BMW India Launches the X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro At INR 7.45 Million
- By MT Bureau
- February 16, 2026
German luxury automotive brand BMW Group India has introduced the petrol-powered X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro at INR 7.45 million (ex-showroom), which is locally produced at the BMW Group Plant Chennai. This new variant expands the X3 portfolio, joining the existing xDrive 20 petrol and xDrive 20d diesel models.
The BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro is equipped with a 2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine featuring TwinPower Turbo technology and 48V mild-hybrid systems. It delivers 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. Power is managed via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
It gets adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers as standard, allowing drivers to toggle between Sport and comfort-oriented settings.
In terms of dimensions, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro measures 4,755 mm in length and 1,920 mm in width. The exterior features a blacked-out kidney grille with ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination and adaptive LED headlights. The M Sport Pro package adds – 20-inch M alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with red calipers, M Aerodynamic package with air intakes and M Lights Shadowline with a tinted finish.
The cabin features the BMW Curved Display, consisting of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display running on Operating System 9. The instrument panel is wrapped in Sensatec and the interior includes a BMW Interaction Bar and a panoramic glass sunroof.
For driver assistance, the vehicle includes ‘Driving Assistant Plus’ as standard, which features active cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and lane-keep assistant. The ‘Parking Assistant Plus’ system provides a surround-view camera and a drive recorder.
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The BMW X3 has always been the definitive choice for those who seek a perfect blend of luxury and versatility. With introduction of the new BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro, we are taking that legacy to an enhanced level of performance and presence. Power attracts power, and the new X3 30 delivers exactly that pairing a more aggressive engine with refined luxury to create a truly spirited driving experience. With this new addition, we have further expanded the X3 offering in India to cater to our modern, performance-driven customers who demand more.”
Tata Motors Launches Altroz iCNG At INR 869,000, Touted India's First CNG AMT Hatchback
- By MT Bureau
- May 12, 2026
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced the launch of the Altroz iCNG AMT, making it the first premium hatchback in India to pair an automated manual transmission (AMT) with a CNG powertrain at prices starting INR 869,000 (ex-showoom Delhi).
The Altroz iCNG continues to feature Tata's patented twin-cylinder technology, which places the CNG tanks under the luggage area to ensure uncompromised boot space – a traditional pain point for CNG vehicle owners.
The introduction of the AMT variant follows a significant surge in CNG adoption in India. According to Tata Motors, CNG penetration in the passenger vehicle market grew from 19 percent in FY2025 to 22 percent in FY2026.
The company is positioning the Altroz as the most versatile vehicle in its segment, offering petrol, diesel, electric (EV) and now both manual and automatic CNG options.
Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Altroz has consistently set benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment through its strong focus on design, safety and powertrain choice. CNG is the fastest growing fuel choice in the country, with 19 percent penetration in FY2025 and 22 percent in FY2026 and this growth is no longer limited to traditional markets, with new regions contributing significantly to adoption. With the introduction of AMT in the iCNG line-up, we are addressing a clear and growing customer need for greater convenience in CNG vehicles. This addition makes Altroz the most versatile and premium offering in its segment delivering the right balance of efficiency, ease of driving and everyday practicality, without compromising on space or safety."
The Altroz iCNG with dual cylinders has a total capacity of 60 litres located below the load floor. It features a micro-switch to keep the car switched off during refuelling and advanced materials in the iCNG kit to prevent leaks. The Altroz iCNG can be started directly in CNG mode, eliminating the need to switch from petrol.
The 5-speed AMT is tuned specifically to manage the torque delivery of the CNG engine for smooth low-speed crawling in traffic.
JSW MG Motor India Partners Golchha To Strengthen Presence In Nepal
- By MT Bureau
- May 12, 2026
JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has strengthened its presence in Nepal through a strategic distribution partnership with the Golchha Organisation.
As part of the partnership, the automaker has inaugurated a new MG dealership that will showcase its key products such as MG Hector, MG Windsor and MG Comet for the Nepal market.
With evolving customer expectations and needs, JSW MG Motor India sees Nepal as an important market.
Akash Golchha, Dealer Principal, Nepal, said, “We are delighted to partner with JSW MG Motor India and introduce MG’s globally recognised range of vehicles to customers in Nepal. This dealership is designed to offer a comprehensive and elevated customer experience, backed by modern infrastructure and a strong focus on service excellence. We believe MG’s portfolio, with its blend of technology, design, and sustainability, is well aligned with the aspirations of customers in Nepal, and we look forward to building a strong and enduring presence for the brand in the market.”
Toyota Motor Corporation To Build New Plant In Aurangabad, Production To Begin In H1 2029
- By MT Bureau
- May 11, 2026
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces plans to build a new Toyota Kirloskar Motor plant in the Bidkin Industrial Area, Aurangabad, in Maharashtra.
The plant will have a production capacity of 100,000 units per year and will employ approximately 2,800 people. It is set to produce Toyota Motor Corporation’s new SUV with the facility capable of stamping, welding, painting and assembly processes.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s new plant is planned to start production in the first half of 2029 and is aimed at strengthening Toyota's business foundation in the Indian market with production plans for both domestic and export markets.
At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has a manufacturing facility in Bidadi, Karnataka, where it has a capacity to produce around 320,000 units per annum.
Toyota Motor Corporation states it will continue strengthening its production structure to enable a flexible response to future demand growth and market changes in India and surrounding regions, and to deliver products in a timely manner that customers choose.
Opel Announces All-Electric C-SUV Development With Leapmotor
- By MT Bureau
- May 11, 2026
European automotive brand Opel has unveiled plans for a new, all-electric C-segment SUV as part of a strategic collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor. The vehicle is designed to expand Opel’s existing SUV line-up, which includes the Grandland, Frontera and Mokka.
The project aims to reduce development time to less than two years by utilising Leapmotor’s electric architecture and battery technology. The SUV will be designed in Russelsheim, Germany, with engineering handled by international teams in both Germany and China. Opel will integrate its own chassis engineering, seating technology and signature design into the platform.
Production is currently being evaluated for the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain, where it would be manufactured alongside the Opel Corsa. The sales of the new model are expected to commence in 2028.
Florian Huettl, CEO, Opel, said, “The SUV would be is designed and created by us at Opel in Russelsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. The partnership with Leapmotor should enable a development time of less than two years. With this, Opel is planning a further important step in the development of state-of-the-art and accessible electric vehicles for our customers."
Xavier Chereau, Chairman of the Opel supervisory board and Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Sustainability Officer, added, “With this project, Opel would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed. This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel is taking on a pioneering role with this project."
The project is currently in the feasibility and pre-development stage, with definitive agreements and customary approvals pending. The announcement comes shortly before Stellantis' Investor Day 2026.
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