Mercedes-Benz India Launches New AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe

Smithers’ market report discusses  impact of ride-sharing on the tyre industry

With enhanced driving experience than the outgoing AMG GLE 43 in India, the new car comes with a 3-litre, 6-cylinder in-line engine that comes factory-equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharging and F1 inspired 48V EQ boost that achieves a 435-hp power output and an additional 22-hp on-demand. The torque output of 520 Nm can also be stretched by another 250 Nm of electric output enabling an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in 5.3 seconds.

Calculated Variable Energy Distribution

The new all-wheel-drive technology calculates the optimum torque distribution depending on the driving conditions and driver’s requirements. Hence, the car can provide a traction-oriented all-wheel-drive system as well as a rear-wheel-drive experience. The nine-speed automatic transmission system is capable of short shift times and a double-declutching function when downshifting.

The ‘AMG Ride Control+’ adaptive performance suspension system, as the name implies, provides optimum conditions while adopting a sporty driving style both on and off the road. A special ‘Airmatic’ package combines the benefits of a modern air suspension system with adaptive damping system called ‘ADS+.’ The system also supports automatic level control depending on vehicle speed, drive programme and load. 

The on-board adaptive electronic stability programme analyses the readings of the steering angle sensor, the wheel speed sensors, the lateral acceleration and the yaw rate sensor to generate direction stabilising brake forces. The AMG Dynamics further enhance the driving dynamics with seven drive programmes. The AMG two-pipe performance exhaust system further enhances the overall driving experience.

Built For The Millennials

Mercedes Benz India has revealed that the new AMG GLE 53 Coupe is the first AMG to get MBUX in India. The SUV comes with an intuitive multimedia touch display system. The system responds to multi-finger gestures, hand movements and even handwriting inputs. The ‘Linguatronic’ voice control system awakens to ‘Hey Mercedes’ and processes some of the most complex indirect commands from the driver and passengers. The SUV comes with Burmester surround sound system and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for integration with smartphones.

Mercedes Me package allows the vehicle with a connection to the internet through two mobile antennas and an LTE-compatible SIM card. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe gives the user the ability to locate the vehicle and get its geo-coordinates through GPS while also monitoring the speed of the car. This system also triggers an emergency call automatically in the event of an accident. Other features include the remote engine start, remote retrieval of vehicle status, wireless mobile charging and other similar features.

The seats for the new SUV features seat kinematics, 4-way lumbar support, electrical adjustability and a memory feature that stores the position of the seat, the steering column and the exterior mirrors.

The car also comes with a highly efficient windscreen wiper called ‘Magic vision control’, adaptive multibeam LED that avoids dazzling the vehicles in the front or oncoming traffic (also seen in the rear lights), a 360-degree camera that provides a virtual bird’s eye view and radar sensors in the rear for removing any critical blindspots and radar sensors in the front that aid in active brake assist. The vehicle comes with nine airbags. (MT)

 

Audi A4 Signature Edition Launched At INR 5.71 Million

Audi A4 Signature Edition

German luxury car brand Audi has launched Audi A4 Signature Edition at INR 5.71 million (ex-showroom). The A4 Signature Edition features distinctive styling enhancements, including Audi rings entry LED lamps, exclusive Audi rings decals and dynamic wheel hub caps.

The company stated that the luxury car will be available in limited units and comes with five colour choices: Glacier White Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Progressive Red Metallic and Manhattan Grey Metallic.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi A4 has been one of the best-selling sedans in our line-up, combining dynamic performance with sophisticated elegance. With the launch of the Signature Edition, we’re offering our customers a chance to own an even more exclusive variant, distinguished by bespoke styling elements that elevate its premium appeal. The Audi A4 Signature Edition is crafted for discerning customers who value refined aesthetics and seek to make a sophisticated statement through their choice of vehicle.”

Some of the key highlights of the Audi A4 includes –

  • Park Assist with 360–degree camera (new)
  • New decorative inlays in wood oak, natural grey (new)
  • Audi rings entry LED lamps that create a striking welcome light projection (new)
  • Distinctive Audi rings decals for enhanced brand presence (new)
  • Dynamic wheel hub caps that maintain the perfect Audi logo orientation regardless of wheel motion (new)
  • Premium fragrance dispenser for enhanced cabin ambience (new)
  • Aerodynamic spoiler lip for a more dynamic profile (new)
  • Key cover in customisable colour options for a premium touch to your vehicle access (new)
  • Stainless steel pedal covers add a sporty interior accent (new)
  • Special alloy wheel paint design for a striking appearance (new)

The Audi A4 is powered by a 2.0L TFSI engine that churns out 204 hp (150kW) and 320 Nm torque. A zero to 100 kmph in just 7.1 seconds and it has a top speed of 241 kmph. It features a 12V Mild Hybrid System that reduces fuel consumption, brake recuperation enhances the overall fuel efficiency, B&O Premium sound system with 3D sound – with 19 speakers including a centre speaker and subwoofer, 16-channel amplifier and an output of 755 watts.

Hyundai Alcazar Corporate Variant With Panoramic Sunroof Launched At INR 1.78 Million

Hyundai Alcazar

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.”

HYUNDAI ALCAZAR
Premium Exteriors Quad beam LED headlamps
LED turn signal with sequential function
R17 (D=436.6 mm) Diamond cut alloys
Bridge type roof rails
Premium Convenience Smart key with push button start
Dual zone automatic temperature control (DATC)
Voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof
Ambient light on crashpad, front and rear doors
Hi-Tech Experience 26.03 cm (10.25") HD Audio Video Navigation System
Wireless Android Auto & Apple Carplay (Wired to Wireless Adapter)
Hyundai Bluelink (connected car technology)
Front row wireless charger
Advanced Safety 6 airbags
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Hill-start assist control (HAC)
Vehicle stability management (VSM)

Tata Motors Bets On Familiar Design To Tap Into New Customer Base

Tata Harrier.ev

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.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces Neo Drive Variant For Fortuner And Legender SUVs

Toyota Legender 48V

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.