Yohan Poonawalla, Chairman and Managing Director of the Poonawalla Engineering Group, has expanded his collection of exotic and vintage cars with the addition of a Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 680 V12.

Featuring a Nautic Blue exterior, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 680 is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine and delivers 621 horsepower with 900 Nm of torque. The sophisticated luxury car is equipped with top-tier technology and features, including advanced driver-assistance systems, a plush beige interior with premium leather and wood finishes and customisable ambient lighting, that enhances comfort and style.

Poonawalla’s collection of exotic and vintage cars includes the 1933 Phantom II of Sir Malcolm Campbell, the 1937 Phantom III of Maharaja of Panchkote, the 1962 Phantom V of the Emir of Qatar, the 1979 Phantom VI of HM Queen Elizabeth II, the 1951 Series 1 Defender once owned by the Royal Family of the Princely State of Kutch and a 2005 Goodwood Phantom VII, the first car delivered in India after Rolls-Royce’s return to the country after 50 years.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has entered the three-row sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment in India with the launch of the Kia Sorento, priced from INR 2.79 million rupees for the diesel variant and INR 2.94 million for the hybrid model.

The Sorento SUV is manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh, and marks the introduction of Kia's initial hybrid powertrain in the Indian market alongside the global deployment of its voice-controlled generative artificial intelligence assistant.

The SUV is built on Kia’s global N3 platform and measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,785 mm in height, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase.

It can be had in two powertrain options – a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid delivering 180 PS from the engine and 65 PS from an electric motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, or a 2.2-litre diesel producing 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both come with all-wheel-drive capability.

On the inside, it gets a curved panel combining two 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation, integrated with NVIDIA computing hardware. Available in six-seat and seven-seat configurations, the cabin includes ventilated seats in the first and second rows, a windshield head-up display, digital rearview mirror and level-two driver-assistance systems comprising 30 features. The SUV is fitted with up to 10 airbags and provides wireless software update capability across 30 onboard control units.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “The arrival of the Kia Sorento represents a defining milestone in Kia India’s journey as we enter the premium three-row SUV for the first time. We are doing so with one of Kia’s most successful global nameplates, bringing Indian customers the most advanced Sorento yet. Built in India, for India, its arrival offers customers a compelling new choice in the segment, while also bringing two important firsts for Kia India — our first Hybrid offering and the global debut of Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities with the India-spec Sorento. More than expanding our portfolio, Sorento reflects our commitment to bringing globally proven products and future-ready technologies to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark for the segment and further strengthen Kia’s premium journey in India.”

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Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated India's first 'Mercedes-Benz Studio' in Gurugram, Delhi NCR, establishing a new global brand experience format in the country. Located at DLF One Horizon Centre, the studio is designed to bring the luxury automaker closer to customers in key metropolitan areas through experimental and immersive interactions. The opening ceremony also featured the Indian debut of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX supercar and the launch of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 e-bike range, developed in partnership with EMotorad.

The studio offers more than a traditional showroom, housing a curated vehicle display alongside a design and material library, a Mercedes-Benz lifestyle collection and exclusive Mercedes-AMG X adidas merchandise. An exclusive Lavonne Café enhances the experience, serving 16 patisserie creations inspired by the brand's design language, featuring sculpted lines and a luxury palette of black, silver and gold. This innovative space allows visitors, from enthusiasts to families, to discover the brand at their own pace within a warm, modern luxury environment that embodies the 'Welcome Home' promise.

This Gurugram studio is part of a worldwide initiative that has established similar destinations in over 14 leading cities across four continents, following the first studio in Copenhagen. Each location is tailored to its city's character within a global framework, ensuring market-specific execution while maintaining brand consistency. The primary objectives include raising awareness among new audiences, deepening long-term customer relationships and reinforcing the brand's presence in India's premier metropolitan markets.

The studio concept is integral to the 'Welcome Home' narrative and coincides with Mercedes-Benz's 2026 celebration of ‘140 Years of Innovation’, commemorating Carl Benz's original patent. These physical destinations serve as convergence points for culture, innovation and urban life. At prime global locations, customers can engage with the latest products, exclusive events, and strategic partnerships, allowing genuine immersion in the Mercedes-Benz brand within their familiar urban environments.

The initiative strategically strengthens urban brand leadership by creating visible touchpoints where brand perception is formed. Visitors can book test drives prior to their visit through the Mercedes-Benz India website and purchase collection items and F1 merchandise at the studio. The collaboration with Lavonne Café results in precision-engineered patisserie, with each creation plated and finished to reflect the automotive brand's aesthetic, including metallic lacquers and signature colour tones.

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX, finished in sunset beam orange, showcases the brand's sensual purity design philosophy with a dynamic fastback silhouette and six circular deep red taillights. The AMG e-bike range, assembled in India by EMotorad, includes City, Track and Rallye editions, all featuring a 250W motor and 25 kmph assistance speed, requiring no registration or insurance in India. Pre-orders are open with deliveries starting mid-September 2026, supported by EMotorad's service network across 55 locations.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Customer engagement with luxury has been evolving, as they desire specially curated spaces to enjoy spending time; experience the latest products, connect with the brand and immerse in an unmistakably familiar ‘Welcome Home’ feeling synonymous with Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz Studio presents this unhurried discovery, spending quality time, experiencing elevated culinary delight, making visitors feel welcome and interacting in novel, experimental ways. We are equally excited to showcase our alluring cars in the heart of the city, where customers can experience them in a relaxed and inspiring setting. We are confident ‘Mercedes-Benz Studio’ will create an immersive brand experience for customers as we plan to expand this concept to other metropolises gradually.

“The Studio opens with a distinct AMG flavour for enthusiasts. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX showcases Mercedes-AMG redefining standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations, underlining an entirely new dimension of a sustained electric future for customers. The launch of AMG F1 PETRONAS e-bikes in India is a natural extension of the AMG brand. These world-class F1 e-Bikes will enable more AMG enthusiasts to connect with the brand’s unique DNA of performance, design and craftsmanship.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has reintroduced the Octavia RS sedan, making 50 units available nationwide following an initial allocation in 2025 for INR 5.66 million (ex-showroom).

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Octavia nameplate and follows a showcase event on 18 August alongside the Slavia and Superb models, where bookings for the batch opened. The company is set to begin deliveries next week.

The Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 370 Nm of torque. Mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission, it has a claimed acceleration of zero to 100 kmph in 6.4 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 250 kmph.

It features LED matrix headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and a 600-litre luggage compartment. The Octavia RS measures 4,709 mm in length, 1,829 mm in width and 1,457 mm in height. Exterior finish options comprise Mamba Green, Velvet Red, and Magic Black.

On the inside, it gets suede and leather upholstery, sports seats with heating and massage functions, a 32.77 cm infotainment display and a head-up display. Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and park assist.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Octavia RS is not just a car for Skoda Auto India; it is an icon that has shaped the aspirations of driving enthusiasts in the country. The response to the first batch last year was extraordinary, with demand far exceeding availability and reaffirming the deep passion Indian customers have for Skoda’s performance-led, driver-focused cars. Bringing a second limited batch to India is our way of celebrating that enthusiasm and giving more customers the opportunity to own a nameplate that carries a powerful legacy. As the Octavia marks 30 years globally, and the RS badge continues its journey of over five decades, the Octavia RS stands as a rare combination of performance, everyday usability and emotional connection. We are delighted to bring back this limited set for customers who understand, value and truly live the spirit of RS.”

The Octavia RS comes with a four-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty.

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Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has launched the self-charging hybrid ES 350h executive sedan, introducing the eighth-generation iteration of its core model line at prices starting INR 6.61 million for the Exquisite variant, going up to INR 7.18 million for the Luxury variant (ex-showroom).

Manufactured in India, the ES 350h shares its underlying platform with the battery-electric ES 500e and gets an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, an integrated power control unit eAxle and a lithium-ion battery pack. The IC-engine generates 139 kW at 6,000 rpm and 237 Nm of torque between 3,600 and 5,000 rpm, while the electric motor produces 119.1 kW. It achieves a claimed certified fuel efficiency rating of 25.22 kilometres per litre.

The ES 350h measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. On the outside, it gets daytime running lamps (DRL) integrated into turn indicators and rear lighting positioned on the outer body edges.

On the inside, the cabin features a 14.0-inch touchscreen multimedia interface and hidden switches built directly into the interior surfaces. Active safety features are provided through the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which includes pre-collision detection, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist and emergency braking systems.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said,"Today marks a significant milestone for Lexus in India as we launch the All-New ES 350h. Building on the immense success of its predecessors, this launch reflects our long-term commitment and continued efforts to deliver vehicles of world-class quality tailored to the needs of our guests in India. Manufactured in India, the All-New ES 350h embodies our multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobility, seamlessly blending advanced technology, exceptional ride quality, and luxury. Renowned for its Takumi craftsmanship and inspired by the spirit of Omotenashi hospitality, it offers an elevated experience defined by comfort, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. As the lifestyles and landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering vehicles that inspire confidence, enrich lifestyles, and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are confident that the All-New ES 350h will set new benchmarks in its segment, further strengthen the Lexus brand in India, and exceed the expectations of our guests."

The ES 350h comes with an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty for both the car and its hybrid battery pack.

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