MY2025 Jeep Meridian Launched With Aggressive Pricing

Jeep India has introduced the MY2025 Meridian with an aggressive pricing strategy and new features. A facelift, its prices start at INR 2,500,000 ex-showroom and climb up to INR 3,649,000 ex-showroom for the top trim ‘Overland’ variant.    
Available in four – Longitudinal, Longitude Plus, Limited (O) and Overland – trims, the new luxury SUV offers sophistication, cutting-edge safety, advanced technology and unparalleled comfort, according to the company. 
It repositioning in the seven-seat SUV segment that has the Toyota Fortuner commanding the space with roughly 96 percent of the market, the new Meridian isn’t a far cry in terms of appearance when compared to the one it replaces. 
Along with the familiar exterior comes a familiar interior that is spacious, comfortable and adorned with vegan leather (vinyl fabric in Longitude) and suede/vegan leather accents. There’s visible copper stitching that adds a touch of craftsmanship. 
Available with a seven-seat or five-seat configuration, the luxury SUV offers 824-litre of boot space with the middle and third row seats folded; 481-litre of storage space with the third-row seat folded, and 170-litre with all three seat rows in place. 
Based on the extended Compass SUV platform with an appearance that seems to have been inspired by the Cherokee rather than the Compass, the Meridian in its MY2025 avatar comes with ‘Uconnect’ connected services with GSDP 2.0 connectivity protocol. The key features of this include Automatic SOS Call, Remote Engine Start/Stop with AC Preconditioning, Alexa Home to Vehicle, Smartwatch Extension, Vehicle Health Report with alert, Connected One-Box Navigation Search with live traffic, weather and incident updates, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
Equipped with a customisable 10.25-inch fully digital cluster and a 10.1-inch fully HD touchscreen media centre (with built-in navigation and wireless mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), the vehicle also comes with wireless smartphone charging and multiple USB ports across the cabin, dual-zone automatic climate control, electric-adjustable front seats, panoramic sunroof and ADAS Level 2 system. 
This system – found on the top-spec Overland variant – is tuned to 
Indian road and traffic conditions. It includes a front radar and camera and offers adaptive cruise control with stop and go, intelligent speed assist, full speed forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view monitor, smart beam assist, blind spot detection and driver attention alert among others.
Powered by a 174 bhp 2-litre turbodiesel engine, the Meridian could be had with a six-speed manual or a nine-speed auto transmission. 
“The Jeep Meridian was born from our understanding of the growing demand for a premium model for customers who have progressed through Jeep’s lineup. The Meridian will usher in a new phase for Jeep in India, offering a distinctive personality with imposing and sophisticated design, premium finishes, and cutting-edge technology, all while retaining the legendary adventure capabilities expected from a Jeep. With the additional variants, we’re excited to cater to a diverse audience, staying true to our commitment to making Jeep more accessible to enthusiasts in India,” said Kumar Priyesh, Brand Director, Jeep India.
The first Jeep model that was developed specifically for India with a global vision, the Meridian is exported to markets like Japan among others as the Jeep Commander. It is necessary to note, that Jeep India has not explained if these prices are relevant for 2WD or 4Wd models in its statement. From a brand point of view, the omission about a model's off-roading capability is very surprising. 

Production & Export Disruption Impact Hyundai Motor India Q1 Profit

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its Q1 FY2027 results with revenue at INR 163 billion in revenue, which was marginally lower than INR 164 billion a year ago.

The EBITDA came at INR 15.11 billion, down 31 percent YoY, while net profit dropped 35 percent YoY to INR 8.88 billion.

Hyundai Motor India stated that fiscal 2027 began robustly, with cumulative sales in April and May growing 13 percent YoY and domestic volumes for the full quarter rose 5.4 percent to 139,374 units. However, a fire at a supplier facility constrained production in June, limiting overall growth. Total sales (including exports) stood at 178,082 vehicles, down 1.3 percent YoY, while exports fell to 38,708 units amid the residual impact of the US-Iran conflict on Middle East shipments and the production halt.

The company reported that its all-new Venue clocked its best-ever quarterly sales in the domestic market, while Aura and Exter attained highest-ever CNG penetration of 95 percent and 32 percent, respectively.

The rural market performed better than urban market, with penetration now reaching at an all-time high of 26 percent.

Supported by production normalisation, festive demand, new launches and capacity expansion, Hyundai Motor India expects to deliver its stated 8–10 percent volume growth guidance for FY2027 while driving sustainable and profitable growth.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Indai, said, “Q1 FY2027 was a challenging quarter affected by multiple headwinds impacting volumes and profitability. With 100 percent normalisation of production, coupled with healthy demand environment and upcoming product pipeline, recovery is likely to gain pace from Q2 onwards across both domestic and export businesses. Looking ahead, we remain committed to achieving our stated guidance of 8-10 percent YoY volume growth for both domestic and exports as well as 11-14 percent EBITDA margin in FY27.”

BMW Group India Launches MINI Convertible Stardust Limited Edition At INR 6.29 Million

BMW MINI Convertible Stardust Edition

BMW Group India has launched the MINI Convertible Stardust Edition in India at an ex-showroom price of INR 6.29 million. The limited-run model is imported into the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) and is available to order through the MINI India web portal, with customer deliveries starting immediately.

The BMW MINI Convertible Stardust Edition features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol engine, which produces 150 kW (204 hp) at 5,000–6,500 rpm and 300 Nm torque at 1,450–4,500 rpm, featuring a 7-Speed Double-Clutch Steptronic Sport. It has a claimed acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in 6.9 Seconds and a top speed of 240 kmph.

The Stardust Edition comes in a Sparkling Copper Grey metallic paint finish paired with Vibrant Silver mirror caps and 18-inch JCW Rallye Spoke alloy wheels made from recycled aluminium. The vehicle features LED headlights with three selectable light signatures, alongside rear lights aligned flush to the bodywork.

The soft-top roof incorporates a woven Union Jack graphic. The electrically operated fabric roof opens in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h and closes in 15 seconds. The soft top also includes a sunroof function that opens the front section by 40 centimetres at any speed. Luggage capacity measures 160 litres when the roof is lowered and increases to 215 litres when closed.

The interior features sports seats upholstered in Vescin, an artificial leather material made using recycled components. The dashboard layout centers around a circular OLED display running MINI Operating System 9, which handles instrumentation, infotainment, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety equipment includes airbags, dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, brake assist, a rear-view camera and a tyre pressure monitoring indicator. Vehicle support features include auto start-stop, brake energy recuperation and active cooling air ducts.

The vehicle comes with a two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance. Service packages are available for terms ranging from three years or 40,000 kilometres up to 10 years or 100,000 kilometres, alongside extended warranty options.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, said, "The new MINI Convertible is the perfect car for those who are open to fun and also enjoy making a distinct lifestyle statement. With the 'Stardust' limited edition, we are dialing up that sense of exclusivity a notch higher. The thought behind this special car was to capture the shifting, indefinable colours of the sky at twilight - blending a deep dusk-grey paint with shimmering champagne details that mimic stardust. The Stardust edition is engineered for MINI fans who view their car not just as a mode of transport, but as a bold expression of individuality. It is a vehicle that remains magnificently rare by design, and even rarer on the road."

Audi Launches Q9 SUV As New Flagship At EUR 108,400

Audi Q9

German luxury carmaker Audi has introduced the Q9, a full-size SUV that serves as the top-tier model in its lineup. Measuring 5.31 metres long, 2.21 metres wide and 1.81 metres tall with a 3.14-metre wheelbase, the vehicle is the largest SUV produced by the brand to date.

Order books open in Germany at the end of July 2026, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter. Prices start at EUR 108,400 for the 220 kW TDI model.

The Q9 expands the upper end of Audi's product line, incorporating curved digital OLED rear light panels, power-adjustable second-row seats, automatic doors and a panoramic sunroof measuring over 1.5 square metres.

Gernot Dollner, Chief Executive Officer, Audi, said, "The Audi Q9 is the new flagship of the Audi portfolio. With our first large full-size SUV, we are elevating our brand’s premium positioning. In the future, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ will increasingly be defined by the in-car experience – because cars are much more than just a means of transportation. For many of our customers, they are becoming mobile living spaces. That is exactly what the Audi Q9 represents as the new flagship of our portfolio. Premium materials, individual electric seats in the second row, and automatic doors underscore our commitment to quality in the interior. When combined with the latest driver assist systems and a holistic user experience, it becomes clear where we are taking the Audi brand."

The Q9 is offered in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations. The seven-seat layout features a 35/30/35 split second row with Isofix mounting points across all three seats, alongside a power-folding third row. The six-seat option replaces the middle row with individual power-adjustable seats.

It includes automatic doors with obstacle detection sensors and soft-close mechanisms. Front sports seats feature power adjustments, with heating, ventilation and massage functions available on upgraded trims.

Cabin electronics centre on the curved MMI panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touch display. A 12.3-inch front passenger display with a display privacy filter is fitted as standard. The system operates on Android Automotive OS with integrated third-party applications, the Audi voice assistant and ChatGPT integration. The SUV come with a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system delivering 1,360 watts, incorporating headrest speakers and seat-mounted tactile actuators.

The exterior features an upright Singleframe grille, offered in an advanced line trim with vertical slats or an S line trim with an open grille design and updated bumpers. Wheel options range from 20 to 23 inches.

The rear illumination uses curved digital OLED panels constructed with 0.1-millimetre glass substrates across six individual panels. The system integrates communication lighting that projects hazard symbols to surrounding traffic and projects turn signal indicators directly onto the road surface at night.

At launch, the Q9 will be available with a 220 kW V6 diesel engine in Germany, while a 180 kW version will also be offered in selected European markets. The 220 kW version delivers 630 Nm of torque, while the 180 kW diesel engine delivers 500 Nm.

Both the engines use an MHEV plus system, comprising a powertrain generator refined for the Q9, a belt alternator starter and a lithium iron phosphate battery.

An adaptive air suspension system comes standard, offering up to 90 millimetres of height adjustment. Driving assistance features include hands-free partial automated driving under the Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus framework at speeds up to 130 kmph on approved highways, supported by an eye-tracking camera on the steering column. Emergency Assist capabilities include automated lane-changing to the road shoulder if driver inactivity is detected.

Mercedes-Benz’s Electric C-Class Attains Two-Thirds Life-Cycle Carbon Reduction

Mercedes-Benz electric C-Class

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz’s all-new electric C-Class, a battery-electric vehicle in the midsize segment has achieved a two-thirds reduction in carbon footprint across its life cycle compared to the combustion-powered C-Class model, which has been verified through an independent 360deg Environmental Check.

The reduction is supported by supply chain measures that lower supply chain carbon emissions by 23 percent.

Mercedes-Benz sources two-thirds of the vehicle's aluminium requirements from electrolysis plants powered by renewable energy or using recycled content for components including the body, steering knuckles, wheels and battery housing. For steel components produced in-house, approximately 45 kilograms of steel sourced from electric arc furnaces operating on renewable energy are used.

Recycled thermoplastics account for 49 kilograms of material across various components, including frunk tubs with 50 percent post-consumer recyclate, wheel arch liners with 93 percent recycled content, bumper carriers with 83 percent recycled content and jack mounts made from end-of-life vehicle bumpers. Nonwoven fabric and yarn in seat covers contain 34 percent and 50 percent recycled content, respectively.

The Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC electric variant reports combined energy consumption figures of 18.5–14.1 kWh/100 km and zero carbon emissions under WLTP standards. The vehicle delivers a driving range exceeding 762 kilometres on a single charge. Mercedes-Benz plans to release additional rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants next year, including a rear-wheel-drive model with an expected range of 800 kilometres.

The powertrain utilises an 800-volt architecture alongside a multi-source heat pump that harvests waste heat from the electric drive system, battery and ambient air to heat the interior, using one-third of the electrical energy required by standard auxiliary heaters.

A One-Box braking system enables up to 99 percent of braking processes to occur via energy recuperation at outputs up to 300 kW. Fast-charging capabilities allow 325 kilometres of range to be added within ten minutes.

The EV is produced at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary, where 42.3 MWp of installed photovoltaic capacity supplies 25 percent of the facility's annual energy demand. A new paint shop facility reduces energy consumption by 20 percent and carbon emissions by 80 percent compared to previous operations.

Interior offerings include an optional vegan package certified by The Vegan Society, covering soft-touch materials, seat upholstery, headliners, door and pillar trims and carpets without animal-derived components. All suppliers involved in production must adhere to the company's Responsible Sourcing Standards, with binding carbon reduction targets set for steel, aluminium, plastics and battery cell manufacturing.