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    Electric Scooter Vs Petrol 125cc Scooter – Ather Shares Cost Comparison

    Ather Electric ScooterEven though initial cost of electric vehicles are higher than conventional IC powered-vehicles, running cost of EVs are much lower
    The electric mobility revolution has surely grown big in global markets in the last couple of years, especially in the two-wheeler segment. One major player in this segment that has been able to create a mark on Indian consumers in recent times is Ather Energy.
    The Bengaluru-based EV startup currently has two products in its portfolio- 450 Plus and 450X. Both models are attractive offerings when it comes to battery-powered scooters. Despite rise in popularity of electric scooters, their volume is still far behind conventional IC engine-powered scooters.
    One major reason is range anxiety which still looms significantly in the minds of the masses. The other criteria is the cost of ownership since EVs are generally more expensive than similarly specced petrol scooters. However, Ather Energy has shared some data which compares cost of ownership between its e-scooters with that of an average 125cc scooter.
    Electric Scooter Vs Petrol 125cc Scooter – Cost of ownership
    On-road cost of 450 Plus and 450X stands at Rs 1,27,916 and Rs 1,46,926 respectively whereas the on-road cost of a 125cc petrol scooter has been considered Rs 1,07,651 as an average. Below is a detailed cost of ownership comparison between Ather electric scooters and petrol 125cc scooters for 2021.
    Electric Scooter Vs Petrol Scooter 125cc. Credit – Ather Energy
    For the e-scooter siblings, the riding cost for three years adds up to Rs 26,806 and Rs 26,311 for 450 Plus and 450X respectively. Therefore, the total cost of ownership for the first three years adds up to Rs 1,59,927 and Rs 1,78,230 respectively.
    Ather says, for a 125cc petrol scooter, riding cost for three years stands at Rs 74,613 which leads to a total cost of ownership for the first three years at Rs 1,82,264. The running cost per kilometer for a 125cc scooter is the highest at Rs 3.83. On the other hand, 450 Plus and 450X have a running cost of Rs 1.37 and Rs 1.35 per kilometer for three years.
    The gap between battery-powered and petrol-powered scooters further widens when a 5-year cost of ownership is considered. In this respect, 450 Plus and 450X add up to Rs 1,76,198 and Rs 1,94,004 respectively. Whereas, a consumer would have to shell out an average of Rs 2,35,496 for the first five years. Cost per kilometer for a 125cc petrol scooter stands at Rs 3.93 much higher than its battery-powered counterparts.
    New Honda Activa 6G price starts from about Rs 82k on-road.
    Petrol or electric scooter – Which one to buy?
    Though the table shared by Ather shows that their electric scooter is lot more beneficial over a longer period, one has to consider things like charging time for electric scooter, cost of battery replacement, resale value etc. Other factor is that majority of petrol scooters sold in India are in the 110cc range. Activa, Jupiter are the two best sellers in this segment. And their 110cc versions are lot cheaper than the 125cc versions.
    Once we consider these factors, petrol scooters look more appealing to a larger audience for now. With time, when battery costs go down, range increases, the scale will start tipping more and more in the favour of electric scooters.
    Ather 450X, 450 Plus- Specs
    Ather 450 Plus is powered by a 3.3kW motor which generates a peak output of 5.4kW (7.2bhp) and 22Nm of torque. On the other hand, 450X is powered by the same 3.3kW motor which produces a slightly higher peak output of 6kW (8.04bhp) and 26Nm. 450X also offers a larger battery which provides a range of 85km on a single charge as opposed to a 70km range in 450 Plus on a single charge. More

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    New Yezdi Roadking And Adventure Debut Date 13th Jan 2022

    2022 Yezdi Roadking – RenderStrategy to bring back legends from the past will soon see Royal Enfield pitted against formidable new rivals
    With launch of Jawa in 2018, Mahindra-owned Classic Legends had made its intentions clear about challenging segment leader Royal Enfield. Growing popularity of Jawa motorcycles has given the company enough confidence to intensify the game further. Towards that end, other bestselling brands from the past are being revived such as BSA and Yezdi.
    After sharing a coming soon teaser on Yezdi social media, Classic Legends has now shared a new teaser. This one shows a date – 13-01-2021, 13th Jan 2021. No more details have been revealed. But the iconic three lines running through the teaser, are hint enough for the fans.
    Yezdi Roadking scrambler and Adv features
    Initially, two motorcycles will be launched under Yezdi brand, Roadking scrambler and its Adv sibling. While Yezdi Roadking scrambler will take on upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter, Yezdi Adventure will challenge Himalayan. Both bikes have neo-retro styling with features such as round headlamp, fork gaiters, and teardrop-shaped fuel tank. Use of spoke wheels further enhances the classy profile of these bikes.
    In terms of their unique styling, Yezdi scrambler has round rear-view mirrors, wide handlebar, compact seat with quilted pattern, and upswept exhaust. The bike has rear tyre hugger that also doubles up as the mount for registration number plate. Riding stance is fairly upright and comfortable with centrally mounted footpegs. With dual-purpose tyres, the bike should be able to tackle mild to moderate offroad terrains.
    Yezdi Launch Date Teaser from Classic Legends
    Talking about Yezdi Adventure, the bike has quite a few similarities with its primary rival Himalayan. Some key features include raised front fender, large transparent windscreen, sporty rear-view mirrors, dedicated knuckle guards, cylindrical turn signals, split seats, upswept exhaust, and sturdy grab rails.
    Users can expect relaxed ergonomics with centrally placed footpegs, low seat height and tall and wide handlebar. Touring capabilities of Yezdi Adventure are expressed with features such as dedicated racks at front and rear.
    Metallic stays at front also double up as protection bars for the engine, fuel tank and radiator. The bike gets a rugged metallic underbelly bash plate. At front, the digital instrument console is wrapped in a shock-proof casing.
    Upcoming Yezdi Adventure Motorcycle – Render
    Yezdi Roadking scrambler and Adv engine and specs
    There’s a high probability that Yezdi Roadking scrambler and its Adventure sibling will be using the 334cc engine that currently does duty on Jawa Perak. It generates 30.64 ps of max power and 32.74 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    While both bikes have standard telescopic forks at front, Yezdi scrambler gets dual shock absorbers at rear. The Adv has monoshock unit at rear. It is likely that suspension travel for Adv will be more in comparison to Roadking scrambler. Adv will also have an additional sub-frame at rear to enhance its load bearing capacity.
    While Roadking scrambler will have 17-inch wheels at both ends, its Adv singling is likely to get a larger 19-inch unit at front. The bikes will have disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is expected to be offered as standard. More

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    TVS Apache 165 RP Launched – New Colour, 19.2 PS Power, All Details

    TVS Apache 165 RPWhile performance tweaks are the primary highlight, TVS Apache RTR 165 RP also gets some visual updates
    Motorcycles in TVS Apache range are already known for their superior performance. To supply an extra dose of adrenalin for enthusiasts, TVS has now launched Apache RTR 165 RP. Performance-oriented TVS Apache 165 RP price is Rs 1.45 lakh, ex-sh. Existing RTR 160 4V disc variant is available at a starting price of Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
    This is a race tuned machine, and is based on RTR 160 4V, one of the popular Apache motorcycles. TVS Apache 165 RP is a limited edition motorcycle, with only 200 units on offer. Bookings of TVS Apache 165 RP have opened. It is possible that other Apache motorcycles could also get their respective ‘Race Performance’ or RP versions at a later date.
    TVS Apache 165 RP
    TVS Apache 165 RP – key updates
    As expected, TVS Apache 165 RP will utilize a rebored and retuned version of the 159.7cc engine that currently does duty on RTR 160 4V. These tweaks has resulted in additional power and torque. The Apache 165 RP is powered by a 164.9cc single cylinder engine, which delivers 14.12 kW @ 10000 rpm (19.2 PS@10000 rpm) and 14.2 Nm @ 8750 RPM. This makes it the most powerful motorcycle in the segment.
    In comparison, the current RTR 160 4V, the oil cooled, SOHC engine makes 17.55 ps of max power at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 rpm. This is available when the Sport ride mode is engaged. Power and torque output is reduced to 15.64 ps / 14.14 Nm in Urban and Rain mode.
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    Engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Apache 165 RP will be using the same gearbox. As the weight of the bike remains largely unchanged, TVS Apache 165 RP has improved power-to-weight ratio of 0.095 kW/kg. It remains to be seen if TVS Apache 165 RP will continue with the existing ride modes or gets a new or additional ride modes.
    TVS Apache 165 RP Specs
    As of now, RTR 160 4V utilizes a double cradle frame integrated with telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. The same is being utilized by the Apache 165. In other updates, the bike may be equipped with TVS SmartXonnect connectivity suite.
    Regular Apache 160 is offered in both drum and disc brake variants are available. In comparison, Apache 165 RP gets disc brakes at both ends as standard. It is only offered with rear disc option, and gets a larger 240mm rear disc setup for improved braking performance. Dual-channel ABS is also standard.
    TVS Apache 165 RP
    TVS Apache 165 RP – cosmetic updates
    To highlight its superior capabilities, TVS Apache 165 RP gets special decals and graphics on the fuel tank and fairing. It is only offered in single colour scheme (combination of Blue, Red and White), as shown in the images. The existing RTR 160 4V is available in colour options of Matte Black, Knight Black, Metallic Blue and Racing Red.
    Features that are expected to be carried forward from RTR 160 4V include LED headlamp with LED DRLs, rear-view mirrors, anti-theft wave bite key, adjustable levers and double barrel exhaust. More

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    TVS Apache 165 RP Race Performance Teased Ahead Of Launch

    TVS Apache 165 Race Performance – RenderUpon launch, TVS Apache 165 RP is expected to be priced at a premium of around Rs 5000-7000 over RTR 160 4V
    Earlier this year, TVS had filed a new trademark for a more performance-oriented motorcycle in the Apache range. The registered trademark read as ‘TVS Apache 165 RP’. The Hosur-based bikemaker has now released an official teaser, which says that TVS RP Race Performance is Coming Soon.
    For starters, RP stands for ‘Race Performance’ which was revealed in the short 14-second teaser. In all probability, TVS would be launching RP Editions based on multiple Apache models in the future. The first of them is expected to be Apache RTR 165 RP which will be based on RTR 160 4V.
    TVS Apache 165 RP Race Performance Teased
    The video teaser doesn’t reveal much except that the upcoming motorcycle will be “the pinnacle of performance”. Hence, models in the RP series will specifically cater to enthusiasts who seek more performance extracted out of their machine.
    For this, TVS could be using a rebored version of the 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that currently powers Apache RTR 160 4V. It could also offer some new kits, like they offered with Apache 310 earlier this year. This kits will allow owners to tune their motorcycles as per their need.
    [embedded content]
    In its current form, this fuel-injected motor dishes out 17.63 bhp and 14.73 Nm of peak torque which in itself is segment-leading. When rebored and retuned, this power plant will pump out a few extra horses and twisting force. In all likelihood, this engine will be paired with the same 5-speed transmission, however, certain tweaks could be made to the gear ratios.
    Expected Updates
    TVS is also expected to make some styling revisions to Apache RTR 165 RP in order to distinguish itself from RTR 160 4V and make it look sportier than its sibling. Ergonomics of the bike will also be altered to provide a more aggressive riding posture, thanks to a lower-set clip-on handlebar accompanied by slightly rear-set footpegs.
    Not just ergonomics but adjustments would also be made to the hardware configurations of the bike. A suspension setup comprising telescopic forks at front and a Showa-sourced mono-shock unit at rear with preload adjustability are expected to be carried forward to Apache RTR 165 RP. However, damping of both front and rear units is expected to be stiffer in order to provide better handling and stability at high speeds.
    Image for reference
    A stronger braking setup is expected to be offered by TVS so that it offers plenty of bite. Disc brakes at both ends will be complemented by a dual-channel ABS as standard ABS. There is data of its powertrain specs available as of now but we expect details to come our way in the near future.
    In terms of features, all gizmos on offer in RTR 160 4V are expected to be carried forward to RTR 165 RP. These include all-LD illumination, a fully digital instrument console, LED DRLs, Glide Through Traffic (GTT) technology, a one-touch start and a wave bite ignition key. TVS might also throw in the brand’s connectivity solution called SmartXonnect. More

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    New TVS Electric Scooter Spied Testing For First Time – 2022 Launch

    New TVS Electric ScooterWith incremental e-commerce growth across varied segments, the B2B space presents significant opportunity for EV manufacturers
    TVS is among the auto companies that have made aggressive plans to target the EV space. Investments worth Rs 1,200 have been earmarked for the purpose. A significant portion of the funds will be utilized to setup a new manufacturing facility that will cater to EVs such scooters, motorcycles, three-wheelers, etc.
    New TVS Electric Scooter Spied
    Latest spy shots reveal a new electric scooter on road tests near TVS manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. These exclusive spy shots are credit to automotive enthusiast V Mathpati. Design of the e-scooter indicates that it is most likely a load carrier, meant for last-mile deliveries in B2B and B2C space. It has a flat seat with space at the rear for loading cargo items. The flat floorboard also has ample space for cargo.
    TVS new electric scooter has sober styling with minimal body panels. It appears to be using large alloy wheels, possibly 12-inch units. These will come handy for optimal control and balance during cargo operations. Suspension system comprises telescopic forks at front and dual rear shock absorbers. The scooter has a rectangular, full-digital instrument console.
    While specs of TVS new electric scooter are not available, it could be close to that of iQube. The latter is equipped with a 2.25kWh battery pack that powers a 4.4kW hub-mounted BLDC motor. It generates 3kW power and peak torque of 140 Nm. iQube claimed range is 75km. This new TVS scooter could get a larger battery, delivering higher range.
    New TVS Electric Scooter
    When launched, TVS new electric scooter will primarily take on Honda Benly e electric scooter. Benly e is scheduled for launch in India next year. Honda is moving fast with its plans and has already setup a new subsidiary in India.
    This unit will focus on manufacturing battery packs, as required for Honda’s upcoming electric scooters, motorcycles and other small EVs. The subsidiary will also manage technologies and operations related to battery charging and swapping infrastructure.
    TVS charging network expansion
    To ensure users don’t have to face issues like range anxiety, TVS is building a vast network of charging stations. This is being done in collaboration with other entities such as Tata Power. As per the agreement between the two companies, the focus will be on increasing use of solar power across charging stations.
    New TVS Electric Scooter
    TVS charging network will cater to both personal vehicles and cargo carriers in two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment. It will have both AC charging network as well as DC fast-charging network.
    The strategic partnership with Tata is significant, as the company already operates around 700 public chargers across 120 cities. The company also has presence across home and workplace charging and captive charging stations.
    Along with commuter and cargo segment, TVS will also be targeting the premium EV segment. For this, TVS has expanded its partnership with BMW to include design and development of new electric scooters, motorcycles and concepts. More

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    Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Spied With Single Side Exhaust

    New Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 With Single Side ExhaustA new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 test mule has been spied testing – Which has a single side exhaust
    In the 650cc segment, Royal Enfield offers the Interceptor and the Continental GT. Both these motorcycles are the best selling motorcycles in the segment in the country. They are also the only 650cc motorcycles which are made in India and exported around the world.
    These flagship motorcycles have been on sale for a few years now. While it still carries a very minimalistic approach and is far from the sophisticated technologies offered in modern premium machines, it also gets some useful features not seen before from the Chennai-based manufacturer. Earlier this year, they did get a minor update. But it still missed out on features like tripper navigation, which was first introduced on the Meteor 350 last year, and on the Classic 350 in Sep 2021.
    2022 Royal Enfield 650 Update
    It is likely that Royal Enfield will dish out more updates to the 650 Twins in 2022. Apart from adding Tripper Navigation system, RE could also update the exhaust system. Instead of the twin exhaust setup (one on each side), RE could offer a single side exhaust system, as seen in the latest test mule that was spied near company plant in Chennai.
    The motorcycle remains same – twin cylinder 650cc. It is only the exhaust system, which will be routed via a single end-can, instead of the double end-can in current 650 RE. It is not clear as to why Royal Enfield is testing a new exhaust system with single end-can. Many customers who are buying the RE 650, want the dual end-can exhaust.
    New Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 With Single Side Exhaust
    There could be some benefits though, of the single side exhaust. Reducing the exhaust end can to just 1, will help reduce the weight by a few kgs. The upswept end-can of test mule will reduce the width of the motorcycle, allowing ease of riding in traffic or in tight spaces. It will also be easier to caliberate as well as source – especially in these times of global parts shortage.
    Tripper Navigation
    Other update expected on board the 2022 650 Twins, is the Tripper Navigation system. This offers turn-by-turn navigation as standard across the range. Meteor 350 was the first bike to be laced with such a feature. It is now also on offer with Classic 350 new gen.
    The Tripper comes in two parts- the pod beside the instrument cluster and the mobile app. While the pod acts as a face, the app acts a brain which essentially means that the rider enters coordinates of the location in the app and the display pod shows turn-by-turn instructions of the route.
    New Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 With Single Side Exhaust
    The app displays information from Google Location and Maps by making use of the smartphone’s processing power as well as GPS for navigation. Using this app also means that navigation won’t be compromised even outside the network coverage area. The display pod not only provides navigation commands with arrows and distances but also captures the rider’s attention by flashing the arrows when a turn approaches close.
    With the arrows gradually filling in when turn approaches, it gets caught in the rider’s peripheral vision which tells the rider to take appropriate action without getting distracted from the road. Royal Enfield will eventually offer this on all their current as well as upcoming new motorcycles.
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    TVS-BMW Electric Scooters, Motorcycles Planned For Launch

    TVS-BMW electric motorcycle render. Credit – Abin DesignsTVS Motor Company and BMW Group has extended their partnership further for future technologies and electric vehicles
    TVS Motor Company and BMW Group partnership has already proven its mettle when it comes to the 310cc engine. For TVS, the RR310 Apache helped the manufacturer enter a new segment in the domestic market being its biggest bike. For BMW Motorrad, the 310 twins helped the company make inroads in the market, improve on market share, reach sales of 5k units in India in 2021, and improve its standing in the international market.
    For BMW, the 310 twins reached the 1 lakh units production milestone in October 2021. TVS’ Hosur manufacturing plant is already charged with 10 percent of BMW’s global production output. Longterm branching and subdivisions of the association between both auto manufacturers have not been revealed to full potential. This of course is owing to the nature of such partnerships.
    BMW-TVS Sub 500cc and electric
    TVS Motor today announced the expansion of their partnership with BMW. This would outline co-development of an electric platform to cater to manufacturing of electric scooters, motorcycles, and new concepts. First product under the new announcement will debut within 2 years. Current production of the 310cc units is within the guidance of manufacturing sub 500cc bikes at the Indian plant for sale both in India, and international markets.
    Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “In the nine years of our long-term strategic partnership, we have always cherished the common core values we share with BMW Motorrad: focus on quality, engineering prowess, innovation and customer satisfaction. These factors and our commitment to deliver superior quality products with a strong value proposition has been key to the success of all three products launched from the platform.
    TVS Creon Electric Scooter Concept
    The new world of future mobility encompasses a strong play through alternate solutions, including electric mobility. Expanding this successful partnership to EVs and other newer platforms will create opportunities to deliver advanced technology and aspirational products to global markets and bring valuable synergies to both companies.”
    Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, “In light of our fruitful association with TVS Motor Company, we are delighted to extend and expand our cooperation agreement to include long-term partnership and joint development of new platforms and technologies, including electric vehicles.”
    Emissions, electric, and investments
    The electric vehicle space is an exciting one. Concepts and ideas are quickly being transformed into vehicles that are projected a the need of the hour. Global emission norms leave little wriggle room when it comes to strict footprint goals. Which means companies are working round the clock to meet modern vehicle requirements.
    But it’s never going to be as easy as converting an exhaustive range of current day vehicles into electric variants. With each emission compliance update, manufacturers have had to make informed decisions regarding which vehicles would be carried forward and which would be axed. Emission compliance and cost consideration for consumers and manufacturers alike are key factors.
    This paves the way for new architecture. Ones that are modular, modern and have longterm benefits as market requirements evolve. The premise of a new development is likely to revolve around joint development, and manufacturing of high end electric two-wheelers. BMW is reputed as a premium manufacturer, and its electric vehicle progress isn’t going to be any different.
    Three weeks earlier, TVS signed a MoU with Tamil Nadu government for ‘investment in Future Technologies and Electric Vehicle’. The commitment entails Rs. 1200 crores in the next four years. Utility scope extends to ‘design, development and manufacturing of new products and capacity expansion in the EV space’. More

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    BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch Price Rs 1.16 Cr – Range 425 Kms

    New BMW iX Electric SUV India LaunchThe all-electric BMW iX has been launched in India as a Completely Built Up (CBU) – Rivals include EVs from Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar
    BMW India today announced the launch of its first electric car – The iX SUV. The new iX is offered in a single variant of iX xDrive 40 – priced at Rs 1,15,90,000, ex-sh. It comes with a dual electric motor set up with one motor positioned on each axle with all-wheel drive function.
    BMW iX – Design
    BMW has given the new iX electric SUV a more futuristic stance so as to differentiate it from its ICE powered models. It sports a large kidney shaped front grille, sleek headlamps with a quarter light band, similar looking tail lamps and a clamshell bonnet design. It gets frameless doors. The iX rides on 21 inch aerodynamically optimized wheels fitted with 255/50 profile tyres.
    New BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch
    Interior arrangement will be much the same as is seen on the BMW X7. It will get a hexagonal shaped steering wheel, a curved structure housing a 12.3 inch instrument cluster and 14.9 inch infotainment display, tilted towards the driver.
    Seating is fitted with microfiber fabric. BMW iDrive rotary controller is set on the forward section of the high mounted arm rest while other controls are positioned on upper part of the door. Features on offer include BMW Curved Display, BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW Virtual Assistant, BMW Natural Interaction, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto / Apple Carplay, Parking Assistant Plus, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 18 speakers, Reversing Assistant, etc.
    New BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch
    BMW iX Electric SUV Specs
    BMW iX xDrive 40 comes with a 76.6kWh battery pack. It delivers a max power output of 326 hp and 620 Nm of torque. On a full charge, driving range is up to 425 kms. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will be possible in 6.1 seconds.
    BMW iX Electric – Specs for India
    BMW also has a more powerful iX xDrive 50 available in the international market. But that has not been launched in India today. It has a larger 105.2 kWh battery, that produces 523 hp power and 765 Nm torque. It delivers a drive range of up to 611 kms on WLTP cycle. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.6 seconds.
    Charging time for the iX Drive 40 is as follows;– 150 kW DC Charger – 80% in 31 min / 95 kms added range in 10 min– 50 kW DC Charger – 80% in 73 min / 100 kms added range in 21 min– 11 kW AC Charger – 100% in about 7 hrs / 100 kms added range in 2.5 hrs
    New BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch
    Colour options on offer are – Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire and Sophisto Grey. BMW Individual Aventurine Red metallic paint finish is offered as option. Exclusive olive-leaf tanned natural leather upholstery ‘Interior Design Suite’ comes in Castanea colour scheme.
    BMW iX comes with standard two-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. The batteries are covered by a warranty valid for eight years or up to 160,000 kilometres. Repair Inclusive can extend warranty benefits from third year of operation to maximum fifth year without any mileage limitation. BMW iX will rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-PACE, etc in the luxury EV segment of India. More