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Bentley has unveiled the latest iteration of the Bentayga Speed for global markets. Essentially the performance-focused iteration of the luxury SUV, the newest version of the SUV ditches Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 mill for a downsized twin-turbocharged V8 engine, much like the Continental GT. However, unlike its grand tourer sibling, the Bentayga Speed’s powertrain is not hybridised and does not come mated to an electric motor. Bentley further states that the new V8 makes more power and is even faster than the W12-engined model.
The new Bentayga Speed can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor
The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine in the new Bentayga Speed churns out 641 bhp and 850 Nm of torque. For reference, the power figures of the W12 were 635 bhp and 900 Nm. The new model is also 43 kg lighter than its predecessor, courtesy of the smaller engine. Naturally, the latest model can also do the 0 to 100 kmph sprint at a faster pace, in 3.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor. The top speed of the performance SUV is rated at 310 kmph, when fitted with optional carbon ceramic brakes. The SUV is also fitted with a sports exhaust as standard, although a titanium Akrapovic exhaust is also offered as an option.
When Sport mode is activated, there is a 15 per cent increase in the Bentayga's suspension-damping stiffness
The Bentayga Speed will be offered with three drive modes- Comfort, Bentley, and Sport. Sport mode leads to a 15 per cent increase in suspension damping stiffness, in addition to improved steering responses. The latest model also features all-wheel steering.
On the cosmetic front, the design of the latest model remains largely the same as before. The headlamps feature dark bezels and internals. The SUV can be had with a black roof in either a gloss or satin finish as an option. When it comes to the wheels, it is offered with either 22-inch wheels in either a silver or dark shade, or 23-inch units which can be had in grey satin, black or black and bright machined finishes. The interior, meanwhile, features embroidered ‘Speed’ emblems on the seat headrests.
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Tata is all set to launch the Harrier EV in India today. The Harrier EV is the largest all-electric vehicle from the manufacturer to date, and the only one to be equipped with a dual-motor setup. While showcased at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, much of the SUV’s specifications still remain under wraps, and will be revealed at its launch event today. The Harrier EV will be based on the company’s Acti.ev platform, building upon the OMEGA architecture.
Visually, the Harrier EV retains a lot of its original styling cues, and is quite similar to the Harrier EV concept that was previously showcased in 2023. The front end of the SUV gets a full-width lightbar, which sits above a new enclosed panel grille. The vertically stacked headlights have been retained from the Harrier ICE. The front bumper meanwhile, has been revised, and now features a metallic finish and multiple vertical slats. The Harrier EV will also get aero-style alloy wheels, EV badging on both front doors, connected LED taillamps, and dual-tone body colour options.
The interior layout of the Harrier EV will also be identical to the ICE model. The list of features on the SUV will include a 12.3-inch display, a 10.25-inch digital instruments display, ventilated seats with power adjustability, electronic parking brake with auto hold, panoramic sunroof, JBL surround sound system, and more. Level 2 ADAS will also be part of the features list, in addition to cloud-connected telematics, over-the-air update support, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capabilities. A recent video from Tata has also confirmed the presence of off-road cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and an array of driving modes that include a Rock Crawl mode, Road, Snow and Sand.
Tata is yet to reveal the specifications of the powertrain although, Tata has stated that the SUV will be offered in both single-motor and dual-motor guises, with the latter featuring all-wheel drive. The company also went on to claim that it will put out 500 Nm of peak torque, and 500 km of real-world range, although it didn’t specify for which variants of the SUV.
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Tata Motors is all set to launch the all-electric iteration of the Harrier today, on June 3. First showcased in its final production form at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, the Harrier EV will be the largest EV from Tata to go on sale upon its launch, and the only vehicle to feature a dual-motor powertrain. The electric SUV will be based on the company’s Acti.ev platform, building upon the OMEGA architecture.
The Harrier EV's design is quite similar to the ICE version
Visually, the Harrier EV retains a lot of its original styling cues, and is quite similar to the Harrier EV concept that was previously showcased in 2023. The front end of the SUV gets a full-width lightbar, which sits above a new enclosed panel grille. The vertically stacked headlights have been retained from the Harrier ICE. The front bumper meanwhile, has been revised, and now features a metallic finish and multiple vertical slats. The Harrier EV will also get aero-style alloy wheels, EV badging on both front doors, connected LED taillamps, and dual-tone body colour options.
The interior layout of the Harrier EV appears to be similar to the Harrier ICE
The interior layout of the Harrier EV will also be identical to the ICE model, sporting a floating touchscreen display and touch capacitive controls. The central touchscreen looks to be the same 12.3-inch display as in the standard Harrier although it comes with EV-specific graphics. Same is the case with the 10.25-inch digital instruments display.
The list of features offered in the EV will include off-road cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and an array of driving modes that include a Rock Crawl mode, road, snow and sand. The Harrier EV also gets a shift-by-wire gear selector.
Tata is yet to reveal the specifications of the powertrain although, Tata has stated that the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model will have a peak torque figure of 500 Nm and a claimed range in excess of 500 km.
Being an electric SUV, the Harrier EV will almost certainly warrant a substantial premium over the combustion Harrier. Considering that the the latter's prices range from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 26.50 lakh (ex-showroom), one can expect the Harrier EV to be priced from Rs 21 lakh to Rs 31 lakh.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H D Kumaraswamy has added a new perspective to the long-lasting ‘Tesla in India’ saga by stating that the American electric vehicle giant is not interested in making vehicles in India and is just keen on opening showrooms instead. He said this while notifying the guidelines for the scheme to promote manufacturing of EVs in India.
The new EV policy includes a major duty cut for imported EVs in India
Kumaraswamy said, “Tesla, they only want to start showroom, they’re not interested in manufacturing in India.” He added that brands like Volkswagen, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Kia have already shown interest in manufacturing in India under the new EV policy.
Just a few weeks back, Tesla’s CFO, Vaibhav Taneja had called India a very hard market adding that 100% tariff created anxiety among buyers. However the new EV policy announced by the Government has brought that duty down to a mere 15%, provided the brand agrees to invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore (USD 500 million) in manufacturing operations in the country.
The new EV policy is being seen as a major catalyst to much awaited entry of Tesla In Indian market. In the recent times, the brand has announced job openings in India while also finalising a retail space in Mumbai.
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Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the Fortuner NeoDrive mild-hybrid in India. Priced at Rs 44.72 lakh (Rs 50.09 lakh for the Legender, ex-showroom), the Fortuner NeoDrive is equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, paired with the ubiquitous 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. This system, Toyota claims, will enhance the Fortuner’s fuel efficiency figure, thanks to the presence of an idle stop-start function, and will also benefit performance. It’s worth noting the Fortuner NeoDrive is available only with the four-wheel drive automatic variant of the SUV, and costs Rs 2 lakh more than the equivalent standard Fortuner diesel. Deliveries of the Neo Drive models will begin in the third week of June.
The 48-volt mild-hybrid system features a belt-integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery of unspecified capacity. The battery recharges when the SUV decelerates, recouping braking energy which would otherwise be lost, whilst also boosting braking performance. A ‘Boost Assist’ function will aid low-speed acceleration, offering some additional torque at city speeds. The idle start-stop function cuts emissions and fuel consumption by switching off the engine when the SUV is stationary for a prolonged duration.
Neo Drive variants will offer enhanced fuel efficiency and low-speed acceleration, claims Toyota.
Other new features for the Fortuner NeoDrive include wireless phone charging and Multi-Terrain Select drive and traction modes. Toyota will also offer 360-degree cameras on the Fortuner NeoDrive, but as an optional accessory available at its dealerships.
No other mechanical or design changes have been made to the Fortuner with the launch of the Neo Drive variants. The SUV continues with its 201 bhp, 500 Nm diesel engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
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Tata Motors has revealed some of the Harrier EV’s features ahead of its imminent launch on June 3. While having showcased the near-production vehicle at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and confirming that it will feature dual-motor all-wheel drive (quad wheel drive in Tata terminology), the carmaker has now provided a glimpse at some of the Harrier EV’s features – particularly those geared for off-roading.
A video published by the company shows the SUV climbing a hill in Kerala. The video provides a glimpse of features such as off-road cruise control or off-road assist as Tata calls it. Also showcased is a transparent mode for the 360-degree camera, providing a view of the terrain surface under the vehicle to aid in navigating obstacles while minimising the risk of scraping the bottom. The central touchscreen looks to be the same 12.3-inch display as in the standard Harrier and Safari, while the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster too looks to be shared – just running EV-specific graphics.
Performance that doesn't just overcome the impossible, it deletes it all.
Harrier.ev presents the Elephant Rock Challenge.
An impossible incline. An impossible terrain.
All made possible with one powerful SUV.
The drive mode selector continues to be a circular dial with an inbuilt display, though there appear to be a lot more modes to pick from. Aside from a confirmed Rock Crawl mode, other visible modes look to include road, snow and sand. The internal combustion Harrier only offers Normal, Wet and Rough modes. Rock Crawl mode could also include a pseudo low-range setting as seen on many other four-wheel drive SUVs.
Also visible are the boost mode and eco mode buttons on the left of the drive mode selector dial. As with other Tata EVs, the Harrier EV also gets a shift-by-wire gear selector.
The video also shows the Harrier EV negotiating a 34-degree incline.
Speaking of the powertrain, Tata has still to share full details, though it has previously said that the Harrier EV QWD will develop 500 Nm of peak torque.
Vietnam’s homegrown car maker VinFast is all set to roll out cars from its Thoothukudi (formerly Tuticorin) factory next month onwards. As announced at the Bharat Mobility Show earlier this year, the first cars to come out of this coastal facility close to Madurai will be the C-segment VF7 crossover, followed by the compact VF6 SUV. However, as part of its aggressive expansion plan, the company is already planning to bring in its entry-level SUV, the VF3, too, by early next year.
The VF3 is the smallest SUV on sale from the Vietnamese car maker. At 3190mm, it is longer than a MG Comet. It is a four-seater but only has two doors, just like the Comet. The car has met with surprising success, given its size, thanks to the interesting design. VF3 customers are going for a lot of customisation options – such as colour and decals – making it a hit with youngsters there. Remains to be seen if it attracts an audience with a similar inclination in India.
VinFast will commence its India innings with the VF6 and VF7 SUVs.
The TN facility will be assembling kits of VF7 and VF6 to start with. The company’s Asia CEO, Pham Sanh Chau, revealed this while speaking to a select group of Indian media at the company’s headquarters in Hanoi, which is also home to its first factory. The brand is less than 10 years old. It showcased its first cars – a midsized sedan and a midsized SUV – back in 2018. While these were petrol cars, the company’s founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, took a radical decision to go purely electric. Thus, the VF e34 was born. Currently, every fifth car sold in Vietnam is a VinFast, making it the biggest EV player in the country.
Over the years, the company has expanded into overseas markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines in South-East Asia and even the US and some European countries. India is being seen as a high-importance market by the car maker, given its potential and uptake of EVs of late. VinFast is also banking on its ability to make “premium” cars at a cost just like major car makers in India. To keep things relevant, it is sticking to offering only SUVs and crossovers, which is what its global line-up is.
We aim to create the complete EV ecosystem in India - Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, Vinfast Asia.
VinFast’s current line-up includes VF3, VF5, VF6, VF7, VF8 and VF9. The latter two are full-sized SUVs, which are currently not being brought to India, given their high price. Interestingly, the VF9 has a 123 kWh battery size, which is bigger than any EV sold in India.
Both the VF5 and VF7 were unveiled in India at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.
VinFast is part of Vietnam’s biggest business house, called VinGroup. While it has humble beginnings (the founder started off making instant noodles), it has in a short period of time diversified into real estate, education, medicine and automobiles, among others. Mr Chau, who is also head of its India operations, said that the company’s approach is not just to build EVs but to create an ecosystem to support its businesses – an approach that has helped it grow so fast in the past. For example, just like Tesla, VinFast also has its charging network company V-Green, which has built the charging infrastructure in Vietnam and even buys back its cars. However, he said the company still hasn’t decided on its charging network approach in India, given the size of the country and the existing reasonably robust charging network offered by many neutral companies.
The company is currently close to finalising the initial batch of dealers pan-India. It is also looking at pure service partners in places where it won’t have presence to start with. It is hoping this will reassure customers about investing in the brand. The cars are likely to get 7-10 year warranty too, similar to what it offers at home. This includes battery warranty.
While the cars are yet to be tested, VinFast is hopeful that its cars will achieve 5-star crash-test ratings in Bharat NCAP. “It is something they have aimed at from the moment they started planning both VF7 and VF6 for India”, said Vince Pendlebury, chief engineer of both SUVs. While nearly 60% of the components of both vehicles are similar, they boast different batteries. The VF7, which will be the first car for India, has already moved to LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery chemistry from NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt), given the former’s better reliability in Indian conditions.
VinFast is also considering launching e-scooters in India; the company had showcased a line-up of e-scooters at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025.
Interestingly, the VF3 won’t be the most affordable VinFast on sale in India as Mr Chau has also not ruled out launching e-scooters. The company already has a range of them and is currently evaluating the business for India.
With the India factory expected to start operations by August, expect VinFast dealerships to open up in time for the festive season. Here’s a quick look at the tentative specs of the VF3 versus a MG Comet:
VinFast VF3
MG Comet
Seating
4
4
Length
3190mm
2974mm
Width
1679mm
1505mm
Height
1652mm
1640mm
Wheelbase
2075mm
2010mm
Ground Clearance
175mm
165mm
Boot (rear seats folded)
285 litres
350 litres
Power
39bhp
41bhp
Torque
110Nm
110Nm
0-100kph
19s
23.9s
Top speed
100kph
101kph
Battery
18.6kWh (air cooled)
17.3kWh
Range
215km
230km
Charger
CCS2 (DC compatible)
Type 2
Drive
RWD
RWD
Wheels
16in
12in
Brakes
Disc/Drum
Disc/Disc
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JLR India has launched its second special edition Range Rover for the Indian market, the SV Masāra, at Rs 4.99 crore (ex-showroom). The SV Masāra edition follows up the SV Ranthambore Edition of JLR’s flagship luxury SUV that was launched in India last year. As with the previous special edition, the SV Masāra is limited to just 12 units, with JLR India saying that all units are already sold out at the time of the launch.
JLR says that the Range Rover SV Masāra edition is inspired by the blue sapphires found in the Himalayas. The name of the special edition also links it to the gemstone, with Masāra being a Sanskrit word often used for sapphires. To that end, the bespoke Range Rovers are finished in a unique deep satin blue, reflecting the colour of the gemstone, and feature trim accents in silver chrome and bronze. Rounding out the exterior look are large 23-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels.
The cabin, meanwhile, follows a dual-tone theme and features the SV Signature Suite as standard. The SV Signature Suite pack converts the large Range Rover into a four-seater with power-adjustable rear seats replete with ottomans and a full-length central floor console. Other features added with the pack include an electrically operated fold-out table, a refrigerated compartment and SV-branded glassware.
The dual-tone cabin is finished in Liberty Blue and Perlino Leather upholstery with light ash wood veneer across surfaces. Other customised detailing includes SV Bespoke tread plates, custom scatter cushions and edition-specific embroidery.
Moving to the powertrain, the Range Rover SV Masāra is powered by the familiar 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, pushing out 606 bhp and 750 Nm of peak torque.
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Mahindra has updated the audio system in its Thar Roxx SUV by introducing Dolby Atmos in the top-end AX7L trim level. The update is aimed at enhancing the in-cabin audio experience, while the rest of the feature set that comes bundled with the AX7L trim remains unchanged. Prices for the Thar Roxx range currently begin at Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to Rs 23.39 lakh for the fully loaded AX7L variant.
The AX7L trim, which already came equipped with a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, now incorporates a 4-channel audio system powered by Dolby Atmos. According to Mahindra, the Thar Roxx is the first SUV to feature Dolby Atmos integration globally. We have also seen this in the brand’s electric vehicle duo – the BE 6 and the XEV 9e – and the XUV700.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx gets a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, and a 6-way powered driver’s seat. Higher-spec variants also include advanced safety features such as Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and 360-degree cameras.
The Thar Roxx is offered with two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Both engines are available with manual and automatic transmission choices. Four-wheel drive is offered only with the diesel variants.
Mahindra has been increasing production of the Thar Roxx and has successfully shortened the waiting period for it. The current waiting period ranges between 4-6 months, depending on the variant.
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Jeep has shared first images of the all-new Cherokee SUV ahead of its debut later this year. Set to sit between the Grand Cherokee and the new Compass, the latest Cherokee follows Jeep’s most recent design language but with some unique design touches to stand out.
Up front, you still get the trademark Jeep seven-slot grille though curiously there is not a hint of chrome. The upright grille is finished in gloss black with mesh inserts within the slots. The headlights feature unique U-shaped daytime running lamps along with pilot lights integrated into neat wraparound section along the outer edge.
The bumper features the use of chunky cladding suggesting that these first images could be of a more off-road focused spec trim similar to an Overland or Trailhawk variant. The fog lamps also sit quite high on the bumper while a sensor module looks to be integrated into the lower air vent suggesting that the model is expected to get ADAS tech.
Moving to the sides, the squared-out wheel arches are a familiar Jeep design element while the door handles look to flush sitting pull style units. The SUV’s glass house also looks to be quite sizeable with large quarter windows behind the C pillar. The design of the rear hasn’t been revealed though expect it to share some similarities with other newer Jeeps.
The cabin, while under wraps, is expected to share design elements with the larger Grand Cherokee.
Coming to the platform, the new Cherokee is set to be underpinned by Jeep parent firm Stellantis’ STLA Large architecture suggesting that the SUV could arrive in pure internal combustion, hybrid and all-electric guises. So far, Jeep has confirmed the presense of a hybrid powertrain under the bodyshell though other powertrain options are also likely to be offered.
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Taking a cautious view in light of existing market circumstances, Ola Electric has decided to delay the launch of two new additions to its scooter range. In its communication to shareholders, the company has confirmed it is delaying the launch of the S1 Z and Gig series of scooters, at a time when it is facing intense competition from the likes of Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company. Ola has not yet revealed the revised delivery timeframe for the S1 Z and Gig scooter lineup.
“We are delaying the S1 Z, Gig/Gig+ and some other future products and will sequentially launch these products such that each product receives the right customer mindshare”, read the company’s communication to shareholders. The note goes on to reiterate that h R&D for the Roadster motorcycle platform has been completed, and that the company will “focus on advancing the platform through generational upgrades, aligned with our broader strategy of vertical integration and technology-led innovation.”
Ola S1 Z+ (L) and S1 Z (R).
Both models were announced in November 2024, and at the time, Ola Electric had promised deliveries of the Gig range would begin in April 2025, followed by the S1 Z series in May 2025. However, the company has been facing a slowdown in sales (total deliveries dropped to 51,375 units in Q4 FY2025), and also been working on the rollout of its first motorcycle, the Ola Roadster, deliveries of which commenced only a few days ago.
The S1 Z and Gig models were to be unique in the way that they’d be the first Ola products equipped with a removable battery pack. The S1 Z+, aimed at students and young professionals, is also to be the first Ola scooter fitted with 14-inch wheels at either end. Introductory prices for the S1 Z models announced in November 2024 were Rs 59,999 (S1 Z) and Rs 64,999 (S1 Z+; ex-showroom).
Ola Gig (L) and Gig+ (R).
The Gig series is a low-speed series of scooters priced at Rs 39,999 (Gig) and Rs 49,999 (Gig+). The Gig is offered with a removable 1.5 kWh battery, while the Gig + can accommodate dual 1.5 kWh batteries. The Gig + can reach a top speed of up to 45 kmph, while the Gig has a top speed figure of 25 kmph.
Ola Electric was also outpaced by the incumbents in the month of May 2025. As of May 30, Ola Electric has delivered over 17,300 two-wheelers across India, trailing both Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company.
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