Understanding the need for speed, adrenaline rush and comfort, BMW has slotted the new ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’, the M340i, between the 3 Series range and the upcoming track-focused M3. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “We are excited to launch the first-ever BMW M340i xDrive, the quickest car to be locally produced in India - a completely novel high-performance product that the Indian auto enthusiasts have been waiting for eagerly. It is a unique car because it has the thrilling soul of the BMW 3 Series, the amplified power of M and the driving dynamics of BMW xDrive. With the addition of the BMW M340i xDrive, the BMW 3 Series offers the most powerful and diverse range giving our customers the valuable ‘Power of Choice’.” He further said, “This car also marks an important milestone of local production of high-performance BMW cars from the house of ‘M’.”

BMW’s M range is divided into three categories. First is M Sport which is standard BMW models that are souped-up with a cosmetic kit, then is the M Performance like the M340i, which balances high-performance and comfort with M Sport mechanical upgrades, and finally, there is M which not only offers mindboggling power output but also offers sportscar like handling due to rigid chassis set up.

At a quick glance, one may mistake the M340i for a standard 3 Series, but take a closer look, and you notice a dark grey paint finish on the trademark kidney grille, the outside rearview mirrors and on the bumper near the fog lamps. The front grille also comes with metal accents. The sleek-looking adaptive LED headlamps boast state-of-the-art laser light for better illumination. Its sporty nature comes with a body-coloured rear spoiler, pronounced L-shaped LED taillights and grey finish dual exhaust tips. Like the 330i, the M Performance sedan also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, but one can upgrade to 19-inch wheels as well.

Interior

Open the door, and you’re welcomed with the M340i specific door sill. The cabin, as expected, is fully loaded with features like the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with gesture controls and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. It also comes standard with a Head-up Display, reflecting the speed and turn-by-turn navigation directions on the windshield. The cabin being predominantly black with metal inserts on the dashboard, and the centre console comes with Alcantara upholstery with contrasting blue stitching. To make the cockpit more special, the M340i comes with some M goodies like M Sport leather steering, seat belts and an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument panel. To ensure that the cabin is a happy place to be, the new sedan boasts 16 speakers Harmon Kardon music system.

Powertrain

Now, coming to the matters of the heart and under the hood is the massive 3-litre turbocharged straight line six-cylinder petrol engine which pumps out 382bhp at 5,800rpm and 500Nm at 1,800-5,000rpm. So, the question arises, why does BMW claim that the M340i is the fastest locally assembled vehicle? That’s because it does from standstill to 100 kilometres in just 4.4 seconds. The motor is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission from ZF. As the gearbox’s settings are performance-oriented, it has shorter throws than a standard automatic so that it can hit the redline in the rev meter effortlessly and offers quicker downshifts. To make the driving experience more involving, it also comes with steering wheel paddle-shifters and even manual mode.

The M340i comes with multiple driving modes like Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, which changes the suspension set up, engine characteristics like its response, and even the steering wheel’s weight.

Unlike typical rear-wheel-drive BMW sedans, the M340i xDrive is an all-wheel-drive sedan that provides additional traction and keeps the vehicle planted on the tarmac. The M Sport rear differential ensures that the sedan carves out corners with full confidence and negates any understeer or oversteer thanks to the increased rigidity level. There isn’t any additional body roll weighing in either as the weight distribution of the car 50:50 front and rear. Another reason for agile handling characteristics is that the M Sport suspension is rigid by 20 percent and sits 10mm lower than standard 3. With so much power and precise handling, it’s also equipped with the M Sport brakes that are ideal for the city and the race track.

The M340i xDrive will take on the likes of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class A350 and the upcoming Audi S5. (MT)

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JSW MG Motor India has introduced a customer programme for the MG Hector SUV during August 2026 to mark seven years of the model in India. The promotion offers benefits of up to INR 60,000, including exchange allowances, loyalty rewards, corporate incentives and price adjustments.

The MG Hector was launched in 2019 as an internet-connected passenger SUV. The range starts at an ex-showroom price of INR 1.19 million. Under the promotion, financing options include 100 percent on-road price funding for terms extending up to 84 months, alongside complete financing options for vehicle accessories.

Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The MG Hector has enjoyed an extraordinary journey over the past seven years, earning the trust of thousands of Indian families and redefining expectations in the SUV segment. As we celebrate this important milestone, we wanted to thank our customers with an ownership programme that delivers value far beyond the purchase of the vehicle. The Anniversary Programme reflects our customer-first philosophy and our commitment to making the MG Hector ownership experience as rewarding as the product itself.”

The vehicle features front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front grille, alloy wheels and updated exterior colour choices. Cabin updates include multi-tone interior schemes, synthetic and leather trims, front seat ventilation, an adjustable steering column and a power-adjustable driver seat.

On the inside, it gets a 14-inch portrait touchscreen display with gesture control capabilities, a digital instrument cluster and over 70 connected vehicle functions. Additional features include digital key functionality, remote air conditioning management, and automated maintenance notification systems.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced that it has exceeded 800,000 connected cars on Indian roads and aims to reach cumulative connected vehicle sales of one million units by 2027. The manufacturer targets crossing two million cumulative connected vehicle sales by 2030.

Connected vehicle penetration across Hyundai Motor India’s Indian product range has expanded from 4 percent in 2019 to 20 percent in 2026, supported by sales in models including the Creta, Venue and i20. The company's connected mobility infrastructure operates on its Hyundai Bluelink platform, which provides over 70 functions covering safety, security and convenience. Available systems include remote vehicle monitoring, diagnostics, location tracking, in-car payments via Hyundai Pay, remote immobilisation and voice commands supported in five languages.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The growing adoption of connected vehicles reflects the evolving expectations of customers and the increasing role of technology in shaping mobility. As we move towards our goal of 1 million connected car sales by 2027, we remain focused on advancing software-defined mobility and expanding connected technologies across our portfolio. Our upcoming mass-market electric SUV, which will offer next-generation connected car technology as standard across all variants, marks an important step in strengthening the convergence of connected and electric mobility while delivering future-ready ownership experiences for customers.”

Hyundai Motor India introduced OEM-fitted connected vehicle technology to India in 2019 with the launch of the Venue, followed by over-the-air map updates on the i20 in 2020. The company deployed its Audio Video Navigation Telematics platform in 2022, followed by its Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system with controller over-the-air update capability in 2025 to support software-defined vehicle development.

The platform has provided roadside assistance and emergency responses to over 0.5 million motorists, supported 15,000 crash notification interventions and assisted law enforcement agencies with vehicle recovery operations.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced consumer offers and vehicle special editions across its internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios in Kerala for the Onam festive period.

The festival promotions run through August 2026, offering financial benefits up to INR 225,000, priority delivery slots and vehicle financing packages. As part of the seasonal campaign, the manufacturer has introduced the Sierra Jubilee Edition, Nexon Camo Edition and Punch HBX Pack to its product line-up.

The maximum benefits vary by model across both powertrain platforms – Internal combustion engine (ICE) models include benefits up to INR 54,500 on the Altroz, INR 72,500 on the Nexon and INR 77,500 on the Curvv.

The Harrier and Safari both get benefits up to INR 47,000, while the Sierra includes a loyalty benefit of INR 30,000. In the electric vehicle segment, savings up to INR 60,000 for the Nexon.ev and INR 55,000 for the Curvv.ev is being offered by the automaker. The Harrier.ev features benefits reaching INR 225,000, which includes a loyalty benefit of INR 100,000 alongside complimentary insurance coverage.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Onam is a celebration of cherished traditions, meaningful reunions and the progress that every family takes pride in. It is a season of gratitude for how far they have come and optimism for the road ahead. Through our 'Celebrate How Far You've Come' campaign, we are celebrating the aspirations, achievements and milestones that make every customer's journey and success unique. Kerala has always been a deeply important market for TMPV, and we are delighted to mark this festive season with special editions, attractive offers and seamless ownership solutions across our safest and most diverse range of cars and SUVs. We look forward to celebrating with our customers their next milestone and creating many more joyful memories.”

At present, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles operates 85 service centres across Kerala to support vehicle maintenance during and after the sales campaign.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has launched the Nexon CAMO, a new special edition of its popular compact SUV, with prices beginning at INR 999,000 ex-showroom in Delhi. The introduction coincides with the brand’s celebration of a decade since the Nexon’s original debut and the trust of over 1.1 million customers, marking the model’s enduring success in the Indian automotive market.

The new CAMO variant distinguishes itself with two exclusive premium paint schemes, named Munnar Mist and Coorg Cloud. The former is a dynamic dark green that shifts to a sophisticated grey in shadows and reveals rich green and golden tones under sunlight. In contrast, the latter is a contemporary grey-silver finish with subtle metallic highlights, designed to offer an understated yet premium aesthetic that complements the SUV's rugged character.

TMPV has equipped the Nexon CAMO with a significant technology upgrade, headlined by an Ultra View Twin HD Digital Cockpit. This features a 31.24-cm infotainment system and a 26.03-cm digital instrument cluster, both from Harman, with the latter including embedded navigation. The technology package is further enhanced by an integrated dashcam recorder that is part of the 360-degree camera surround view system, which also includes a blind spot view monitor.

The special edition is not solely about aesthetics and screens, as it also incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort and safety features. The cabin includes ventilated leatherette front seats, a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, and an immersive nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer. Safety is addressed through seven Advanced Driver Assistance Systems functions calibrated for Indian roads, six airbags and electronic stability control, ensuring the CAMO is as secure as it is stylish.

Maintaining the Nexon’s hallmark versatility, the CAMO is offered across all three powertrain options: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and the segment-exclusive 1.2-litre turbocharged iCNG with twin-cylinder technology. With multiple transmission choices available, the automaker has positioned the Nexon CAMO as a distinctive and aspirational package for a wide range of SUV buyers, reinforcing the model's legacy of innovation as the festive season approaches.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "Since its launch a decade ago, the Nexon has provided comfortable, safe and enjoyable journeys for over 1.1 million families, becoming one of India's most iconic nameplates with an unmissable presence on the roads. This success has been built on constantly raising the bar in safety, technology and design while keeping these innovations accessible to a wider set of customers. The Nexon CAMO carries that spirit forward, with two striking new colours and an elevated technology package that makes it the most distinctive Nexon yet. Timed perfectly for the festive season, it gives customers an even stronger reason to make the Nexon their own."

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