Conceived as pure electric mobility, the new car will redefine the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The newly developed, precise and minimalist design of the BMW iX is representative of a trailblazing generation of cars poised to redefine the driving experience, the feeling of space inside and the relationship between vehicles and those on board.

The BMW iX is created to provide quality of life and wellbeing for drivers and passengers. The vehicle harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity to deliver a mobility experience which puts people more than ever at its heart. The clear and minimalist design of the car’s exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants. In contrast, the interior design offers those on-board innovative options for using the time during a journey enjoying relaxation, safety, security, and a new form of luxury in the process.

The concept and design of the BMW iX are rooted in an all-embracing approach to sustainability. It is reflected in the areas such as optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight design and extensive use of natural and recycled materials that help to create a cutting-edge sense of luxury and comprehensive feeling of wellbeing on board.

The car comes with the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology – which encompasses the two electric motors, power electronics, charging technology and the high-voltage battery which guarantees exceptional efficiency and long-range. The power unit is manufactured using sustainable materials without the use of critical raw materials like rare earth elements, and by the most recent calculations will develop maximum output of more than 370 kW. This unit will be enough to power the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5.0 seconds. At the same time, the vehicle’s apparent aim is to post an exceptionally low combined electric power consumption figure for its segment of less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometres (62 miles) in the WLTP test cycle.

The BMW iX comes with a new charging technology that enables DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. This technology allows the vehicle to be charged from 10 to 80 percent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. Ten minutes charge can feed enough energy into the battery to increase the car’s range by more than 120 kilometers (75 miles). On a standard Wallbox at 11 kW, the high-voltage battery can be charged from 0 to 100 percent in less than eleven hours. The batteries in the car are designed as a part of a long-term resource cycle, making it exceptionally easy to recycle. Besides, the power used to produce the cells, and the high voltage battery comes exclusively from renewable sources contributing to an eco-friendly future.

The new technology toolkit making its debut in the car has computing power in the areas of automated driving and digital services, 20 times more than the previous models. As a result, around double the amount of data from vehicle sensors can be processed than was previously possible.

Talking about the technology and the computing power of the car, Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG said, “We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX”. The iX has more computing power and more robust sensor technology that will help in new and improved automated driving and parking functions and using the high-performing fifth-generation electric drive system.

The kidney grille at the front has been completely blanked off and converted into an intelligence panel. The camera technology, radar function and other sensors are integrated seamlessly into the grill behind a transparent surface. The grill has reinvented itself as an innovative and multifunctional high-tech interface for the advanced driver assistance systems which paves the way for automated driving. Developed and produced at BMW’s LuTZ lightweight design and technology centre the kidney grille presents a technological showcase for intelligent mobility. Also, the material used to make the intelligence panel on the kidney grille is self-healing.

Like the kidney grille, all the technologies are subtly located on the car. For example, an array of sensors and cameras are discreetly placed around the vehicle to help with automated driving. The filler neck for the windscreen washer fluid is concealed under the BMW logo on the bonnet. The rear-view camera has been integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate. Technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.

The exterior design of the car features the slimmest headlight units ever on a series-production model from the carmaker. The flush-fitted door handles, the frameless side windows, the tailgate – which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear and the likewise extremely slim rear lights carry forward the minimalistic theme.

On the inside the newly developed seats with integral head restraints and a vast electrochromic panoramic glass roof that imbibes the feeling of spaciousness and gives the cabin a luxurious lounge-like ambience. The all-new architecture of the car adds to the straightforward functionality that revolves around the needs and emotions of the driver and the passengers. The missing central tunnel adds to the open, airy feel while allowing extra legroom.

The interior involves shy technology, which makes previously visible functions hidden and creating stylish elegance. The technology represents the panels wherein the controls on the central console of the car are placed. It only becomes visible when it is needed making it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complicated. The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in several features, including speakers integrated out of sight, intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the discreet recessing of the Head-Up Display’s projector into the instrument panel, so it is almost invisible.

The BMW iX is expected to hit the market in late 2021, showcasing the best of vehicle maker to come in the future. The company plans to launch 20 plus fully electric cars shortly, and the use of sustainable material to build cars show its concern towards a greener and better tomorrow. (MT)

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has expanded its Alcazar SUV range with a new Corporate variant with diesel powertrain at prices starting INR 1.78 million and an expansion of automatic transmission options in the Prestige DCT Petrol (7-speed) at INR 1.86 million.

The Alcazar Corporate variant is equipped with a voice-enabled smart Panoramic Sunroof and is available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission choices, and is designed to appeal to the evolving aspirations of Indian SUV buyers.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we are continuously listening to customer feedback and evolving our product offerings to meet their aspirations. The introduction of the Corporate variant in Alcazar Diesel with a voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof and the inclusion of DCT in the Prestige Petrol variant reflects our commitment to providing a more personalized and premium SUV experience. With these updates, we aim to offer more choice and delight to our customers who seek performance, technology and sophistication in their vehicles.”

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When Tata Motors launched the Harrier.ev, it wasn’t just introducing another electric vehicle — it was signalling a shift in India’s premium electric vehicle landscape. Based on Tata’s Gen 2 EV (acti.ev+) architecture, the Harrier.ev blends familiarity with futuristic design, making electrification a natural progression rather than a disruptive leap.

Interestingly, the company is providing a lifetime warranty on the battery for the first vehicle owners, applicable only to private owners. 

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, told Motoring Trends, “We have said that our Gen 2 approach is basically a pure EV approach. Much the same way, the acti.ev+, in fact, we have taken that architecture further ahead on the Harrier.ev to make sure that you can get the seating comfort of a regular SUV without any compromise on the battery or powertrain.”

While rivals explore born-electric platforms from scratch, Tata’s strategy with the Harrier.ev is different – marrying known aesthetics with a ground-up EV design. That’s not just a technical decision, but as Kulkarni stated, it’s rooted in customer behaviour.

“There is a section of people who are saying, who want the comfort and the familiarity of the product that they are using. So we have ​made a product that retains that familiarity, while giving them the benefits of electrification,” Kulkarni explained.

The Harrier.ev isn’t just about powertrains and batteries – it’s about creating a ‘third space.’ With features like a 14.5-inch Neo QLED screen and Dolby audio, Tata wants the Harrier.ev to be as comfortable and connected as a living room.

“You have office, you have home, and everything in between is where you spend a lot of time in the car. People expect it to be comfortable, convenient, connected and safe,” Kulkarni said.

Even as the EV market rapidly matures, Tata remains mindful of long-term viability. Decisions around battery size, AWD vs FWD configurations, and software-driven features were all taken with a delicate balance of affordability and future-readiness in mind.

“We worked with two sizes of batteries. This was about making the right choices,” said Kulkarni, noting how Tata’s dual-battery strategy is now industry standard.

As Kulkarni explained, For Tata, the Harrier.ev is more than a product – it's a culmination of years of foresight, strategic evolution and a deep understanding of the Indian consumer. It’s a vehicle that reflects not just where the market is headed, but how Tata Motors is determined to lead it there.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive in a hybrid avatar, featuring a 48-volt system that delivers improved fuel efficiency. The models are priced at INR 4.47 million and INR 5.09 million, respectively.  

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has defined the premium SUV segment in India, admired for its rugged design, robust performance and unmatched all-terrain capabilities. The stylish and feature-rich Legender complements the Fortuner, exemplifying Toyota’s core values of quality, durability and reliability. Together, they have cultivated a loyal following among urban adventurers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The new Neo Drive variants introduce Toyota’s advanced 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V system comprising a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This technology mirrors hybrid electric systems by recuperating braking energy during deceleration, contributing to smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when stationary, resulting in lower emissions and fuel savings.

Importantly, the company claims that these enhancements do not compromise the Fortuner and Legender’s formidable payload capacity, durability or off-road performance. The Multi-Terrain Select system optimises throttle response, braking and traction control to deliver a superior driving experience across diverse terrains.

On the design front, the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful stance, ideal for rugged adventures, while the Legender exudes a more dynamic and premium appeal with dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps and a sleek fascia. Both models offer dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials and ergonomic seating designed for long-distance comfort.

In terms of safety the SUVs come with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control and more. Toyota’s focus on customer convenience extends to tailored finance solutions, including up to 8-year funding plans, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance and pre-approved value-added services such as extended warranty and genuine accessories. Buyers will also benefit from five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customisable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling. The new Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants meet these expectations with bold design, powerful performance, and comprehensive features, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever-better cars and advancing towards carbon neutrality.”

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants commenced on 2 June 2025, with deliveries set to begin from the third week of June.

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Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has onboarded popular actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador.

The company shared that Tripathi, who is known for his versatility and grounded charm, embodies Hyundai India’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with the country’s diverse audience. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country - not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”

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