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      BMW i5 M60 xDrive Launched In India – Costs Rs. 1.2Cr, Goes 100Km/h In 3.8s

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      BMW i5 M60 xDrive LaunchedGlobally, BMW i5 rivals the likes of Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT, Tesla Model 3 and EQE sedan from Mercedes-BenzLegacy German luxury and performance car manufacturer, BMW, launched its 6th electric offering in India in the form of BMW i5 M60 xDrive. Based on the 8th Gen BMW 5 Series, i5 M60 xDrive incorporates all the necessary attributes from ‘M’ division and blends them with sustainability of ‘I’ division.BMW i5 M60 xDrive Launched In IndiaRepresenting BMW’s relentless pursuit of creating ultimate driving machines, Indian EV space has been graced with the launch of i5 M60 xDrive. This is a CBU and is launched in India in the sole M60 xDrive variant. Pricing for BMW i5 M60 xDrive is Rs. 1,19,50,000 (ex-sh) and it comes with a standard 2 year or unlimited km warranty. Battery gets 8 year or 1,60,000 km warranty.BMW i5 M60 xDrive FasciaThere is an Alpine White non-metallic colour. Metallic shades include M Brooklyn Grey, M Carbon Black, Cape York green, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Oxide Grey, Mineral White. Individual paintworks are offered too and these include Frozen Portimao Blue, Frozen Deep Grey, Frozen Pure Grey and Tansanite Blue.As standard, interior trim options on BMW i5 M60 xDrive is in Carbon Fibre with Alcantara / Veganza | Black upholstery options. Upgrades to upholstery are in the form of Veganza and Leather Merino. Overall exterior design is typical 5 Series and highlights with i5 M60 xDrive are the illuminated BMW Kidney Grills, adaptive LED headlights, vertical LED DRL signatures, L-shaped rear tail lights, M spoiler and 20-inch M-light alloy wheels among others.BMW i5 M60 xDrive DesignBMW is known for its beautifully put-together and meticulously crafted interiors. i5 M60 is not different. On the inside, we get generous space and modern functionality, both of which are expected from a 5 Series based vehicle. Layered dashboard and BMW curved displays grab all the attention.These screens run on M specific displays. Notable interior attributes are carbon fibre trims, massive panorama skyroof, sports seats with active seat ventilation function at the front, classic 3-spoke M leather steering wheel and 18 speakers with 655W Bowers & Wilkins speakers among others. Sports seats are standard, but buyers can opt for comfort seats too.BMW i5 M60 xDrive PluggedPerformanceConsidering we are talking about a BMW, performance is the juiciest part and i5 M60 xDrive doesn’t disappoint. We get two highly integrated electric drive units – one for each axle. The exhilarating performance metrics include a 230 km/h top speed and an insane 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.This performance is enabled with the help of two electric motors an AWD layout with a total system output of 601 bhp and 795 Nm. These motors draw power from an 81.2 kWh battery pack promising a WLTP range of 516 km on a single charge. BMW offers a complementary 11 kW wall box AC charger and a 22 kW AC charger is offered as an option.BMW i5 M60 xDrive SpecsStatement from BMW Group IndiaMr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “With the first-ever BMW 15 M60 xDrive, you can expect nothing short of a completely electrifying experience. It brings together the legacy of eight generations of the sportiest executive sedan the ‘5’, adrenaline laden performance of ‘M’ and the sustainability of ‘I’.As the sixth electric offering from BMW Group India, the BMW 15 M60 xDrive will further reinforce our leadership in the Indian luxury electric mobility segment. With uncompromised performance that defines exhilaration for the modern era, it is an experience engineered for unbridled excitement and unparalleled thrills.” More

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      Hyundai Electric SUV (Creta EV?) Production Starts End 2024 – Group Plant Capacity To Increase To 15 Lakh

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      Hyundai Creta N LineHyundai’s first local EV will be Creta EV, already spotted testing, and production will commence by the end of 2024 at their Chennai plantAhead of its 30th anniversary in 2026, Hyundai Motor India is already coining its 2030 strategy. The slogan for 2030 strategy is ‘Innovator in Mobility and Beyond’. Hyundai’s subsidiary, Kia India, has also overhauled its operations to promote quantitative and qualitative growth through company’s ‘Kia 2.0’ strategy.Hyundai Kia India Plants Capacity To Touch 15 LakhIn that regard, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung visited India to review the company’s mid-to-long-term mobility strategies for the future. This is the first time the Executive Chair has held an overseas town hall meeting outside of South Korea. Also present in the meeting were key executives from Hyundai Motor including Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and Unsoo Kim, Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India.Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Visits IndiaThe meeting concluded a manufacturing advance in the rapidly growing Indian automotive market. The aim is to establish an annual production capacity of around 1.5 million vehicles combining both Hyundai and Kia brands in India. A key facilitator of this plan will be expansion of EV lineup and create an EV ecosystem to accelerate customer uptake.The commencement of production at Hyundai’s recently acquired Pune plant (from GM) last year will play a major role in achieving their goals. Company is currently making improvements towards Pune plant and establishing a production hub capable of 2 lakh units annually. Production is estimated to start in second half of 2025.Hyundai India Plant, Chennai. Image for reference.Combining Pune plant’s 2 lakh capacity with Chennai plant’s current production capacity of 8.24 lakh units, Hyundai Motor is looking at an annual production capacity of over 10 lakh (1 million) units. Kia India’s annual production capacity is set to be expanded to 4.31 lakh units by the first half of 2024. Combining Kia’s numbers, Hyundai Motor Group is looking at an annual production capacity of 15 lakh per annum (1.5 million).Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedHyundai Kia local-made EV onslaughtElectric vehicles will play a crucial role in the company’s growth ambitions. Hyundai aims to launch its first locally produced EV in Indian market in 2025. This is likely to be Creta EV which is already spotted testing on multiple occasions. Mass production of its first local electric SUV (Creta EV) will commence by the end of 2024 at Hyundai’s Chennai plant.The company aims to expand EV portfolio to incorporate five new EVs by 2030. The holistic approach by Hyundai Motor India towards EVs will result in expanding EV charging infrastructure by 2030. Not just Hyundai, Kia is keen to make a splash in Indian EV space with their first local EV slated to hit production in 2025 with more to break covers in the future.Kia Clavis SpiedRecently, Hyundai and Kia signed an MoU with Exide, a leading Indian battery company, in a bid to pursue local manufacturing of batteries that will power dedicated EVs for India.Statement from Hyundai Motor IndiaDuring the meeting, Executive Chair Chung said “Hyundai Motor India has been pivotal in driving the growth of the Hyundai Motor Group, having navigated through numerous challenges including the COVID19 pandemic, global economic crises, and supply chain disruptions due to semiconductor shortages. We take pride in consistently securing the second-largest market share in this vibrant market and will continue to elevate Hyundai as a premium brand.“India is among the fastest-growing economies globally, and as this growth continues the strategic importance of Hyundai Motor India will only increase. By leveraging our strong reputation and competitive quality in India, we aim to expand exports to neighbouring countries, making India the global export hub to boost our regional market competitiveness.”Speaking about the company’s electrification strategy, Executive Chair Chung said, “We will develop EVs tailored to the Indian market and expand EV infrastructure in the region. We will lead the next generation of mobility in India, playing a key role in electrification, and we will continue to elevate Hyundai as a premium brand.” More

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      Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth Day With Green Credentials

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      Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth DayOn sale in India, Hyundai Ioniq 5 rivals Kia EV6, Volvo XC40 Recharge, BMW iX1 and the recently launched BYD SealOne of the world’s leading electric car manufacturers, Hyundai Motor, is celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd, today. The company has been at the forefront of electric vehicle revolution with multiple offerings across the world. In India, Ioniq 5 is the most celebrated electric vehicle from Hyundai and on this occasion, Hyundai demonstrates its allegiance to eco-friendly practices.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth DayIoniq 5 is among the most popular premium electric vehicles sold in India. Owing to its CKD route striking lower taxes, Ioniq 5 comes with a lower price tag. Something we can’t say about other EVs. Most of the media coverage for Ioniq 5 concentrates on design, retro looks, cool party tricks, range and performance.However, very few people are aware of the many eco-conscious practices that Hyundai has essayed with Ioniq 5 that went unnoticed among the long list of its brilliant attributes. On Earth Day, let’s recall the eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colours that Hyundai is offering with Ioniq 5 EV sold in India.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Eco Processed LeatherEco-processed LeatherLeather processing industry uses oils derived from animal products in dyeing processes.  Extensive growth in leather industry results in increased demand for animal products raising ethical questions and having deep implications for the environment too. Hence, Hyundai is using dyes plant-derived flax seed oil with Ioniq 5’s interior.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Flowers Turned To PaintFlowers Turned To PaintInstead of using chemicals, Hyundai Ioniq 5’s crash pad and door trims are finished with eco paint. These bio paints are extracted from pigments naturally found in flowers. The process of bio paint extraction mostly uses non-hazardous procedures too. For Ioniq 5’s interior, Hyundai uses pigments from rape flowers and corn.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – PaperettePaperetteSome of the touchpoints on Ioniq 5’s doors are crafted from a unique paperette material. This material is 100% recyclable paperette, sticking to an eco-friendly theme. Made from HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene), this paperette material has almost the same texture and lightness as traditional paper.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Recycled BottlesRecycled Bottles Turned To FabricOne of the most common types of non-recyclable pollutants that are currently plaguing the earth is one-time-use plastic bottles. Hyundai is taking some of these bottles and recycling them into fabrics that go on Ioniq 5’s seatbacks and armrests. Around 32 bottles are recycled per Ioniq 5.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Plant-waste-derived Headliner & CarpetPlant-waste-derived Headliner & CarpetOnce a crop is harvested, agricultural biowaste is often burnt in many parts of the world, rather than recycled. Hyundai is demonstrating the possibilities of recyclable biowaste with Ioniq 5. Car’s headliner and carpet fabrics include bio components extracted from biowastes of sugarcane and corn crops.Company’s advances to RE100The company recently revealed its holistic approach towards eco-friendly practices at their manufacturing facility and affirmed its commitment to RE100 (100% Renewable Energy). This way, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) aligned its interests with eco-friendly and sustainable practices.HMIL has pledged to go carbon neutral shortly and has been working towards it. The company is achieving it through a holistic approach including smart energy management, reducing carbon emissions, water management, harmful substance management and expanding EV lineup. More

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      BYD Seal EV First Drive Review – Seal The Deal Of The Day!

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      BYD Seal EV First Drive Review2024 BYD Seal EV rivals sedans like Audi A4, BMW 2 Series, Merc A Class Limousine, Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and BEVs like Volvo XC40 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6Being an automotive enthusiast, I always fancied saloon cars (sedans) owing to their iconic three-box design. There’s something special about driving a proper sedan and it always puts you in a good mood. That’s exactly what happened to us when we drove the new BYD Seal EV around Delhi NCR at the media drive event. Here’s our first impression of this vehicle and why we think it is the deal of the day.BYD Seal EV First Impressions ReviewIf there’s one electric vehicle manufacturer who probably gives Tesla nightmares, it is BYD. Despite being a global EV juggernaut, BYD is relatively a new brand in India. The company has E6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV on sale in India and the portfolio was recently expanded with the launch of Seal EV. It falls under company’s ‘Ocean’ lineup of vehicles. This electric sedan brings a luxury proposition at an affordable price despite being a fully electric vehicle. Hence packing all vital ingredients to emerge as the ‘Deal of the Day’. But is it, though? Let’s take a look.BYD Seal FasciaSeal EV is offered in a choice of 3 variants. Its mid-spec Premium variant brings amazing value proposition to the table. Since we are talking about variants, let’s get pricing and specs out of the way, shall we? BYD Seal EV price starts from Rs. 41 lakh for base Dynamic, Rs. 45.55 lakh for mid-spec Premium and Rs. 53 lakh for top-spec Performance variants (all prices ex-sh).BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewBase Dynamic packs a 61.44 kWh battery, 202 bhp and 310 Nm RWD single motor, 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds and a NEDC range of 510 km. Premium variant offers a larger 82.56 kWh battery, 310 bhp and 360 Nm, RWD single motor, 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a NEDC range of 650 km (highest in the lineup). Top-spec Performance variant has the same 82.56 kWh battery and 310 bhp and 360 Nm rear motor as Premium. However, Performance variant gets a 215 bhp and 310 Nm front motor taking total system output to 525 bhp and 670 Nm. Range is slightly lower at 580 km but the acceleration is insane hitting 100 km/h mark in just 3.8 seconds.BYD Seal RearIs Pricing Justified?These are very impressive numbers and lend BYD Seal EV a multitude of titles in India.1. Most affordable electric sedan in India (non hatchback-derived).2. Most affordable luxury sedan in India.3. Most affordable rear-wheel-drive sedan in India (EV & ICE).4. Most affordable all-wheel-drive sedan in India (EV & ICE)5. Most affordable high-performance vehicle in India (EV & ICE).6. Most affordable dual-motor EV in India.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewThese are some of the titles BYD has bagged for itself with Seal EV. BYD Seal offers tremendous value for what it costs. If we take luxury sedans like Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine, Audi A4, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe along with mainstream sedans like Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb, they all cost more than BYD Seal. Also, none of them are fully electric, none of them are anywhere near as performant and none of them offer at least RWD as standard. BYD Seal annihilates its competition if we bring RTO taxes and maintenance costs of the aforementioned ICE and Hybrid vehicles.BYD Seal FrunkComparing apples to apples, only real rival for BYD Seal is BMW i4 which costs significantly more and offers significantly less performance than Seal’s top-spec Performance variant. Now the question arises, why go for legacy brands? Does BYD Seal have a lot of cost-cutting measures to strike an attractive price point? Answer is, no. We’re happy to report that the best part about BYD Seal is that it works with no surprises and idiocies. There were very few “Huh” moments with BYD Seal too, which is commendable at this price point.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewDesign & QualityBYD Seal is a handsome-looking machine. The aerodynamic shape with 0.219 Cd might be slightly off-putting in pictures but looks much better in person. Car’s design grew on me with time, especially in the lovely Cosmos Black shade we had. Headlights are sleek and remind me of a Porsche Taycan and a Toyota Crown or a Prius. Actual ‘Double U’ lighting elements on the inside along with ‘Ripple’ LED elements in bumper stay true to its ‘Ocean’ theme. Similar Ripple design attributes are seen on front quarter panels too.BYD Seal ‘Ripple’ Aesthetics From Ocean Range19-inch aero alloy wheels look very swanky and side profile is swoopy and curvaceous. There are interesting creases on doors and bonnet lending underlying aggression and muscle. Rear gets a ‘Boundless’ LED connected tail light design. Rear bumper gets a large diffuser (real) like on a sportscar which must be contributing to the overall aero performance. BYD uses double-glazed glass with front windshield and windows for sound-proofing and they work. The silver-plated glass roof boasts 99% UV isolation and a large 1.9 m2 viewing area.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewStepping in, you will first be greeted by metallic scuff plates at all door sills. Aiding ingress and egress for driver is a welcome function where seat moves back making it easy to climb in and has a memory function too. Once you’re in, swooping lines across the interiors and lovely quilted leather seats captivate you. These seats are well-bolstered and thoroughly hug occupant’s body. Floating centre console has a gear selector along with start/stop, parking brake, a few telephony and climate control buttons and dials to select driving modes.BYD Seal Shoulder LineCabin lighting is LEDs and there is soothing ambient lighting on the inside as well. Lights for vanity mirrors were diffused LEDs which feel upmarket. Overall ambience from BYD Seal’s interior is top-notch for the price. BYD has used soft-touch plastics extensively and almost all touch points had them. There is suede material on the dashboard which is unique in this price bracket. BYD doesn’t call it Alcantara (maybe there was no deal with Alcantara brand). Touchpoints lower down the centre console were also soft to touch, which is just nice. Headliner is finished with premium knitted material too.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewSteering wheel and upholstery were clad with real leather. No “leather with an asterisk” nonsense here. All the buttons and rollers felt very premium and had a damped feeling to them, like a proper luxury car. BYD Seal EV gets felt lining inside the damped glovebox and storage bin under front centre armrest for a premium feel. Carpeting is also of premium quality and extends all the way till the car’s cargo area.BYD Seal EV Infotainment ScreenFeatures & PracticalityBYD’s rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay. Premium Dynaudio audio system gets a subwoofer at the back for a much fuller sound. Voice control yielded a fast response and ‘Hi BYD’ command triggers the system. A 10.25-inch colour TFT screen takes care of car’s instrumentation and incorporates speedo, SOC, DTE, ADAS-related info, performance metrics and more.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewWhere space and practicality are concerned, BYD Seal EV offers a lot of room for both front and rear occupants. I am 182 cm long individual and I didn’t face any issues with legroom, headroom and shoulder room at the back or front. Seat ergonomics is spot on too, striking the right amount of comfort and support. Practicality-wise, Seal EV gets a 400L boot with wide and large hatch-style opening tailgate. There is a 50L frunk (front trunk) which is reasonably practical. All the door packets, glovebox and storage under front armrest can house water bottles and other paraphernalia without breaking a sweat. Below floating centre console, we have additional storage space with a couple of USB sockets.BYD Seal Glass RoofFeatures-wise, BYD Seal is packed to the brim. We get LED lighting all around, 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, pop-out flush door handles, electrically adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar support for driver’s seat, a HUD, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming IRVM, rear AC vents, front and rear armrest, dual-zone climate control, PM 2.5 air purifier, NFC on ORVMs, heated ORVMs, twin wireless mobile chargers on centre console, steering mounted controls, cruise control, electrically operated rear tailgate with soft-close feature, hydraulic bonnet struts, full-fledged puncture repair kit among others.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewWhere safety is concerned, BYD is offering 6 airbags, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, TCS, auto hold, hill hold, ABS EBD and a host of ADAS suite. Speaking of ADAS suite, BYD Seal EV gets Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Speed Limit Control, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Blind Spot Detection, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.BYD Seal DashboardRide, Handling & PerformanceBYD Seal EV is based on the upgraded e-Platform 3.0 architecture with Cell To Body technology. Tightly integrating battery into vehicle’s floor improves vehicle safety, stability, handling and performance. The car feels rigid and stiff and there is no point of concern with BYD’ impeccable engineering. High-strength materials used in vehicular engineering have resulted in a full-fat 5-star crash safety rating awarded by Euro NCAP.When I first saw the 45 profile tyres on Seal, I was sceptical about car’s ride quality. However, BYD Seal EV surprised me with commendable composure, offering the right balance between ride comfort and sporty handling. Front double wishbone setup and rear 5-link setup with adaptive dampers and forged aluminium swingarm on top-spec model proved to be quite impressive. There is minimal body roll on corners and nose-dive on braking. Car stays pretty composed, thanks to its impeccable 50:50 weight distribution.BYD Seal WheelsSeal EV gracefully absorbed most of the bumps and undulations our Indian roads could throw at it without any thunks. That said, I wish Seal EV packed a 55-profile tyre to prevent damage to wheels in worst-case scenarios. The 145 mm ground clearance is a point of concern, however. We didn’t scrape car’s underbelly on speed breakers. We were tacking a steeply stepped side intersection in Delhi NCR and it slightly scraped the car’s underbelly. Again, a 55-profile tyre would have made all the difference here.235/45-R19 XX tyres on BYD Seal offered great grip. Car didn’t lose traction while putting the power down from a standstill. Top-spec Performance variant gets iTAC (Intelligent Torque Adaption Control) which predicts wheel speed in advance depending on road conditions. Despite being a 4.8m long vehicle, BYD Seal EV has a pretty manageable 5.7m turning radius. Overall, BYD Seal EV feels athletic and is very confidence-inspiring and sure-footed. In and around Delhi NCR, I was searching for gaps in the traffic to launch this like a missile and it never disappointed me once.BYD SealConclusionNo car is perfect. Suppose we take BYD Seal EV for example. In that case, it lacks wireless Apple CarPlay, it doesn’t have felt lining in door pockets like VW Passat had, Android Auto doesn’t work when infotainment screen is in portrait mode and there is no sun blind for the glass roof and sun shades for rear windows, which is not a good idea for a hot and sunny market like India. Front AC vents can only be positioned from the screen or choose one of the swing modes. Driver-side air vents are smaller and didn’t move up and down, chilling my hands. Ingress and egress for tall individuals into driver seat could have been more streamlined.At this point, I’m just nit-picking because there are no deal breakers with BYD Seal EV. While there are a few minor criticisms, BYD more than makes up for it with an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. The car poses incredible value for what it offers and is a very unique luxury proposition for the price. To answer our question, BYD Seal EV is the ‘Deal of the Day’ . If you are a prospective buyer, BYD Seal EV should be on your shortlist. More

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      Kia Clavis Electric Spied Testing Ahead Of Launch – Punch EV Rival?

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      Kia Clavis EV SpiedTo challenge the top-selling Tata Punch in sub-4-meter segment, Kia can introduce the ICE and EV versions of Clavis simultaneouslyKia Clavis test mules have been spied on road tests multiple times in recent months. It will be Kia’s most affordable SUV for India and is expected to be launched later this year. But that’s not all. Now, an EV version of Clavis has also been spotted in South Korea. It is apparent that Kia is planning a major onslaught to challenge the supremacy of Tata Punch.Kia Clavis EV – What to expect?Clavis ICE versions spotted earlier and this recent EV model are almost identical. The SUV has vertically stacked headlamps and LED DRLs, sculpted bonnet, flush-type door handles and functional roof rails. Even the alloy wheels are the same for both ICE and EV versions. However, this configuration could change with the production model. At rear, the lighting setup has the same vibes as one sees at the front. Overall, Kia Clavis has a compact, boxy profile.Kia Clavis Electric Spied – RearTo achieve a differentiation between the ICE and EV variants, Kia could introduce some minor changes at the front and rear. EV-specific badging will also be there across both exterior and interiors. A distinctive profile for both versions can also be achieved with exclusive colour shades and unique interior theme options.Kia Clavis EV – Key featuresMuch of the equipment list will be common for both ICE and EV versions of Kia Clavis. To engage rival Tata Punch in a close contest, Kia will ensure that Clavis gets a comprehensive range of features. It will include multiple segment-first and best-in-class features. Clavis test mules have revealed the presence of premium equipment such as ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 360° camera, ventilated seats and front parking sensors. These features will be available with the top-spec variants of Clavis.Kia Clavis – Casper Inspired ProfileOther key highlights of Clavis include dual, integrated screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster. This setup will be a close match to that of new Sonet and Seltos. The steering wheel seems familiar to that of Kia EV6. Kia Clavis will have dual-tone fabric upholstery. Interiors seem spacious in the spy shots, although one can get a better idea only after taking a test drive.Kia Clavis Alloy WheelKia Clavis EV – Performance, rangeDetails about the powertrain for Kia Clavis EV are yet to be revealed. However, it is possible that Clavis EV could borrow the powertrain from Hyundai Casper EV. As per estimates, Kia Clavis EV could have a range of around 320 km for the base variant. Kia will focus on features such as advanced regen system and fast charging.Rival Tata Punch EV is available in standard and long-range formats. The standard version has a 25-kWh battery that delivers a range of 315 km. Punch EV long range variant utilizes a 35-kWh battery, with a range of 421 km.Kia Clavis Electric Spied More

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      Chery iCar V23 Debuts – Co-Developed With Xiaomi And Takes On Yep Plus SUV

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      Chery iCar V23 DebutsThe new Chery iCar V23 takes an overall similar design theme as iCar 03 with heavy design inspirations from Toyota FJ CruiserAhead of its launch, Chery iCar V23 has debuted and will be shown at Beijing Auto Show later this month. Pre-sales for this interesting-looking SUV will commence sometime around the second half of 2024. It takes a similar boxy SUV approach as recently launched Baojun Yep Plus SUV.Chery iCar V23 DebutsWho doesn’t love small boxy SUVs with some off-road capabilities? We sure do. Chery has extended its iCar lineup to incorporate V23 e-SUV which is set to launch soon. V23 is second vehicle falling under the iCar umbrella and is co-developed with Xiaomi’s subsidiary, Smartmi, which is also known as Zhimi Technology.Chery iCar V23 is around the same size as a Skoda Kushaq measuring 4,220 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, 1,845 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,730 mm. Chery iCar V23 is considerably smaller than Chery’s own iCar 03 even thought it follows the same rugged boxy SUV design theme as iCar 03.You don’t have to be a genius to realise that Chery iCar V23 takes a lot of design inspiration from a now-discontinued SUV from a legacy car maker. We’re talking about Toyota’s legendary FJ Cruiser. Especially with those round headlights, wrap-around type LED DRLs / turn indicators, off-road bumpers and more.Chery iCar V23At the side, design inspiration from FJ Cruiser gets even more evident with the way windshield angle is positioned, chunky ORVMs and a rather thick C-pillar. Unlike FJ Cruiser, this thick C-pillar on Chery iCar V23 extends to its rear, creating a giant blindspot. Rear is not as heavily inspired as FJ Cruiser. Instead of a spare wheel, V23 tailgate gets a storage box for aesthetics.Off-road CredentialsOn the inside, shallow and flat dashboard gets dual-tone treatment. The giant central display grabs all the attention and there are quite a few knobs and toggle switches for crucial functions like climate control. The three-spoke steering wheel gets dual-tone treatment and is wrapped in leather. Interestingly, rear bench seat only has two seats despite having 1,915 mm width.Chery iCar V23 DashboardChery has ensured iCar V23 is a proper off-road-worthy machine. RWD versions promise a 42° approach angle and a 40° departure angle along with a 206 mm ground clearance. The 4WD variant promises a 43° approach and 41° departure angles along with 212 mm ground clearance.Wheel size options include either 19-inchers or 21-inchers. Powertrains are not fully out. Rumour mill suggests an 80 kWh CATL battery pack with 4WD variant and a smaller battery with RWD variant. Range on a single charge could vary between 400 km and 500 km with RWD and 4WD variants respectively. Will it launch in India? Not likely. More

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      New Honda Ye Electric SUV Debuts – Launch By End 2024

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      New Honda Ye Electric SUV – GTWhile Honda has been late in the EV race, it aims to catch up with plans to launch around 30 new battery-powered models by 2030For global markets, Honda is working on a new 0 (Zero) series of electric cars. These are expected to be launched in 2026. But Honda has entirely different plans for the Chinese market. It’s understandable, as China is the largest EV market in the world.Honda Ye EV range unveiled in ChinaIn Mandarin, ‘Ye’ means ‘shine brilliantly’. Honda’s new Ye EV range introduced in China has P7 and S7 SUVs and a GT Concept sedan. More models will be added to the Ye EV lineup in the coming years. The crossover SUVs are expected to go on sale in China by the end of 2024.New Honda Ye Electric SUVIn comparison, the GT Concept previews a new EV sedan that is expected to be launched by the end of 2025. Honda’s new EVs for China will be manufactured and sold by the company’s local partners – Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda.Honda P7 and S7 SUVsExcluding the front fascia and rear profile, Honda P7 and S7 SUVs are almost identical. Some of the key highlights include sculpted bonnet, polygonal fenders, flush-type pop-out door handles, blacked-out pillars, side view cameras, raked rear windshield, shark fin antenna and roof mounted spoiler. Even the alloy wheels are the same for P7 and S7 crossover SUVs. Both SUVs get the new Honda logo at front, along with spaced out HONDA lettering at rear.New Honda Ye Electric SUV – P7However, both SUVs have unique styling at front and rear. P7 has a relatively sober design for the front fascia. It has conventional C-shaped elements and similar styled tail lamps. On the other hand, Honda S7 has a quirkier profile. It gets distinctive X-shaped lighting at the front.New Honda Ye Electric SUV – S7At the rear, S7 has H-shaped lighting profile. P7 and S7 have unique front and rear bumpers. The charging port is installed on the front fenders of both SUVs. Inside, Honda P7 and S7 share the same set of equipment. Some of the key highlights include a large touchscreen in portrait format, a digital instrument display and a flattened steering wheel.The SUVs will have AI-based voice control systems. Another interesting feature is illuminated dashboard and door panels that will light up according to specific functions. While hardware specs have not been revealed, it is expected that Honda P7 and S7 will be available in both rear- and all-wheel drive formats.New Honda Ye Electric SUVHonda GT ConceptSpecific features of GT Concept such as the X-shaped lighting at front are similar to that of S7. The same is true for the taillight graphics. Honda GT Concept has a sporty profile, with features such as deep fender air vents. Other exciting features include a split rear windscreen and Formula 1-style rear fog light. Inside, the Honda GT Concept has an opulent red and black colour theme. Users can expect a fully digital experience, with around 6 screens. It includes a unique touch-based gear selector.For the Chinese market, Honda has plans to launch six Ye EV models by 2027. In addition, there will be the e:NP1 and e:NS1. These are China-spec versions of the e:N1. There are two more EVs in the works, but details are not available. It means that Honda will have a total of 10 EVs for China by 2027. Honda also has plans to become an EV-only brand in China by 2035. More

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      2025 Mahindra BE.05 Compact Electric SUV Spied With Production Parts

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      2025 Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVMahindra is getting ready to launch a range of new electric SUVs – BE.05 will launch next yearIn a bold move towards the electrification of automobiles, Mahindra is set to redefine the landscape with its upcoming BE.05 electric SUV. Spotted undergoing rigorous testing, the BE.05 promises to deliver a revolutionary design and styling that could potentially make it India’s wildest SUV yet. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Bharathi.Design Innovation Takes Center StageMahindra’s commitment to innovation is evident in the BE.05, which is built upon the INGLO platform, a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. The BE.05 is part of a larger initiative by Mahindra to introduce multiple electric SUVs based on the INGLO platform in its initial phase, with more to follow.2025 Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVAt the forefront of the BE.05’s design is a team led by Pratap Bose, whose vision has brought to life a vehicle that commands attention. Recent spy shots offer a close-up view of the BE.05’s exterior in production format, revealing an avant-garde aesthetic unlike anything seen before in the Indian automotive market.A Glimpse of the FutureThe BE.05 boasts striking LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that dominate the front fascia, setting a new standard for automotive lighting design. These DRL signatures, occupying nearly 70% of the vertical space, exude an aura of sophistication and modernity. The rear of the vehicle is equally captivating, with tail light LED signatures that evoke a sense of primal energy and dynamism.2025 Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVFrom its angular side profile to its futuristic roof spoiler, every aspect of the BE.05’s design exudes confidence and boldness. Despite the abundance of design elements, the vehicle’s aesthetics remain cohesive and purposeful, a testament to Mahindra’s commitment to creating a visually arresting compact SUV.2025 Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVBeyond Aesthetics: Performance and TechnologyUnderneath its striking exterior, the BE.05 promises to deliver impressive performance and advanced technology. Expected to be equipped with a battery capacity ranging from 60 to 80 kWh, the BE.05 will offer both single-motor and dual-motor configurations to cater to diverse driving needs.Inside the cabin, the BE.05 combines functionality with elegance, featuring a spacious interior with a modern design aesthetic. While the concept showcased a twin-screen layout, recent sightings suggest a more streamlined approach with a single instrument screen, hinting at Mahindra’s ongoing refinement of the vehicle’s interior technology.2025 Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVTowards a Greener FutureAs the automotive industry transitions towards electric mobility, Mahindra stands at the forefront, leading the charge with its BE vertical. With a target price range of Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh, the BE.05 aims to make electric driving accessible to a wider audience.2025 Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVSet for launch in 2025, the Mahindra BE.05 represents a significant leap forward in electric vehicle design and technology. With its bold aesthetics, cutting-edge features, and commitment to sustainability, the BE.05 is poised to revolutionize the way we perceive electric SUVs, setting a new benchmark for innovation in the automotive industry.2025 Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV More