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      China’s Xpeng Starts Testing Flying Car Ahead Of Launch – First Spy Shots

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      Flying car testing startsAt least 3 flying cars are being developed by Xpeng AeroHT, an affiliate of China-based Xpeng MotorsWhile many flying car projects are underway, a mass scale commercial availability could take years. At the forefront of flying car tech are companies like Xpeng Motors, one of the leading electric vehicle manufacturers in China. Flying car products under development include a land aircraft carrier modular flying car and a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft named X2. A third product with both car and VTOL functionality is also being developed.Xpeng modular flying car spottedBeing developed by Xpeng AeroHT, the Land Aircraft Carrier modular flying car utilizes a two-part design. There’s a land module in the form of a large van and an VTOL air module that facilitates low-altitude flights. The air module fits snugly inside the land module.Flying car testing startsThe modular flying car will allow users to enjoy the best of both worlds, terrestrial as well as aerial. While the flying car will be great for travel and tourism, it can also be deployed for emergency services and rescue missions. The possibilities are virtually limitless.Xpeng modular flying car capabilitiesAccording to Xpeng AeroHT, the modular flying car is currently under the preparation stage for mass production. The land module can accommodate 4-5 passengers, which makes it suitable for family needs. It has significant off-road potential with 6×6 all-wheel drive and independent rear wheel steering. Where the land module can’t go, the air module takes over. Both standard and long-range land modules will be available. The latter will have capability to charge the air module multiple times.Flying car testing startsThe VTOL air module is fully-electric and designed for low-altitude flight. Both manual and automatic drive modes are available. The flying module has foldable rotors that allow it to easily fit inside the land module. With four legs instead of wheels, the air module feels like a compact traditional helicopter. It can also be described as a large sized drone. The air module has space for two passengers. With its compact design, the flying range will be limited. However, with the charging option inbuilt in the land module, the range limitation can be overcome.Flying car testing startsXpeng modular flying car launch, challengesAt the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2024, Xpeng had stated that the land Aircraft Carrier modular flying car will be available for pre-order in Q4, 2024. Deliveries are planned to commence from Q4, 2025. However, mass scale adoption can take several years. Pricing could be a factor, as the flying car will not be available at affordable rates.As per an earlier launch plan, Xpeng was considering a price tag of 1 million Yuan (approx. Rs 1.15 crore). At this price point, the flying car will be accessible to a niche audience. Airspace regulations could be another challenge for flying cars. Also, dealing with a flying machine requires specialized skills. Even when equipped with advanced safety features, a flying machine can pose challenges for first time users. More

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      MG Strengthens EV Portfolio – New ZS EV Variant, Fast Charging For Comet

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      MG Strengthens EV PortfolioMG Comet EV is currently India’s most affordable electric car on sale and the new added fast charging capability betters end user experienceIn a rather strategic move, MG Motor India has solidified its presence in Indian electric car industry. MG has introduced a new trim level with its flagship electric car, ZS EV. Along with that, MG has made fast charging available with Comet EV, further extending its electric vehicle expertise to offer value-added propositions to customers.MG Strengthens EV PortfolioOn a mission to consolidate its position as an automaker in India, MG Motor is on a quest to update its portfolio. The company will launch facelifted version of Gloster by the end of this year. Just yesterday, MG Motor updated variant lineup of its debutant vehicle, Hector, by launching Shine Pro and Select Pro trims with trending features.The 2024 MG Astor launched earlier this year brought new features and revised variant lineup and slashed pricing. Now, Astor’s electric sibling, ZS EV, gets revised variant lineup too. The new added variant is called Excite Pro and it is positioned above base Executive trim and below Exclusive Plus trim.The variant lineup now starts from Executive, Excite Pro, Exclusive Plus and top-spec Essence. Price for newly launched Excite Pro trim with ZS EV is Rs. 19.98 lakh (ex-sh). Base price for ZS EV is Rs. 18.98 lakh and goes till Rs. 24.98 lakh for top-spec Essence trim.2023 MG ZS EV with Level 2 ADAS – LaunchedPrimary highlights with ZS EV include plush interiors, 75+ connected car features, 50.3 kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 468 km on a single charge, digital key locking, ADAS Level 2 among other features. MG’s primary marketing gig with the newly launched Excite Pro trim level is that it is the cheapest electric car under Rs. 20 lakh (ex-sh) with a panoramic sunroof.Comet gets Fast Charging with select trimsShifting gaze from MG’s flagship EV to the most affordable, Comet EV has been made available with fast charging capability, which was sorely missing before this update. MG Motor India is offering fast charging capability only with select trims – Excite FC and Exclusive FC. In Comet EV’s trim hierarchy, Excite and Executive are the upper-end trim levels.Price for Excite FC is Rs. 8.23 lakh (ex-sh) and Exclusive FC is Rs. 9.13 lakh (ex-sh). The highlight features with these trims are electronic parking brake, rear disc brake, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, Creep mode, electrically foldable ORVMs, integrated indicators in DRLs, body-coloured ORVM, fast AC charging among others.2024 MG CometStatement from MG Motor India“MG is committed to continuously innovating and offering exciting products to customers at attractive value propositions. After taking customer feedback, using market insights and industry analysis, we have introduced the new variants of our EVs- MG ZS and Comet.Along with our products, we significantly emphasize on building EV awareness and establishing a robust EV ecosystem to make EV usage more convenient and accessible”, said Gaurav Gupta, Deputy Managing Director, MG Motor India. More

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      BYD Seal EV Launched At Rs. 41 Lakh – Costs Less Than Toyota Camry Hybrid

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      BYD Seal EV Launched In IndiaSome of the USPs of BYD Seal all-electric sedan include its gorgeous profile and a comprehensive range of advanced featuresAs the EV segment in India gains momentum, BYD has added more options for its customers. Towards that end, the BYD Seal electric sedan has been launched in India. BYD’s current portfolio includes the Atto 3 SUV and e6 MPV, along with Seal. Bookings for the same had been open for some time at a nominal price of Rs. 1.25 lakh.BYD Seal specs, range, performanceThe BYD Seal electric sedan is available across multiple international markets including Europe. In India, there are three variants – Dynamic, Premium and Performance. Prices for BYD Seal starts from Rs. 41 Lakh for Dynamic, Rs. 45.55 lakh for mid-spec Premium and Rs. 53 lakh (all prices ex-sh) for top-spec Performance variant.While the first two variants are RWD, Performance gets dual motors with AWD layout. Base Dynamic gets a 61.4 kWh battery pack with 510 km range and the other two get a larger 82.5 kWh unit. Because Premium is RWD only, it gets the best-case-scenario range at 650 km, while Performance is claimed to go 580 km on a single charge, as per CLTC standards.Top-spec Performance AWD variant of BYD Seal generates a combined output of 530 PS and 670 Nm. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved in just 3.8 seconds. BYD Seal AWD variant supports DC fast charging of up to 150 kW. BYD is offering a 7kW home charger with installation, 3kW portable charger, 6 year RSA among other benefits.Charging from 10% to 80% takes 37 minutes, whereas 30% to 80% can be achieved in 26 minutes. BYD Seal has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability that can be used to charge various tools and equipment. Seal EV is a Toyota Camry-size vehicle and undercuts Camry too, which is only a hybrid-ICE vehicle with FWD as standard.BYD Seal dimensions, featuresUsers can expect a dynamic road presence with BYD Seal measuring 4,800 mm in length. The sedan is 1,875mm wide, 1,460mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. There’s ample storage with a 400-litre boot and a front boot with 53-litre space. The sedan has kerb weight of close to 2.2 tons.BYD Seal has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.219, one of the lowest in the world. For reference, the Tesla Model S has a drag coefficient of 0.208. In addition to increasing range, the low drag coefficient also helps achieve a gorgeous profile for the sedan.BYD Seal EV ProfileBYD Seal promises a luxurious experience with leather-wrapped interiors and heated, ventilated seats. Other highlights include a panoramic sunroof, a 15.6-inch electrically rotatable touchscreen, a 10.25-inch TFT full LCD instrument panel, head-up display, voice commands and wireless smartphone charging.Safety kit includes a comprehensive range of ADAS features. The sedan also comes with the assurance of 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. 8-year or 1,60,000 km warranty on battery, 8 year or 1,50,000 km warranty on motor and controller along with 6 year or 1,50,000 km warranty on DC-DC assembly, OBC and high-voltage electric control offer peace of mind for buyers. More

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      Hyundai Casper EV Production-Spec Model Spied Testing – Punch EV Rival

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      Hyundai Casper EV Production-SpecUpcoming Hyundai Casper EV might pack up to a 40 kWh battery pack, promising a range of around 300 km in the real worldHyundai Casper Electric crossover production-spec model was recently spied testing in South Korea. It is based on the regular Casper ICE vehicle, which is very popular in South Korean market. India may get a slightly larger version of this, in the form of Exter EV.Hyundai Casper EV Production-Spec modelProduction-spec model of Casper EV was spied testing recently and retains most strengths from its ICE counterpart. Despite being draped in camouflage, most of its design elements could be correlated with its ICE counterpart. We’re talking about the same cutesy design that made Casper a popular vehicle since its launch.The friendly front fascia with attractive LED DRLs at the top and round projector headlights below it, is retained as is. Front grille has a new circular element finished in silver. Contrasting this circular element is a covered patch, which is likely to house Hyundai Casper EV’s charging port. Centrally positioned charging port could have aided convenience. But that is not the case.Side profile is similar to regular Casper. Chunky B-pillars split the glass area. They are body coloured, adding an interesting touch. Wheels could be 17” in diameter like ICE Casper. EV-specific smaller aero wheels are highly likely. Rear is completely similar to ICE Hyundai Casper, sans an exhaust.Hyundai Casper EV RearDepending on market, Hyundai Casper EV production-spec model gets ADAS suite. Other notable features include heated seats, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, a larger touchscreen infotainment screen than Casper ICE’s 8-inch unit, larger instrument screen, connected LED tail lights, rear disc brakes and more. The Next Small Thing To Ruffle EV Space?Hyundai Casper EV is likely to retain similar dimensions as ICE Casper measuring 3,595mm long, 1,595mm wide and up to 1,605mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,400mm long. India-bound Exter EV is likely to get a larger footprint than Casper. Speculations suggest a long-wheelbase version of Casper EV for export markets like Australia and Europe.Both Casper and Exter are based on the same Hyundai-Kia K1 platform. Range can be around 300 km from a single charge. Same set of features as ICE Casper will make it to Hyundai Casper Electric as well. A 40 kWh battery is likely. For context, Tata Nexon EV LR gets a 40.5 kWh battery and is a much larger vehicle than Casper.Hyundai Casper EV SideIndia is showing a (relatively) steady growth in electric car space. The sub Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh bracket is where most EV action lies. Lower end of this spectrum is occupied by Tata Tiago EV and Tigor EV, Citroen eC3, MG Comet and the recently launched Punch EV.Hyundai Casper EVSource – ??? ??? ?? ???? More

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      2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift Debuts With Larger Battery – More Range

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      Hyundai Ioniq 5 FaceliftThe new N Line version of Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift slots below high-performance Ioniq 5 N and gets sporty attributes over base modelIf there is a car in recent times that brought Hyundai under the microscope of car enthusiasts, it has to be the Ioniq 5. The car’s iconic neo-retro design has irked the interests of many and for 2024, Hyundai has brought a slight facelift of Ioniq 5. Alongside 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift, there is a new Ioniq 5 N Line version that sits below the sporty Ioniq 5 N.What are the design changes?When we say design changes, one has to have a magnifying glass to spot the differences. This is not a bad thing at all as design was one of Ioniq 5’s primary strengths. The main exterior design changes are confined to front and rear bumpers which receive a sporty treatment. Instead of ORVMs, there are cameras with separate screens on the inside.Hyundai Ioniq 5 FaceliftThis revision to bumpers account for an increase in length of 20 mm. There is a 50mm larger rear spoiler for added aero performance. Front fascia features a slightly re-designed bumper. Lower bumper now gets a single-piece bull-bar-like element, which used to have a pronounced split. Ioniq 5’s iconic LED DRLs get a central LED element as well.Similar revisions can be seen with the rear bumper too. Overall effect is now a lot sportier and more appealing. Other exterior changes include new aerodynamic wheels for a swagger approach. In pictures, Ioniq 5 poses as an i20-sized hatchback but is a lot more substantial in the mettle.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift Interior2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift DebutsOn the inside, Hyundai has made a few small revisions too. For starters, Hyundai has added a few physical buttons for frequently used functions. Wireless charging pad has been re-positioned for added convenience and usability. Hyundai’s touch-sensitive panel to control climate control features have been revised too.Hyundai didn’t mention anything about USB ports on the inside with the facelifted model. We say this because pre-facelift model used to get dated Type-A ports and lacked modern Type-C ports, which were present in its Kia counterpart EV6. Other than that, new facelift boasts an improved connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with OTA updates.Along with improvements in chassis rigidity, Hyundai has added a few safety features too – Hands-On Detection (HOD) steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), and Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-F/S/R). Front-Lighting System (IFS), Digital Key 2, Built-In Cam 2 and second-row seat remote folding are other notable feature additions.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift N Line Version2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N LineWe know the brilliant Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and all of its exciting design and performance. However, Hyundai has carved out a new Ioniq 5 N Line which sits below the high-performance N. This is in a bid to cater to increasing demand for sporty-looking versions of vehicles. 20-inch aluminium wheels, sporty side skirts and unique bumpers with N Line badging are highlights.Lastly, 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift gets a decent bump in powertrain department as well. For starters, the battery is now an 84 kWh unit, up from 77.4 kWh setup seen in current Ioniq5. Proportionately, range has been increased too. Hyundai India might bring this updated model to India via the CKD route by the end of this year or early next year. More

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      Ford India Rumoured To Enter Into A JV With Tata Motors – New Hybrids, EVs Planned

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      Tata Nexon rolling out of new Sanand plant – Previously owned by Ford IndiaAfter exiting the Indian market, Ford is reportedly planning to re-enter – This time with EVs and HybridsGlobal automotive juggernaut, Ford, is contemplating its plans to position itself as a car manufacturer in India. In a rather long see-saw session, there have been multiple speculations around Ford’s upcoming strategy for the Indian market. Latest reports suggest Ford could stick to Hybrids and EVs along with a probable JV with Tata Motors.Ford India Strategy Could Revolve Around Hybrids, EVsAfter years of dwindling sales, Ford pulled the plug on its Indian operations, similar to what automotive juggernauts like Chevrolet from General Motors and Fiat from Stellantis (then Fiat Chrysler Association) did. Company held two manufacturing facilities in India – Sanand and Chennai.Next Gen Ford EcoSport patent leaksSanand plant was sold to Tata Motors and the transaction happened rather smoothly and ownership was handed over. However, same can’t be said about Ford’s Chennai plant. Ford was in the final round of talks with JSW Group for the sale of its Chennai plant and was called off in the final stages.The deal with JSW Group was said to be almost finalised and considered a closed chapter. However, this deal went south and Chennai facility is still under Ford’s ownership. The hesitation for Ford follows with the recent success of Indian automotive sector climbing the ranks to solidify third largest car market position, followed by China and USA.Tata Nexon rolls out of New Sanand PlantWhat may be Ford’s strategy?The Chennai plant may prove to be a strategic export hub for ASEAN nations with proximity to ports and sea routes. As per a recent report, people in the know-how have revealed that Ford might retain the manufacturing facility to sell hybrid and electric vehicles along with SUVs.New Gen Ford Endeavour design patent filedThese adhere to Ford’s global strategies and the brand has significant expertise and pioneering in said genres. Ford’s recent patent applications reveal a compact or sub-compact SUV that could take EcoSport name considering its legacy, loyalty and recall among enthusiasts. This might be Ford’s mass market offering while keeping halo products in the line.Speaking of, Ford Mustang EV name was trademarked in India earlier this year and new Ford Everest (sold as Endeavour in India) design patents have been filed too. These developments align with the recent report mentioning Ford may stick to SUVs and EVs, while the smaller SUV could be a hybrid vehicle.Ford Mustang EVFord JV with Tata Motors?The report also mentioned speculations about Ford getting into a JV with Tata Motors. Tata is currently India’s leading electric car maker on a scale larger than any other manufacturer. A JV with Tata may benefit both companies. For Ford it will help penetrate the Indian market while for Tata, they might get to launch cars in the US market.Source More

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      New Renault Electric Hatchback Debuts – Promises 400 km Range

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      New Renault Electric Hatchback – Renault 5 E-TechNew Renault Electric Hatchback borrows design inspiration from the Renault R5 and Super 5 both of which were best-sellers in their heydays during the 1970s and 1980sThe spotlight at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, which commenced on February 26th and extends until March 3, 2024, is on the resurgence of the iconic Renault 5, reborn as the compact electric vehicle, Renault 5 E-Tech. Priced at a competitive €25,000 ($27,000/Rs 22.50 lakh), the electric super mini seems production-ready, showcasing a striking resemblance to its 2021 concept.Renault 5 E-Tech – Exterior StylingDrawing inspiration from the best-selling Renault R5 and Super 5 of the 1970s and 1980s, the Renault 5 E-Tech pays homage to its predecessors with a design that echoes the nostalgia of that era. Sharing the limelight at the Geneva Motor Show was the Renault Scenic E-Tech, crowned Car of the Year 2024 with 329 points, outshining competitors such as BMW and Peugeot.New Renault Electric Hatchback – Renault 5 E-TechReturning to the spotlight, the Renault 5 E-Tech promises to be a game-changer in the eco-friendly vehicle market, offering two variants – Techno and Iconic Five – and a palette of vibrant exterior colours. The hatchback embraces R5’s distinctive features, featuring rugged wheel arches, a redesigned roofline, boxy stance, and LED signature lighting with a dynamic blinking effect.Notable additions include flush-fit rear lamps, a luminous logo, a charging flap, and a soft-top fabric roof. Built on the AmpR Small platform, the Renault 5 E-Tech boasts a long wheelbase and an overall length of 3.92m, promising easy handling with a short steering ratio and a turning cycle of 10.3 meters, complemented by 18-inch wheels.New Renault Electric Hatchback – Renault 5 E-TechThe compact interior, with 60:40 split-folding seats, offers a generous 326 liters of boot space, with an overall weight range of 1,350 to 1,450 kgs. Trim levels dictate interior features, with the Techno variant equipped with a reverse camera, charging display on the bonnet, and adaptive cruise control as standard.Renault 5 E-Tech DashboardThe Iconic Five steps it up with heated seats and a steering wheel, along with parking assistance. A prominent 10-inch central multimedia screen, powered by the OpenR Link system with built-in Google for Techno and Iconic Five trim levels, accompanies a digital instrument panel providing comprehensive driving information through five different views.Renault 5 E-Tech – Power, Range and PerformanceUnder the hood, the Renault 5 E-Tech relies on two lithium-ion batteries, offering two motor options with outputs of 120 hp and 150 hp. The larger 52 kWh pack delivers 150 hp with a range of 400 kms, while the second 40 kWh pack provides a 300-km range.New Renault Electric Hatchback – Renault 5 E-TechBoth battery packs employ NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) technology. Charging is facilitated through an 11 kW AC charging socket, allowing for an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. With a competitive pricing announcement of €25,000 ($27,000/Rs 22.50 lakh), the Renault 5 E-Tech positions itself among the most affordable electric vehicles in the European market. More

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      BYD Seal EV Bookings Open In India – Free EURO 2024 Match Ticket Offer

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      BYD Seal Electric IndiaBYD India has opened bookings for their upcoming new Seal EV – Free Euro 2024 Match Ticket and return flight for few lucky buyersIt may be recalled that BYD Seal, an all-electric sedan, was showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo last year. It is now time for this new electric vehicle to mark its entry into India and launch date is set for 5th March 2024. It will be the company’s third product to launch in India after the BYD Atto 3 and BYD e6. Ahead of launch, BYD India has now opened official bookings and also announced an exciting offer.Book BYD Seal and get a chance to watch EURO 2024 MatchOne month ago, BYD officially became the Official Partner and Official E-Mobility Partner for the UEFA European Football Championship 2024 (UEFA EURO 2024). Thanks to this, those who book the BYD SEAL before April 30th, 2024, will stand a chance to receive a complimentary UEFA match ticket and a round-trip flight ticket from India to the designated match city.BYD Seal sedanThe new Seal sedan will be brought in as a CBU and assembled at the company plant in Chennai. It will borrow some design elements from the Ocean X concept with “ocean aesthetics” design language and ocean-themed nomenclature. This 4 door, 5 seater sedan gets LED headlamps, bumper mounted boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and full width connected LED tail lamps.It also sports a fixed glass roof and flush fitted door handles as a part of its exterior arrangement. In terms of dimensions, the new Seal EV will measure 4,800 mm in length, 1875mm in width and 1460 mm in height with a 50:50 weight distribution and a wheelbase of 2,920 mm.BYD Seal Electric dashboardIts interiors will sport a large number of driver and passenger comforts the most prominent of which will be a 15.6 inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment system and a large 10.25 inch digital display unit, It also gets climate controls, central AC vents with drive selector, a heated windscreen, volume controls for audio system and two wireless charging pads.BYD Seal EV Bookings Open In IndiaBYD Seal, having scored a 5 Star Rating at Euro NCAP, will come into India with a long list of safety equipment. It will come in with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), with autonomous emergency braking system, lane support, and speed detection systems along with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and collision avoidance assist.BYD Seal – Battery Options, Claimed RangeIn India, the new BYD Seal will come in with an 82.5 kWh battery pack offering rear wheel drive. It claims a range of 570 kms on the WLTP cycle. It also gets a permanent magnet synchronous motor positioned on the rear axle offering 230 hp power and 360 Nm torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in 5.9 seconds. Charging is via a regular 11 kW AC charger allowing the new BYD Seal to be charged upto 100 percent in 8.6 hours. It can also be charged via 150 kW charger, wherein 10-80 percent charge is achieved in 37 minutes.With an expected price at around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom), the new BYD Seal could find itself taking on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (priced at Rs 45.95 lakh) besides the Kia EV6 and Volvo C40 Recharge. In that price range, it will also compete with the BMW i4 in the electric segment and with ICE powered models such as Mercedes GLB and the Audi Q5. More