4 New Plug-In Hybrid Cars To Be Launched In India This Year

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From JSW MG Motor to Mercedes-Benz, multiple brands to launch new plug-in hybrid EVs in India in the coming months

While the Indian car market is gradually warming up to hybrid powertrains, plug-in hybrid technology still remains a niche, being limited to select a few luxury models. However, this year, the availability of plug-in hybrid systems will extend to mass-market and premium segments as well. Between now and December, four new PHEVs will be launched in India:

1. Mercedes S-Class

Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the facelifted S-Class in India on 15 June, and it will offer the updated full-size luxury sedan in the S 450 e plug-in hybrid variant. In the long wheelbase version, expected to be standard in our market, the S 450 e combines a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for 429 hp of system power and 680 Nm of total torque.

A 21.96 kWh battery pack powers the electric motor, and it can be charged at up to 11 kW (AC)/60 kW (DC). According to WLTP, it delivers a zero-emission range of 109 kilometres.

Also Read: JSW MG Installs 1,000 EV Chargers, Confirms 3 New Cars For 2026 Including A PHEV

2. Jetour Traveller C-DM

JSW Motors, JSW Group’s new standalone automotive venture, plans to launch a rebadged version of Chery’s Jetour Traveller C-DM as its first model. The Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV, which will compete with the Toyota Fortuner and MG Majestor in India, uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two or three electric motors, depending on the configuration selected.

In China, Chery offers a choice of 27.2 kWh and 43.24 kWh LFP battery packs, and the latter delivers a range of up to 162 kilometres, as per WLTC. Which of the configurations is planned to be offered in the rebadged Indian model, which will be locally assembled from imported knocked-down kits, remains to be seen.

3. MG 520

JSW MG Motor will launch a rebadged version of the SAIC-GM-Wuling Chinese joint venture’s Wuling Starlight 560 in India by October. The company plans to sell this model in pure electric and plug-in hybrid variants, and while the 5- and 7-seat versions are available internationally, it may only offer the latter here. The plug-in hybrid variant pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor and uses a 20.5 kWh LFP battery pack. It can travel up to 125 kilometres in EV mode, as per CLTC. In India, it will challenge the likes of Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.

Also Read: BYD Seal U Plug-In Hybrid SUV Debuts In India With 1,200 Km Range

4. BYD Seal U

The BYD Song Plus, so far rumoured to be launched as the BYD Sealion 6, has been officially confirmed to be called BYD Seal U in India. BYD sells this model in petrol and petrol-electric plug-in hybrid variants internationally and offers a range of powertrain options for the latter. In India, it plans to offer the plug-in hybrid variant with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a single electric motor, along with an 18.3 kWh LFP battery pack that can deliver a pure electric range of 126 kilometres. BYD will likely launch this model in the fourth quarter of the year.

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Tata To Launch 2 New Electric SUVs With AWD Powertrain In Next 5 Months

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Tata Motors will further expand its EV portfolio with the launch of the Sierra EV and Safari EV in the coming months in India

Tata Motors already has the biggest and most diverse EV portfolio in the Indian market with as many as half a dozen models across various segments. However, that hasn’t stopped the brand from rolling out more new electric cars. Now, it is all set to expand the EV line-up on June 30 by presenting the Sierra EV – its newest and latest EV model. That’s not all, as the homegrown automaker will further widen the electric vehicle range by launching the Safari EV during the festive season of Diwali (Oct-Nov 2026) in the Indian market.

Hence, in the next 3-5 months, we will witness 2 new electric SUVs with AWD powertrains going on sale in the domestic market. Tata Motors retails the all-electric versions of the Tiago, Tigor, Punch, Nexon, Curvv and Harrier in India. Now, with the launch of the Sierra and Safari electric SUVs, the company will have a presence in practically every popular segment.

First things first, Tata Sierra EV debuted at the Auto Expo 2020 in concept form. It was later showcased at the Auto Expo 2023 as well while the production-ready version was teased last year alongside the launch of Sierra ICE. Likely to be positioned between the Curvv EV and the Harrier EV, it will be underpinned by the acti.ev+ architecture.

Also Read: 3 New Midsize SUVs From Tata, Nissan And Honda Arriving Soon

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Motors, has already confirmed that the Sierra EV will be offered in RWD and AWD versions. The company is expected to retail the all-wheel-drive system only with the range-topping 75 kWh battery pack. The Sierra EV is likely to be launched in a price bracket of Rs 18-25 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country.

For reference, Tata Curvv EV is priced between Rs 16.99-19.19 lakh while the Harrier EV comes in a range of 21.49-28.99 lakh. Coming to the Safari EV, it was recently spotted testing for the first time on the Indian roads. It will go on sale during Oct-Nov 2026 as the brand’s flagship electric SUV with a three-row, seven-seater configuration at a starting price of around Rs 23 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Top 10 EV Car Brands May 2026; Tata, Mahindra, MG, Maruti, VinFast, BYD

Tata Safari EV will directly rival Mahindra XEV 9S in the Indian market. Tata has followed its tried-and-trusted ICE-to-EV conversion process in the case of Safari as it has done earlier with all its electric cars, including the Harrier and Sierra. Sitting on the acti.ev+ architecture, it will be available with the same 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery pack as the Harrier EV, with a dual-motor AWD option.

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Hyundai And Kia To Launch New Models With Hybrid Powertrain

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Hyundai and Kia will launch new hybrid 5-seater and 7-seater SUVs in the Indian market in the next 9-12 months

Hyundai and Kia, the South-Korean auto brands, have officially confirmed the launch of hybrid vehicles in the Indian market. While the current-gen Seltos is expected to get a hybridised version by the end of this year, the new-gen Creta is likely to be Hyundai’s first hybrid model in India as it launches by mid 2027. The other two Hyundai and Kia hybrid vehicles in India will be three-row, seven-seater premium SUVs which are believed to go on sale by the end of 2027 in the domestic market.

Both the Korean brands have been extremely tightlipped about the powertrain details of the upcoming hybrid cars in India. However, we have learnt that the existing 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine will be hybridised in the Seltos and Creta. Recently, a media report stated that Hyundai has commenced work on an all-new 1.2L TGDi petrol engine with hybrid tech which will debut with the Bayon crossover.

The report further added that this 1.2L petrol hybrid engine will be seen in Hyundai’s future models sold in India as well as global markets. In fact, the upcoming new-gen Hyundai Creta could be equipped with the same powertrain setup while it retains the existing petrol and diesel engine options. More details are expected post the launch of the Bayon crossover, which is considered as Hyundai’s rival to Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Also Read: All-New Hyundai i20 Introduced – Bigger & Closer To An SUV Than Ever Before

Image Source: car_charcha/Instagram

Talking about Hyundai’s 7-seater hybrid SUV, it could be based on the long-wheelbase version of the China-spec Tucson SUV. Codenamed Ni1i, it could be priced between Rs 20-25 lakh (ex-showroom) in the Indian market. As for Kia’s 7-seater hybrid SUV, it will be a Sorento-based model which has been codenamed MQ4i. Likely to be priced around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kia hybrid SUV will directly rival Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.

Needless to mention, the hybrid models of the Creta and Seltos would command a premium of at least Rs 2 lakh over their regular petrol-powered versions. Recently, the new-gen Creta was spotted testing in India and the spy images confirmed a premium, upmarket and exquisite cabin. In addition, it will be underpinned by a new K3 platform, shared with new-gen Seltos, with overall dimensions higher than the current model.

Also Read: New Gen Hyundai i20 Fully Leaked; Revised Design & Big Cabin Updates

The test units of the new-gen Hyundai Creta were riding on 19-inch alloy wheels while flaunting the Venue-inspired LED headlamps with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs. The new SUV will boast of a massive central touchscreen infotainment system and latest ADAS features. The coming 9-12 months are going to be really exciting for both these brands as the new hybrid SUVs are launched in our country.

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Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings To Open On June 22 – India’s Fastest Skoda SUV

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Skoda Kodiaq RS will pack a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine producing 265 hp and feature an AWD system as standard; will be sold in limited quantity

Skoda Auto India will open bookings for the new Kodiaq RS on June 22 bringing the iconic RS badge back to the country’s SUV space. The high-performance version of the second generation Kodiaq will sit at the top of the lineup and arrive as the quickest and most powerful Skoda SUV ever introduced in India. Deliveries are expected to commence soon after the launch.

The Kodiaq RS carries a much more aggressive appearance than the standard model. A gloss black grille, black exterior accents, RS-specific bumpers, larger alloy wheels and exclusive badging will help distinguish it from regular variants. The front fascia also gains a sportier treatment while the rear section features a full-width lighting element and RS branding.

In addition, contrast red brake calipers will further separate the performance-based SUV from the standard model. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI turbocharged petrol engine producing a maximum power output of 265 hp and 400 Nm of peak torque. The motor is married to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system as standard.

Compared to the previous-gen Kodiaq RS sold internationally, output has increased while efficiency and refinement have also received attention. The performance figures are expected to be among the strongest in the segment. International specifications indicate a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in just 6.3 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to around 231 kmph.

It will also pack more electronics and advanced tech to improve overall dynamics. Adaptive chassis control, progressive steering and revised suspension tuning will also be part of the package. Inside the cabin, the Skoda Kodiaq RS will receive sport seats with integrated headrests, RS-specific upholstery, contrast stitching and unique trim inserts.

A large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, wireless smartphone charging and a premium audio system are expected to be part of the equipment list. Safety features will also be comprehensive including multiple airbags, electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and a suite of ADAS functions.

It must be noted that the latest Kodiaq has already benefited from significant upgrades in technology and safety compared to its predecessor. The Kodiaq RS is based on Volkswagen Group’s latest MQB Evo architecture and measures over 4.75 metres in length.

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BMW M Concept Breaks Cover At Le Mans Previewing New Electric M3

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The M Concept Neue Klasse previews what the future high-performance electric M cars could look like especially the M3 EV

BMW has taken the wraps off the M Concept Neue Klasse at the 24 Hours of Le Mans providing the clearest indication yet of what the future high-performance electric M cars could look like especially the M3 EV. The concept previews a new design direction for BMW M while introducing a new electric powertrain featuring four motors, an 800-volt architecture and a battery pack of more than 100 kWh capacity.

More importantly, it demonstrates how BMW intends to carry its motorsport DNA into the electric era. The biggest talking point lies underneath the bodywork. BMW has developed a new M eDrive system specifically for future all-electric M products. The setup combines four electric motors with BMW M Dynamic Performance Control software integrated into the company’s new computing system enabling individual wheel control for both power delivery and braking functions.

BMW says the system can also deliver extremely high recuperation capability while improving response times. The powertrain is built around BMW’s sixth generation Neue Klasse tech. An 800-volt electrical architecture forms the foundation while a high-voltage battery with more than 100 kWh of energy capacity provides the energy source. BMW has also developed a dedicated M-specific version of its sixth-gen cylindrical battery cells to offer higher output during acceleration as well as faster charging capability.

The battery structure is integrated directly into the vehicle architecture and contributes to chassis rigidity and handling. On the outside, the concept gets an aggressive stance with wide wheel arches, pronounced shoulders and muscular proportions. BMW has deliberately linked the design to motorsport through several functional aerodynamic elements like reworked M aerodynamic mirrors, a prominent bonnet air outlet and a large rear diffuser.

A distinctive ducktail spoiler sits at the rear to increase downforce while complementing the clean surface treatment. The front end gains several features that are expected to influence future M models. The traditional kidney grille and headlamp units have been merged into a single design element. Yellow lighting graphics, known as M Yellow Lights, reference endurance racing machinery including the BMW M Hybrid V8. The concept also debuts new three-dimensional Track Lights integrated into the bumper sections. Similar elements appear at the rear where they frame the diffuser assembly.

BMW has placed a strong emphasis on lightweight and sustainable materials. Natural fibre components can be found in several areas including the front splitter, diffuser and bonnet air outlet. The material also appears within the roof graphics where BMW has incorporated subtle M branding. A newly developed Monza Red metallic exterior finish and centre-lock wheels featuring red and blue accents further connect the concept to BMW’s motorsport heritage.

The cabin follows a minimalist approach with four newly developed bucket seats featuring integrated natural-fibre structural elements while a dual-tone combination of Bathurst Blue and Berry Red Merino leather references BMW M colours. Red five-point harnesses elevate the race-inspired theme while BMW has also introduced black nubuck leather across the steering wheel, door panels and roll structure.

A floating dashboard finished in black knit material features illuminated hexagonal detailing unique to M products while contrast red accents appear on the steering wheel controls, gear selector and digital displays. Every aspect of the interior has been configured around performance driving according to the brand.

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Skoda Kylaq Sportline To Launch In India This Festive Season – All Key Details

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Skoda Kylaq Sportline is expected to slot between mid-spec variants and the higher Prestige grades while carrying a more aggressive exterior theme

Skoda will consolidate the Kylaq’s range this festive season with the introduction of a new Sportline variant which was confirmed earlier this year. The compact SUV has already emerged as a key volume model for the Czech manufacturer and the upcoming trim will add a sportier flavour to the lineup. The new version is expected to slot between mid-spec variants and the higher Prestige grades while carrying a more aggressive exterior theme.

The Sportline treatment will primarily enable exterior revisions. Darkened design elements, black-finished alloy wheels, black exterior accents and Sportline badging could differentiate it from the standard Kylaq. Similar treatment has already been seen on other Sportline-badged Skoda products sold internationally as well as in India – Kushaq and Slavia. Cosmetic upgrades are expected to be the primary talking point rather than mechanical revisions.

Under the bonnet, the Skoda Kylaq Sportline is expected to continue with the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbocharged petrol engine. The motor develops 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque and is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. No output changes are expected for the Sportline version.

The Czech brand could introduce a new eight-speed AT found in the recently facelifted Kushaq. The compact SUV is underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 IN architecture which also serves as the foundation for the Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun and Virtus. Feature availability is expected to mirror higher variants in the existing range as well.

Equipment such as a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, digital instrumentation, cruise control, wireless charging and connected car technology could be part of the package. Safety equipment list will comprise six airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring and rear parking assistance amongst others.

skoda Kylaq

More details regarding features, colours, pricing and variant positioning are expected closer to launch. India may not get the performance-based RS variant of the Kylaq as the SUV sits at the bottom of the brand’s portfolio. Currently, the Kylaq is priced between Rs. 7.5 lakh and Rs. 12.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and is available in Classic, Classic+, Signature, Signature+, Prestige and Prestige+ trim levels.

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New Gen Hyundai i20 Fully Leaked – Revised Design & Big Cabin Updates

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The new generation Hyundai i20 is expected to go on sale sometime next year in India with massive revisions inside and out

The new generation Hyundai i20 has leaked ahead of its global debut next month and the images reveal one of the biggest transformations in the premium hatchback’s history. Instead of sticking to a conventional hatchback shape, Hyundai appears to have pushed the new i20 towards crossover territory. The leaked photographs show chunkier bodywork, extensive black cladding, connected lighting elements and a completely redesigned cabin packed with new technology. The Indian-spec version is expected to arrive later with subtle changes.

The exterior design marks a dramatic departure from the current model. The front fascia features slim headlamp units connected by a black trim piece stretching across the width of the nose. Distinctive Y-shaped LED lighting signatures can be seen inside the headlamp clusters while the bumper gets a far more angular appearance. The nose appears taller and more upright than before and from certain angles, the design even bears similarities to compact crossovers.

The side profile reinforces that impression. Thick black plastic cladding surrounds the wheel arches, lower doors and bumpers creating a SUV-inspired look. The roofline remains familiar but the body surfaces appear sharper and more sculpted. Newly designed alloy wheels, a prominent shoulder line and a floating roof effect further differentiate the hatchback from the outgoing generation. The overall visual stance appears taller despite retaining compact dimensions.

Image Source: Koreancarblog

Perhaps the most controversial styling element can be found at the rear. The leaked images show triangular tail lamp clusters connected by a slim horizontal red lighting strip running across the tailgate. A large black panel covers the width of the rear section while the bumper receives chunky silver inserts and a more upright design. Compared to the current i20, the rear end looks considerably more experimental.

The cabin receives an equally significant overhaul. The leaked interior image reveals a massive curved display stretching across much of the dashboard. Both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen sit within a single housing and Hyundai’s latest three-spoke steering wheel design has also been introduced. Physical shortcut buttons remain below the screen while the centre console gains a more minimalist layout. Vertical air-conditioning vents, a rotary climate control dial and a two-tone black and beige colour scheme can also be seen.

Image Source: Koreancarblog

Depending on the market and trim level, the hatchback could gain upgraded connected car functions, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, over-the-air software updates, wireless charging, enhanced voice controls and a suite of ADAS features globally. Under the bonnet, India could retain the familiar powertrain lineup.

Entry-level variants are expected to continue with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing around 83 hp and 114 Nm. Meanwhile, high-spec grades should carry forward the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor generating 120 hp and 172 Nm. Manual and automatic gearbox options are expected to remain available.

Image Source: Koreancarblog

While several global markets are also expected to receive mild-hybrid technology paired with petrol engines, Brazil and certain international regions could additionally receive flex-fuel versions including a turbocharged 1.0-litre unit. Mild-hybrid assistance remains a possibility for India as well but official confirmation has not emerged yet.

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