Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Concept CLA Class, a new electric iteration of the CLA, alongside the latest Gelandwagen and a Mercedes-Maybach ultra-luxury SUV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. Positioned as the electric successor to the CLA, the Concept CLA Class is the first model to feature the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). It debuts the brand’s latest operating system, alongside fresh design and technological updates.

The Concept CLA Class previews the latest electric-drive technology from Mercedes-Benz, drawn directly from the Vision EQXX concept. With a claimed range exceeding 750 km and an energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km, it has been dubbed the "one-litre car for the electric age" in reference to hyper-efficient internal combustion vehicles. The 800V electric architecture supports 250 kW DC fast charging, enabling the vehicle to recharge up to 400 km in just 15 minutes. Two battery variants are available: silicon-oxide anode for higher-spec models and lithium-iron phosphate for entry-level variants. Powering the vehicle is a 235 bhp permanently excited synchronous motor coupled with a 2-speed transmission. Weighing only 110 kg, the powertrain delivers an impressive 93% energy efficiency during long-distance driving.

Built on the MMA platform, the Concept CLA Class is designed primarily for electric drivetrains but also accommodates combustion engines. The vehicle is rear-wheel-drive by default, though the modular platform can be configured for all-wheel-drive. The concept also includes bi-directional charging, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and vehicle-to-appliance (V2A) functions, underscoring its potential for smart energy integration.

Inside, the MBUX Superscreen delivers a full-width digital dashboard powered by the new MB.OS operating system. It integrates Google Maps and other embedded apps for a seamless user experience. Notable interior features include digitally visualised AC vents with floating effects and physical control interfaces, dynamic ambient lighting in blue and violet, and sustainable nappa leather upholstery in silver and crystal white. The cabin is also designed with advanced Level 3 Lidar-based autonomous driving capabilities, with over-the-air updates enabling future upgrades to higher levels of autonomy.

A standout safety feature is the Child Presence Detection (CPD) system, which uses cameras and sensors to detect breathing patterns. If a child is left unattended, the system triggers air conditioning, sounds the horn, and issues alerts to mitigate risks in hot weather.

Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the Concept CLA Class in India in 2025. The production model will closely resemble the concept and will offer Indian buyers a preview of the future of luxury electric mobility. Pricing details are yet to be announced.

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company and American automaker General Motors have joined forces to develop five new vehicles, including four for Central and South America and one for the North American market. The partnership aims to leverage the companies' combined scale to bring new models to customers faster and at a lower cost.

The collaboration will produce a compact SUV, car, and two different pickup trucks for Central and South American markets. These vehicles will be flexible, offering both traditional internal combustion engines and hybrid options. For North America, the companies will co-develop an electric commercial van.

The new vehicles are slated to launch starting in 2028. GM will take the lead on developing the mid-size truck platform, while Hyundai will spearhead the compact vehicle and electric van projects. While the vehicles will share platforms, each company will design unique interiors and exteriors to reflect its own brand.

This strategic collaboration is expected to produce more than 800,000 vehicles annually once production is fully scaled. The companies also plan to explore joint sourcing for materials and logistics, and are committed to sustainable manufacturing, including the use of low-carbon emissions steel.

Jose Munoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Hyundai’s strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets. Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want – beautifully designed, high-quality, safety focused vehicles with technology they appreciate.”

Shilpan Amin, GM's Senior Vice-President and Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer, said, “By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost. These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”

The partnership, which was announced in September 2024, is still exploring other potential joint ventures, including collaboration on additional vehicle programs and propulsion systems like hydrogen fuel cell technology.

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CUPRA has introduced new Shadow Edition variants for its Leon and Leon Estate models in the UK, featuring bold dark styling accents that amplify the brand's sporty aesthetic. Based on the V3 trim, these editions come equipped with premium features such as leather upholstery, advanced driver aids and Dynamic Chassis Control.

The exterior showcases 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, black side skirts and a sleek roof spoiler, complemented by advanced CUPRA Matrix LED ULTRA headlights for superior nighttime visibility. Buyers can opt for the IMMERSIVE by Sennheiser sound system, which includes a 10-speaker setup with a subwoofer for an enhanced audio experience.

Additional upgrades like a panoramic sunroof, towbar, and various paint options are also available. Starting at GBP 36,770, the Shadow Edition is now open for orders in the UK.

Marcus Gossen, Managing Director of SEAT and CUPRA UK, said, “The launch of the Shadow Edition in the UK is a big step forward in the design journey of the CUPRA Leon. The Leon is the flagship hatchback of the brand and remains a disruptor and a style-leading icon in the market. The new features of the Shadow Edition combine striking design and leading technology to ensure that the Leon continues to be a popular choice for drivers.”

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Jaguar Land Rover has announced a new addition to its high-performance SUV lineup, the Range Rover Sport SV Carbon. The new model, which will debut on 13 August at Monterey Car Week, joins the existing Range Rover Sport SV and SV Black models, offering an even stronger focus on lightweight materials and performance aesthetics.

The Range Rover Sport SV Carbon features extensive use of carbon fibre, including a standard Forged Carbon Exterior Pack with detailing around the Active Quad Exhausts. Customers can also opt for a Twill Carbon finish and an exposed carbon fibre bonnet. The vehicle sits on lightweight 23-inch forged alloy wheels, with optional ultra-lightweight 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheels also available. For stopping power, customers can choose optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes with a variety of calliper colour choices.

Inside, the carbon fibre theme continues with Forged Carbon detailing on the seatbacks and dashboard. The interior offers a choice of four colour themes in either perforated Windsor Leather or a leather-free Ultrafabrics material. Extended Moonlight Chrome detailing and illuminated SV treadplates complete the interior design.

Under the hood, the SV Carbon features a carbon fibre engine cover over a 4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8 mild hybrid petrol engine. The engine produces 635 horsepower and 750Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to reach a top speed of 180 mph (290 kmph). The vehicle also includes advanced features like the 6D Dynamics Suspension and Body and Soul Seat (BASS) technology, which provides a multi-dimensional audio experience.

Ryan Miller, Product and Services Marketing Director for Range Rover, said, "Following the introduction of the previously limited Range Rover Sport SV Edition ONE and Edition TWO, clients now have more choice when it comes to specifying their ultimate luxury performance SUV. Last month we announced the Range Rover Sport SV Black, offering a stealthy, dipped-in-black aesthetic, while the new Range Rover Sport SV Carbon is an assertive interpretation of our luxury performance SUV. Offered alongside Range Rover Sport SV and SV Black, it completes the new line-up showcasing the best of Range Rover’s sophisticated carbon fibre materials, for the ultimate expression of lightweight performance."

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Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has launched the new Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition at prices starting INR 830,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The compact SUV now features suave interior black theme and Japanese-inspired design cues.  

The Magnite Kuro Special Edition, available with turbo-petrol and naturally aspirated petrol engines features a ‘Kuro’ badge on the left fender, Piano Black front grille, black skid plates, gloss black roof rails, R16 diamond-cut alloy wheels and black door handles. Standard equipment includes black LED headlamps with turn indicators. The interior has a dark theme with piano black finishes, and the model adds a wireless charger as standard and a dash cam as an accessory.

In addition, a new metallic grey colour option has been launched for the Tekna, Tekna+ and N Connecta variants.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The New Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition embodies bold design and refined craftsmanship, thoughtfully created in response to strong customer demand for a distinctive, premium and feature-packed offering. The previous edition of the Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition received an overwhelming response from customers for its striking all-black aesthetic and unique identity.”

“The New Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition elevates the Magnite’s SUV presence while staying true to Nissan’s core promise of exceptional value, advanced innovation and uncompromised safety. The recent 5-star GNCAP is testimony to our commitment to safety and deliver world class products from India under our ‘One Car, One World’ strategy. To celebrate this achievement, we are also introducing a brand-new colour – Metallic Grey to the Magnite line-up.”

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