The two most luxurious models from BMW – the first-ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and the first-ever BMW M8 Coupe were launched in India today. Both models are available to order at all BMW dealerships.

Building upon the dream car heritage, the first-ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe lives up to an uncompromising promise on every meter of asphalt. It is a sports car for four passengers. With its highly emotive, aesthetic design, superior dynamic ability and generous amount of interior space, this is the most luxurious sports coupe ever built by BMW.

The first-ever BMW M8 Coupe embodies a perfect fusion of exceptional performance and progressive luxury. Within BMW’s Luxury Class, this two-door four-seater sports car is the most powerful superlative – bold, audacious and uncompromising. Drawing on one of the most powerful engines from BMW M Gmbh, its M genes have been elegantly translated for everyday use. It offers luxurious ambience with the ultimate motorsport feeling, designed to challenge the limits of dynamic performance.

Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India said, “The first-ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is a creation between ambition and emotion, between presence and extravagance - an avantgarde choice for frontrunners who drive the future. On the other hand, with the first-ever BMW M8 Coupe, we are addressing our high performance-oriented customers. These two top-of-the-line offerings in the uber-luxury segment define everything that captures one’s imagination.”

The standalone character of BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe comes alive with a graceful elongated design, athletic proportions and an aura of sporting exclusivity. The two extra doors and impressive space combine with an extended wheelbase and exceptional ride comfort, making it an outstanding operator both in everyday driving and over longer journeys. For those who want an even sportier, bolder avatar of the first-ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, the ‘M Sport’ Edition is on offer.

BMW M8 Coupe provides maximum performance and a unique combination of racing flair with everyday usability. Excellent handling and supreme steering precision make it perfect for days when one wants to experience its sporting prowess.

Both the cars adapt perfectly to an exclusive lifestyle and also to personal taste. A multitude of bespoke personalization options are presented right from the moment customers configure their car. In addition, BMW Individual presents the most luxurious choice of special paint finishes, hand-crafted leather, interior trims and other equipment details of the highest quality that are available in a diverse range. Each car becomes a unique reflection of the owner’s personal style statement.

The cars are available as completely-built-up units in BS-VI petrol variants. The ex-showroom prices are 840i Gran Coupe – INR1.3 Crore, 840i Gran Coupe ‘M Sport’ Edition - INR1.55  Crore and M8 Coupe - INR2.15 Crore.

Customers of the cars will gain membership to the BMW Excellence Club that caters to the discerning taste of BMW customers and curates unmatched experiences and benefits from the world of luxury, travel, lifestyle and sports and adventure. Its forte lies in creating ‘money can’t buy’ experiences that customers can’t find elsewhere. The program features four main categories: Bespoke Travel, The High Life, Grandstand and BMW Privileges. (MT)

German passenger vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen has announced the introduction of the Tiguan R-Line in India. The SUV features R-themed design elements, updated aerodynamics and enhanced functionality.

The Tiguan R-Line includes LED Plus headlights, a horizontal LED strip at the rear and 19-inch Coventry alloy wheels with diamond-turned surfaces. The front design incorporates a glass-covered horizontal strip and radiator grille openings positioned towards the outer edges of the front bumper.

Inside, the SUV gets an updated cockpit layout with R-Line inserts on the front sport seats and an illuminated R logo on the dashboard. The cabin includes ambient lighting with 30 colour options for the dashboard and door trims. A panoramic sunroof is also part of the design. Other features include an illuminated moulding between headlamps, rear combination lamps and illuminated door handle recesses. Pedals are finished in brushed stainless steel and the vehicle is equipped with roof rails and chrome-trimmed air intakes.

The Tiguan R-Line is equipped with seats that feature a massage function and adjustable lumbar support. It also includes Air Care Climatronic (3-zone), Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control and wireless charging for two smartphones.

TATA.ev, the electric vehicle subsidiary of Tata Motors, has launched its electric vehicle portfolio in Mauritius in collaboration with automobile distributor Allied Motors.

With this, the company’s popular EV offerings the Tiago.ev, Punch.ev and Nexon.ev will be available for customers in Mauritius.

Yash Khandelwal, Head International Business, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to introduce our electric vehicle portfolio in Mauritius, marking our first international expansion beyond the SAARC region. With the government’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility, Mauritius holds strategic importance in our EV journey. As a pioneer of the EV revolution in India and a proven success in SAARC markets, Tata.ev is well-positioned to support the country’s transition to electric mobility. Our diverse range of EVs—spanning multiple body styles and battery options—combined with an unmatched ownership experience and the strong partnership of Allied Motors, sets the stage for a transformative shift in Mauritius’ automotive landscape.”

James Ngan, Managing Director, Allied Motors, Mauritius, said, “Our partnership with Tata.ev is a game-changer for Mauritius, bringing an exceptional range of electric vehicles to a country that is ready to embrace sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. The new Tata.ev portfolio offers a perfect combination of power, efficiency, and advanced technology, giving consumers access to world-class electric mobility. Backed by our extensive service and after-sales support, we assure customers of a seamless ownership experience. This is just the beginning, and we are excited about the positive impact these EVs will have in revolutionising Mauritius’ automotive landscape.”

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has made strong headway in the country’s stock markets.

The carmaker which got listed on 22 October 2024, has now found its stock being included on NIFTY Next 50, NIFTY 100, NIFTY 500, S&P BSE 500 and other key capital market indices.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India, said, “As a listed entity, we are elated to cross yet another important milestone. By becoming a part of prestigious Indian capital market indices such as the NIFTY Next 50 and S&P BSE 500, we have fortified HMIL’s standing in the Indian stock exchanges, reinforcing its market presence and credibility. As India grows, HMIL will continue to grow intrinsically with it, along with a constant focus on driving innovation, improving operational efficiencies, and making strategic investments that will strengthen our business outlook and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.”

Interestingly, Hyundai Motor India’s debut on the stock exchange was also one of the largest Initial Public Offerings (IPO) in the country.

File photo: Hyundai Listing Ceremony

Maruti Suzuki India, the largest carmaker in the country, has announced a major investment of INR 74.1 billion towards a new under-construction plant with a capacity to produce 250,000 units per year.

This new facility will complement the company’s existing facility at Kharkoda plant, which went on stream in February 2025.

The new facility that is expected to go live by 2029 will expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities to 750,000 units per year. Maruti Suzuki India is optimistic that the demand for made-in-India passenger vehicles will continue both in the domestic as well as export markets.

The investment will be done through the company’s internal accruals.

Furthermore, Dr Tapan Sahoo, currently ED – Engineering will take on the additional responsibility of Digital Enterprise vertical.

On the other hand, the company announced that it has appointed Sunil Kakkar as an Director (Corporate Planning) for a period of three years till 31 March 2028.