Welcome to Gulf News, your premier destination for comprehensive coverage and insights into the dynamic landscape of the Gulf region and beyond. As a trusted source of news and information, we pride ourselves on delivering timely updates, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories that resonate with our diverse audience.
From breaking news to in-depth features, business trends to cultural happenings, sports highlights to technological advancements, Gulf News covers it all with accuracy, integrit
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure firm ChargeZone has inaugurated a new Mega Charging Hub on the Mumbai-Pune expressway in collaboration with Tata Motors’ EV arm Tata.ev. Installed at the Khalapur rest halt on the westbound side, the facility provides charging facilities for up to 10 vehicles.
The charging facility comprises 5 dispensers, each featuring two charge guns capable of charging at a peak rate of 240 kW in normal mode and up to 360 kW in boost mode. ChargeZone says that total installed capacity at the new hub is 720 kW. The new charging hub is the 75th such installation inaugurated under the collaboration between Tata.ev and ChargeZone.
Speaking on the occasion, Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ChargeZone, said, “Highway charging is the backbone of intercity electrification, and that backbone needs to be built at scale and built right. The launch of the Mega Charging hub at Khalapur marks a significant milestone in our journey to build a high-power, future-ready EV charging network across India. With a 720 kW capacity, this installation sets a new benchmark for public charging infrastructure in the country. Our focus is on enabling fast, reliable, and seamless intercity EV travel, and this partnership with Tata.ev is a strong step in that direction as we scale across strategic national corridors.”
As with other Tata.ev and ChargeZone collaboration charging stations, Tata EV owners will be able to avail of a 25 per cent discount on charging activities.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/sVgQAdK
via IFTTT
Maruti Suzuki has announced that it has posted record sales both in the previous financial year as well as the previous quarter. Country’s largest carmaker said that it achieved total sales of 24,22,713 units in FY2026 which was significantly more than the 22,34,266 units it sold in FY2025. This included domestic sales of 19,74,939 cars while 4,47,774 vehicles were exported making the company the largest exporter of cars from India.
The beginning of 2026 also brought cheer to the Maruti Suzuki as it recorded its highest ever quarterly sales. 6,76,209 vehicles were sold during the period which was up 11.8% from Q4 FY2024-25. Domestic sales were at 5,38,994 units while exports were at an all-time high of 1,37,215 units. However during this time, the net profit declined by 6.9% year-on-year to Rs. 35,905 million. A company statement said currently there are 1.90 lakh pending orders of which 1.30 lakh are small cars.
A major reason given by the management for these record breaking sales was the lowering of GST rates on cars by the Centre. Talking to the media post declaration of annual financial results, R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki said, “Every year we will see growth in car industry as demand has again revived. Government has understood that lower tax will benefit the economy. Actual tax collections have gone up despite the GST rates going down”.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/0MsxKU3
via IFTTT
BSA Motorcycles has launched the new Scrambler 650, the second model in the brand’s portfolio in India, after the BSA Gold Start 650. The BSA Scrambler 650 is directly positioned as a rival to the Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650. The BSA Scrambler though is more affordable, and unlike the Royal Enfield 650, uses a big bore single-cylinder engine. Here’s what you need to know about the new BSA Scrambler 650.
The BSA Scrambler 650 is based on the Gold Star 650, and is powered by the same 652 cc, single-cylinder, four-valve, DOHC engine that produces 45 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 55 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed gearbox, the 652cc single is all about strong mid-range torque, which is quite likeable, as we have experienced while reviewing the Gold Star 650.
The BSA Scrambler 650 draws inspiration from its heritage of scramblers. Unlike the roadster-styled Gold Star, the Scrambler 650 gets a tall-ish stance, with a flat and wide handlebar, slightly upswept exhaust, 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel shod with block pattern tyres for mild off-road duty. On the features list, the Scrambler 650 comes with an off-set and round instrument console, and standard dual-channel ABS and traction control.
Chassis & Suspension
The Scrambler 650 is built around a twin cradle tubular steel frame, along with a tubular steel swingarm. Suspension duties are handled by 41 mm diameter telescopic forks with 138 mm travel up front and twin shock absorbers with 5-step preload adjustability at the rear, with 127 mm travel. The braking system is by Brembo, with a single 320 mm floating disc on the front wheel gripped by a two-piston caliper, and a single 255 mm disc up front, with a Brembo single-piston caliper.
The BSA Scrambler 650 comes with 208 kg kerb weight and comes with a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres. Saddle height is 820 mm and the wheelbase is 1,485 mm.
Price & Availability
The BSA Scrambler 650 is priced from Rs, 3.25 lakh (Ex-showroom) for the Raven Black colour option, going up to Rs. 3.41 lakh (Ex-showroom) for the Thunder Grey colour options. The variants differ only in the colour scheme and there are no mechanical differences for the different colour variants. The BSA Scrambler 650 will be available on sale from the end of April, 2026.
Colour Variant
Price (Ex-showroom)
Raven Black
Rs. 3.25 lakh
Victor Yellow
Rs. 3.33 lakh
Thunder Grey
Rs. 3.41 lakh
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/Vz8sA3v
via IFTTT
Oben Electric has teased its upcoming electric motorcycle, which will be launched on April 30, 2026. The new Oben electric bike will be the fourth model in the company’s portfolio and is expected to be a little different from its current offerings – with more premium design and features. Oben has teased its new motorcycle on social media with the phrase, “Unleash the Bold” hinting at what could be a slightly premium product.
The company has not released any details of the new electric motorcycle yet, and full features, specifications, price and other additional information will be announced on April 30, 2026. Currently, Oben Electric has three models – the Oben Rorr, Oben Rorr EZ and Oben Rorr Sigma. As the teaser suggests, the new electric bike is expected to take a bold new direction for the company’s product line-up.
The teaser video gives a short glimpse of the headlight design of the new bike, with a LED DRL with a projector headlamp below it. This design is slightly different from the brand’s current offerings which feature round, neo-retro headlamp designs. The new bike is likely to be positioned as a premium model in the company’s line-up, possibly offering more performance and range, as well as sportier handling and dynamics.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/shkiEb4
via IFTTT
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx appears to be gearing up for a mid-cycle update, with a camouflaged test mule recently spotted on Indian roads. This comes shortly after the updated Baleno was also seen testing. Launched in 2023, the Fronx has been one of the carmaker’s stronger-selling models.
The test car is heavily camouflaged, with only a few elements such as the front grille and alloy wheels partially exposed. Interestingly, even sections that are usually left uncovered, such as parts of the rear glass, are wrapped. That said, the overall silhouette remains unchanged, so expect updates to be limited to revised bumpers, a refreshed grille and possibly updated lighting elements.
The updated Fronx’s interior isn’t visible in the spy shots, but the recently spied Baleno offers a glimpse of what could be carried over. The layout is likely to remain largely unchanged, though updates could include new upholstery, revised material finishes and possibly a larger touchscreen. The Fronx may also pick up features seen on newer Maruti models, such as a 10.1-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and an upgraded audio setup.
On the powertrain front, changes are likely. Maruti could use the facelift to introduce its newer Z-Series 1.2-litre petrol engine, recently seen in the latest Swift and Dzire. This three-cylinder unit produces 80.4 bhp and 112 Nm, slightly lower than the current 1.2-litre four-cylinder K-Series engine, which makes 88.5 bhp and 113 Nm. Both engines are expected to continue with 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options.
As before, a factory-fitted CNG option is likely to remain part of the lineup. The updated model could also adopt an underbody-mounted CNG tank setup, similar to newer Maruti offerings.
Maruti Suzuki is expected to introduce the Fronx facelift later this year. Once launched, it will continue to compete in the compact SUV space against rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO and others.
Nissan has revived the Terrano nameplate at the ongoing Auto China 2026 in the form of a rugged, boxy plug-in hybrid SUV concept set to go into production. While the Terrano name in India was long associated with a Renault Duster-based SUV that was on sale for almost a decade, globally, Nissan used the Terrano name in the late 20th century and early 21st century for a rugged ladder-frame SUV that we now know as the Pathfinder - the Pathfinder name was initially only used in North America.
On the design front, the Terrano concept blends a retro-inspired boxy look with more modern design aesthetics. The fascia is characterised by a rectangular, partially enclosed grille housing an illuminated Nissan word mark flanking rectangular projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The LED DRL signatures also feature in the grille itself, essentially wrapping around slim openings that allow air into the engine bay. The chunky front bumper with its prominent skid plate and integrated tow hooks adds to the Terrano Concept’s off-road-ready looks.
The clamshell bonet, meanwhile, features a prominent central intake along with auxiliary lighting above the wheel arches for added illumination. The boxy wheel arches are wrapped in chunky cladding, which also features the hollow rectangular design LED position lamps, while the door sills also feature prominent cladding, and the bulging front and rear fenders add to that tough SUV look.
At the rear, the Terrano concept features a chunky, high-set rear bumper to allow for obstacle clearance, while the tailgate-mounted fifth wheel gets a partial cover that holds it against the tailgate. The minimalist tail lamps, too, are in the shape of hollowed-out rectangles.
Nissan says that the Terrano concept will go into production within a year, though the company has not shared any specifications or details on the platform. Some reports suggest that the production-spec SUV could share its underpinning with the Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV pick-up truck that debuted last year. The pick-up features a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor and an on-board battery to develop more than 300 kW and 800 Nm (combined) while offering up to 135 km of EV-only driving. The pick-up also features all-wheel drive with an electromechanical locking rear differential.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/5BhtDgj
via IFTTT
Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-electric CLA in India, priced from Rs 55 lakh for the CLA 200, Rs 59 lakh for the CLA 250+ and Rs 64 lakh for the CLA 250+ Launch Edition (all prices, ex-showroom). First seen as a concept a few years ago and revealed globally in production form in March 2025, this is the first time the CLA nameplate gets a fully electric version. It is offered in three variants, 200, 250+ and 250+ Launch Edition, with standard range for the 200 and long range 250+. The Launch Edition wears black alloys, and is also equipped with the ‘Superscreen’ setup.
Visually, the new CLA stays very close to what we saw in concept form. It has a clean, flowing shape with softer edges, but the EV version stands out with its unique front panel. Instead of a traditional grille, you get a surface filled with 142 illuminated three-pointed stars, along with a lit Mercedes-Benz logo in the centre.
Top speed of the CLA Electric is 210 kmph.
From the side, the CLA looks sleeker than before, now featuring flush door handles similar to larger Mercedes sedans. At the rear, the star-themed design continues with LED tail lamps connected by a full-width light bar, complete with animated lighting effects. Buyers also get a choice of alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches.
Launch Edition wears Cosmos Black Magno paint and 19-inch black alloys.
The new CLA has also grown in size as compared to its predecessor. It is now 4,723 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,468 mm tall, while the wheelbase has gone up to 2,790 mm.
‘Superscreen’ layout included on the CLA 250+ Launch Edition.
Coming to the interior, the highlight is the new Superscreen setup that includes a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen. A panoramic sunroof is offered as standard. Moreover, it gets a three-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, while the seats are finished in leatherette upholstery.
Other features include a wireless phone charger, powered front seats with heating and massage functions, dual-zone climate control, a Burmester sound system and auto park assist among others.
On the safety front, the CLA Electric comes equipped with six airbags and a Level 2+ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). It also gets a 360-degree camera with blind-spot assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and an electronic parking brake.
Boot space is rated at 405 litres, while the electric CLA also gets a front storage compartment (frunk) offering an additional 101 litres.
The CLA 250+ will do 0-100 kmph in a claimed 6.7 seconds.
Under the skin, the CLA is built on Mercedes-Benz’s new MMA (Modular Architecture) platform. While it supports multiple powertrains globally, India gets the all-electric CLA 200 (standard range) and 250+ (long range) with an 85 kWh battery pack offered on the latter. Power is sent to the rear wheels with a single motor producing 268 bhp and 335 Nm.
Mercedes claims a range of up to 792 km (WLTP) on the CLA 250+ and 542 km on the CLA 200. The CLA also runs on an 800-volt system, allowing for fast charging. With a 320 kW DC fast charger, it can add up to 325 km of range in just 10 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Bookings & Deliveries
Bookings for the all-electric CLA opened in March this year, requiring a token amount of Rs 1.5 lakh, and deliveries are slated to commence from the end of April 2026 (CLA 250+ Long Range) and June 2026 (CLA 200 Standard Range).
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Rivals
In the Indian market, the Mercedes CLA EV gets into the ring with the BYD Seal, while also going up against models such as the Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV6.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/gY0uAeL
via IFTTT
The wait is nearly over. BMW Motorrad is set to announce the price of the much-anticipated BMW F 450 GS today, April 23, 2026. This new adventure bike will step in as the brand’s most accessible GS offering, taking over from the discontinued BMW G 310 GS.
Production of the F 450 GS is already underway at TVS Motor Company’s Hosur plant, having begun in late 2025. Bookings have recently opened, and deliveries are expected to kick off as early as next month.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/Anj2RmY
via IFTTT
Alongside the debut of the 7 Series facelift, BMW has unveiled the long-wheelbase versions of the 2026 iX3 and i3 as part of its new Neue Klasse lineup. The models will make their public debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show later this week and get design revisions, updated interior and new-gen electric architecture.
Starting with the iX3 LWB. Up front, it gets a closed-off version of BMW’s kidney grille, flanked by slim headlamps, while the bumper gets vertical elements. From the side, the longer wheelbase is easy to spot, thanks to the stretched rear doors and a slightly extended window line. Around the back, it features slim LED tail lamps, which fall short of connecting in favour of the BMW logo positioning.
Flush door handles seen on earlier prototypes have been replaced with a pull-type design to comply with upcoming Chinese safety regulations. The wheelbase has been extended by 108 mm to 3005 mm, resulting in longer rear doors and increased rear-seat space.
BMW has also reworked the second row specifically for this version. The seats are larger, with increased cushioning and support, and can recline up to 121 degrees. The front passenger seat now features an extendable leg rest; meanwhile, BMW says that the integrated battery layout also creates more headroom inside the cabin.
Boot capacity stands at up to 1,900 litres with the rear seats folded, while a 58-litre front storage compartment provides space for charging cables.
The iX3 LWB is also the first model to feature BMW’s new centralised driving control system, which combines drivetrain and chassis functions into a single unit. This setup manages power delivery, stability and braking in real time, with regenerative braking handling most deceleration scenarios.
Coming to numbers, the iX3 LWB is claimed to deliver over 900 km of range (CLTC). It supports 400 kW fast charging, allowing a 10-80 per cent charge in 21 minutes (claimed), while a 10-minute charge can add over 400 km of range under test conditions. More details on the powertrain are yet to be disclosed, but it is likely to mirror the standard version.
BMW i3 LWB
Now to the i3 LWB, which in its looks is akin to the standard model. Up front, it features a slimmer interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille, flanked by sharp, angular headlamps. From the side, the stretched wheelbase is evident in the longer rear doors and extended roofline.
At the rear, the car gets slim LED tail lamps connected by a dark trim element, along with a sculpted bumper. The wheelbase exceeds 3,000 mm, and interestingly, there’s an M badge near the C-pillars, which glows upon unlock. Like the iX3, it replaces flush door handles with a conventional pull-type design to meet regulatory requirements.
Under the skin, the i3 LWB shares the same new-generation electric architecture as the iX3. It is claimed to offer a driving range of over 1,000 km (CLTC). Charging capability is rated at up to 400 kW, enabling a 10-minute charge to add around 400 km of range under the same test cycle.
Like the iX3, it uses the new integrated control system to manage power delivery, braking and energy recuperation. The interior of the i3 LWB remains under wraps for now, but is expected to get the same layout as the standard model, albeit with a revised second row.
Market Availability
Both models are expected to go on sale in China first, with the iX3 LWB being offered in additional markets, including India.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/t70w5xr
via IFTTT
BMW has revealed the latest iteration of the 7 Series with changes extensive enough for the company to call it its most comprehensive model update to date. For 2026, the seventh-generation model now gets revised styling, new in-car tech and a diverse mix of drivetrain options, while also serving as an early carrier of BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse tech.
2026 BMW 7 Series: Exterior
Starting with how it looks. The overall proportions remain unchanged, but BMW has made targeted revisions. The front end continues with a large kidney grille, though the internal design now uses horizontal slats instead of vertical. The split headlamp setup remains, but the configuration has been reworked. Slim DRLs sit at the top, while the main headlamp units are now positioned vertically within recessed sections of the bumper.
At the rear, the lighting elements are stretched horizontally but stop short of forming a full-width light bar. Both the front DRLs and rear light elements align along a similar horizontal axis. BMW is also offering expanded two-tone paint options, including a finish that combines a matte lower section with a metallic upper half, separated by a hand-applied coach line.
2026 BMW 7 Series: Interior
The cabin now gets BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system, paired with a separate passenger-side display and the latest operating software. The system integrates navigation, media, voice interaction and other services, with support for over-the-air updates.
Rear-seat features continue to be a key focus. The BMW Theatre Screen is a 31.3-inch 8K display that folds down from the roof and supports external input via HDMI, allowing connection to personal devices. A built-in camera enables video conferencing functionality.
Further options include the Executive Lounge package, which offers a reclining rear passenger seat with extended leg support, while upholstery choices now include combinations such as leather and cashmere alongside traditional materials like wood and metal trim.
2026 BMW 7 Series: Powertrains
Depending on the market, the 7 Series continues to be offered in multiple powertrain options, with fully electric i7 variants forming a significant part of the lineup. The i7 50 xDrive produces 455 bhp and 660 Nm, while the i7 60 xDrive delivers 544 bhp and 745 Nm. The range-topping i7 M70 xDrive produces up to 670 bhp and over 1,000 Nm, with a claimed 0-100 kmph time of 3.8 seconds.
Battery capacity continues to be 112.5 kWh (net), with a claimed driving range exceeding 700 km (WLTP) depending on configuration. Fast charging of up to 250 kW enables a 10-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
Plug-in hybrid variants include the 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive. The 750e produces 489 bhp and 700 Nm, while the M760e develops 612 bhp and 800 Nm, both combining a six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and offering electric-only driving capability of roughly 70-80 km.
Mild-hybrid combustion models remain part of the lineup. The 740 xDrive petrol produces 400 bhp and 580 Nm, while the 740d xDrive diesel develops 313 bhp and 670 Nm.
2026 BMW 7 Series: Chassis
The new 7 Series retains adaptive air suspension as standard, with electronically controlled dampers. Optional features include rear-wheel steering and advanced chassis control systems.
Driver assistance systems have been updated with Level 2 functionality. These include hands-free driving capability at speeds of up to 130 kmph in certain conditions, expanded city driving assistance and improved parking systems with AI-supported detection and more.
2026 BMW 7 Series: Production and launch timeline
Production and global deliveries are slated to commence in July this year, with an India launch expected towards the end of this year or sometime in 2027. The 7 in India is currently offered in petrol, diesel and electric derivatives.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/nI4QFSe
via IFTTT
Tesla India has expanded its India offering with the launch of the long-wheelbase Model Y SUV priced at Rs 61.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Compared to its standard sibling, the Model Y sits on a 150 mm longer wheelbase and measures in at 4,976 mm long, 2,129 mm wide and 1,668 mm tall. In comparison, the standard Model Y sits at 4,797 mm long and 1,624 mm tall, while the width is identical.
On the design front, the Model Y L looks little different to the standard Model Y from the front and rear. In profile, the stretch proportions and taller roofline are more evident, which – aside from the badging – is the only real giveaway that this is a physically larger SUV than the standard Model Y. The SUV also rides on different design 19-inch alloy wheels.
The big change, however, comes inside the cabin where the standard Model Y’s two-row seating arrangement makes way for a 3-row arrangement with individual captain seats in the second row. As with the standard Model Y, the long-wheelbase SUV gets a broadly similar equipment list with a large 15.8-inch central touchscreen and a second 8-inch touchscreen on the back of the central floor console for the second-row passengers. The touchscreens are essentially the nerve centre for almost all in-car functions, ranging from audio to air conditioning and more.
Other features include heated and ventilated front and second seats with electric adjustment, ambient lighting, tinted glass roof, adaptive suspension and more.
On the powertrain front, the Model Y L differs from its standard counterpart by offering all-wheel drive as standard. Peak output stands at 378 kW and 590 Nm with 0-100 kmph dusted in a claimed 5 seconds. Claimed range stands at 681 km on the WLTP cycle.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/dX5LEMC
via IFTTT
