BMW has launched the M5 Competition in India as a completely built-up unit (CBU) for INR 16,190,000 (ex-showroom).

Updates to the new BMW M5 Competition include:

Exterior

• A new redesigned kidney grille
• BMW laser lights with L-shaped light tubes connecting towards the kidney grille
• Gloss black treatment to the kidney grille surround, M-specific double bars, the mesh on the M gills, mirror caps and the additional rear spoiler on the boot lid
• 3D LED rear light with typical BMW L-shape
• Standard M Sport exhaust finished in black chrome
• Large carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sunroof

Interior

• Merino leather upholstery with three colour choices – Silverstone, Aragon Brown and Black
• M multifunctional seats with integral head restraints, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions available as standard
• Comfort features include seat heating (driver and front passenger), electrical seat adjustment with memory function, automatic tailgate, M Seat belts, M Leather Steering Wheel, M footrest and pedals
• Ambient lighting with six dimmable light designs
• Four-zone automatic A/C
• 7.0-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 3D navigation and BMW virtual assistant
• 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
• Other features include BMW Gesture Control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system (with options to upgrade to Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system), BMW Head-up display and the unique BMW Display key

Mechanicals and equipment:

• Powered by a high revving, high-performance V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology
• Produces a maximum output of 625 hp and 750 Nm torque
• 0-100 kmph sprint in just 3.3 seconds
• Mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with paddle shifter
• Standard equipment: Adaptive M-specific Suspension, M Sport exhaust system, M high-performance compound brakes and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels
• The driving experience control switch allows drivers to choose between different drive modes preset (Road, Sport and Track) while the M setup will enable drivers to tweak individual settings
• BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive helps switch between 2WD and AWD
• Upgrades include M Carbon ceramic brakes, M Carbon engine cover and 20-inch 810 M double-spoke wheels in polished Orbit Grey

Safety and technology

• Six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• Parking Assistant Plus with a surround-view camera helps with parking in tight spots
• Reversing assistant provides support by remembering the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering
• Comfort access system makes it possible to open all four vehicle doors without using the key

Interested customers can book the new M5 Competition exclusively on the BMW online shop. (MT)

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Nissan Motor India has announced the name of its newest global C-SUV, the all-new Nissan Tekton, offering a preview of the design ahead of its full unveiling and sales launch in 2026.

The name ‘Tekton,’ of Greek origin meaning ‘craftsman’ or ‘architect,’ reflects the company's focus on precision engineering. Nissan suggests the vehicle is aimed at consumers, 'shaping their world’ and is designed to disrupt the competitive C-SUV segment.

The Tekton draws design inspiration from the brand’s iconic flagship Nissan Patrol SUV. Key design elements include a powerfully sculpted bonnet, distinctive C-shaped headlamp signatures at the front and an imposing, muscular side profile. The rear features a wide, red illuminated lightbar connecting dynamic C-shaped tail-lamps.

Alfonso Albaisa, Corporate Executive, Nissan Motor Co, said, "The all-new Nissan Tekton draws its design inspiration from our legendary Nissan Patrol. It is designed to disrupt, dominate, and deliver everything today’s modern Indian consumer desires. Imposing, stylish and built to set a new benchmark in India and beyond, the design and build quality are distinctly Nissan – embodying the best of Nissan’s SUV DNA.”

The Tekton will be the second product under Nissan’s global 'One Car, One World' strategy. It is scheduled to be manufactured in partnership with Renault at the Chennai plant for both the Indian market and future export to selected international markets.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor in India, said, “The all-new Nissan Tekton is going to be at the centre of the Nissan’s resurgence story and offers a glimpse into the future of our product portfolio in the country. With its commanding stance, bold looks and premium interiors, we are confident that it will be a segment disruptor, appealing to customers seeking a robust yet refined C-SUV. This model will spearhead Nissan’s growth story in India.”

The Tekton is a key element in Nissan Motor India's strategy to strengthen its market presence, alongside a rapid expansion of its dealership network across the country.

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India's automobile retail sector has entered a ‘golden festive phase,’ according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), which detailed vehicle registrations for September and the Navratri festival period in 2025.

The data reveals overall September retail sales came at 1.82 million vehicles, up 5.22 percent YoY, but the highlight was the unprecedented 34 percent surge in vehicle retail sales during the Navratri festival, which FADA dubbed a ‘Bachat Utsav’ (Savings Festival). Interestingly, compared to August 2025, the retail sales dropped by 6.98 percent.

On the other hand, the Navratri period delivered a historic high for the sector, with overall retail sales soaring by 34 percent YoY. Every major segment registered strong double-digit growth, except for Construction Equipment (CE), which declined due to heavy rains slowing activities.

• Two-wheelers led the charge with a 36 percent increase, driven by improved affordability and festive offers.
• Passenger vehicles saw a robust 34.8 percent rise, as new buyers and upgraders took advantage of lower prices.
• Commercial Vehicles (CV) grew by 14.8 percent, reflecting optimism in infrastructure and easier financing.

The remarkable festive growth is being attributed to the 'GST 2.0' tax reforms, which lowered Goods and Services Tax rates on vehicles, effectively boosting affordability for consumers.

September 2025 proved to be an unusual month, with sales remaining muted for the first three weeks. However, demand dramatically revived after 22nd September, coinciding with the implementation of the new GST rates and the start of Navratri.

Sai Giridhar, Vice-President, FADA, said, "September 2025 was an exceptionally unique month for India’s automobile retail industry. The first three weeks were largely muted, with customers holding back in anticipation of the GST 2.0 reforms. However, the dynamics changed dramatically in the final week as Navratri festivities coincided with the implementation of lower GST rates, reviving customer sentiment and accelerating deliveries across most vehicle categories."

Passenger Vehicle (PV) dealers also used the final surge to replenish stock, pushing inventory levels up to approximately 60 days in preparation for the upcoming peak sales season of Dhanteras and Deepawali.

Giridhar hailed the performance, said, "Navratri 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable chapters in India’s automobile retail journey — a true ‘Bachat Utsav’ unleashed by the visionary GST 2.0 reform. For the first time ever, dealerships across the nation witnessed record-breaking footfalls and deliveries."

Robust Outlook

FADA is highly optimistic about the near-term outlook, predicting that India is on track for its best-ever festive season. The combination of favourable factors – including an above-normal monsoon, a strong harvest, stable policy rates and the transformational impact of GST 2.0 – is set to boost consumer purchasing power across rural and urban markets.

The momentum is expected to carry through October, with Dhanteras and Deepawali forecast to deliver all-time high sales figures, ushering the Indian auto retail sector into a new phase of growth.

Lead image: For representational purposes only.

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Mercedes-Benz India has reported its most successful September on record, achieving a significant 36 percent year-on-year growth in sales. This exceptional performance is largely credited to the government's recent GST 2.0 reforms, which stimulated market demand and converted customer interest that had been deferred since mid-August into purchases. This positive momentum was particularly evident during the Navratri festival, where the company retailed 2,500-plus units, marking its highest-ever sales for the festive period.

This record-breaking September also propelled the company to its best-ever second-quarter sales performance for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total of 5,119 units sold. This quarterly success was anchored by consistent demand across two key vehicle categories. The 'Top-End Luxury' segment, including models such as the GLS, S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach, achieved a 25 percent share of total sales and grew by 12 percent year-on-year. A notable trend within this segment is hyper-personalisation, with the bespoke 'manufaktur' programme contributing to 75 percent of all top-end vehicle sales. Simultaneously, the 'Core Luxury' segment, which includes the Long-Wheelbase E-Class, GLC and GLE, maintained a dominant 60 percent penetration of overall sales and grew by 10 percent. The E-Class sedan, in particular, solidified its position as the highest-selling luxury car in India.

The company’s electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio also saw robust growth, maintaining an eight percent penetration rate and growing by 10 percent, driven by strong demand for models like the EQS SUV. However, the 'Entry Luxury' segment experienced a decline, facing stiff competition from more affordably priced alternatives in the market. Overall, the results underscore a strong market preference for Mercedes-Benz's high-end and electric vehicles, setting a new benchmark for the brand's performance in India.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz clocked its best-ever September sales owing to an overwhelming customer response following the GST 2.0 reforms, culminating the pent-up demand. Our attractive new portfolio combined with innovative financial programmes under the ‘Dream Days’ campaign, resulted in overwhelming demand for Mercedes-Benz cars in the luxury market. We expect this festive buying spirit to continue in October as well, with upcoming festivities including Dhanteras and Diwali, which traditionally witness spirited buying from customers. While there was strong demand across the portfolio, we recorded the highest ever monthly sales for key products like the Long Wheelbase E- Class, GLC, GLE, GLS and G63 AMG SUVs. The reduction in the GST rates has certainly improved customer sentiment with its appropriate timing as car prices are increasing owing to macro-economic challenges like adverse forex movement, rising operational cost etc. We hope this buoyant spirit sustains for the remaining festive season as we continue to observe market trends closely, remaining cautiously optimistic.”

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Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced the new Bolero range with prices starting INR 799,000 (ex-showroom), with the new top-end B8 variant priced at INR 969,000 (ex-showroom). The new Bolero Neo starts at INR 849,000 (ex-showroom), with the new top-end N11 variant at INR 999,000 (ex-showroom).

With a history of 25 years and over 1.6 million customers, the Bolero remains a versatile SUV, navigating diverse terrains from city streets to rural landscapes, offering adaptability and value.

The new Bolero features a new grille, fog lamps and diamond-cut alloy wheels. Inside, the Bolero offers a new 17.8 cm touchscreen infotainment & music system, steering-mounted controls and leatherette upholstery with better seat comfort. The RideFlo ride and handling tech gives better stability and control, with improved suspension. The Bolero is powered by the mHAWK75 engine delivering power of 55.9 kW and 210 Nm torque, with body-on-frame construction. The company has also introduced a new Stealth Black colour, along with existing colours.

On the other hand, the new Bolero Neo combines toughness with urban style. It features a sleek new grille with horizontal accents and dark metallic grey R16 alloy wheels. Interior theme options are Lunar Grey and Mocha Brown. Comfort features include leatherette upholstery and better seat ergonomics. It has a 22.8 cm infotainment system, a rear-view camera and a USB C-type charging port. The RideFlo tech, along with MTV-CL and Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD), ensure smooth rides. It is powered by the mHAWK100 engine delivering power of 73.5 kW and 260 Nm torque and includes cruise control and Multi-Terrain Technology (MTT) for better traction. New colours include Jeans Blue and Concrete Grey, plus three dual-tone options.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Bolero has stood the test of time, earning its place as one of India’s most versatile and tough SUVs for over 25 years. Building on this enduring legacy, the new Bolero range has been thoughtfully designed to meet the aspirations of a dynamic and rapidly evolving New India. With a perfect blend of toughness, contemporary styling, enhanced comfort, and modern features, the new Bolero and Bolero Neo deliver a powerful SUV experience that shines equally in urban environments and challenging terrains.”

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