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    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 Electric SUV Launch Price Rs 2.25 Cr – 611 Kms Range, 11 Airbags

    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India LaunchMercedes-Maybach EQS 680 comes in as the company’s flagship electric SUV – Setting a new benchmark in the luxury BEV segment
    Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 has been launched in India. It is the first electric Maybach from the German automaker and true to its brand, exudes the epitome of both luxury and refinement. Priced from Rs 2.25 crore, ex-sh; Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 Electric SUV claimed range is up to 611 kms as per the WLTP cycle. Today’s Merc launch follows launch of the Mercedes EQA and EQB electric SUVs in July this year.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 Electric SUV Details
    Mercedes-Maybach EQS commands a strong road presence standing 5,125mm in length, 1959mm in width and 1,721mm in height. It rides on a 3,210mm long wheelbase and gets a 440 liter boot. It rides on 21 or 22 inch alloy and forged wheels.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India Launch
    Where its design is concerned, it is set apart by a dual tone paint scheme, vertical slats on what would have been its front grille with the three point star logo and chrome finished Maybach logos prominently displayed on its front fascia. It also sports a distinctive “EQS” embossed on its window frame. Mercedes Digital Light LED headlamp with 1 million pixels per headlight and clusters with LED DRLs that also function as turn-indicators, tail lamps connected by an LED light bar, a bonnet with prominent character lines and a roof spoiler are a part of its exteriors.
    The interiors are similar to that seen on the regular EQS SUV. Its plethora of screens are its highlight as the Maybach EQS SUV receives an MBUX Hyperscreen along with twin 11.6 inch screens for passengers at the rear. The MBUX tablet can also be used outside the vehicle. Features also include a 15 speaker Burmester surround sound system, ambient lighting with 64 colour LEDs and 13 lighting combinations and multi zone climate control.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India Launch
    Interiors and Safety
    New Mercedes Maybach EQS receives premium seats with Nappa leather upholstery. Executive seats come in with ventilation and massage function along with neck and shoulder heating as well as calf massage.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India Launch
    Mercedes has also included a boss mode package on the new Maybach EQS SUV, which is exclusive for the left-rear occupant. Nappa leather also extends to the steering wheel with the Maybach logo. Interestingly, the steering wheel can tilt from 2.5 to 10 degrees depending upon speed. It also comes with self-leveling, height-adjustable AIRMATIC suspension.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India Launch
    Safety features include a 360 degree surround camera, 11 airbags which also includes a central airbag for passengers at the rear which is the first of its kind in the Indian market. This central airbag deploys between the front seats on impact. Safety is also via advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ABS, EBD and traction control.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India Launch
    As a part of the safety equipment, seat buckles come with chrome edging and illuminate when the passenger is fastening the seat belt. The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV receives driving modes of Eco, Sport, Offroad, Individual, along with an exclusive ‘Maybach’ mode.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India Launch
    Battery Pack, Powertrain, and Specifications
    Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV in its top spec 680 trim gets a dual-motor setup and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard. Power and torque figures are at 658 hp and 950 Nm respectively. It gets a 122kWh battery pack that supports 200kW DC fast charging. Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h is achieved in 4.4 seconds while top speed is at 210 km/h.
    Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 India Launch
    Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India – “With Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV we continue to hone our BEV portfolio further in India, offering a diverse choice for our discerning customers. We strongly believe there can be no luxury without sustainability and Mercedes-Benz will continue to create the B EV ecosystem for transitioning to electromobility of future.” More

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    2025 Kia EV6 Patented In India – Electric Crossover Launch Expected Soon?

    Upcoming 2025 Kia EV6
    Unveiled recently, 2025 Kia EV6 will be offered in two versions, EV6 Air and EV6 GT-Line, while a third version, EV6 GT, will debut later
    With electric vehicles gaining more popularity in India, many OEMs have been contemplating a more robust portfolio. Kia currently has one electric car on sale in India, which is the EV6. There is a new 2025 facelift update for Kia EV6 globally, revealed recently. The same has not been patented in India, sparking launch speculations. Let’s take a look.
    2025 Kia EV6 Patented In India
    The recently unveiled 2025 Kia EV6 is likely to be India-bound and will replace the current pre-facelift model when that happens. The same has now been patented in India, suggesting launch intentions. There is a slight probability of it being just an IP (Intellectual Property) security exercise too.
    However, Kia is likely to bring the 2025 EV6 to our shores. Kia EV6 has had a significant impact on company’s portfolio in the Asian subcontinent as a flagship vehicle. Keeping it up to date makes logical sense and the company might bring the new model sometime in 2025.
    Globally, Kia and Hyundai have been taking great strides in expanding their electric vehicle portfolio. In India, however, both companies offer one EV each and both command premium pricing. While Hyundai Ioniq 5 is brought in via CKD route and save on tax, Kia EV6 is a full import as a CBU.
    Upcoming 2025 Kia EV6 Patent Leaked
    We hope 2025 Kia EV6 is brought into India via CKD route like Ioniq 5 to save on ridiculously high taxes and duties associated with a CBU vehicle. Also, we hope Kia will continue offering dual-motor AWD version of 2025 Kia EV6 like it does with current model.
    What is new with 2025 model?
    Ever since EV6 was launched by Kia Motors in India, it has emerged as a relatively accessible premium performance vehicle. The new 2025 EV6 with an updated design will strike a similar emotion among Indian buyers. This is a mid-life facelift with slight revisions to powertrain. We get new fascia with distinct LED DRL signature.
    There are two versions revealed with subtle design distinctions – EV6 Air and EV6 GT. A third GT version with significantly better performance will debut in the future. On the inside, 2025 Kia EV6 gets a new 2-spoke steering wheel with EV6 Air and a sportier 3-spoke unit with GT-Line model. Twin 12.3-inch screens running ccNC UI are notable too.
    2025 Kia EV6 Facelift Debuts
    Previously offered 77.4 kWh unit has been replaced with an 84 kWh battery unit and Kia claims 0-80% SOC takes just 18 minutes with a 350 kW charger. Single motor variant generates 225 bhp and 350 Nm and dual-motor AWD model packs 320 bhp and 605 Nm total system output. More

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    Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV and Coupe Spied – Massive Road Presence

    Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV and CoupeIn addition to their race-inspired styling, Mahindra born-electric SUVs are also designed to deliver an exhilarating performance
    With an eye on the EV market, Mahindra is readying its born electric range of SUVs. Launch is expected in 2025. Test mules have been spotted frequently in recent months. Ahead of their launch, Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV (XUV.e8) and Coupe (XUV.e9) have been spotted together on road tests.
    Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV and Coupe
    Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Pranav Nemade. It is likely that XUV.e8 will be the first to debut next year. XUV.e8 is essentially the electric version of XUV700. But unlike an ICE to EV conversion, XUV.e8 and other upcoming electric SUVs from Mahindra are based on an entirely new INGLO platform. It’s a born-electric platform that promises significant improvements in terms of performance, safety, tech and comfort.
    Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV and Coupe
    Talking about XUV.e9, it is essentially the coupe version of XUV.e8 / XUV700 Coupe. With its coupe profile, the XUV.e9 has a more eye-catching road presence. There are some similarities in design such as the closed-off grille and triangular headlamp housings. The full-width LED DRLs have some slight variations, but overall look and feel is largely the same. The bumper section has the same basic shape, although the design elements are distinct for both SUVs.
    XUV.e8 has the logo placed on the closed-off grille, whereas XUV.e9 has the logo on the bonnet. Both SUVs get aerodynamically designed alloy wheels, shod with low-drag tyres. Wheel arches are circular for XUV.e8, whereas XUV.e9 has a polygonal shape at the edges. Both SUVs get body cladding, but the ones on XUV.e9 are much wider and more rugged looking. Flush door handles are common, but XUV.e9 has its rear door handles placed on the C-pillar.
    Mahindra XUV700 Coupe SUV
    At the rear, XUV.e8 borrows the tail lamps from its ICE sibling. But the bumper is new and there are changes to the tailgate as well. XUV.e9 has a sportier rear profile with a full-width LED light bar and prominent tail gate. The bumper also comes across as a lot more robust.
    Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV
    Mahindra XUV.e8, XUV.e9 – Equipment list, performance
    Both XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 will be equipped with a panoramic triple screen dashboard. In addition to the instrument console and touchscreen infotainment system, the third screen will be exclusively for the front passenger. The triple screen layout enhances the overall cockpit experience for both the driver and front passenger.
    Mahindra electric SUVs will have embedded 5G network capability and OTA updates. Such advanced features will allow users to explore their world without any worries. XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 will be equipped with 5 Radars-1 Vision technology.
    Mahindra XUV700 Coupe SUV
    It makes the SUVs futureproof, with capability to support L2+ autonomous driving and ADAS. Users will be able to access a comprehensive range of connectivity features. Both RWD and all-wheel drive options are likely to be available with XUV.e8 and XUV.e9. Battery capacity could be 80 kWh, with support for fast charging. Top of the line variant will cost over Rs 40 lakhs. More

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    Mahindra Volkswagen Eye Electric Future with New 50:50 Joint Venture

    Mahindra Volkswagen 50:50 Partnership Confirmed?Strategic Collaboration to Focus on Electric SUVs for Indian and Global Markets, Excluding Current Volkswagen and Skoda Models
    There have been rumours about a strategic joint venture between Mahindra Auto and Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL). Now, a new Economic Times report claims that SAVWIPL has reached advanced stages of negotiations to consolidate a 50:50 partnership with Mahindra Auto. Let’s take a look.
    Mahindra Volkswagen Group – 50:50 Partnership
    A wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group Germany, SAVWIPL was reportedly looking forward to sell around 50% of its stake in India business. While the speculation was not officially confirmed, new report reveals a potential 50:50 partnership with Mahindra Auto. This potential joint venture from both these car manufacturers is supposedly in advanced stages of negotiations. This JV seems to have progressed across multiple rounds of virtual and in-person engagements from both companies.
    This comes a couple of months after Skoda Auto Global CEO, Klaus Zellmer, revealed in Prague, that the company has made great progress in looking for a potential partnership with an Indian auto manufacturer. On record, both Mahindra and Volkswagen have refrained from commenting on this development officially. The report further elaborates that this joint venture between VW and Mahindra will prioritize the development and manufacturing of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and to some extent, ICE vehicles, for Indian market and exports.
    SAVWIPL’s current portfolio including the mainstream offerings from Skoda and VW along with luxury offerings from other brands in the structure will not be a part of this joint venture. There might be an official announcement regarding the same from Skoda and Mahindra by the end of this calendar year.
    Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
    What does this JV allow?
    This is not the first time Mahindra has partnered with global brands. Mahindra has had associations with Renault, SsangYong (now KG Mobility), Ford and recently, Volkswagen. Mahindra and Volkswagen partnered up for a supply agreement where VW supplied the former with electric vehicle powertrain components for the INGLO platform underpinning the upcoming XUV.e and BE range of EVs.
    For SAVWIPL, this partnership could help them achieve a firm footing in world’s 3rd largest car market. Something the company has not managed to achieve on its own, despite being operational here for over two decades. The competition from rival brands along with their cost competitiveness seems to have cornered the brand into looking for a potential partner.
    With Mahindra, SAVWIPL will be able to share costs, technology, platforms and mainly, risks. For Mahindra, this JV can help them elevate their electric vehicle portfolio and meet their roadmap of achieving a 30% market share in India’s SUV segment. There will be a major boost in Mahindra’s Electric portfolio with this JV too.
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    Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV Glass Roof Spied – Looks Huge

    Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVUpcoming Mahindra BE.05 has a sporty profile and will be equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced features
    Even though Mahindra has several bestselling SUVs, there’s no dedicated offering in the compact SUV space. This gap will be filled soon with the upcoming BE.05 electric SUV. Test mules have been spotted frequently, revealing many details about the SUV.
    Mahindra BE.05 glassroof spied
    Snapped from a height, the spy shot reveals the sleek, modern design of BE.05. Aerodynamic properties are clearly evident, all across the curvy bonnet, heavily raked windshield and a coupe-like sloping roofline. Spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Viraj. The glass roof is huge and covers almost the entire length and width of the roof. It will probably be the largest in the segment at launch.
    Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
    In the compact SUV segment, Tata Curvv EV and Citroen Basalt are the only two SUVs with a coupe profile. However, Basalt does not get any sunroof options. Considering that most people prefer sunroofs, the sub-segment of coupe-styled compact SUVs will witness a fight between BE.05 and Tata Curvv EV. Other rivals for BE.05 include MG ZS EV and upcoming Maruti eVX and Hyundai Creta EV.
    Flamboyant exterior profile
    Most of the features seen with the BE.05 Concept have been carried forward in the production model. Mahindra BE.05 has sharp panelling all across and the eye-catching lighting setup seems like a premium aftermarket upgrade. The striking C-shaped LED DRLs are exactly the same as seen with the concept. The C-shaped lighting, with slight variations, will be seen with other INGLO based SUVs as well. It’s a signature feature present both at the front and rear as well.
    Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
    Side profile exudes sophistication and refinement, with features such as large aero wheels, low profile tyres and flush door handles. Other highlights include C-pillar mounted rear door handles and all-four-disc brakes. The charging socket is located on the rear left quarter panel. BE.05 has a sporty rear, featuring a prominent tail gate and race-styled twin spoiler. All these features ensure a dominating road presence for BE.05.
    Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
    Fully loaded
    Mahindra BE.05 will have premium interiors and all the features that one would expect from a compact SUV. Test mules have revealed a hexagonal steering wheel with illuminated BE logo on the centre. The focus seems to be exclusively on the BE brand instead of the twin peaks logo seen with other Mahindra cars. BE.05 will be getting dual screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster. In comparison, the upcoming XUV.e8 (electric version of XUV700) will be getting three screens. The third screen will be for the front passenger.
    Mahindra BE.05 Top Model Spied
    Talking about BE.05, another key highlight is the clear separation between driver and passenger compartments. This enhances the overall cockpit experience, especially for the driver. BE.05 will have a long list of comfort and convenience features. Safety kit will include ADAS. In terms of performance, both single motor and dual motor configurations are likely. BE.05 is expected to have a 60-kWh battery pack and offer a range of around 500 km. More

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    BYD M6 Electric MPV Teased Ahead Of Launch – E6 Replacement

    BYD M6 Electric MPV TeasedAhead of BYD M6 electric MPV launch, the company has officially de-listed their current electric MPV, E6, from the website
    India’s electric car landscape is slowly being populated with new vehicles. More brands are exploring electric powertrains today, than before. Apart from launching new vehicles, existing electric cars need to be updated too. We’re talking about BYD E6 update, which is confirmed to be launched in India soon.
    BYD M6 India Launch Confirmed
    There is very little light as to what it will be called. Said model is teased officially by BYD and will launch soon. As seen in the teaser, BYD has shown a glimpse of its upcoming electric vehicle. We can see penta-element LED headlights along with Atto 3 inspired front grill. These attributes point towards one vehicle, which is BYD M6.
    BYD M6 Electric MPV Teased
    This incoming electric vehicle is highly likely to be BYD M6 electric MPV which will replace the aging E6 on sale in India. BYD has went one step ahead and has de-listed E6 from its Indian lineup too. Further strengthening our speculation. The line “Transformation to new Generation” was followed by a “7”. The “7” in BYD India’s teaser might represent that it is a 7-seater as well.
    BYD M6
    BYD’s teaser on social media handle also mentioned the word “Max”. For context, BYD Song Max is another name for BYD M6. These easter eggs suggest that Indian model might get a new name – E7, E6 Max, E7 Max, M7, M6 Max, M7 Max are some of the possibilities. That said, name of this upcoming E6 replacing electric MPV is highly likely to be M6.
    BYD M6
    We say this because it was launched in Indonesia in July 2024 as BYD M6. Price ranges between IDR 379 million (Rs 20.6 lakh) and IDR 429 million (Rs 23.3 lakh). There are three trim levels in Indonesia – Standard 7 Seater, Superior 7 Seater and Superior Captain 6 Seater. There are four colours offered – Crystal White, Cosmos Black, Harbour Grey and Ink Stone Blue.
    BYD M6 7 Seater
    What does it get?
    Dimension-wise, BYD M6 measures 4,710 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,690 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 225/55 rubber and the ground clearance is 170 mm. Overall design looks like it is an evolution of BYD E6, which it is. BYD is flaunting the MPV design and is not selling it as a fake SUV with body cladding.
    BYD M6
    We already spoke about the LED headlights. BYD calls it “Diamond Starlight Levitation LED Headlights”. There is a neat kink in the window line that reminds me of a Tata Hexa, for some reason. On the inside, we will see a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment display, a well-laid-out dashboard, seating for 6 or 7 passengers, a large sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging pad, electric tailgate, ADAS and more.
    BYD M6 Dashboard
    Powertrain-wise, India will probably get a sole 71.8 kWh BYD Blade battery with a claimed range of 530 km on a single charge (NEDC certified). There might be a 200 bhp electric motor, powering the front wheels with 310 Nm of instant torque capable of propelling M6 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. There is a smaller 55 kWh version too, which is less likely to make it to our shores. Launch timeline was not revealed, but festive season is a lucrative proposition for any OEM. More

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    Tata Curvv EV Battery Pack Sourced From Chinese Company Octillion Under New Strategy

    New Tata Curvv EV – Voyager AamirUp until now, Tata Motors used battery packs developed in-house by Tata AutoComp Systems with battery cells sourced from Gotion
    Ever since the company launched Nexon EV in 2020, Tata Motors has been using battery packs developed in-house by Tata AutoComp Systems. However, that lineage has been broken in favour of establishing a multi-sourcing strategy that mitigates dependency on a single supplier. The recently launched Curvv EV gets battery packs sourced from Chinese company Octillion Power Systems.
    Tata Curvv EV Battery Pack From Chinese Company
    This is not the first time Tata Motors has partnered up with Octillion Power Systems which has a manufacturing base in China. Tata Motors has been sourcing battery packs from Octillion for its Starbus EV commercial bus for the past two years. For the first time, Octillion-sourced battery packs have been used in a Tata PV.
    Up until now, all Tata Motors PVs came equipped with battery packs made in-house by Tata AutoComp Systems. These battery packs were populated by electric cells sourced from Chinese Lithium Ion battery giant, Gotion, as part of a joint venture between both companies.
    Now, the just launched Curvv EV has been equipped with Octillion-sourced battery packs. Interestingly, only the smaller 45 kWh battery pack in MR variants of Curvv EV get the Octillion-sourced battery packs populated by 15.2 Ah cylindrical cells sourced from another Chinese firm called EVE.
    While the larger 55 kWh battery pack in Curvv EV continues to be powered by battery packs sourced from Tata AutoComp Systems, populated by 105 Ah prismatic cells sourced from Gotion. Octillion Power Systems has been supplying Tata Motors with its battery pack facility in India with up to 2 GWh capacity.
    These developments have been revealed by LiveMint and marks a significant shift from Tata Motors’ practices of sourcing battery packs only from Tata AutoComp Systems. As of now, only the 45 kWh MR variants of Curvv EV seems to be the one with externally sourced battery packs. Economic Times states that these new battery packs from Chinese company will also help Tata Motors address performance issues in their EVs.
    Multi-Sourcing Strategy
    Tata Motors has revealed that this step is to keep up with the growth momentum that the company is currently on. As per Tata Motors, having a multi-source strategy will prove fruitful for the brand as it hedges supply chain risks, improves competitiveness, strengthens seamless supply of parts and eradicates dependency on a single supplier.
    With advent of electric vehicle technology and evolving customer buying trends, there has been a major boost to EV sales in the recent past. Tata Motors seems to be fortifying its supply chain for a seamless manufacturing operation in the future. These measures should prove fruitful when Tata launches more EVs in the coming years.
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    Mahindra BE.05 Top Model Interiors, Exteriors Spied – Detailed Walkaround Video

    Mahindra BE.05 Top Model SpiedWhen launched, Mahindra BE.05 will directly take on the just-launched Tata Curvv EV coupe SUV and we can expect similar pricing as well
    If there is one car brand in India that is known to radicalise new products, it has to be Mahindra. With a new global ambition, Mahindra is spawning a new born-electric range of vehicles. One of these vehicles is BE.05, which has been spied in a detailed walkaround video ahead of launch. Let’s take a look.
    Mahindra BE.05 Top Model
    Previous spy shots have already established that Mahindra BE.05 will get two distinct faces. One less premium, but more appealing, face for base model and then a striking fascia for top model with all the bells and whistles. Base model gets a circular LED projector headlight along with an eyebrow-like LED DRL above.
    Mahindra BE.05 Top Model
    Higher-spec models, on the other hand, get a more pronounced fascia with massive C-shaped LED DRLs and a sleeker LED headlight setup. The new spy video by Automobile With Bruce shows the top-spec model in all its glory. In this detailed walkaround video, we can see this car’s exteriors and a bit of its interiors.
    For starters, we have to get the size quotient out of the equation. Previous spy shots of BE.05 showed it alongside a Maruti Suzuki Dzire and it appeared to be a smaller sub 4m vehicle. Even the height looked like it was in line with Dzire. But in the new spy video, BE.05 appears to be taller than Hyundai Ioniq 5, charging beside it.
    Mahindra BE.05 Top Model
    Speculations point out that Mahindra BE.05 could be a compact-sized SUV with around 4.3m to 4.4m in length. It has an exaggerated and edgy version of a coupe roofline, ending in a radical-looking twin spoiler. Overall silhouette is extremely edgy and wild, something which will attract a lot of eyeballs.
    Notable exterior highlights include flush door handles at the front, C-pillar mounted door handles for rear, large aero wheels, low-profile tyres, all-four disc brakes, charging socket on rear left quarter panel, massive C-shaped LED DRLs and tail light signatures, Mahindra BE.05 has a lot of road presence too.
    Mahindra BE.05 Top Model Interiors
    Interiors spied
    The recent spy video also reveals a glimpse of the interiors. On the inside, Mahindra BE.05 packs a pronounced split between the two front occupants. This creates a sense of sportiness and lends a cockpit-like feel to drivers. Unlike the triple screens seen on XUV.e8 and XUV.e9, BE.05 only gets two screens.
    [embedded content]
    We can see both those screens operational in the video. These screens seem to be running an EV-specific UI. There is a new steering wheel too, which gets a backlit BE logo. Future iterations of test mules might get a HUD as well. Powertrains-wise, up to 60 kWh battery pack, single or dual motor layouts and up to 500 km of claimed range can be expected. It will rival the just launched Tata Curvv EV. More