Thursday, 27 August 2026

Range Rover Sport Twenty Edition Launched at Rs 1.90 Crore

The Range Rover Sport has been on sale globally for two decades. To celebrate this milestone, the company has launched the special edition Range Rover Sport ‘Twenty Edition’ in India at Rs 1.90 crore (ex-showroom), with deliveries scheduled to begin in October 2026. As a special edition, it gets several cosmetic updates over the standard variant, while there are no changes to the powertrain.

Range Rover Twenty Edition 2

On the exterior, it gets an edition-specific ultra-metallic Sanguinello Orange paint finish, which draws inspiration from the ‘Stromer’ Orange Range Rover concept and the Vesuvius Orange First Edition Range Rover Sport. In addition, there are two other colour options: Santorini Black and Ostuni White.

 

Also Read: Range Rover SV Ultra Launched At Rs 3.80 Crore

 

To give it a more subtle and sportier appearance, the brand also offers a Black Exterior Pack, along with 23-inch wheels finished in silver or gloss black. It also gets ‘Twenty’ badging and detailing as a reminder of its special-edition status.

Range Rover Twenty Edition 1

Inside, it features illuminated ‘Twenty’ badging on the scuff plates and ‘Twenty’ scripting on the centre console. The seats remain relatively similar, with Ebony Windsor leather seats borrowed from the Range Rover Sport SV. Furthermore, the interior gets forged carbon veneers and a black suede-cloth headlining to make the cabin feel more special.

 

On the powertrain front, it remains identical to the standard Range Rover Sport. To recall, it gets a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine that produces 537 bhp and 750 Nm of torque. The SUV can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 4.5 seconds.



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Hyundai Entry Electric SUV Debut In Q4 FY2027; New-Gen Creta, i10 Confirmed

Hyundai's much-awaited entry electric SUV will make its debut in the fourth quarter of the year. At its global 2026 CEO Investor Day conference, Hyundai revealed that the electric SUV will make its debut within the next eight months while also confirming the arrival of the third-gen Creta and an all-new i10 hatchback for the Indian market in the coming years.
 

Also read: 2026 Hyundai Exter Knight Edition Launched: Prices Start At Rs 8.13 Lakh
 

“Before we talk about 2030, let's look at the next eight months for Hyundai. The all-new Elantra, which is the Avante in Korea. The brand new Ioniq 3, the all-new Tucson and the Tucson hybrid. The first-ever Santa Fe EREV. A brand new A-SUV EV for India. An all-new Global B SUV and an all-new B SUV for Europe,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.
 Hyundai upcoming models

 

Also read: Hyundai’s Made-In-India Electric Sub-4-Metre SUV To Get Level 2 ADAS, 2 Battery Packs
 

Hyundai has said that it plans to launch 26 new models in India between now and 2030, including models from its luxury Genesis arm. Hyundai India has previously said that the luxury car sub-brand would arrive in India in 2027.
 

Hyundai had confirmed its new entry electric SUV for the Indian market at its 2025 CEO Investor Day. The company has gone on to confirm that the model would be offered with a choice of battery options as well as packing in Level 2 ADAS tech as well as featuring an Advanced Infotainment system with an OTA controller - likely referring to its new Pleos infotainment system.

 

Also read: New Hyundai MPV, Off-Road SUV Confirmed For India
 Hyundai plans for India

 

The new electric SUV is likely to be positioned as a rival to the Tata Punch EV and could sit on the Hyundai Group’s K1 platform.
 

New-Gen Hyundai Creta, i10 Confirmed
 

Hyundai also confirmed the arrival of the next-gen Creta for the Indian market, with the company noting that it had been the best-selling model in its segment for the last decade. Hyundai also confirmed the arrival of an all-new i10 hatchback for the Indian market, though timelines and details remain under wraps.
 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Outside of these, Hyundai is also looking to enter new market segments in the coming years. The company, during its India Investor Day in October 2025, confirmed development of a new MPV for the Indian market alongside an all-new off-road-ready SUV. The carmaker recently unveiled the Kia Carens Clavis-based Neira prototype at the recently concluded 2026 Indonesia Motor Show, which could be the basis for the new MPV for India.



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Wednesday, 26 August 2026

TVS iQube Base Variant Updated with 2.3kWh Battery; Gets 176km IDC Range

TVS Motor Company has introduced a new base variant of the iQube, replacing the earlier 2.2kWh version with a slightly larger 2.3kWh battery pack. The scooter is priced at Rs 1,16,310 (ex-showroom, Delhi), and TVS has focused on improving range while simplifying some of the scooter's equipment.

Despite the battery capacity increasing by only 0.1kWh, the claimed IDC range has risen significantly to 176km, 20km more than the outgoing 2.2kWh variant. This should make the new base version more appealing to buyers concerned about everyday riding range anticity.

 

Also Read: TVS iQube MillionR Edition Launched With 145km Range, Added Storage

TVS i Qube base launched carandbike 2

The new iQube continues with the same 3.68kW electric motor, but its top speed has dropped to 68kmph, compared with 75kmph for the outgoing 2.2kWh version. TVS has also simplified the hardware, with the new variant getting drum brakes at both ends instead of the more premium braking setup. 

The instrument console has also been changed from a TFT unit to a simpler LCD display. The LCD console still supports connected features, including turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts and OTA updates, so the reduction in equipment is primarily about the display hardware rather than connectivity.

 

Also Read: TVS Orbiter Long-Term Review (Report 1): Settling In Takes Time

 

The extra range definitely gives the new base iQube a practical advantage, particularly for everyday commuters. However, the lower top speed, drum brakes and simpler LCD console will be some of the compromises that buyers will have to live with for the range benefits.



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Tuesday, 25 August 2026

TVS iQube MillionR Edition Launched With 145km Range, Added Storage

TVS Motor Company has launched the new iQube MillionR Edition to mark the milestone of more than one million families choosing the electric scooter. Based on the TVS iQube 3.5 kWh variant, the special edition is priced at Rs. 1,40,138 (ex-showroom, Karnataka).

 

The MillionR Edition gets an exclusive Aurora Green dual-tone colour inspired by the Northern Lights, along with premium seat upholstery and distinctive MillionR badging. The special edition also brings a few practical upgrades to the iQube.

 

One of the key additions is a new front utility storage compartment, which increases the scooter’s overall storage capacity from 32 litres to 35.5 litres. The scooter also gets an integrated Type-C charging port for added convenience.

 

Powering the MillionR Edition is the 3.5 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed IDC range of 145 km. The scooter also comes equipped with more than 118 connected technology features, continuing TVS’ focus on connected functionality in the iQube range.

 

The MillionR Edition is positioned as a commemorative version of the iQube, combining cosmetic changes with additional everyday usability. With the new edition, TVS is looking to build on the iQube’s growing presence in India’s electric scooter market.



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Saturday, 22 August 2026

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Kylaq Prestige: Differences Explained

Skoda Auto India recently added a new Sportline trim to the Kylaq range. The new trim slots just below the top-spec Prestige trim in the lineup. While the two variants are largely similar in terms of equipment list, the Sportline gets a darker, sportier look and costs less. It does, however, miss out on a few features that are available on the Prestige. So, if you're considering which one to go for from the two, let's see what the difference gets you.

 

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige: Price

 

VariantSportlinePrestigeDifference
1.0 TSI MTRs 11.32 lakhRs 11.75 lakh-Rs 43,000
1.0 TSI ATRs 12.32 lakhRs 12.75 lakh-Rs 43,000

All prices ex-showroom

 

The Sportline undercuts the corresponding Prestige by Rs 43,000, regardless of the gearbox. There are also Prestige+ variants positioned above the Prestige, priced at Rs 11.99 lakh for the manual and Rs 12.99 lakh for the automatic.

 

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige: Exterior

Skoda Kylaq Sportline Trim Launched 3

This is where the Sportline makes the biggest visual departure from the regular Kylaq. The exterior gets a blacked-out treatment, with black ORVMs, front and rear diffusers, 17-inch black alloy wheels and a darkened dual-tone roof. It also gets a rear spoiler with finlets, along with Sportline badging and a Sportline sticker on the C-pillar.

 

Also Read: 2027 Skoda Slavia Facelift Makes India Debut; Bookings Open

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige Variants Differences Explained 7

The Prestige, on the other hand, gets 17-inch dual-tone alloys, while the front and rear diffusers are finished in matte silver. The ORVMs and other exterior elements are either body-coloured or finished in chrome. Its rear spoiler doesn't get the finlets, and there are no variant-specific Sportline badges.

 

In other words, the Sportline doesn't bring radically different styling, but the darker details give it a noticeably sportier appearance than the Prestige.

 

SKoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige: Interior

Skoda Kylaq Sportline Trim Launched 2

The same approach continues inside. The Sportline gets a darkened treatment for the roof, dashboard and door trims, along with leatherette seats carrying Sportline inscriptions on the headrests and contrast stitching. Aluminium pedals are also part of the package here.

 

Also Read: Skoda Superb Diesel Confirmed For India Launch In 2027

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige Variants Differences Explained 5

The Prestige gets a dual-tone dashboard and leatherette upholstery, with the rest of the cabin layout remaining broadly similar. One small difference is the handbrake button, which gets a chrome finish on the Prestige instead of the glossy-black treatment on the Sportline.

 

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige: Features

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige Variants Differences Explained 4

This is where the Prestige pulls ahead. Sitting one step above the Sportline, it gets a few features that are missing from the new variant. The Sportline misses out on an anti-theft alarm, ventilated front seats and six-way electrically adjustable driver and co-driver seats. The latter is only offered in the Prestige+ trim. The Sportline also misses the LED rear turn indicators and LED reverse lamp.

 

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige: Powertrain

 

There is no difference under the hood. Both variants run on the 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, churning out 114 bhp and 178 Nm. One can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox on both variants.

Skoda Kylaq Sportline Trim Launched

Skoda Kylaq Sportline vs Prestige: Which one makes more sense?

 

The Sportline is essentially the Kylaq for buyers who want the sportier visual treatment without moving up to the more expensive Prestige. It saves Rs 43,000 on the ex-showroom cost but gives up a handful of comfort and convenience features.

 

The Prestige, meanwhile, costs more but makes up for it with features such as ventilated seats and electrically adjustable front seats. So the choice comes down to whether the sportier styling of the Sportline matters more to you, or whether you're willing to spend the extra Rs 43,000 for the additional equipment. 



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Friday, 21 August 2026

Opinion: Hero’s Premium Challenge Isn’t Products, It’s Perception

Last week, a motorcycle overtook me as I was driving back home. I got a glance at the bike from the rear, and it looked different. The overall shape and silhouette, as well as the tail section, looked familiar, yet fresh.

 

Now, I spend a lot of my professional life looking at motorcycles. I ride them, test them, write about them, talk about them, photograph them, and generally think a lot about them. So, it was slightly surprising that a motorcycle overtaking me on my way home made me look twice.

 

Hero Xtreme 250 R Web 11

The Hero Xtreme 250R was launched in January 2025 at Rs. 1.80 lakh.

 

It was a Hero Xtreme 250R

 

The surprise wasn’t that the Xtreme 250R looked good. It was that I hadn’t seen one on the road in quite some time.  And it's been around for a while, having been launched in early 2025 - that's more than a year and a half since launch.

 

The 250R is now the flagship premium motorcycle with the Hero badge, after the Mavrick 440 was discontinued, and if you overlook the co-developed, made-in-India Harley-Davidson X440 siblings. 

 

The premium segment is what Hero has been trying to crack for several years now, and to be honest, there’s not been a dearth of products. Today, Hero has a credible premium motorcycle portfolio, yet the market conversation around Hero hasn’t evolved at the same pace.

 

Also Read: Hero Xtreme 250R First Ride Review

Hero Xtreme 250 R Web 10

Hero's current flagship has been slow to pick up market response. It's impressive as a product, and there is the possibility to build more conversation around it.

 

Also Read: Will the Mavrick 440 Create Magic For Hero MotoCorp?

 

The Xtreme 250R, XPulse 210, Karizma XMR, Xtreme 160R 4V and Xoom 160 demonstrate that Hero can build motorcycles with strong performance, technology, design and dynamics. The Harley-Davidson X440 has also given Hero MotoCorp valuable exposure to a genuinely aspirational customer.

 

The question now is not whether Hero can make premium motorcycles. It is whether customers perceive Hero as a premium motorcycle brand. And that is a much harder challenge.

 

Also Read: Hero MotoCorp Enters Germany, Expands European Presence

 

The perception gap

 

For decades, Hero has built perhaps the most formidable mass-market motorcycle franchise in India around attributes such as reliability, practicality, affordability and fuel efficiency. Those attributes built the company. Products like the original CD100, Splendor, HF Deluxe and Glamour are all iconic names, with strong recall and stories around ownership, volumes, market penetration and reliability.

 

But they can also become a constraint when the same brand attempts to move customers towards motorcycles costing ₹2 lakh, ₹3 lakh or more.

 

 

Also Read: Hero Karizma XMR 250 Debuts At EICMA 2024

Hero Karizma XMR 250 4

The upcoming Karizma XMR 250 was showcased at the 2024 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

 

A premium motorcycle purchase is rarely a rational transaction alone. That’s because the quintessential premium motorcycle customer isn’t simply looking for what he will be getting for the money he spends on a perceived premium motorcycle. 

 

Other questions hover around the feeling associated with such a purchase, the image associated and created around the owner of such a product, the pride associated with ownership, as well as an experience that justifies the upfront investment in a “premium” motorcycle.

 

That is where brands such as Royal Enfield have created an extraordinary advantage. The motorcycle is only one part of the proposition. The brand, heritage, community, lifestyle and sense of belonging are equally important. Closer attuned to Hero is Bajaj Auto, with motorcycle brands like the Pulsar that have also built strong equity, following, and pride of ownership.

 

Hero Karizma

The OG Hero Karizma with its 223 cc engine created a strong following in India.

 

The Karizma Factor

However, it would be incorrect to say that Hero never had a firm footing in the Indian premium motorcycling segment without looking at the story of the Karizma. In the early 2000s, the Hero Karizma captured the hearts and minds of many Indian riders. At a time when each cubic centimetre and each bhp mattered, the Karizma managed to carve out its own path – against the Pulsars and the increasing interest in Royal Enfield.

 

The original Karizma, launched in 2003 and powered by a 223 cc, air-cooled engine, was celebrated for its relaxed ergonomics and effortless cruising ability at highway speeds. In the subsequent decade, the Karizma ZMR failed to ignite the same excitement and lost ground to fierce new competition from the likes of KTM, Bajaj and Honda. 

 

2025 Hero Karizma XMR 210 Combat m2

In 2023, it was resurrected as the Karizma XMR, but even the 210 cc XMR failed to create the same magic as the original Karizma. Now, Hero will be giving the Karizma one more shot with a new 250 cc version later this year. Based on the impressive Xtreme 250R, the Karizma 250 will be one product to look out for as Hero attempts to make an impression in the premium segment one more time.

 

Product Push

Today, Hero has products that can increasingly enter the premium conversation. The XPulse 210, the Xtreme 250R, the H-D 440s, and the upcoming Karizma 250, as well as the bigger XPulse 421, will ensure there’s a steady stream of new products. What is needed now is to ensure that the brand enters the premium conversation along with the products. 

 

Hero Karizma XMR 250 2

Hero’s next premium phase may need to be about more than another product push. It needs to be a perception push as well.

 

This isn’t a case for scrapping the premium push. The segment is real, and it’s growing faster than commuter volumes. 

 

There is a temptation for manufacturers entering premium segments to keep adding products, engines and features. Hero certainly needs a strong product pipeline. But the next phase of its premium strategy cannot be driven by product launches alone.

 

Every new Hero premium motorcycle should contribute to a larger brand narrative.

 

Hero Xpulse 210 image 44

The XPulse, for instance, has the potential to give Hero genuine ownership of adventure and exploration. The Xtreme name can stand for accessible performance. Karizma can carry a different kind of sporting and aspirational equity.

 

The opportunity is to turn individual products into brand territories. Instead of focusing on the next upcoming premium motorcycle or scooter from Hero, the bigger question should be to answer why Hero should be the preferred choice in the premium segment. 

 

That answer needs to be clear, distinctive and consistent.

 

Hero Xtreme 250 R Web 4

Premium Perception

Brand perception, however, cannot be created by advertising alone.

 

A customer will forgive a great deal from a motorcycle positioned as affordable and practical. The expectations change when the same customer pays a premium.

 

This is where Hero can obsess over the details that create a sense of quality.

 

Fit and finish. Paint quality. Switchgear. Fasteners. Lighting. Instrumentation. Seat materials. Panel gaps. Wiring. Engine refinement. Gearshift quality. Suspension calibration. Brake feel. Chassis dynamics.

 

None of these individually transforms a motorcycle. Together, they create a feeling. And eventually, a premium product is a feeling, more than being a tangible quality.

 

The objective should be that every interaction with a Hero premium motorcycle reinforces the price the customer has paid. 

 

Also Read: 2026 Harley-Davidson X440T Road Test Review

Hero Xpulse 210 Vs Kawasaki KLX 230 review comparison carandbike 5

Change the conversation

Getting the details right is only half the job. What will be more important now is how Hero talks about it. 

 

The brand has enormous credibility around fuel efficiency, value, reliability and practicality. And those are strengths which are the pillars on which Hero has been built. But they alone cannot be the dominant narrative for a premium motorcycle.

 

For a true premium experience, performance should take precedence over fuel efficiency, and engineering should take the upper hand over affordability. Technology needs to dominate the conversation, not just features. And instead of accessibility, aspiration should be what should be identified with Hero’s premium range.

 

And this is where credible external voices can play an important role. And voices should not be just from the media and content creators, but from enthusiasts and owners underscoring the right values – the performance, engineering, quality and the overall experiences. 

 

When independent voices start discussing Hero in the same breath as the established premium players, perception begins to change.

 

Also Read: Why More Riders Are Ditching Big Bikes For Smaller Motorcycles?

 

Hero Glamour X m 26

Also Read:  2025 - The Year of The Mid-Size Motorcycle Boom In India

 

The Big Advantage

There is another reason why this opportunity is particularly interesting for Hero. The company already has crores of customers. Many of them will eventually upgrade. Many within those families of Hero owners will look at the premium segment.

 

The strategic question is whether Hero can persuade a customer who starts his or her journey on a 100 cc or 125 cc Hero to stay with the brand when they want a 200 cc, 250 cc, 350 cc or 450 cc motorcycle. That is potentially Hero's greatest premium opportunity.

 

And market numbers reflect that opportunity. Data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) for FY2026 reveals that the 150-200 cc segment was the fastest-growing motorcycle segment in India, expanding by 37.5 per cent year-on-year to over 1.5 million units. 

 

The story is even more encouraging in the 200-250 cc segment, which grew 66.9 per cent. Sales in the above 350 cc segment declined slightly in FY2026, but the full impact of higher GST rates will possibly be seen only in FY2027. The overall sentiment, though, remains positive – anything from 160 – 500 cc will only stand to gain, with a distinctive preference for premium motorcycles.

 

Also Read:  Opinion - Will the New Kinetic DX Be Able To Ride On Nostalgia?

2026 Harley Davidson X440 T m2 jpg

While commuter motorcycles continue to face demand pressures, Hero is gradually diversifying its premium portfolio – with motorcycles, scooters and electric mobility. The Xtreme 160R, Xtreme 250R, the upcoming Karzima 250, as well as the Vida electric scooters are expected to be growth drivers for the company. 

 

While restoring growth in entry-level motorcycles will remain crucial, growth in premium segments will not just add desirability to Hero but also reduce dependence on the highly competitive commuter segment.

 

There’s an opportunity to ensure that customers don’t leave the Hero ecosystem precisely when they become more aspirational. A successful premium strategy should address that.

 

This is more imperative right now when the entry-level motorcycle segment below 125 cc – the segment that contributes to Hero’s primary volumes – saw a growth of just 2.9 per cent in FY26.

 

Also Read: Opinion - Can TVS Shake Royal Enfield's Grip With Norton Motorcycles?

 

Hero Xtreme 250 R Web 1

Hero doesn't lack good products in the premium segment. What the brand needs is to create desirability.

 

From Trusted to Desired

Hero has spent decades becoming one of India's most trusted motorcycle brands. To hold its own in the premium segment, what is required is desire and a sense of aspiration towards the brand. 

 

The goal shouldn't be to become another Royal Enfield, Triumph or KTM. Hero should find its own space and own it convincingly. It could be anything from performance, adventure, touring, or technology and engineering, or ultimately be a combination of all of these. 

 

But whatever the territory, Hero’s strategy must be consistent across product, design, communication, retail, customer experience, media and community.

 

Because as things stand today, Hero's premium challenge isn't whether it can build motorcycles that are good enough. It is whether Hero can make customers want one badly enough to choose it over the brands that currently own their imagination.

 

More than yet another premium product launch, building consumer desire and developing perception may be what is really needed. And that is the real opportunity for Hero's next phase of premium growth.



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Thursday, 20 August 2026

Kia Sonet, Seltos Carens Hybrid, New Made-In-India EV To Arrive By 2029

Kia outlined its electrification plans for the Indian market at its CEO Investor Day 2026, with as many as six new electrified models to arrive by 2029. The launches are set to kick off from this year itself, with Kia confirming the arrival of the Sorento HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) as well as the Carnival HEV in 2026.
 

Also read: Kia Sorento India Launch on September 4
 

New Seltos Hybrid Incoming
 

2026 Kia Seltos Launched In India Prices Details Variants Specifications Features Details

Furthermore, Kia also confirmed the launch of the Seltos HEV for India. The second-gen Seltos launched in India in January 2026, carrying over the same engine options as the first-gen Seltos but migrating to an all-new platform. The Seltos hybrid made its global debut in May 2026, pairing a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with electric motors and an onboard battery pack. Full details have yet to be revealed, though globally the hybrid will arrive in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. An India launch for the Seltos HEV is likely sometime in 2027.
 

Also read: Kia Sorento Bookings Open Ahead Of India Launch
 

Carens, Sonet To Get Strong Hybrid Tech
 

Second Gen Kia Sonet spied

Image source

 

Another pair of popular cars to gain strong hybrid tech will be the Sonet subcompact SUV and the Carens MPV. The Sonet is due for a generation change in the coming year, with the current SUV one of Kia’s best-selling models in the country. It’s this second-gen Sonet that will arrive with strong hybrid tech, though it remains to be seen whether the option will be offered at launch or added to the line-up with a subsequent model update. The new Sonet is expected to migrate to Kia’s K1 platform - also used by the new Venue and the Syros - which does open the door for electrification.
 

Also Read: Kia Syros EV Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 13.49 Lakh

 

Kia Carens Clavis EV image 4

Similarly, the Carens too is likely to gain strong hybrid tech with the arrival of the next-gen MPV. Details remain up in the air, though it could share its powertrain with the Seltos HEV.
 

Third Made-In-India EV Confirmed
 

Kia also confirmed a third locally made EV for the Indian market, sitting in the B-segment. Details of the new model remain scarce, though we could be looking at a new model positioned below the Seltos as a mass market electric offering. It remains to be seen if the new EV will be retailed alongside the recently launched Syros EV or if it could be its replacement. The new EV could also be based on the K1 platform.



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Wednesday, 19 August 2026

Mahindra XEV 9S 6-Seater Variant Launched At Rs 25 Lakh

Mahindra XEV 9S has now been launched in a 6-seater configuration. Since its launch, the electric SUV was available only with a 7-seater layout. However, the company has now introduced a new 6-seater configuration as a more premium option.

 

2026 XEV 9 SThe 6-seater configuration is available with the Pack Two and Pack Three variants. It costs Rs 17,000 more than the 7-seater Pack Two variant, while the Pack Three 6-seater costs Rs 20,000 more than its 7-seater counterpart.

Also Read: Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Launched At Rs 19.45 Lakh

On the feature front, the 6-seater version remains unchanged, with the triple-screen setup available across the range. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8295 chipset, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For connectivity, it also gets 5G support.

Mahindra XEV 9 S web 11

Furthermore, the 12.3-inch passenger display comes with pre-installed OTT and other applications. For added convenience, the XEV 9S also gets an in-car camera that can be used for video calls, recording videos and taking photos.

The Pack Three variant gets Mahindra’s Vision X augmented-reality head-up display, which projects coloured navigation and driving guides onto the windscreen.

For safety, the SUV gets 360-degree cameras, front parking sensors and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The range-topping model also gets Level 2+ ADAS, featuring Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Front and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and an Auto Parking function.

The drivetrain remains unchanged as well. The 6-seater version is offered with the Pack Two, Pack Three and Pack Three Above variants. The Pack Two variant comes with a 70kWh battery pack, which produces 245bhp and 380Nm of torque. The 79kWh version gets a more powerful motor producing 286bhp, while torque remains unchanged at 380Nm.

The 70kWh battery supports 160kW DC charging, while the 79kWh pack supports up to 180kW DC charging. Both battery packs can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes under their respective charging setups.
 



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Monday, 17 August 2026

Hero MotoCorp Patents New Dual-Purpose Motorcycle In India

Hero MotoCorp appears to be working on a new dual-purpose motorcycle for the Indian market. A new design patent filed in India reveals a rugged, lightweight motorcycle with an upright riding position aimed for commuting and capable enough to be ridden on rough terrain. A test mule featuring similar design elements was spotted a few months back, and you can read all about it here.

 

The design patent brings back memories of the Hero Impulse, mainly due to its basic design philosophy. The patent image gives us a good look at the motorcycle's overall design and hardware. It features a tall, slim profile, a raised front mudguard and spoke wheels, giving it a clear dual-purpose character.

 

Also Read: 2026 Hero Xtreme 125R Gets TFT Screen

New Hero Dual Sport Design Patent 1

The front-end design features a sculpted headlamp fairing, with a compact headlamp and a small cowl on top that will cover a small digital instrument cluster. The slim contoured fuel tank and minimal bodywork further suggests its lightweight, functional approach. Another aspect is the large tubular luggage rack at the rear. The motorcycle also gets a long, single-piece seat, saree guard and a substantial rear mudguard, suggesting that everyday practicality for commuting has been considered alongside its off-road ability.

 

The front wheel seems to be larger than the rear, although the patent does not specify the wheel sizes. The motorcycle uses conventional telescopic front forks with rubber gaiters, while a monoshock is visible at the rear. Braking hardware includes a single disc at both ends. The motorcycle will most be equipped with just single-channel ABS to keep costs low.

 

Also Read: Hero Splendor Off-Road Crossover Design Patented In India

New Hero Dual Sport Design Patent

The chassis seems to be a tubular frame with the engine bolted to it while the lower section of the motorcycle is fitted with a bash plate for protection to the powertrain. The single-cylinder engine is mounted within the frame, with an oil-cooled on the right side and the exhaust routed along the right side, like on the Impulse.

 

Knowing Hero already has experience with dual-purpose motorcycles through the XPulse family and its learnings from motorsports, the motorcycle shown in the new patent looks simpler than the XPulse 200 4V and could potentially be positioned below it with the 160cc motor elements borrowed from the Xtreme 160R. However, there is currently no confirmation regarding its power, weight or intended positioning.

 

Also Read: Hero Vida VX2 Now Available With Fixed 3.1 kWh Battery, Priced At Rs 1.13 Lakh

Hero Xpulse 210 Vs Kawasaki KLX 230 review comparison carandbike 33

Hero is likely to be looking to explore the segment from another angle with a simpler and more accessible Xpulse.



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E3 Electric.Ai Opens First Experience Centre in Bengaluru

Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup E3 Electric.Ai has opened its first Experience Centre in Koramangala, Bengaluru, marking the start of its retail expansion in India. The 2,500 sq. ft facility, which opened on August 15, brings sales, service and spare parts under one roof.

E3 Electric EC 3

The new centre will showcase all three variants of E3 Electric’s Trion electric scooter range — the C1, C1x and C2. The company says the facility has been designed to give customers a closer look at its technology, including the E3 COMMANDCENTRE, Intelligent IoT Core and Cloud Intelligence, AI HEALTHSCAN and TRIPSENSE intelligent cockpit.

 

Also Read: E3 Trion Electric Scooter Launched In India At Rs 1 Lakh

 

The Experience Centre also features a cafe and family zone, along with activities for children. E3 Electric plans to add Type 7 DC fast-charging facilities at the centre in partnership with Kazam EV Tech.

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The Koramangala outlet will serve as a template for the company’s wider dealership strategy. E3 Electric plans to establish around six dealerships across Bengaluru in the coming months, followed by an expansion into Mysuru and other markets in southern India.

 

The company has set an ambitious target of establishing 100 dealerships across more than 90 markets in India during the current financial year. The expansion will primarily be carried out through dealer partners, with E3 Electric using its first Experience Centre as the benchmark for its customer experience and ownership ecosystem.

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E3 Electric.Ai currently focuses on AI-enabled electric scooters built around a modular architecture, with connected technologies, predictive diagnostics and battery intelligence forming key parts of its product strategy.



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Saturday, 15 August 2026

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler Pick-Up: In Pictures

Mahindra has pulled the covers off the Scorpio N-based pick-up, the Scorpio Lifestyler. The Scorpio Lifestyler will primarily compete with the Isuzu V-Cross and Toyota Hilux. The pick-up segment in India is not very popular but has been gradually garnering attention. Let’s take a closer look at the all-new Scorpio Lifestyler and see what it has to offer.

 

 

Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler Pick-Up Makes Global Debut; India Launch In 2027

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With its redesigned front bumper and headlight housing, the Lifestyler looks distinctly different from the Scorpio N SUV, albeit sitting on the same underpinnings.

 

Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler Pickup Unveil Highlights: Specifications, Images, Details

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In 2007, Mahindra launched the Scorpio Getaway as its first attempt to enter India’s lifestyle pick-up segment. The Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler is the company’s second bet in India’s growing Pickup segment.

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The front gets textured and layered chrome bits on the protruding parts of the grille. For more functionality, it gets two tow hooks under the grille.

ADAS

The Scorpio Lifestyler will get an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Mahindra has not officially announced this yet, but we expect it to get at least a Level 2 ADAS system.

Scorpio Alloys

It sits on 18-inch wheels with 255-section tyres and gets disc brakes on all four wheels.

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It misses out on a 360-degree camera setup; however, for a pickup of this size, it is a must-have feature.

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The Scorpio Lifestyler will get a diesel powertrain, but we expect it to be offered with both diesel and petrol engine options, paired with manual and automatic gearboxes.

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Mahindra did not provide any official figures, but looking at the length of the vehicle, it appears to have a roomy bed that can hold a lot of luggage.

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Inside the bed, it gets a charging socket. It is not a three-pin socket but a standard 12V charging port, which can come in handy during camping or off-roading.

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The rear camera is mounted on the tailgate opening handle, unlike the usual placement on the bumper, which helps prevent it from getting damaged.

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The taillights have been carried over from the Global Pik-up concept that we saw back in 2023.

Scorpio Lifestyler Rear

The rear is unchanged from the concept, save for the addition of a slim third stop lamp near the lip of the tailgate.   

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Will be available in Black, Blue, Yellow, Red, Grey, Silver and White.
 

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In the images, the dashboard features a boxy, layered design with a large portrait-oriented touchscreen that extends to the centre console as well. It is paired with a freestanding digital instrument cluster.

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Mahindra will launch the Scorpio Lifestyler in India by April 2027 and has confirmed that the starting price of the pickup will be under Rs 19.79 lakh. 



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Range Rover Sport Twenty Edition Launched at Rs 1.90 Crore

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