2026 BMW X5 LWB Revealed, India Launch Expected In 2027

BMW has revealed the long-wheelbase versions of the new generation X5 and the all-electric iX5, with both models making their global debut in China. Developed specifically for the Chinese market, the SUVs are underpinned by BMW’s new Neue Klasse architecture and feature a longer wheelbase aimed at improving rear-seat comfort and overall cabin space.

The most notable change is the 130 mm increase in wheelbase, taking the overall figure to 3165 mm. According to BMW, the additional length benefits rear passenger legroom while also enhancing ride quality and high-speed stability. The longer proportions also give the SUV a more imposing stance on the road.

Both models adopt BMW’s latest Neue Klasse design language, featuring redesigned front and rear styling along with new diagonal LED lighting signatures. Customers can also opt for a distinctive double-X lighting pattern, adding a unique visual element to the SUV’s exterior.

Inside, the cabin has been comprehensively redesigned with a minimalist dashboard layout, premium materials including slate and glass trim, and newly developed seats. The technology package includes BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system running Operating System X, a floating central touchscreen, the Panoramic Vision display and, for the first time on the X5, a dedicated passenger display. Rear-seat occupants also benefit from BMW’s latest Theatre Screen, offering 8K video streaming, gaming and video-calling functionality.

BMW has not yet confirmed the complete powertrain lineup for the long-wheelbase X5 in China. However, it is expected to be offered with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options, including the X5 40 xDrive, X5 40d xDrive, X5 50e xDrive and X5 M60e xDrive variants.

The all-electric iX5 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and is equipped with a 141 kWh battery pack. On the Chinese CLTC test cycle, BMW claims a driving range of up to 1000 km, although real-world figures and WLTP-certified range are expected to be lower.

Sales of the long-wheelbase X5 and iX5 are scheduled to begin in China in early 2027. While BMW has not officially announced plans for additional markets, the long-wheelbase X5 and iX5 are also expected to be introduced in India during 2027, reflecting the growing demand for chauffeur-focused luxury SUVs in the country.

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7-Seater Xiaomi SkyNomad SUV Debuts With 1,705 Km Range & Reconfigurable Cabin

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Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max offers up to 2,760 mm of combined occupant space while second-row legroom extends to 1,550 mm

Xiaomi has taken the wraps off the all-new SkyNomad SUV while introducing the brand’s new Kunlun technical architecture alongside its most family-based electric vehicle yet. Offered in two extended-range variants, the SkyNomad N90 Max and SkyNomad N70 Max, the new SUV concentrates on cabin flexibility, long drive capability, safety and AI-powered tech. Pre-orders have now opened in China with prices starting at RMB 259,900 (Rs. 36.81 lakh).

The range is led by the SkyNomad N90 Max, a flagship seven-seater range extender SUV priced at RMB 299,900 (Rs. 42.47 lakh) while the five-seat N70 Max AWD is available from RMB 259,900 (Rs. 36.81 lakh). Both models sit on Xiaomi’s new Kunlun platform which is developed specifically to offer optimal passenger space and interior versatility.

The larger N90 Max measures 5,285 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width and 1,825 mm in height riding on a 3,080 mm wheelbase. The smaller N70 Max stretches 4,960 mm long with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. Xiaomi says the new platform has been created around cabin space first allowing the SkyNomad to feature a completely flat floor extending from the first row to the cargo area.

The seven-seater N90 Max offers up to 2,760 mm of combined occupant space while second-row legroom extends to 1,550 mm. Cargo capacity reaches 1,831 litres with the seats folded and Xiaomi claims the SUV can accommodate up to 24 20-inch suitcases in its maximum storage configuration. The cabin also supports multiple seating layouts enabling the vehicle to transform into a lounge, mobile office, sleeping area or maximum cargo hauler depending on occupant requirements.

Powering the SkyNomad is Xiaomi’s new Kunlun extended range system. The N70 Max delivers up to 505 km of pure electric driving range on the CLTC cycle while the larger N90 Max returns up to 464 km. Combined driving range for the N90 Max stands at an impressive 1,705 km. Xiaomi has also achieved a claimed fuel consumption figure of just 6.26 L per 100 km when the battery is depleted.

The N90 Max features dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 310 kW of peak power. Xiaomi says the SUV combines strong straight-line performance with impressive agility helped by a double-wishbone front suspension, H-arm multi-link rear suspension, adaptive air suspension and continuously variable dampers. Despite measuring over 5.2 metres in length, it boasts a turning radius of just 5.95 metres.

The body uses 90.4 per cent high-strength steel and aluminium alongside 2,200 MPa ultra-high-strength steel across critical structural areas. The SUV comes equipped with 12 airbags, 39 anti-pinch protection points, triple-redundant door opening systems, emergency tailgate exits for third-row passengers and Xiaomi’s new Armor Scale Battery which features 18 layers of structural protection and comprehensive thermal safety measures.

The cabin gains a minimalist layout centred around Xiaomi’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered infotainment platform. Features include a customisable head-up display, six-screen connectivity, a 25-speaker audio system, a rear control display, powered massage seats, an integrated refrigerator, 50W wireless charging and Xiaomi Hyper XiaoAi AI assistant, capable of adjusting seating layouts, lighting and climate through voice commands.

The SkyNomad also introduces Xiaomi’s latest assisted driving suite as standard. Hardware includes LiDAR, 4D millimetre-wave radar, multiple cameras and a 700 TOPS computing platform, supporting advanced navigation, voice-controlled driving functions and intelligent parking assistance.

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Land Rover Discovery Sport Production To End In December 2026

Land Rover will discontinue the Discovery Sport by the end of 2026, bringing the entry-level SUV’s production run to a close after more than a decade. Manufacturing will end in December 2026 as the model reaches the end of its lifecycle, with production already being phased out in some European markets.

The Discovery Sport, which replaced the Freelander in 2015, was once among JLR’s strongest-performing products. In its first full year on sale, the SUV recorded global sales of over 122,000 units, making it the brand’s best-selling model in 2016. However, demand has declined steadily in recent years despite receiving a mid-life update in 2020 that brought revisions to its platform and interior.

By 2025, the Discovery Sport had become JLR’s lowest-selling vehicle, with annual sales falling to less than one-tenth of the volume achieved in 2016. The larger Land Rover Discovery has also witnessed declining demand and is expected to be phased out in the coming years, although the company has not officially confirmed its timeline.

The Discovery Sport’s withdrawal from several European countries also coincides with the European Union’s latest General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2), which requires manufacturers to equip new vehicles with additional safety technologies. Rather than updating the ageing SUV to comply with the new regulations, JLR appears to have opted to end production, a strategy similar to Porsche’s decision to discontinue the internal combustion-powered Macan in Europe.

While the Discovery Sport is heading for retirement, JLR has indicated that the closely related Range Rover Evoque will continue to remain part of the lineup. According to Range Rover managing director Martin Limpert, the company is prioritising the launch of the electric Range Rover and Range Rover Sport while continuing to support the Evoque and Velar through updates and special editions. He added that JLR cannot replace every model simultaneously and continues to see demand for both SUVs.

The end of Discovery Sport production is also expected to create additional manufacturing capacity at JLR’s Halewood facility in the UK. Reports suggest the plant will eventually produce the upcoming all-electric Range Rover GT based on the company’s new EMA platform. Although speculation points to the arrival of a Defender Sport in the near future, JLR has not announced a direct successor to the Discovery Sport.

Source

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2026 Tata Punch EV Bags 5 Stars In Bharat NCAP Crash Tests

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2026 Tata Punch EV Bharat NCAP has secured 31.09 out of 32 in adult occupant protection and 45 out of 49 in child occupant protection tests

Tata Motors has added another five-star safety rating to its portfolio with the recently launched Punch EV facelift clearing Bharat NCAP assessments in May 2026. The micro electric SUV scored 31.09 out of 32 in adult occupant protection and 45 out of 49 in child occupant protection. The tested variants were the ADV 40 and EMP+S 40 tipping the scales at 1,613 kg each.

The crash test organisation has confirmed that the rating extends to six variants in total: SMT+40, ADV 40, EMP 40, EMP+S 40, SMT 30 and SMT+ 30. Every single one of them carries the same safety equipment onboard as standard. In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the 2026 Punch EV returned 15.28 out of 16 points.

The side movable deformable barrier test yielded 15.80 out of 16 while the side pole impact results were marked satisfactory. These indicate structural integrity that holds up across different crash modes. Safety assist technologies are standard fitment across the range as ESC (Electronic Stability Control) compliant with UN GTR No. 8, UNECE R140 and AIS-133 is present on every variant.

Also Read: Tata Motors And Mahindra To Launch 3 New Compact SUVs Soon In India

So are curtain airbags for all three rows, pedestrian protection meeting AIS-100 and seat-belt reminders for the driver, front passenger and rear occupants. The front passenger also gets a manual airbag cut-off switch. For adult occupants, the driver receives a frontal airbag, belt pretensioner and belt load-limiter as standard. The front passenger gets a frontal airbag and load-limiter but not a pretensioner.

Chest-protecting side airbags are fitted for the driver and front passenger while rear passengers are covered by curtain airbags and seat-belt reminders, and ISOFIX mounts are available on the outboard second-row seats. Child occupant protection broke down into three areas. Dynamic testing using the Joie i Spin Safe i-SIZE child restraint system, mounted rearward-facing with ISOFIX and a support leg, scored the maximum 24 points.

Also Read: 6 Upcoming Tata Cars & SUVs You Should Keep An Eye On

The CRS installation assessment added the full 12 points. Vehicle-specific assessments contributed 9 out of 13 bringing the total to 45 out of 49. Both the 18-month-old and three-year-old dummy configurations scored perfectly in frontal and side impacts. The result places the Punch.ev among the safer mass-market electric vehicles tested under Bharat NCAP.

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Mini Convertible Stardust Edition Launched At Rs. 62.90 Lakh With 204 HP

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Mini Convertible Stardust Edition uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is good enough to generate 204 hp and 300 Nm

Mini India has brought in the Convertible Stardust Edition to its domestic portfolio priced at Rs. 62.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the special edition is available exclusively through the company’s official website while keys have already been started to be handed over to consumers.

The Mini Convertible Stardust Edition uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is good enough to generate 204 hp between 5,000 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,450 rpm to 4,500 rpm. A seven-speed Steptronic Sport dual-clutch automatic transmission channels power to the front wheels helping the convertible sprint from zero to 100 kmph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240 kmph.

Standard technologies comprise auto start-stop, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air ducts and electromechanical power steering. Exclusivity comes through a unique visual package developed specifically for this edition. Copper grey metallic paint dominates the exterior which is contrasted by Champagne-inspired detailing, silver mirror caps and 18-inch JCW Rallye Spoke alloy wheels finished in the same shade.

Up front, round LED headlamps feature three selectable lighting signatures while welcome and farewell animations project the Mini logo onto the ground beside the vehicle. The electrically operated fabric roof carries the signature woven Union Jack graphic – paying tribute to the brand’s British roots. It folds completely in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 kmph and closes in 15 seconds.

Drivers can also partially retract the roof by 40 cm transforming it into a sunroof regardless of vehicle speed. Boot capacity stands at 160 litres with the roof folded and increases to 215 litres after closing it. The interior gets a circular OLED touchscreen functioning as both the digital instrument display and infotainment interface. Running Mini Operating System 9, the system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Remote Services, Remote Software Upgrades, Intelligent Emergency Call, In-Car Weather and Teleservices.

Voice commands operate through the “Hey Mini” Intelligent Personal Assistant while a compatible smartphone can be transformed into the vehicle key through the Mini App. Additional equipment comprises a Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon surround sound system, wireless smartphone charging, electrically adjustable sports seats trimmed in recycled Vescin upholstery, Active Seat function for the driver and the signature toggle bar housing key driving controls.

Mini Experience Modes alter steering characteristics, ambient lighting, graphics and sound profiles through settings such as Go-Kart, Green and Vivid. Other highlights are Cruise Control, Parking Assistant and Comfort Access, automatically locking or unlocking the vehicle once the key comes within approximately 1.5 metres.

Safety equipment comprises front airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, rear-view camera, crash sensor, tyre pressure monitoring and tubeless tyres. Mini supplies the Convertible Stardust Edition with a two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and two years of roadside assistance. Service packages begin at three years or 40,000 km and can be extended up to 10 years or 1,00,000 km. Warranty extension options are also available up to 10 years.

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Indian-Made EVs Are Getting Popular Abroad, Exports Surge 14 Times

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India exported 15,641 electric cars in the June quarter of 2026, compared to just 1,122 units during the same period last year, that is a 14x growth

Indian-made EVs are increasingly finding their way into international markets, with exports recording a massive 14-fold increase during the quarter ended June 2026. The surge has been driven primarily by Maruti Suzuki. According to recent reports, India exported 15,641 electric cars between April and June 2026, compared to just 1,122 units during the same period last year.

More than half of the 28,652 electric cars exported during the entire financial year 2025-26 were shipped in just these three months. Clearly, Indian cars are gaining popularity outside as well. The biggest contributor to this growth has been the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara. Maruti’s first electric SUV has quickly become an important export product for the company and emerged as India’s third-most exported car during the June quarter.

The e-Vitara alone accounted for 15,210 units exported across 47 countries. The success is thanks to Maruti Suzuki’s export first philosophy for the electric SUV. The e-Vitara is manufactured in India at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and is currently exported to multiple international markets, including countries in Europe.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Targeting 9 Lakh In CNG Vehicle Sales In FY2027

Citing MSIL’s success, Mahindra and Tata are also gearing up to export their electric cars to the international markets. Tata has already begun ground work to get the Tata Sierra.EV launched in the European market. Mahindra currently does not export passenger EVs but have a presence in the West through their commercial EVs. On the plus side, Mahindra already has a dealer network in some countries for their ICE SUVs.

Here’s why Mahindra and Tata should grab this opportunity with both hands. Higher production volumes can help bring down manufacturing costs, while international demand also gives manufacturers another market to sell their products in. In the case of EVs, where scale is particularly important, export volumes could help Indian carmakers improve the economics of electric vehicle production.

Also Read: 3 All-New Tata Electric Cars Worth Waiting For In India; Arriving Soon

Tata Nexon EV Dark Edition

This could not have happened at a better time. Rising fuel prices and growing demand for more affordable personal transportation have helped increase interest in EVs across several markets. Indian manufacturers are now in a position to offer relatively affordable electric SUVs that could appeal to buyers in international markets as well.

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Hyundai i20 Records 15 Lakh Sales in India

The Hyundai i20 has achieved a cumulative sales milestone of 15 lakh units in India, nearly 18 years after it made its debut in the country. Introduced in December 2008 as the successor to the Getz, the i20 has remained a key player in the premium hatchback segment through three generations.

Hyundai’s sales journey with the i20 has seen steady growth over the years. The hatchback crossed the 1 lakh sales mark in 2010, reached 5 lakh units by 2015 and doubled that figure to 10 lakh units in 2019. The latest milestone further highlights the model’s long-standing presence in the Indian market despite increasing competition from compact SUVs.

The first-generation i20 helped Hyundai establish itself in the premium hatchback space by offering features that were uncommon for the segment at the time. Depending on the variant, it came equipped with features such as automatic climate control, a sunroof, a cooled glove box and up to six airbags. Engine options included 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol units along with a 1.4-litre diesel.

In 2014, Hyundai introduced the Elite i20 with a completely redesigned exterior based on its Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy. The second-generation model offered improved cabin quality, additional equipment and continued with petrol and diesel engine options. It also went on to become the most successful iteration of the hatchback, contributing around 8 lakh units to the overall sales tally during its production run.

The current-generation i20 arrived in 2020 with sharper styling, a more feature-packed cabin and the introduction of a turbo-petrol engine for the first time in India. While the diesel variant was discontinued in 2023, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine continues to be offered exclusively on the sportier i20 N Line. The standard model received a mid-life update later that year.

Today, the regular Hyundai i20 is powered by an 83 HP 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Buyers looking for more performance can opt for the i20 N Line, which gets a 120 HP 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Hyundai i20 is currently priced between Rs. 6 lakhs and Rs. 10.63 lakhs (ex-showroom), while the i20 N Line is available from Rs. 9.27 lakhs to Rs. 11.74 lakhs (ex-showroom). It continues to rival the Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz in the premium hatchback segment.

Hyundai has already revealed the fourth-generation i20 globally earlier this year. However, there is no official word yet on whether the new model will be introduced in India.

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