Produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the car is available in BS-VI diesel and petrol variants at all its dealerships across India.
Rudratej Singh, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group India, said, “The BMW X1 has established and owned the dominant position in the premium compact sports activity vehicle (SAV) segment. This is also the trend worldwide - it reflects the global need the X1 serves. The X1 fits in perfectly with the attitude and lifestyle of modern ambitious future leaders who are redefining success - personally and professionally.”
The new vehicle adapts perfectly not only to a dynamic lifestyle but also to personal taste. It is available in three variants – the new SportX, xLine and M Sport. Each variant has distinguished exterior and interior design features that lend an individual personality to the car. SportX reflects the perfect combination of sporty and ‘X’ elements. xLine puts on a powerful character enhancing the car’s off-road looks. M Sport bestows a masculine character distinguishing itself as an elite sports model.
The new BMW X1 is available in 2 BS-VI petrol and 2 BS-VI diesel variants which are locally produced. The ex-showroom prices are: X1 sDrive20i SportX (petrol): INR 35,90,000; X1 sDrive20i xLine (petrol): INR 38,70,000; X1 sDrive20d xLine (diesel): INR 39,90,000; and X1 sDrive20d M Sport (diesel): INR 42,90,000.
The new X1 is truly an all-rounder. It is not just a vehicle offer but a comprehensive package that addresses every need from accessibility and cost of ownership perspective. A novel introduction in the segment is a 5 years / 60,000 km service and warranty package for the new vehicle. The comprehensive solution includes the protective cover of BMW Service Inclusive and BMW Repair Inclusive. Together, they take care of Condition Based Service (CBS), maintenance work and warranty, allowing customers to focus on the one thing that matters – sheer driving pleasure.
Design
Enhanced X-ness: Sharper design with a new larger kidney grille and LED lights, add greater road presence and premium appeal.
Impressive Interior: Generous space with panorama glass-roof now as standard, new 8.8 inch central display with touch screen functionality and wireless Apple CarPlay. All-new comfort suspension gives best-in-class dynamics and noticeably enhanced ride quality.
BMW Blue Performance: It is one of the cleanest diesel technologies in the world with 99 percent less particulate matter (PM) and 70 percent less nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) than the defined BS-VI limits.
The car comes in 3 new exterior colours: Storm Bay, Misano Blue and Sunset Orange. The sharper design of the new vehicle strengthens its authentic and powerful SAV character. With commanding proportions, high seating position and good road visibility, it has greater road presence than ever before. The exterior embodies a muscular and dominant character with precisely drawn lines and strikingly contoured surfaces. The front has an imposing appearance with larger BMW grille and air intakes as well as striking new LED headlights with LED fog lamps. The athletic side view is complemented by a dynamic wedge shape formed by the roofline, eye-catching character lines and window surfaces that taper towards the rear. The rear design underscores the car’s width and sporty stance with wrap-around LED rear lights, inlays in body colour and bigger twin exhaust tailpipes.
The new vehicle has generous proportions, comfort and a feeling of spaciousness on the inside, thanks to an intelligent vehicle structure and smartly conceived interior configuration. Thanks to unrivalled BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the BS-VI petrol and diesel engines meld best-in-class power with improved efficiency and offer spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. (MT)
Hyundai Opens Bookings For All-New Venue Compact SUV
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2025
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has opened bookings for the all-new Hyundai Venue compact sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Customers can reserve the vehicle with an initial booking amount of INR 25,000 at dealerships across India.
Hyundai Motor India unveiled the new vehicle with a film featuring brand ambassador Deepika Padukone. The company is positioning the C-SUV as a model of urban mobility, focusing on style and technology.
Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The Hyundai Venue has been one of the most loved SUVs in India, with over 700,000 customers choosing it for its perfect blend of design, technology and performance. With the all-new Hyundai Venue, we are taking this success story even further, redefining bold design and modern premium-ness while integrating advanced technology that resonates with the aspirations of today’s new-age customers. The all-new Hyundai Venue truly embodies our vision of ‘Tech up Go beyond,’ offering a driving experience that’s both dynamic and deeply connected to our customers’ evolving lifestyles.”
The new Venue is both taller and wider than the existing model. Exterior design includes Twin horn LED DRLs, Quad beam LED headlamps and a dark chrome radiator grille.
Inside, the cabin features a Dual 62.5 cm (12.3-inch + 12.3-inch) curved panoramic display for infotainment and cluster information. It also features a dual-tone interior (dark navy and dove grey), a D-cut steering wheel and a coffee-table centre console with ambient lighting.
The car has a long wheelbase (2520mm) and offers 2-step reclining rear seats, rear window sunshades and rear AC vents for comfort.
The all-new VENUE will be offered with three engine choices:
Kappa 1.2 l MPi petrol
Kappa 1.0 l Turbo GDi petrol
U2 1.5 l CRDi Diesel
Transmission options include Manual, Automatic and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
The vehicle will use the new variant nomenclature ‘HX,’ which stands for ‘Hyundai Experience.’ The company is set to launch the Venue on 4 November 2025.
Chery Unveils 7-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV Concept
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2025
Chinese automaker Chery showcased what it claims is the world’s first ‘7-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV’ concept at the 2025 Chery Brand Night. The SUV was unveiled by Zheng Songzhi, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery International Marketing Centre.
The automaker states that the vehicle reflects Chery’s commitment to user co-creation, offering a ‘one vehicle, multiple configurations’ design intended to redefine versatility for families.
Songzhi stated that the concept was developed following over a year of user research in countries including Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand. This research identified nine high-frequency family scenarios – from daily commuting to camping and long-distance travel – and concluded that no existing vehicle model meets all these varied demands.
User insights from representatives in Malaysia, Indonesia and Mexico, who shared their need for comfort, work-life balance and space, became the foundation of the concept. He noted that user needs are the core driver behind Chery's shift from a ‘function-oriented’ to a ‘scenario-oriented’ strategy.
In response to demands for versatility and space, Chery introduced the ‘6=1’ concept. By flexibly reconfiguring seats and detaching the rear hatch, the single vehicle transforms into six distinct interior and exterior layouts, intended to cover 99 percent of family mobility scenarios.
Large 7-Seat SUV Mode: With a body length of 4.9 metres and an interior height of 1,284 mm, it offers true comfort for family passengers.
Double-Cab Pickup Mode: It transforms instantly through a quick-release structure, providing 600-litre of cargo space for items like surfboards and construction materials.
Camper Mode: It supports an ecosystem of accessories, including awnings and roof tents, alongside off-road capability.
Songzhi announced that Chery will introduce additional transformable modes and accessory kits.
Chery is launching a collaboration model that spans the entire product development cycle. Before mass production, Chery will invite users worldwide to participate in co-creation, influencing features, powertrain tuning and model naming.
Since February 2024, a 20-member product team has conducted research across international markets, gathering over 1,350 user samples and more than 40,000 topic inputs.
Songzhi, stated, "Driven by the genuine needs of our users, we have not only redefined the form of the SUV but will also collaborate with them to co-create and co-define its future.”
The new vehicle is scheduled to reach consumers in the third quarter of 2026.
Image credit: Paultan.org
Alexandre Malval Named Renault Brand Design VP
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2025
Alexandre Malval has been named Vice President of Design for the Renault brand, with effect from 2 January 2026. Malval will report directly to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer of Groupe Renault, and will join the Renault brand's management committee, contributing to the company's strategic direction.
This appointment marks a significant homecoming for the executive, who brings nearly three decades of extensive international experience back to the company where he began his career. A distinguished graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, Malval first joined Renault in 1994 as an exterior designer in the Advanced Design department.
His subsequent career path saw him hold influential positions across the European automotive industry, building a remarkable portfolio. He contributed to the design languages of Audi and Volkswagen at the Volkswagen Group’s Design Center Europe in Barcelona. He later advanced through key roles at Citroën and Peugeot, a tenure that culminated in his appointment as the Head of Citroën Design in 2012, where he was responsible for shaping the brand's creative vision.
Most recently, Malval served as the CEO and Design Director of the Mercedes-Benz International Design Center Europe in Sophia Antipolis. In this senior capacity, he was entrusted with comprehensive management and creative oversight for a critical satellite studio. His responsibilities encompassed pioneering advanced design research, directing the creation of concept vehicles and steering the design of production models for the entire Mercedes-Benz portfolio, including the Maybach, Smart and AMG brands.
Laurens van den Acker said, “We are very happy to welcome Alexandre Malval to our Design team. His experience with major automotive groups, his international outlook and his ability to create strong design-led brands will be essential assets to push Renault to the next level. The future of mobility is exciting and I’m looking forward to working with Alexandre to make our dreams come true.”
Fabrice Cambolive, Renault brand CEO and Chief Growth Officer Renault Group, said, “The arrival of Alexandre Malval marks a new milestone in our ambition: to design ‘voitures à vivre’ that fully embody Renault’s strategic vision, combining emotion, innovation and an exceptional customer experience. His international experience and innovative mindset will be key assets in driving Renault’s growth in Europe and on the global stage.”
Maruti Suzuki India’s Jimny 5-door Exports Cross 100,000 Units Milestone
- By MT Bureau
- October 23, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained a new export milestone for the Made in India Jimny 5-door SUV, which crossed the 100,000-unit milestone.
The Jimny 5-door, manufactured exclusively in India, began its export journey in 2023, shortly after its launch in the country. The vehicle has been shipped to over 100 countries, including Japan, Mexico and Australia.
The model’s debut in Japan in January 2025, branded as the ‘Jimny Nomade,’ saw orders exceed the 50,000 mark within days of introduction.
The Jimny 5-door features a ladder-frame chassis with Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro (4WD), which provides off-road capability and stability. It is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The Jimny has over half a century of heritage, globally. Jimny 5-door crossing 1 lakh export mark is a proud achievement for Maruti Suzuki. We are deeply thankful to customers around the world for their trust in this acclaimed SUV. Jimny’s strong off-road DNA, reliable performance and uncompromising quality have earned admiration in over 100 countries.”
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