Jeep launches Compass 85th Anniversary Edition At Rs. 26.70 Lakh

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Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition arrives with anniversary styling, AXS personalization packages and is limited to just 85 units in India

Jeep India has launched the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition – a commemorative version of the SUV built to celebrate the brand’s 85th year globally. Production for India stays capped at 85 units and pricing for the range starts at Rs. 26.70 lakh (ex-showroom). The booking window for the limited edition runs through authorised Jeep dealerships nationwide and the Jeep India website.

The exterior changes for the anniversary edition centre on glossy black 18-inch alloy wheels joined by anniversary-specific badging and a set of commemorative design elements not found on the standard Compass range. The visual changes set the special edition apart at a glance – tying its exterior identity directly to the anniversary theme running through the car.

The cabin boasts an all-black theme and is layered with Mayan Gold accents and contrast detailing across the trim. The American automaker has added a series of anniversary-based touches to the cabin as well – extending the commemorative styling from the exterior into the space where consumers spend the bulk of their time behind the wheel.

Buyers opting for the special edition can also choose from curated 85th Anniversary AXS Personalization Packages which add features including ambient lighting, sunroof illumination, a digital IRVM combined with front and rear dashcams and a set of additional personalization elements built specifically around the anniversary theme.

The dashcam and digital IRVM combination in particular is framed by Jeep as a safety-based inclusion to the package. Speaking at the launch, Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said:

“The Jeep Compass has always been central to the Jeep story in India, bringing the brand’s legendary capability, design and authenticity to customers who expect more from their SUV. As Jeep celebrates 85 years globally, the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition gives this iconic nameplate a distinctive new expression. With exclusive anniversary-inspired styling, curated accessories and safety technologies, this special edition has been crafted for customers who seek a Compass that feels even more personal, intelligent and exclusive.”

The Compass has sat at the centre of Jeep’s Indian portfolio for close to a decade now as it combines off-road capability with everyday practicality across a country with widely varying terrain and driving conditions. The Compass 85th Anniversary Edition arrives as part of a global product programme built around Jeep’s 85th year encompassing multiple markets where the brand has introduced similar commemorative editions tied to the same milestone.

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Maruti Suzuki Fronx Becomes Fastest Indian SUV To Cross 2 Lakh Exports

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Fronx shipments to nearly 90 countries push Maruti Suzuki further ahead in the country’s passenger vehicle export race

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has crossed 2 lakh cumulative exports in under 38 months – a pace that makes it the fastest SUV built in India to reach the mark. Overseas deliveries of the compact SUV began in June 2023 and its export footprint has grown to close to 90 countries since then including Suzuki’s homeland of Japan.

Every unit sold abroad comes from Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat. The numbers point to a pace that keeps accelerating as time goes by as Fronx took just under 25 months to reach its first lakh in cumulative exports. Getting to the second lakh, by contrast, needed only around 13 months – cutting the time required almost in half between the two stages of the milestone.

The Hansalpur manufacturing unit’s role extends well past Fronx as it is part of Maruti Suzuki’s larger Gujarat manufacturing base which supports the company’s export operations across 17 models sold in close to 120 countries in total. It spreads Indian-built vehicles across a wide swathe of global markets. Commenting on the new milestone, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said,

“Every vehicle exported by Maruti Suzuki carries the hard work and pride of our people. Together, these vehicles take a piece of Indian manufacturing to nearly 120 countries. FRONX has been a key contributor to Maruti Suzuki’s success in exports. Since FY 24-25, it has been India’s No. 1 exported passenger vehicle^* and is now shipped to nearly 90 countries.”

Takeuchi also pointed out that all three of India’s highest exported passenger vehicles in Q1 FY26-27 carried the Suzuki badge – calling rising export volumes over successive years a sign of steady overseas interest in the company’s lineup. Since FY24-25, Fronx itself has held the position of India’s most exported PV.

The Indo-Japanese manufacturer has held the number one spot among Indian passenger vehicle exporters for five consecutive years running. Figures for Q1 FY26-27 place Fronx, Jimny 5-Door, e Vitara, Dzire and Baleno as the company’s most exported models for the quarter with Maruti Suzuki accounting for more than 55 per cent of all PVs exports from India during that period.

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx’s export run comes alongside steady domestic numbers too. The compact SUV sales figures for July 2026 placed Fronx second in the segment at 19,473 units – up 51.28 per cent year-on-year which leaves Maruti Suzuki with a model performing well on both fronts at once.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift Revealed With Petrol And Diesel Engines

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an updated version of the C-Class, introducing design revisions, upgraded technology and revised powertrains that comply with upcoming Euro 7 emission standards. The facelift retains petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engine options, with improvements aimed at enhancing both performance and efficiency.

The updated C-Class is also expected to arrive in India later this year or in early 2027. It is likely to continue with both petrol and diesel engine options for the Indian market.

Exterior design

The refreshed C-Class adopts styling cues inspired by the recently revealed electric C-Class. Key changes include redesigned headlamps featuring Mercedes’ signature three-pointed-star lighting elements, along with an illuminated grille.

While the overall silhouette remains familiar, the visual updates bring the combustion-powered C-Class closer to its electric counterpart. However, Mercedes has retained clear distinctions between the two models, with the ICE version featuring a lower stance and a more conventional roofline.

The revised styling also aligns the C-Class with the brand’s latest design language while maintaining its sporty character within the Mercedes sedan range.

Interior and features

Inside, Mercedes has made subtle but notable changes to improve usability. The updated steering wheel brings back physical controls for functions such as cruise control and audio adjustments, replacing some of the touch-sensitive interfaces seen previously.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen have been retained but now operate on the fourth-generation MBUX system. The updated software integrates AI-powered voice assistance using ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing, allowing the system to respond to more complex voice commands.

Engine and performance

Mercedes has revised the entire engine line-up to meet Euro 7 emission regulations. Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants receive updates, including an electrically assisted turbocharger powered by the 48V mild-hybrid system. The setup is designed to improve throttle response by reducing turbo lag.

Power and torque outputs have also been increased across the range. The flagship C300e plug-in hybrid now offers an electric-only driving range of up to 114 km under the applicable test cycle.

Diesel-powered variants remain part of the global line-up, alongside conventional petrol models and plug-in hybrids.

Chassis updates

Mercedes has also revised the suspension setup with stiffer dampers. According to the company, the changes are intended to improve handling and agility while maintaining ride comfort during highway driving.

India launch expectations

The updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to be introduced in India later this year or in early 2027. While Mercedes-Benz India is yet to announce official specifications, the model is expected to continue offering both petrol and diesel engine options, similar to the outgoing version.

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Upcoming 7-Seater Hybrid SUVs In 2026-27 – 4 New Models To Watch

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Brands like MG, Kia, Renault and Nissan will play a key role in the upcoming range of 7-seater hybrid SUVs arriving in the remainder of 2026 and 2027

The three-row SUV segment is set for a slew of new launches as several manufacturers prepare seven-seater models appealing to families looking for roomy cabin and improved fuel economy. In the remaining parts of 2026 and 2027, we will see new hybrid SUVs arriving across different price brackets from brands like MG, Kia, Renault and Nissan.

Kia will be among the first to enter this space when it launches the Sorento in India on September 4. Pre-bookings are already open for the three-row SUV which will sit above the Seltos in Kia’s range. The Sorento will be offered a 1.6-litre turbo petrol strong hybrid powertrain producing around 230 PS. The India-spec model will also be sold alongside a diesel engine.

The equipment will comprise twin 12.3-inch displays, Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, large alloy wheels, automatic climate control and ventilated front seats. JSW MG Motor India will introduce the Hector Tomahawk on August 28. The model is derived from the Wuling Starlight 560 sold overseas and will initially arrive as an EV followed by a plug-in hybrid version later in the current financial year.

The PHEV is expected to couple a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 20.5 kWh battery pack churning out around 197 PS and 230 Nm. The battery is claimed to support up to 100 km of electric-only travel under the CLTC cycle. Renault is also preparing a larger SUV based on the new Duster and it has already been confirmed as being under development.

It could draw design inspiration from the global Boreal and is expected to arrive in India during the next financial year and will share the Duster family’s powertrain portfolio. The engines under consideration include the 1.0-litre petrol, 1.3-litre turbo petrol and 1.8-litre hybrid units. The Renault project will also be the basis for a Nissan derivative.

Nissan’s upcoming model is expected to be linked to the Tekton programme and could arrive in the months after the Renault seven-seater makes its debut. MG’s plug-in hybrid tech, Kia’s strong-hybrid Sorento and the forthcoming Renault-Nissan products show how manufacturers are approaching the seven-seat market through different forms of electrification.

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Mahindra Racing Makes History, Clinches 3rd Spot In 2026 Formula E Teams’ Table

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Mahindra Racing ended the 2026 Formula E campaign in third place in the world constructors’ championship after a double podium in London

Mahindra Racing ended the 2026 Formula E campaign in third place in the world constructors’ championship after Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara finished second and third respectively in the final race at London’s ExCeL Circuit. The double podium lifted the Indian manufacturer to 252 points – its highest tally in a single Formula E season and equal to its best championship result.

The race on Sunday provided the result Mahindra needed after a difficult opening day in London. De Vries and Mortara progressed through every stage of the qualifying Duels before meeting each other in the Final. De Vries secured pole ahead of his team-mate giving Mahindra a front-row lockout and his fifth pole position of the concluded season.

Both machines made clean starts and held the leading positions through the opening five laps. De Vries took his first Attack Mode on Lap 6 and kept the lead while Mortara activated his extra power on the following lap. Despite missing the activation point, Mortara managed to stay second before moving ahead later in the race.

Mortara’s strategy kept the Mahindra pair in contention deep into the race. He activated his second Attack Mode on Lap 22 without losing first place before de Vries moved back ahead during the later exchanges. Both drivers then coordinated their final Attack Mode allocation – preserving their positions as the race entered its closing stages.

Taylor Barnard ultimately denied Mahindra a one-two finish after timing his final Attack Mode deployment at the right moment. De Vries crossed the finish line second followed by Mortara in third giving the team a double podium at the final race of the Gen 3 era. The result also added a crucial points haul to Mahindra’s championship total.

Saturday had produced a very different outcome. De Vries qualified ninth and finished 13th after a late Full Course Yellow disrupted his strategy while Mortara started 18th and produced an 11-place recovery to finish seventh. Both drivers had shown competitive pace during practice but the qualifying results left Mahindra facing a difficult race. Mortara’s recovery drive nevertheless set the tone for the stronger result on Sunday.

The London double-header delivered 42 points to Mahindra Racing which was enough to secure third place with 252 points. Mortara finished fifth in the Drivers’ standings on 137 points while de Vries ended the campaign seventh racking up 115 points. Across the season, Mahindra recorded two victories, five further podiums and five pole positions – closing the Gen 3 era at its strongest championship position since entering Formula E.

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Mahindra BE 6 BaaS Explained: How The Battery-as-a-Service Scheme Works

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Lowering the upfront price of the Mahindra BE 6 by separating the battery cost from the vehicle purchase under BaaS will help appeal to a wide band of consumers in India

Mahindra has introduced a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model for the BE 6 Sporteq enabling customers to purchase the electric SUV at a substantially lower initial price while paying a separate charge based on kilometres driven. The BE 6 Sporteq starts at Rs. 11.45 lakh under the BaaS scheme while battery usage is charged at Rs. 3.75 per km and the initiative is available only in Pack One and Pack Two 59 kWh versions.

The concept is fairly straightforward. Instead of paying for the vehicle and its high voltage battery as one package, the customer pays for the vehicle separately and then incurs a per-kilometre battery charge. A driver covering 1,000 km in a month would therefore incur Rs. 3,750 in battery charges while 1,500 km would result in Rs. 5,625. At 2,000 km, the charge rises to Rs. 7,500, making annual usage an important factor when comparing BaaS against conventional battery inclusive ownership.

The model could be particularly relevant for customers who want an electric SUV but find the battery-inclusive purchase price difficult to accommodate. Battery packs account for a significant portion of an EV’s manufacturing cost and separating that component gives Mahindra room to advertise a much lower entry price. Mahindra has calculated it around 60 km per day usage.

There is an important distinction between the BaaS arrangement and Mahindra’s battery warranty. The company offers a lifetime warranty on the battery pack for the first registered private owner which is subject to the applicable warranty conditions. If the vehicle is transferred to another owner, the battery warranty is limited to 10 years or 2,00,000 km, whichever comes first.

BaaS, therefore, should not be interpreted as a replacement programme for an aging battery as it is primarily an ownership structure separating battery cost from the vehicle price. The actual financial equation will depend on how far the BE 6 is driven each month. Someone covering around 500 km would pay Rs. 1,875 towards the battery charge whereas a driver covering 3,000 km would incur Rs. 11,250.

Over several years, the difference can become substantial, so buyers should calculate their expected annual mileage before deciding whether BaaS makes financial sense. Currently, the company offers BaaS programme only for the BE 6 Sporteq as its siblings, XEV 9S and XEV 9e along with the XUV 400 and XUV 3XO EV do not get similar treatment.

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7-Seater MG Hector Tomahawk EV Caught Undisguised, Launch Soon

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MG Hector Tomahawk EV will become the brand’s first model based on the new ADAPT architecture and it will give rise to a PHEV variant as well

MG Motor India’s upcoming three-row electric SUV has been spotted undisguised for the first time ahead of its scheduled India debut on August 26, 2026. The seven-seater will sit above the existing Hector and become the first MG model in India based on the company’s new ADAPT architecture. The SUV is expected to be sold under the Hector Tomahawk name.

The latest images show an upright SUV carrying a distinctly different visual theme from the current Hector. The front end gets a wide treatment around the closed-off grille area, sleek lighting elements and a substantial bumper while the side profile reveals a long wheelbase, large rear quarter glass and a relatively tall roof.

The squared-off rear section gets vertically oriented lighting elements and a large tailgate. The related Wuling Starlight 560 measures 4,745mm long and has a 2,810mm wheelbase providing an indication of the footprint expected from the India-spec model. The cabin is expected to be one of the Tomahawk’s biggest talking points as it will be packed with features.

MG’s teasers have already revealed a light-coloured interior, a large touchscreen interface and a panoramic sunroof while the production SUV is expected to receive a digital driver display, connected car functions, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, powered front seats, ventilated seats, rear AC vents and multiple charging ports.

Underneath, the Tomahawk will introduce MG’s ADAPT (Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology) to the domestic market. The architecture has been developed to accommodate multiple electrified powertrain configurations which also leaves scope for a plug-in hybrid version at a later stage – most likely before the end of this financial year.

The overseas Starlight 560 EV uses a 69.2kWh LFP battery paired with a front mounted electric motor developing around 201 hp and 310 Nm alongside a claimed CLTC range of approximately 530km. Some reports have also mentioned a 56.7kWh battery. MG has already opened pre-bookings ahead of its market debut for an initial refundable token of Rs. 21,000.

The Tomahawk is expected to sit around the Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh (ex-showroom) bracket and it will take on the Mahindra XEV 9S and upcoming Tata Safari EV.

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