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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India has been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for its e Vitara, marking a moment for the company's electric vehicle strategy.

The e Vitara is built on Suzuki’s Heartect-e platform designed for electric vehicles to deliver strength, structural rigidity and advanced high voltage protection. The ‘Made-in-India, Made-for-the-World’ e Vitara is designed and tested for temperature conditions across the world, ensuring performance from as high as 60deg Celsius to as low as -30deg Celsius. The model is offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, said, “Congratulations to Maruti Suzuki for achieving 5-star Bharat NCAP in both adult and child occupant protection for their e Vitara. I am especially glad that Maruti Suzuki has shown real leadership in providing 7 airbags as a standard across all variants of the e Vitara.”

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for e Vitara, our first Battery Electric Vehicle, is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Maruti Suzuki. Using the Bharat NCAP 5-star rating, we will export the e Vitara to more than 100 countries of the world. Bharat NCAP’s globally benchmarked stringent vehicle test protocols have been a catalyst in empowering customers to make informed decisions. I thank the Minister Gadkari, the officials in his Ministry and test agencies for their rigorous efforts and commitment in shaping India’s journey towards safe mobility.”

The e VITARA’s body structure uses more than 60 percent ultra-high tensile and high-tensile strength steel. Its battery protection system incorporates a structural design with an energy-absorbing battery pack mounting structure.

Key safety features include 7 standard airbags (including the Driver's knee airbag), Level 2 ADAS (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and a 360-degree Surround View Camera.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mahindra has marked a major milestone in its nationwide electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion with the inauguration of its first dealership-based ultrafast charger – a 180 kW Charge_IN station.

This is the first of many such installations planned across Mahindra dealerships, forming a key pillar of the company’s commitment to building India’s ultrafast charging network.

This initiative scales up Mahindra’s Charge_IN ecosystem, complementing the 250 highway fast-charging stations already announced. The new 180 kW ultrafast chargers will enable EV users to charge quickly and conveniently at strategically located dealerships across the country, with 24x7 on-ground support.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported wholesales of 66,840 units in November 2025, up 9.1 percent YoY as against 61,252 units last year.

This includes domestic sales of 50,340 units, up 4 percent YoY and exports of 16,500 units, up 27 percent YoY.

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Supported by GST 2.0 reforms, we continue to carry forward sales momentum with a year-on-year growth in our monthly domestic sales in November 2025. Further, our commitment to bolstering India’s role as a global manufacturing hub is further solidified with 26.9% year-on-year growth in monthly exports.”

He further added that the all-new Hyundai Venue SUV, the company's first software-defined vehicle in India, has received more than 32,000 bookings within a month of its launch. The new Venue features ccNC infotainment powered by Nvidia.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced its wholesales for November 2025, reporting total sales of 33,752 units, up 28 percent YoY.

This includes 30,085 units sold in the domestic market and 3,667 units exported.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales–Service–Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Following a positive festive season supported by the government’s progressive GST reforms, we continue to witness a strong momentum, with a growth of 19 percent. The recent introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Aero Edition and Fortuner Leader Edition has also continued to help us reinforce this growth trajectory, receiving recognition across the country. The innovative initiatives such as the Drum Tao and the launch of the toyota experiential museum (tem) in Bangalore, have been highly appreciated, further strengthening customer engagement and brand connect.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!