The much-awaited Kia 2.0 SUV has been formally named the Kia Syros by top luxury automaker Kia India. After EV9 and Carnival, Syros will be the first Kia 2.0 SUV available. Combining innovation and heritage, it will mark a new phase in Kia's history.

The SUV is designed for the modern, tech-savvy buyer and offers an ultra-spacious cabin environment, along with industry-first connected features, says the company. The Syros skilfully combines cutting-edge technology, a unique, striking design and the highest level of safety with the functionality of an SUV.

DC2 Design, formerly known as DC Design, which is the brainchild of Indian car designer Dilip Chhabria, recently released a teaser of an electric car set to be unveiled at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

The Indian designer is expected to unveil a modified Humvee in an electric avatar. While the exact specifications are not known, it is expected that just like his earlier works, the upcoming e-Humvee would have a flashy design.

For the unversed, Dilip Chhabria has been a prominent name in the Indian automotive design industry. His notable achievements include developing a prototype for the Vantage V8 for Aston Martin in the 2003 Detroit Motor Show. Chhabria had also designed especially for an Indian movie, Taarzan: The Wonder Car and his DC Avanti sports car was also embroiled in controversy.  

Going forward, it would be interesting to see with DC2 Design if Chhabria marks a comeback in the Indian automotive scene.

Nissan Motor India, one of the country's leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the ‘Bold For The Brave’ Republic Bonanza offer to commemorate India’s Republic Day.

Under the scheme, defence (Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy), Central and State Police personnel will get special benefits on the Nissan Magnite SUV with savings starting at INR 72,156. They will also be entitled to additional consumer offers available in the month. The scheme has been extended to Central Paramilitary and State Police forces as well across the country.

Eligible customers can book Nissan Magnite SUV through the CSD AFD Portal.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “As we celebrate 76 years of being a republic this month, Nissan is honoured to offer the New Nissan Magnite, our flagship SUV to our Armed Forces, Central Paramilitary and State Police Forces at special prices only for them. This special ‘Bold For The Brave’ Republic Bonanza is a testament to our respect and gratitude for the tireless dedication and sacrifice of the real heroes who protect our nation. The Magnite has been tested in bold and extreme conditions which makes it an ideal companion for all our forces. Through this initiative, we aim to make the New Nissan Magnite more accessible to those who safeguard our freedom selflessly.”

BMW Group India is all prepped up to display its range of mobility products at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo, which is scheduled to run from 17 to 22 January 2025.

At its pavilion in Hall No 6 of Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, BMW Group India will showcase a number of exciting new releases from BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. Visitors will be able to buy the unique BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad Lifestyle Collections and Accessories at the expo. Expert BMW driver trainers will provide thrilling drift demonstrations with stunning BMW M vehicles every day at Auto Expo 2025, boosting the excitement.

With its premium materials, ample standard specifications and sophisticated digitalisation, BMW will introduce the all-new BMW X3 in India. The new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, which is based on the BMW Operating System 9, sets the tone for the upscale atmosphere within the meticulously designed interior. The all-electric BMW i7, BMW X7, BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase, BMW M5, BMW M4 and BMW M2 will also be on display.

With the introduction of the brand-new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and the new BMW S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad will increase the excitement even further. The BMW M 1000 XR, BMW R 1300 GS, BMW F 900 GS, BMW F 900 GSA, BMW R 12 nine T, BMW G 310 GS, G 310 R, G 310 RR and the all-electric BMW CE 02 and CE 04 will also be on show from BMW Motorrad.

A unique MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack, which blends MINI's recognisable body language with the athletic persona of John Cooper Works, will be introduced by MINI India. Unique black highlights and a JCW-inspired redesign of the alloy wheels, rear spoiler and aerodynamics package go well with the exclusive exterior colour options. To spark athletic flair, intriguing JCW elements are included into the inside. The all-electric MINI Countryman will also be on exhibit.

The iconic Mercedes Gelandewagen, popularly known as G-Class, will pack a robust electric powertrain under the hood, informed Mercedes-Benz India Chief Executive Officer Santosh Iyer during the company’s fourth Annual Press Conference. 

Unveiling the new G 580, Vice President Sales and Marketing Lance Bennett said, “The electric Gelandewagen is powered by the EQ technology and more. Electrifying this iconic vehicle presented several challenges as we needed to preserve its signature design and legendary off-road capabilities. Integrating EV components required us to develop a unique drive system featuring four individual electric motors.”  

“At the rear, the motors are connected to form a rigid axle, ensuring exceptional off-road traction. The axle is equipped with a two-speed gearbox, enabling gear reduction for low-range, off-road performance. The G 580 stands apart from other G-Class models with its raised bonnet and rear wheel arch air curtains. These elements are seamlessly integrated to improve aerodynamics and acoustic performance.”  

The electric variant delivers 587 horsepower and an astounding 1,164 Nm of torque, courtesy of its four electric motors. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Powered by a large 116 kWh battery and an intelligent recuperation system, it offers a WLTP range of up to 473 kilometers. Fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes only 32 minutes.  

Like every G-Class, the G 580 underwent the legendary Schöckl test, completing the grueling trail 336 times. This symbolic number guarantees every G-Class meets the highest standards of durability, reliability and off-road capability, earning it the Schöckl badge displayed on the B-pillar.  

“To put this into perspective, the G 580 can complete the Schöckl trail 13 times on a single charge. Its electric drivetrain and low-range gearbox make it the most capable off-roader in its class. It can climb inclines of up to 45 degrees—even in reverse—and wade through water up to 850 mm deep,” added Bennett.   

“Engineers have designed a water- and dust-proof battery pack, encased within the ladder chassis. The innovative four-motor drive system also allows for unique off-road maneuvers, enabling the vehicle to pivot on the spot by up to 720 degrees. This feature ensures that if you reach a dead end on a trail, you can turn around with ease.

Another highlight is the G-Steer function, which tightens the turning circle off-road by braking the inner wheel to slide the rear end around sharp bends,” revealed the executive.   

Inside, the electric off-road cockpit and Dynamic Select system offer a range of driving modes. In Rock Mode, the G 580 crawls effortlessly in low range with speed adjustable via steering wheel paddles, making hill ascents and descents seamless.  

The G 580 is available in a special Edition 1 model, offered in five colors including the exclusive Manufaktur South Sea Blue Magno. This edition features AMG line styling, the night package and 20-inch black alloy wheels. Additional details include blacked-out door handles with keyless go and blue brake calipers.  

The G580 is priced at INR 30 million (ex-showroom, pan-India). This icon has already garnered electrifying demand and is sold out until Q3 2025! Bookings and deliveries for the G 580 will start in Q4 2025, noted a company official. 

EQS 450 SUV

The company also launched its 5-Seater EQS 450 SUV during the event. Commenting on the same, Iyer noted, “The EQS 450 SUV builds on the success of the EQS 580, which we launched a few months ago. The EQS 450 caters to customers seeking cutting-edge technology, generous space, and sustainability at its core.”  

“We launched the EQS 580 in September last year in a 7-seater configuration. The response was phenomenal. We received feedback that there was a demand for both 7-seater and 5-seater variants. The EQS 580 exceeded all expectations, selling out within three months of its launch. Deliveries for the 7-seater will resume in April 2025, while the 5-seater variant is set to roll out soon.  The EQS SUV line-up now includes two configurations: the 7-seater EQS 580, ideal for larger families with pets and frequent travel needs and the 5-seater EQS 450, designed for nuclear families who still want generous luggage space,” he added.   

The EQS 450 comes in the electric art line, which distinguishes it from the 7-seater variant. It boasts features like energising air control, advanced luggage capacity and an impressive WLTP-certified range of 820 kilometers, making it one of the longest-range electric SUVs.  

It is priced at INR 12.8 million(ex-showroom). Deliveries will begin in February 2025. 

Look back into 2024

It was reported that Mercedes-Benz India achieved its best-ever sales of 19,565 units during the January to December 2024 period, representing a 12.4 percent increase compared to the 17,408 units sold in the same period in 2023. Growth during the second half of 2024 (July to December) was noted to be a strong 16 percent.

The fastest-growing segment was top-end vehicles (TEVs), which experienced a 30 percent year-to-date (YTD) growth. It was also highlighted that one out of every four Mercedes-Benz cars sold in India in 2024 was a TEV.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also marked its best-ever sales with a 94 percent YTD growth, achieving over 6 percent sales penetration. It was noted that Mercedes-Benz introduced four new BEVs in 2024 namely, EQA 250+, EQB SUV, EQS SUV 580 and the Maybach EQS SUV. This expansion of the BEV portfolio reportedly generated significant customer interest and reinforced Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in the luxury BEV segment by achieving its highest-ever annual BEV sales.  

Moreover, the company achieved the sale of 200,000 cars in India since 1994. It was mentioned that of these, 100,000 cars were sold in just the last six years (2019–2024). 

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services also achieved a portfolio of INR 10 billion in India with over 50 percent penetration. It was stated that every second Mercedes-Benz retailed in India was financed through the service, which also attained an 80 percent insurance penetration rate. 

Road Ahead

The company revealed plans for the launch of eight new models in 2025 with most focusing on BEVs and TEVs to offer consumers the latest products and cutting-edge intuitive technology. The company was also reported to expand its luxury network reach in 2025, planning 20 new luxury outlets supported by a commitment of over INR 4.5 billion in investment from franchise partners over three years.

It was stated that the focus on TEVs extended beyond cars with plans to partner for dedicated stores selling Maybach collection items, the first of which would be opening in Bengaluru.

Mercedes-Benz India announced a collaboration with Tata Cliq Luxury to allow enthusiasts to purchase or gift exclusive Mercedes-Benz collection items online through the ‘House of Mercedes-Benz’. 

To mark the milestone of 200,000 vehicles on Indian roads, Mercedes-Benz reportedly launched several corporate citizenship initiatives. The company committed INR 75 million to road safety initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities on highways like the ‘Samrudhhi Mahamarg’ and the ‘Nizamabad Corridor’ in Hyderabad.

Additionally, a new retail campaign was launched to celebrate the 200,000 milestone, offering exclusive event invitations to existing customers and a chance for a lucky new customer to attend the F1 race in Monaco.