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Mahindra has expanded its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) programme to the XEV 9S and XEV 9e, bringing down the upfront price of its two electric SUVs The scheme was recently introduced by the brand with the recently launched BE 6 Sporteq and has now expanded to the carmaker's entire electric SUV lineup.
Under the BaaS model, buyers pay separately for the vehicle and its battery. This means the battery cost is removed from the initial vehicle price, while customers pay an effective usage fee of Rs 3.75 per kilometre for the battery.
XEV 9S Variants
Battery
BaaS price
One Above
59kWh
Rs 12.65 lakh
One Above
79kWh
Rs 12.65 lakh
Two Above
70kWh
Rs 16.05 lakh
Two Above
79kWh
Rs 15.95 lakh
Three
79kWh
Rs 17.85 lakh
Three Above
79kWh
Rs 19.95 lakh
With this, the XEV 9S starts at Rs 12.65 lakh under BaaS, compared with Rs 20.65 lakh for the SUV’s full purchase price. This saves Rs 8 lakh on the upfront cost at the entry-level.
XEV 9e Variants
Battery
BaaS price
One
59kWh
Rs 13.90 lakh
Two
79kWh
Rs 16.50 lakh
Three Cineluxe
79kWh
Rs 19.35 lakh
Three
79kWh
Rs 20.50 lakh
The XEV 9e, meanwhile, starts at Rs 13.90 lakh with BaaS, down from its starting price of Rs 21.90 lakh. Here too, buyers opting for the BaaS scheme can save Rs 8 lakh on the upfront cost. All prices are ex-showroom, with the regular XEV 9S and XEV 9e prices mentioned without the charger.
The BaaS programme was initially introduced with the BE 6 Sporteq, where Mahindra says the response from customers encouraged it to extend the scheme to the rest of its Electric models. Under the programme, the BE 6 Sporteq can be bought for Rs 11.45 lakh, with the battery charged at an effective usage cost of Rs 3.75 per kilometre.
JSW MG Motor India was the first manufacturer in India to introduce this model with the Windsor, after which Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Kia and Hyundai, among others, have also introduced similar schemes.
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At the fourth Edition of its Community Day event, Ather Energy has launched the Konarc, the first scooter based on its new EL platform. Prices start at Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom). The Konarc is offered in versions – S 100, S 125 and S 161 – with the numbers indicating their respective IDC range figures. A 200km range version is also planned for Q3 2027. Deliveries of the S variants are slated to begin from September 21, 2026, while the Z trim is expected to arrive in Q2 2027.
Ather has announced prices for three versions of the Konarc: S 100 (Rs 1 lakh), S 125 (Rs 1.22 lakh) and S 161 (Rs 1.45 lakh). These variants differ in battery capacity, range, performance and equipment.
The entry-level Konarc S 100 gets a 2.1 kWh battery, while the S 125 and S 161 get larger 2.7 kWh and 3.5 kWh battery packs, respectively.
In terms of claimed IDC range, the three variants are rated at 100km, 125km and 161km, while Ather’s True Range figures stand at 80km, 100km and 130km respectively.
All three variants have a 70 kmph top speed, although the S 100 takes five seconds from 0-40 kph, compared with 4.7 seconds for the larger versions.
The S 100 produces 4 kW and 16 Nm, while the S 125 and S 161 develop 4.7 kW and 16 Nm, with all three using PMSM motors.
Ather has equipped all three variants with SmartEco, Eco and Power ride modes.
The standard 450W onboard charger takes four hours to charge the S 100 from 0-80 per cent, while the S 125 and S 161 require 4.5 hours and 5.67 hours respectively.
A combined charger is available as an add-on for the S 100 and S 125, while the faster charging hardware comes fitted as standard on the S 161.
With the combined charger, the claimed 0-80 per cent home-charging time drops to two hours for the S 100, 2 hours 25 minutes for the S 125 and 3 hours 10 minutes for the S 161.
The S 100 can add 13km through Ather Grid in 10 minutes, while the S 125 and S 161 can recover approximately 15km during the same period. Ather Grid access is offered as an add-on on the S 100, while it comes included with the S 125 and S 161 variants.
The three Konarc versions get 14-inch front and 12-inch rear alloy wheels, with identical 90/90-14 front and 100/90-12 rear tyre sizes across the range. The S 100 gets drum brakes at both ends, while the S 125 and S 161 get a 220mm front disc, paired with a 130mm rear drum.
All three versions feature long-travel suspension, with 90mm of front travel and 100mm at the rear, along with a steel unibody chassis.
The S 100 gets a 4.2-inch display, while the S 125 and S 161 upgrade to a larger seven-inch touchscreen unit.
Kerb weight is rated at 126.5 kg for the S 125 and 129 kg for the S 161, while the S 100’s weight is undisclosed.
All three variants offer 31 litres of underseat storage, although the S 100 gets a regular grab rail while the higher versions feature cushioned grab rails.
A mobile holder with USB charging is standard across the range, while an 18W Type-C charger is offered as an accessory rather than standard equipment.
Reverse Park Assist are available across all three versions. The S 100 misses out on AirWalk, FallSafe and Bluetooth call and music alerts, all of which are available on the S 125 and S 161. AutoHold is offered across the range.
Interestingly, Ather has given a unique mechanism to open the boot. One can either open it with the smart key and the seat pops up, or there is a button positioned behind the backrest, which, according to Ather, is best opened with your knee.
The higher variants offer theft and tow alerts, Ride Stories, Find My Scooter, remote charging status, Bluetooth and SIM connectivity and OTA updates.
Ather Connect is complimentary for three years on the S 125 and S 161, while the S 100 does not receive the same connected-service package. All three versions remain compatible with AtherStack Pro.
The S 100 is available in two colour combinations, Quartz White with Blue and Majestic Grey with Black, while the higher variants get four choices.
The S 125 and S 161 additionally get Celestial Gold with Blue and Lumen Copper with Black, expanding the colour palette over the entry-level version.
Lastly, one small but meaningful addition comes in the form of a centre stand. The Konarc is the first Ather electric scooter model to feature it.
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The new Ather Konarc brings several notable features and additions to Ather’s electric scooter range. While the specification sheet does not explicitly call these features “firsts”, there are a few that stand out, including some practical additions.
The biggest headline is the 3.5 kWh battery on the Konarc S 161 KM, which delivers a claimed 161 km IDC range. The scooter is also available with 2.1 kWh and 2.7 kWh batteries, offering claimed ranges of 100 km and 125 km respectively.
The Konarc gets a 7-inch DeepView display on the higher variants, while the entry-level version gets a 4.2-inch unit.
Another highlight is Ather’s Ride Assist suite, which includes AirWalk, AutoHold and FallSafe. It also gets Ather Connect, Bluetooth call and music alerts, theft and tow alerts, Find My Scooter, remote charging status and OTA updates.
However, one of the most interesting additions is something much simpler: a main stand. While main stands are commonplace on many conventional and electric scooters, their availability on the Konarc is a notable practical first for Ather.
The scooter also gets 31-litre underseat storage which can be opened remotely or conveniently with the knee through a button located above the tail lamp. It also gets USB Type-C charging and, on the S 161 KM, a combined charger as standard.
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Ather Energy has launched the new Konarc electric scooter in India, with prices starting at Rs 1 lakh. The scooter is offered in three variants – S 100 KM, S 125 KM and S 161 KM – differentiated primarily by their battery capacity and range.
The entry-level Konarc gets a 2.1 kWh battery and claims an IDC range of 100 km, while the 2.7 kWh version offers 125 km.
The range-topping variant gets a 3.5 kWh battery and claims 161 km of IDC range. All three versions have a 70 kmph top speed, while peak power is rated at up to 4.7 kW and torque at 16 Nm.
The Konarc uses a steel unibody chassis, alloy wheels and long-travel suspension with 90 mm of front and 100 mm of rear travel. Braking hardware varies by variant, with the higher versions getting a 220 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum.
Features include AutoHold, FallSafe, AirWalk, Bluetooth call and music alerts, Ather Connect, theft and tow alerts, Find My Scooter and OTA updates. The scooter also gets 31-litre underseat storage and a USB Type-C charger.
The Konarc is available in four colours, depending on the variant.
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The three-door Mahindra Thar is beginning to feel dated, and the brand has been working on giving it an update. As the launch of the facelifted Mahindra Thar approaches, the SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads. Images surfacing online reveal some of the changes expected on the updated model.
Despite the camouflage, several design details can be seen. The facelifted Thar appears to get a new LED headlight design featuring C-shaped DRLs with a projector positioned between them. The overall design seems to be inspired by its larger sibling, the Thar Roxx. However, the grille appears to have a different design compared to the five-door SUV.
The front bumper also appears to have been tweaked, with the lower section now looking more separated from the upper portion. The SUV could also get a revised fog light setup, replacing the circular units seen on the current model.
Moving to the side, the test vehicle can be seen with a new set of alloy wheels. The design appears to be different from the current model, although the overall change is relatively subtle.
Mahindra Thar Facelift: Powertrain
In terms of powertrain, the facelifted three-door Thar is expected to continue with the existing engine options. The current model is available with both petrol and diesel powertrains.
Mahindra Thar Roxx engine image used for representation purposes only.
The diesel range includes a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine offered with the RWD version. It is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox and produces 117 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque.
The second diesel option is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is available with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It produces 130 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque.
The petrol option is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 150 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. It can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The facelift is also expected to retain the Thar's existing four-wheel-drive hardware on applicable variants, although Mahindra could make changes to the SUV's underpinnings by sharing components with the Thar Roxx.
Hero MotoCorp is set to increase its stake in Ather Energy, with the company approving an investment of up to Rs 1,758 crore to buy additional shares from an existing shareholder. According to a regulatory filing by Hero MotoCorp, the transaction will take Hero's holding in Ather from 29.88 per cent to around 32.8 per cent on a fully diluted basis.
Hero's Committee of Directors approved the purchase on August 27. The transaction is expected to be completed by September 3 and will be funded entirely through cash. No government or regulatory approvals are required for the deal.
Hero MotoCorp has been an investor in Ather for several years and is already the company's largest shareholder. As of August 25, Hero held a 29.88 per cent stake in Ather on a fully diluted basis. The latest purchase will increase that holding to up to around 32.8 per cent.
This comes shortly after Hero announced plans to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore in Ather through a preferential issue. Ather subsequently allotted convertible warrants worth Rs 959.99 crore to Hero as part of that investment.
Ather has been growing its business at a steady pace over the past few years. Its turnover stood at Rs 1,753.8 crore in the financial year ended March 2024, rising to Rs 2,255 crore in FY2025. In FY2026, turnover increased further to Rs 3,671.76 crore.
The company's current product range includes multiple models under the 450 series and Rizta. Looking ahead, Ather is all set to unveil the Konarc at its Community Day tomorrow. It will be the first Ather model based on the company's new EL platform and will sit alongside the Rizta in the lineup.
Hero MotoCorp also has its own electric two-wheeler business under the Vida brand, but its association with Ather goes back well before it launched its own EVs. Hero first invested Rs 205 crore in Ather Energy in 2016 and has since taken part in almost every major funding round raised by the electric two-wheeler maker.
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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.
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.
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.
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'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.
“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 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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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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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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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
Variant
Sportline
Prestige
Difference
1.0 TSI MT
Rs 11.32 lakh
Rs 11.75 lakh
-Rs 43,000
1.0 TSI AT
Rs 12.32 lakh
Rs 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
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.
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
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.
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
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 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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