for April 2026. We remain confident of sustaining this growth trajectory in the coming months.”

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