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. 

Audi Group Reports EUR 3.4 Billion Operating Profit For Fiscal Year 2025

Audi Group

German luxury automotive brand Audi Group has concluded the 2025 fiscal year with a revenue of EUR 65.5 billion, an increase from EUR 64.5 billion in 2024. The company reported an operating profit of EUR 3.4 billion and a net cash flow of EUR 3.4 billion, despite facing geopolitical challenges and industrial competition.

The group's operating margin for 2025 stood at 5.1 percent, down from 6.0 percent the previous year. Financial results were impacted by EUR 1.2 billion in US tariffs and additional expenses related to CO2 compliance provisions. The rescheduling of a shared electric platform for the D-segment also affected the margin.

Brand Group Performance (Deliveries):

  • Audi: 1,623,551 cars (down from 1,671,218 in 2024).
  • Lamborghini: 10,747 vehicles (up from 10,687).
  • Bentley: 10,131 cars (down from 10,643).
  • Ducati: 50,895 motorcycles (down from 54,495).

Profit after tax increased to EUR 4.6 billion, supported by a financial result of EUR 2.2 billion, which included EUR 504 million from operations in China.

Audi reported a 36 percent increase in fully electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries, totalling 223,032 units. The Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A6 e-tron accounted for approximately 84,000 and 37,000 units respectively.

In China, the company launched the AUDI E5 Sportback under its new China-exclusive sister brand, AUDI. For 2026, the company plans to introduce the Audi A2 e-tron as an entry-level electric model and the Audi Q9 as a flagship SUV.

For fiscal 2026 the Audi Group has announced that it aims to increase its revenue upto EUR 68 billion, attain operating margin of 6-8 percent and net cash flow of EUR 3 billion to EUR 4 billion.

The 2026 season also marks Audi's debut in Formula 1 with the Audi Revolut F1 Team, following the season opener in Australia on 8 March 2026.

Gernot Dollner, CEO, Audi, said, “Geopolitical uncertainties and global competitive pressure kept the automotive industry on its toes again last year. In times like these, Audi has the right answers and takes bold decisions. In 2025, we introduced the first model from AUDI, our China-exclusive sister brand, and previewed a rigorously clean new design. We will continue to push our renewal forward in 2026, launching key new models, focusing on strong partnerships, and entering Formula 1 for the first time. In this way, we’ll accelerate our push in global competition.”

Jurgen Rittersberger, CFO, Audi, said, “Audi delivered a resilient performance under difficult conditions in 2025. The US tariffs in particular had a significant impact on us. Our results are bolstered by the robust development of delivery figures at the end of the year, the high level of cost discipline, and the consistent implementation of the performance program. At the same time, the pressure on margins and efficiency remains high. This year, we will again pursue our long-term financial goals with full commitment. The key is to seize all operational and financial opportunities to make Audi more efficient, competitive, and profitable. Lasting success demands time, discipline and resilience.”

Kia India Updates Carens Clavis EV With New Trims And 6-Seater Layout

Kia India

Kia India has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) edition of the Carens Clavis EV, its first electric vehicle manufactured in India. The update adds a six-seater configuration featuring second-row captain seats and expands the range with GT-Line and X-Line trims for the Extended Range variant.

The Carens Clavis EV continues to be offered with two battery options, both supported by a motor delivering 255 Nm of torque:

  • 51.4 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 490 km (MIDC Full).
  • 42 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 404 km (MIDC Full).

The vehicle supports fast charging, capable of reaching 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in 39 minutes. Kia’s K-Charge platform provides owners access to over 15,000 charging points nationwide, with more than 100 dealerships equipped with DC fast chargers.

The new GT-Line (GTX and GTX+) trims feature sportier styling, including lime brake callipers, metal pedals and a new alloy wheel design. The X-Line variant introduces a rugged aesthetic with an exclusive Dark Gun Metal exterior colour.

The interior update focuses on passenger space, offering the six-seater layout across select trims, including HTX, GTX and X-Line. Top spec models now come with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 26.62 cm dual panoramic display and digital key technology.

The MY26 model includes 18 safety features as standard, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). The vehicle also incorporates over 85 connected car features and battery heater technology for thermal management.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “The Carens Clavis EV was developed to make electric mobility practical and relevant for everyday use. As more customers transition to EVs, their expectations are evolving beyond technology to include greater comfort, flexible seating and distinctive design. The MY26 reflects this feedback with new trims and a 6-seater configuration that enhances comfort and versatility while retaining the practicality Indian customers value.”

Battery Pack Seating Configuration Trim Price (INR)
Standard Range 7-Seater HTK+ 1,799,000
  HTX E 1,999,000
(42 kWh) HTX 2,049,000
  6-Seater HTX E 1,999,000
  HTX 2,049,000
Extended Range 7-Seater HTX E ER 2,199,000
  HTX ER 2,249,000
(51.4 kWh) GTX* 2,299,000
  HTX+ ER 2,449,000
  GTX+ 2,499,000
  X-Line 2,499,000
  6-Seater HTX E ER 2,199,000
  HTX ER 2,249,000
  GTX* 2,299,000
  HTX+ ER 2,449,000
  GTX+ 2,499,000
  X-Line 2,499,000

BYD India Opens Its Largest National Showroom In Delhi

BYD India - PPS Motors

Chinese automotive major BYD India has inaugurated its 48th showroom in India, located in Moti Nagar, Delhi. Launched in partnership with PPS Motors, the 9,000 sqft facility is the largest BYD outlet in the country and the sixth for the brand within the Delhi NCR region.

With this opening, BYD India’s national network extends to 48 showrooms across 40 cities, managed by 18 dealer partners. PPS Motors now operates six of these showrooms and four service workshops across three Indian states.

The Moti Nagar facility is designed to display seven vehicles simultaneously, allowing customers to interface with the brand's technology and design. The current India portfolio includes BYD Sealion 7 SUV, BYD Seal sedan, BYD Atto 3 SUV and BYD eMax 7 MPV.

Delhi NCR remains a primary market for electric vehicle adoption in India. Globally, BYD has recorded sales of over 15 million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) as of 31 January 2026. The company was ranked 91st in the 2025 Fortune Global 500, with a brand value of USD 14.4 billion.

Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business, BYD India, said, “The inauguration of our 48th showroom in India and sixth showroom in Delhi NCR with PPS BYD in Moti Nagar represents another important milestone in strengthening BYD India’s retail footprint. Delhi NCR continues to be one of the most dynamic EV markets in the country, supported by increasing consumer awareness and adoption of sustainable mobility solutions. Together with our valued partner PPS Motors, we look forward to bringing BYD’s advanced electric vehicles closer to customers in the region and contributing to India’s transition towards cleaner transportation.”

Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, commented, “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with BYD through the inauguration of India’s largest showroom marking an important milestone in our strategic expansion in Northern India. Being the largest spread sales and after-sales partners of BYD with 10 touch points in India, this reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable electric mobility solutions. Backed by BYD’s technologically advanced products, customer-centric approach coupled with our deep understanding of the customer needs we endeavour to provide a premium and seamless ownership experience for our customers in the Delhi region.”

BMW India Launches Limited-Edition M2 CS At INR 16.6 Million

BMW M2

German automotive luxury brand BMW Group India has introduced the new BMW M2 CS as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit. The high-performance special edition is based on the second-generation M2 and is available in limited quantities at an ex-showroom price of INR 16.6 million.

The vehicle is equipped with an upgraded 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line engine, a unit shared with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO racing car. It delivers 390 kW (530 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. Power is managed via a standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, sending drive to the rear wheels.

In terms of performance, the BMW M2 can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 302 kmph (M Driver’s Package included as standard). It clocked a lap time of 7:25.5 minutes (recorded 11 April 2025) at Nurburgring, surpassing the previous compact car record by eight seconds.

The BMW M2’s chassis has been lowered by eight millimetres compared to the standard model, featuring bespoke tuning for springs, dampers, and control systems. The exterior incorporates extensive carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, including the roof, bonnet, mirror caps and rear diffuser.

It features a ‘ducktail’ spoiler and a unique kidney grille design. Standard equipment includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged M light-alloy wheels in Matt Gold Bronze, fitted with track tyres. Braking is handled by an M Compound system with red calipers, while carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

The cabin is fitted with M Carbon Bucket Seats and an Alcantara steering wheel. Lightweight materials extend to a carbon-fibre centre console and door trim panels with illuminated ‘CS’ logos.

The digital features include BMW Operating System 8.5 with ‘QuickSelect’ menu structure; BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Head-Up Display; Harman Kardon surround sound system and M Drive Professional, featuring a drift analyser and laptimer.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW M2 CS is optimised for the ultimate thrill. By bringing this global track icon to Indian shores, we are catering to a growing community of enthusiasts who demand an uncompromising, pure-blooded driving experience. And while the M2 CS is born for the racetrack, it’s ready to take you wherever you need to go. It stands as a definitive driver’s machine - a bridge between peak adrenaline and the open road, offering our Indian customers a level of exclusivity and precision that only a 'CS' badge can deliver.”