The Triumph Bonneville T40 and T40 Black are priced at ₹2,79,999, while the Bonneville T4 costs ₹2,54,999 (ex-showroom Delhi). Online bookings opened on October 7, 2026, at 4:30 pm. Deliveries of the T40 and T40 Black are scheduled to begin in the second week of November 2026, while the Bonneville T4 will be delivered from the second week of January 2027.

Triumph Bonneville T40 – Design and Colour Options

The Triumph Bonneville T40 retains the traditional styling associated with the Bonneville family. Key design elements include a sculpted teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round LED headlamp, longer mudguards, spoked wheels and twin rear shock absorbers. Hand-painted coach lining, aluminium engine covers and a peashooter exhaust silencer add to its classic appearance.

The T40 will be available in Aegean Blue with Fusion White, Meriden Blue with Tangerine Orange, and New England White with Jet Black. The T40 Black features Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black finishes, along with blacked-out components and gloss-black aluminium wheel rims. The Bonneville T4 will be offered in Phantom Black, Carnival Red and Competition Green.

Triumph Bonneville T40 – Engine and Performance

The Triumph Bonneville T40 is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 350cc TR Series engine developed with a dedicated Bonneville tune and revised cylinder head. It produces 29 PS at 7,000 rpm and 31 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

Triumph says the engine has been tuned to deliver stronger low-end torque and a relaxed power delivery for everyday riding. The single-cylinder engine and peashooter exhaust silencer also contribute to its distinctive exhaust note.

The motorcycles feature 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, along with twin rear shock absorbers. The seat height is 790mm and can be reduced to 770mm with an optional low seat. A centre stand is offered as standard to simplify parking and routine chain maintenance.

Triumph Bonneville T40 – Features and Technology

The Triumph Bonneville T40 and T40 Black receive a four-inch circular full-colour TFT instrument display with smartphone connectivity, full-map navigation, phone functions and music controls. Riders can choose from five riding modes, including Road, Rain and Eco, alongside two customisable modes.

Both motorcycles also feature cruise control, lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and Optimised Cornering Traction Control. A USB-C charging socket and self-cancelling indicators are included. The Bonneville T4 gets a colour LCD instrument display with turn-by-turn navigation, smartphone connectivity, three riding modes and dual-channel ABS. All three motorcycles feature LED lighting and an Emergency Deceleration Warning function that flashes the rear light during heavy braking.

Triumph Bonneville T40 – Expanding 400-Series Range

The new Bonneville models join Triumph’s 400-series lineup, which the company says has recorded more than 1.8 lakh motorcycle sales across over 50 countries. Developed in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, the range includes models such as the Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X, Scrambler 400 XC, Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400.

With the Triumph Bonneville T40, T40 Black and T4, the company is extending one of its most recognisable motorcycle names to a lower-capacity segment. The new models combine classic styling with modern rider technology, offering buyers three options at different price points within the Bonneville range.

The post Triumph Bonneville T40 Launched at Rs 2.80 Lakh: All Details Here ! first appeared on Shutterdrives.

Volvo EX90 – Exterior Design

The Volvo EX90 follows the minimalist design language seen across the Swedish manufacturer’s lineup. Its overall proportions and design approach are similar to those of the combustion powered XC90, which continues to serve as the brand’s flagship internal combustion SUV. The EX90 measures 5,037mm in length, 1,964mm in width and 1,744mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,985mm.

At the front, the Volvo EX90 gets a closed off, body coloured grille, clean bumper detailing and vertically oriented lighting elements. The signature Thor’s Hammer headlamps feature a distinctive arrangement in which the daytime running light elements move aside to reveal the main headlights when activated. The SUV also gets flush door handles, black exterior detailing and integrated roof rails.

The Volvo EX90 is offered in six exterior colours: Crystal White, Onyx Black, Mulberry Red, Vapour Grey, Sand Dune and Denim Blue. It rides on 21 inch, eight spoke glossy black diamond cut alloy wheels, with 265 section front and 295 section rear tyres.

Volvo EX90 – Interior Design and Features

The cabin of the EX90 follows a minimalist layout, with a vertically oriented 14.5 inch central touchscreen serving as the primary interface for infotainment, navigation, climate controls and vehicle settings. It is accompanied by a 9 inch driver display and a graphical head up display.

Equipment includes Google built in services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, 5G connectivity and over the air software updates. The SUV also gets a Bowers & Wilkins high fidelity audio system with 25 speakers and a 1,610W output, alongside Dolby Atmos and Abbey Road Studios sound modes.

The EX90 is available exclusively in a six seat configuration, with two individual captain’s chairs in the second row and a third row at the rear. The cabin features ventilated Nappa leather seats, massage functions for the front seats, four zone climate control and an electrochromic panoramic sunroof. Other features include a powered tailgate, a 360 degree camera, Pilot Assist and Park Pilot Assist. However, the India specification sheet does not list memory seats.

Volvo EX90 – Battery, Range and Charging

The Volvo EX90 uses a 106kWh battery pack paired with two electric motors producing a combined 456hp and 670Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a single speed transmission, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds. The claimed range stands at 625km under the WLTP cycle and up to 725km under the ICAT cycle. It gets an 11kW onboard AC charger and supports DC fast charging, with an 800V electrical architecture.

Volvo EX90 – Price and Rivals

At its introductory price of ₹1.26 crore, the Volvo EX90 competes with electric luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes Benz EQS SUV, Kia EV9 and BMW iX. It also sits above the XC90 in Volvo’s Indian lineup in terms of pricing, but is on par in terms of positioning. Bookings for the Volvo EX90 are now open, with customer experiences scheduled to begin at showrooms from November 28, 2026, and deliveries expected to commence in January 2027.

For bookings made on or before December 31, 2026, Volvo is offering an 11kW wallbox charger, a three year service package and an assured buyback of 65 per cent after three years.

The post Volvo EX90 Launched at ₹1.26 Crore: Flagship EV Offers 625km Range, 6 Seats and More ! first appeared on Shutterdrives.

The editions commemorate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The 20.8km circuit, popularly known as the Green Hell, has more than 150 corners and significant elevation changes. BMW also says it has recorded 21 overall victories at the Nurburgring 24 Hours.

BMW Nurburgring Edition Design and Interior details

The BMW Nurburgring Edition cars get an exclusive Nurburgring Green paint finish, along with Sapphire Black metallic as an alternative with green accents. The cars feature Nurburgring-inspired graphics, the “100 Years” logo and “Nurburgring since 1927” lettering. Green accents are also used on the wheels, while the overall design is finished with model-specific graphics and detailing.

Inside, the cars feature black interiors with contrasting green and white stitching, edition-specific door sills and Nurburgring-inspired detailing. The inline-six-cylinder models get an M Alcantara steering wheel with a 12 o’clock marker, M Carbon bucket seats and carbon-fibre trim. The M5 models feature an M steering wheel with the same anniversary design treatment.

BMW M5 Touring: 727hp estate comes to India

The BMW M5 Touring is the biggest India-specific highlight of the 100 Jahre Nurburgring Edition, as it marks BMW India’s first estate offering. The M5 Touring uses the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain as the M5 Sedan, producing 727hp and 1,000Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.

BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250kph. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the top speed increases to 305kph. The M5 Touring also has a claimed WLTP electric range of up to 67km.

BMW M3 Competition xDrive joins Nurburgring Edition line-up

The BMW M3 Competition xDrive makes its India debut through the BMW 100 Jahre Nurburgring Edition. It uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine producing 530hp and 650Nm, paired with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.

BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250kph. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the M3 Competition xDrive can reach 290kph. The special edition adds Nurburgring graphics, an M Carbon roof and green accents to the wheels.

BMW M2 xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive

The BMW M2 xDrive is another important addition to the India line-up. It gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine producing 480hp and 600Nm, with power sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 3.7 seconds, while the top speed is 250kph or 285kph with the M Driver’s Package.

The BMW M4 Competition xDrive also joins the anniversary collection. It uses the same 3.0-litre straight-six configuration and gets BMW M stripes, an M Carbon roof and Nurburgring-specific accents. The line-up is completed by the BMW M5 Sedan, which uses the 4.4-litre M HYBRID powertrain and gets a carbon-fibre roof, green-accented wheels and Nurburgring embroidery.

BMW M 1000 R Nurburgring Edition

BMW Motorrad India will also bring the BMW M 1000 R as part of the 100 Jahre Nurburgring Edition. The motorcycle gets a painted fuel tank featuring the Nurburgring silhouette, an anniversary-design airbox cover with an individual “one of 100” marking and carbon wheels with Nurburgring Green accent stripes.

It also gets an Alcantara-look seat with an embroidered “100”, while black components on the rear frame and swingarm complete the edition-specific treatment. Pre-orders for the cars and motorcycle are now open through authorised BMW dealers in India

The post BMW Brings 100 Years of Nurburgring Editions to India: This Iconic M Car Makes Its India Debut first appeared on Shutterdrives.

Maruti remains India’s largest hatchback manufacturer by volume, and one of its most important cars is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The name was first used on a sedan in India before being discontinued, and was revived in 2015 as a premium hatchback to take on the likes of the Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo. Now in its second generation, the Baleno has received a facelift with a new design, new engine and a host of new features, including several segment firsts.

But the Baleno is more important than just its own sales numbers. The Glanza is a badge engineered Baleno, the Fronx is spawned from the Baleno’s architecture, and the Urban Cruiser Taisor is essentially a badge engineered version of the Fronx.

Now look at the numbers. In July 2026, Maruti sold 18,241 Balenos and 19,473 Fronx SUVs, while Toyota sold 4,461 Glanzas and 2,470 Urban Cruiser Taisors. Put those four cars together and you get 44,645 units in a single month.

India recorded 4,16,555 passenger vehicle retail sales in July. That means this family of cars accounted for roughly 10.7 percent of the entire market, or more than one in every ten passenger vehicles sold.

Together, these four cars show just how important the Baleno’s architecture has become for Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. And that is why this new Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift matters. So, what exactly has Maruti changed?

Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Exterior Design

Up front is where the major changes to the Baleno lie. Maruti has redesigned the front fascia with a new grille, front bumper and fog lamp housing. The grille itself is a vertical, V shaped unit, which is an evolution of the previous Baleno’s design. It now gets horizontal chrome elements with a piano black finish, while the Maruti Suzuki logo has been moved out of the grille and placed above it, just below the bonnet.

This gives the Maruti Suzuki Baleno a more upright stance and, in some ways, makes it look a little more SUV like. I think Maruti has deliberately gone for that look, given how strongly Indian buyers are moving towards SUVs. Personally, though, I’m not a huge fan of it. The front end looks a little out of place and feels somewhat disconnected from the rest of the car.

Move to the side and there are no changes. You still get the same 16 inch dual tone diamond cut alloy wheels as the pre facelift model, wrapped in 195/55 R16 tyres. The side profile itself remains unchanged.

At the rear, things are largely the same as well. There are no significant styling changes, with the only noticeable addition being the Baleno badging, which now sits below a body coloured shark fin antenna. Apart from that, the rear remains identical to the pre facelift car.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno continues to remain under four metres in length, measuring 3,990 mm long, 1,745 mm wide and 1,530 mm tall, with a 2,520 mm wheelbase.

In terms of colours, there is one new addition called Enigmatic Teal, which replaces the previously available Lux Beige. The rest of the colour palette remains unchanged, with Nexa Blue, Opulent Red, Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey and Bluish Black continuing to be offered.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift – Interior Design and Features

Step inside the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno and you will notice that Maruti has not made any major changes to the overall cabin design. The dashboard layout, colour palette and general interior design remain largely the same as before. The big story here is the equipment list, with Maruti adding several new features, including some segment firsts.

The first one that stands out is ventilated front seats. In a country like India, where it can get hot and sticky for a good part of the year, having ventilation for the front seats is a genuinely useful addition and, in my opinion, a big plus for the Baleno.

You also get a wireless charging pad in the centre console, and this comes with active cooling. There are also fast charging USB ports and rear AC vents.

The 9-inch touchscreen has been updated to Maruti’s new SmartPlay Pro+ system, with an improved user interface and experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. The audio system is now a four-speaker Clarion setup.

Other features include steering mounted controls with cruise control, a head up display, a 360 degree camera, push button start and stop, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs and a rear defogger.

The biggest addition, however, is the Level 2 ADAS system. This is a segment first for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s class, and we will talk more about how it works in the safety section.

You also get a 60:40 split rear seats and 318 litres of boot space. The top spec variants continue with fabric seats, but the outer bolsters are now finished in leatherette. Personally, I think Maruti could have gone one way or the other here. Either keep the seats completely fabric or give them a full leatherette finish. This “half and half” treatment feels a little unnecessary.

Overall, the cabin may look familiar, but Maruti has packed the Baleno with considerably more equipment, and features like ventilated seats, a cooled wireless charger and Level 2 ADAS make a much stronger case for it.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift – Driving and Dynamics

The biggest change to the Baleno facelift is under the hood. Maruti Suzuki has replaced the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K-series petrol engine with the newer 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Z-series unit used in the Swift and Dzire. The Z12E engine produces 83hp and 112Nm, down from the previous K12N engine’s 90hp and 113Nm. Maruti has made the switch because the newer engine is more efficient, produces lower emissions and leaves scope for future hybridisation.

Despite having three cylinders, the naturally aspirated Z-series engine is refined. There is some three-cylinder sound at idle, but it becomes less noticeable as the revs rise. The engine remains quiet at idle and becomes more audible only towards the top of the rev range. Low-speed response is good, with power building progressively and part-throttle response being responsive. However, it does not feel as lively as the K-series engine and is less eager higher up the rev range.

The Baleno facelift continues with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The manual is the better of the two, with a light clutch, smooth shifts, short throws and well-defined gates. The AMT adds convenience in traffic and shifts reasonably smoothly for an automated manual. There is still a noticeable pause between shifts, while the AMT can hesitate during quick overtakes as it takes time to downshift. Moving the gear lever into manual mode helps address this. In this mode, the gearbox also does not automatically upshift.

The facelift is also available with factory-fitted CNG. It uses the same Z-series engine, but output drops to 70hp and 102Nm on CNG. The CNG version is offered only with the 5-speed manual gearbox.

The new engine improves the Baleno’s claimed fuel efficiency. The petrol-manual version returns 23.80kpl, up 1.45kpl, while the AMT is rated at 24.77kpl, an improvement of 1.83kpl. The CNG version also gains 3km/kg, with a claimed efficiency of 33.61km/kg. These are claimed figures recorded under controlled test conditions, so real-world efficiency will be lower. The improvement is notable because the facelift is up to 30kg heavier than the outgoing model.

Talking about the handling and comfort, the comfort remains a strong point for the Baleno. Its soft suspension handles most small road imperfections well, while sharp bumps and large potholes can unsettle the car. At higher speeds, the suspension keeps vertical and side-to-side movements under control, helping the Baleno remain settled.

The body roll is limited through corners. The steering is light at low speeds, which suits city driving, and gains weight as speeds rise. However, there is limited feedback through the steering. The braking setup remains unchanged, with discs at the front and drums at the rear. Stopping performance is adequate for the car. Overall, the facelifted Baleno retains its comfortable and composed character, with everyday usability taking priority over sporty driving.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift – Verdict

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift is more of a substantial feature and mechanical update than a complete transformation. While the exterior changes may not appeal to everyone, the Baleno continues to offer a comfortable, spacious and practical package. The new Z series engine brings better claimed efficiency, while features like ventilated front seats, a cooled wireless charger, rear AC vents and Level 2 ADAS significantly strengthen its equipment list. The factory fitted CNG option also adds another practical choice for buyers focused on running costs.

The three cylinder engine does give up some performance compared to the outgoing unit, particularly higher up the rev range, but it remains refined enough for everyday use. The manual gearbox is well suited to the engine, while the AMT prioritises convenience. Overall, the facelift retains the Baleno’s strengths of comfort, efficiency and practicality while adding more technology and features, making it a more complete package without moving too far away from what made the hatchback successful.

The post 2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift Review: Is This Still India’s Hatchback to Beat? first appeared on Shutterdrives.

Ampstar has been developed as a full stack commercial mobility solution covering the vehicle, charging infrastructure, operating solutions, financing and after sales support. Customers will be able to choose power configurations ranging from 201 hp to 671 hp. Ownership options will include outright purchase, leasing and Battery as a Service.

Ampstar Manufacturing Facility

The vehicles will be produced at JSW Greentech’s 90 acre facility at AURIC in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 15,000 electric buses and trucks.

The manufacturing facility will feature a pre treatment and electro deposition process for bus manufacturing, an automated truck cabin line and an integrated battery ecosystem. JSW says the plant will support the company’s plans to build electric commercial vehicles for Indian operating conditions.

Ampstar Technology And Engineering

JSW Greentech has developed the base logic, software and algorithms for the electric drivetrain in house. This approach allows the company to tailor its vehicles to different customer requirements.

The vehicles will also use a double cooling battery system and a high strength monocoque chassis. These systems have been developed with India’s climate and road conditions in mind.

Ampstar Commercial Vehicle Range

The initial bus portfolio will cover vehicles from 7 metres to 18 metres. The range will target applications including staff transportation, city mobility, intercity operations and school transportation. On the truck side, the company will begin with a 55 tonne tractor trailer. JSW Greentech also plans to expand the truck portfolio to include tippers and fixed body dumpers in the coming months.

Ampstar Brand Strategy

The brand name combines Amp, referring to ampere and electric current, with Star, representing aspiration, leadership, excellence and progress. The company describes this idea as Powered Progress.

The visual identity uses flowing letterforms to represent the integration of vehicles, energy and intelligence. The brand also features a Rising Star design based around the letter A. Its brand line is All In, All Electric.

With Ampstar, JSW Group is entering electric commercial mobility with a business model that extends beyond the vehicle itself. The company is combining vehicle manufacturing, charging, financing, software and after sales support as it prepares to expand its presence in India’s commercial electric vehicle market.

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Few motorcycles represent that change in attitude quite like the Triumph Bonneville. Long before motorcycles became lifestyle products, the Triumph Bonneville was already building a reputation around speed, racing and the people who rode them.

Where The Bonneville Story Began

The story goes back to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a place that has become closely associated with speed records and some of the most memorable moments in motorcycle history.

In 1948, American racer Rollie Free arrived at the Salt Flats on a Vincent Black Shadow with one clear objective: to go as fast as possible. He stripped down to his bathing suit and sneakers, lay flat on the motorcycle and crossed the 150 mph mark. The resulting photograph became one of the defining images of motorcycle culture, capturing the rebellious attitude of an era when going fast mattered as much as following the rules.

Triumph would soon make its own mark at the same location. In 1956, Johnny Allen rode the streamlined, Triumph powered Devil’s Arrow to a speed of 214.40 mph. Just three years later, Triumph introduced a new high performance twin and gave it a name inspired by that very location: Bonneville. The Triumph Bonneville name would go on to become much bigger than a reference to a salt flat.

Steve McQueen Made It Cool

Speed gave the Bonneville its identity, but people gave the motorcycle its personality. Few people were more important to that image than Steve McQueen.

McQueen was not simply a Hollywood star who happened to appear on a motorcycle. He was a genuine rider and enthusiast who raced, competed in off road events and owned and rode Triumph motorcycles away from the cameras.

His connection with Triumph became particularly memorable through The Great Escape. In the famous motorcycle sequence, McQueen rides a Triumph TR6 Trophy, including the jump over the barbed wire fence. The scene helped create one of the most recognisable images of motorcycle freedom ever put on screen.

The leather jacket, the Triumph and McQueen’s attitude became part of the same image. The motorcycle was no longer just a machine. It represented independence, adventure and a willingness to do things differently.

That connection is a major reason why the Triumph Bonneville continues to carry such a strong cultural identity decades later.

More Than Just A Bonneville

Triumph’s history with performance did not stop with the Bonneville. In 1969, Malcolm Uphill became the first rider to complete a 100 mph lap of the Isle of Man TT on a production motorcycle, riding a Triumph Bonneville Thruxton.

The story of the Triumph Bonneville has therefore always been connected to more than specifications or outright performance. It has been shaped by racing, record attempts, cinema and the personalities who chose to ride one.

Steve McQueen remains perhaps the most famous example. He raced Triumphs, competed off road and continued riding them in his personal life. For him, a Triumph was not a prop that appeared when the cameras started rolling. It was simply part of his life.

That authenticity became an important part of what made the Triumph Bonneville different.

Why The Bonneville Still Matters

The same idea is increasingly visible in India today. Motorcycles are no longer chosen only for mileage, practicality or the ability to navigate traffic. Riders are travelling longer distances, forming riding communities, exploring unfamiliar roads and using their motorcycles as an extension of their personality.

This is where the Triumph Bonneville still feels relevant.

The technology may be completely different from what riders experienced in the 1950s and 1960s. Modern motorcycles offer levels of refinement, safety and performance that those early machines could never match. Yet the basic attraction remains the same. It is the feeling of starting an engine and riding simply because there is an interesting road ahead.

The Triumph Bonneville has survived because its story was never only about the motorcycle. It was about speed, freedom, adventure and the people who chose to live a little differently.

As Triumph prepares to take the Bonneville name into its next chapter, that history gives the motorcycle plenty of weight before it even reaches the road.

The post The Triumph Bonneville Story: From Salt Flats Legend To A Motorcycle Icon first appeared on Shutterdrives.

India to Drive the Next Phase of Daimler Trucks

DICV will serve as the anchor entity for the newly established ISEAA customer region, bringing India, South East Asia and Australia Pacific under one structure. The region covers 42 countries and nearly 2.8 billion people, giving India a larger role in Daimler Truck’s regional operations.

DICV has already established India as an important manufacturing, engineering and export base, having exported more than 75,000 trucks and buses and over 330 million parts to more than 70 markets. Its Chennai facility also supplies medium duty transmissions to Daimler Truck plants in Germany.

The company is also preparing for another phase of investment in India. DICV has committed approximately ₹4,000 crore in additional investment in Tamil Nadu, taking its cumulative investment in India beyond ₹14,500 crore. The investment will support manufacturing capacity, research and development infrastructure and future technologies. DICV currently has 92% localisation and works with more than 400 local suppliers.

Technology at the Centre of DICV

Technology was one of the key subjects during our conversation with Mr. Schmidt. DICV is looking at technologies that can reduce driver tiredness and improve safety, while also improving the overall working environment inside the truck. The company is working on features that can help reduce driver fatigue and improve comfort, with the larger objective of supporting vehicle availability and reducing downtime for fleet operators.

The Torqshift Automated Manual Transmission was another important part of the discussion. Introduced with the HX range for the construction and mining segments, the AMT has received a positive response from customers. DICV is now working on further improving the transmission and its efficiency, while also looking at expanding the technology to other models in its portfolio.

Electric and Hydrogen Technologies

We also discussed the future of electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks in India. Mr. Schmidt explained that the introduction of these technologies will largely depend on customer requirements and the specific needs of the market.

Daimler Truck is following a dual track approach, continuing to develop internal combustion engine technology while also investing in alternative energy solutions. Electric and hydrogen technologies are part of this approach, alongside conventional powertrains, with Daimler Truck showcasing all three technology paths at IAA Transportation 2026.

Expanding DICV’s Reach

DICV is also planning to expand its nationwide service network from the current 430 touchpoints to 600 by 2030, with a particular focus on northern, eastern and north eastern India.

With increased investment, higher localisation, new technologies and a larger regional responsibility, DICV is entering an important phase of its operations in India. For Schmidt, the focus is on building technology and products around the requirements of Indian customers while using Daimler Truck’s global expertise to support the next stage of growth.

The post Daimler India’s (DICV) Next Phase: Mr. Torsten Schmidt on Technology, Investment and India’s Growing Role first appeared on Shutterdrives.

The announcement is significant as Hyundai is introducing a completely new nameplate in India after some time. In recent months, the company has largely focused on facelifts, refreshes and product updates to existing models. The last completely new Hyundai nameplate introduced in the Indian market was the Hyundai Exter, which was launched in 2023.

What Does The Hyundai Bayon Name Mean?

The name Bayon is inspired by Bayonne, a city located in the French Basque Country. Hyundai says the city is known for its distinctive character and dynamic spirit, with the name intended to reflect the company’s global design philosophy while representing the arrival of a new SUV designed for an evolving India.

Hyundai has also associated the Bayon name with a sense of exhilaration and a new spirit of adventure. The company’s name reveal film builds on this theme, using a futuristic laboratory setting where different intelligent elements come together to form the Bayon name, ending with the thought “Intelligence ON.”

Mr. Tarun Garg On The Hyundai Bayon

Commenting on the name announcement, Mr. Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said:

“With Hyundai BAYON, we are introducing more than a new SUV. BAYON represents a new mindset – one that reflects our ambition to create experiences that are intelligent, intuitive and meaningful for our customers. At Hyundai, we believe that every new product is an opportunity to push ourselves further, guided by our passion for creating mobility experiences that enrich people’s lives. With BAYON, we have once again challenged ourselves to pursue perfection in the details that matter, while staying true to our belief that technology creates its greatest value when it becomes effortless and seamlessly integrated into our customers’ everyday lives. We look forward to sharing more about Hyundai BAYON with India in the coming weeks.”

Hyundai Bayon Positioning In India

While Hyundai has not yet revealed the complete positioning or specifications of the Bayon for India, the new SUV is expected to slot between the Hyundai Creta and Hyundai Venue in the company’s SUV range.

This would give Hyundai another product in the increasingly competitive compact SUV space, while allowing the Bayon to have a distinct identity of its own rather than simply being another update to an existing nameplate.

The Bayon is also expected to bring a more youthful character to Hyundai’s SUV line-up, with its design, technology and overall positioning likely to appeal to a younger generation of buyers. Hyundai itself says the SUV has been created for an evolving India and combines its global design and product philosophy with an intelligent experience aimed at a new generation of customers.

Hyundai Bayon Launch In India

The name announcement marks the first step in the Hyundai Bayon journey in India, with Hyundai stating that more details about the upcoming SUV will be revealed in the coming weeks. The Bayon will therefore be an important new product for Hyundai as the company looks to expand its SUV portfolio with a fresh nameplate.

The post Hyundai Bayon Name Announced in India: New SUV Expected to Launch Next Month first appeared on Shutterdrives.

Globally unveiled earlier this year, the facelifted 7 Series gets significant changes to its exterior and interior, along with upgrades to its powertrains. The 7 Series and i7 50 xDrive will be locally assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant, while the i7 M70 xDrive will be brought to India as a completely built unit.

The BMW 7 Series facelift continues to rival the Mercedes Benz S Class in India. With the facelift, BMW has also continued to offer buyers the choice between an internal combustion engine powered luxury sedan and a fully electric alternative in the form of the i7.

BMW 7 Series Facelift – Exterior Design

The front end of the BMW 7 Series facelift sees the most significant changes, with BMW giving the sedan a more slab sided and imposing appearance. The split headlamps have been redesigned, with slim daytime running lamps extending outwards from the top of the kidney grilles.

The main LED headlamp units are positioned lower down, above the redesigned vertical air intakes. The kidney grilles are now more squared off and feature horizontal slats, while the illuminated grille surround continues to be available. The lower portion of the front bumper has also been redesigned, with a wider air dam giving the 7 Series a broader stance.

Moving to the side, the facelifted 7 Series gets revised side skirts and new alloy wheel designs. 20 inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, while customers can opt for wheels measuring up to 22 inches.

At the rear, the sedan gets new wider LED tail lamps and a revised bumper with a smoother design. The overall silhouette and proportions of the 7 Series remain largely unchanged, retaining the long wheelbase and upright stance of BMW’s flagship sedan.

BMW 7 series Facelift – Interior Design and Facelift

The interior of the BMW 7 Series facelift gets more extensive changes, with the cabin now taking inspiration from BMW’s newer Neue Klasse models.

The dashboard features a 17.9 inch central infotainment touchscreen along with a 14.6 inch passenger display. The cabin also gets BMW’s pillar to pillar Panoramic Vision display and a new two spoke steering wheel.

The centre console has also been redesigned, with BMW reducing the number of physical buttons while providing more storage space. A new cylindrical rotary drive selector has also been added.

In terms of features, the facelifted 7 Series gets a 35 speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, ambient lighting, powered doors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over the air updates and a fixed panoramic glass roof.

The rear cabin continues to be a major focus, with features including Boss mode, powered leg rests and connected car technology. The sedan also gets Level 2 ADAS, four zone climate control and powered, heated, ventilated and massaging seats. Another major highlight is the 31.3 inch 8K rear entertainment screen, which is aimed at providing rear passengers with a more immersive entertainment experience.

BMW 7 series Powertrain – Powertrain and Battery Pack

The 740 petrol continues to use a 3.0 litre direct injection turbocharged straight six petrol engine paired with a 48 volt mild hybrid system. Following the updates, the engine produces up to 400hp and 580Nm.

The engine is paired with an eight speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system. BMW claims that the 740 can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5.4 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250kph.

The BMW 7 Series facelift also gets rear wheel steering and adaptive suspension, which should improve both high speed stability and manoeuvrability at lower speeds. The 2026 BMW 7 Series facelift is not available with a diesel engine in India, despite the 740d continuing to be offered in some international markets.

The electric i7 is available in two variants, with the i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport using a 112.4kWh battery pack paired with dual electric motors. The setup produces 455hp and 660Nm, allowing the i7 to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210kph.

BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 728km for the i7 eDrive50 xDrive. The electric sedan supports 250kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 28 minutes.

The top spec i7 M70 xDrive also uses a 112.4kWh battery pack and gets a dual motor all wheel drive setup. It produces 680hp and up to 1,100Nm with the boost function.

The i7 M70 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph. BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 686km.

BMW 7 Series – Market Positioning and Rivals

The BMW 7 Series Facelift has only one direct rival in India in the form of the Mercedes Benz S Class. The S Class is currently priced between Rs 2.20 crore and Rs 2.38 crore, making the new 7 Series up to Rs 43 lakh more affordable at its starting price.

The BMW 7 Series facelift also offers a choice between a conventional petrol powertrain and a fully electric powertrain through the i7. The Mercedes Benz S Class, meanwhile, is available in India with a plug in hybrid powertrain.

With the facelift, BMW has updated the 7 Series with a more imposing exterior, a redesigned cabin and upgraded powertrains while retaining its focus on rear seat comfort and luxury. The updated i7 also gives BMW a fully electric alternative in the same flagship sedan range.

The post BMW 7 Series Facelift Launched in ICE and EV Guise at Rs 1.95 Crore: What Does the S Class Rival Get? first appeared on Shutterdrives.

Over the last decade, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno has gone through a generation change, multiple updates and a performance-focused RS variant. More importantly, the car has gone on to influence several other models across the Maruti Suzuki and Toyota portfolios.

From being the first car in India to offer Apple CarPlay to becoming the first car in its segment to offer Level 2 ADAS, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno has changed considerably since 2015.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1^st Generation – 2015

The first-generation Maruti Suzuki Baleno was launched in India in October 2015. It was built on Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect platform and was sold exclusively through NEXA dealerships. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno was offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine. The petrol engine produced 83hp and 113Nm, while the diesel developed 74hp and 190Nm. A CVT automatic was also offered with the petrol engine.

What made the Maruti Suzuki Baleno stand out, however, was its equipment. It offered features such as projector headlamps, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system and, most notably, Apple CarPlay.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno was the first car in India to offer Apple CarPlay, at a time when smartphone integration was still relatively uncommon in affordable cars. It also became the first car made in India to be exported to Japan. The combination of space, efficiency, equipment and Maruti Suzuki’s extensive ownership network helped the Baleno establish itself as a strong rival to the Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – 2017

In 2017, Maruti Suzuki took the Baleno in a completely different direction with the Baleno RS.The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS was powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine producing 102hp and 150Nm. It also received four-wheel disc brakes and a sportier suspension setup. The important part of the RS story, however, is the engine.

The 1.0-litre Boosterjet used in the Indian-spec Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS was sourced from Japan rather than being manufactured in India. At the time, this was an unusual powertrain for a Maruti Suzuki product, particularly in a premium hatchback. The RS itself never became a volume seller, but it proved that there was room for a small turbo-petrol engine in Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio. The engine would eventually return in a much bigger way. In that sense, the Baleno RS was effectively the starting point for Maruti Suzuki’s current 1.0-litre turbo-petrol story.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1^st Facelift – 2019

The first-generation Maruti Suzuki Baleno received a facelift in 2019. The changes were primarily focused on the exterior, with a revised grille, updated bumpers, new alloy wheels and other styling changes. The powertrain line-up also evolved. The diesel engine was eventually discontinued as Maruti Suzuki moved away from diesel powertrains ahead of the BS6 transition.

By this point, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno had also become part of the growing Maruti Suzuki-Toyota partnership. Toyota introduced its version of the Baleno as the Glanza, marking the beginning of a relationship that would eventually result in several shared products. The Baleno’s importance was therefore no longer limited to Maruti Suzuki. Its platform and engineering were beginning to form the foundation for products sold under another brand.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno 2^nd Generation – 2022

The second-generation Maruti Suzuki Baleno arrived in 2022 and represented a much bigger change than the previous facelift. The exterior became sharper and more modern, while the cabin was completely redesigned. The dashboard received a more premium layout and the car gained a 9-inch SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno also became significantly more feature-rich. A head-up display, 360-degree camera, connected-car technology and Suzuki Connect were among the biggest additions. Safety equipment was also upgraded, with up to six airbags, electronic stability control and other active and passive safety features.

The second-generation Maruti Suzuki Baleno also continued the Toyota connection. The new-generation Toyota Glanza was essentially the Toyota version of the Baleno, with both cars being produced from the same basic architecture.

This generation also formed the basis for another important Maruti Suzuki product — the Fronx. The Fronx is based on the Baleno’s platform and combines the hatchback’s basic architecture with a more SUV-inspired body. Its 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine also brought the Baleno RS’s turbocharged powertrain story back into the Maruti Suzuki range. Toyota subsequently sold the Fronx as the Urban Cruiser Taisor.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno 2^nd Generation Facelift – 2026

The latest Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift is where the car’s evolution becomes particularly interesting. The basic shape of the second-generation model remains, but the front end receives a revised grille, bumper and lighting elements. There are also changes to the interior and equipment list.

The biggest change, however, is under the bonnet. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has been replaced by Maruti Suzuki’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E engine. The engine produces 83hp and 112Nm and is offered with a five-speed manual or five-speed AMT.

But the headline feature is ADAS. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is now the first car in its segment to offer Level 2 ADAS. The system combines radar and camera-based technology to provide features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure prevention, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and high-beam assist.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno also gets ventilated front seats, another segment-first feature. Other additions include a cooled wireless smartphone charger and a premium Clarion sound system, while the 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen continues to offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This is a significant change from the 2015 car. Back then, Apple CarPlay itself was one of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s headline technological features. Eleven years later, the car has radar-based driver assistance technology.

From Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS to Fronx, Taisor and Brezza

The story of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno becomes even more significant when its influence on Maruti Suzuki’s wider product range is considered. The 1.0-litre Boosterjet first appeared in India in the Baleno RS, where the engine was imported. It was later locally assembled and brought back in the Fronx, giving Maruti Suzuki a compact turbo-petrol engine that could be produced in India.

The Toyota Taisor also uses this 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, making the Baleno RS the starting point for a powertrain that eventually found its way into multiple models. And now, in 2026, the same engine has made its way into the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. In the Brezza, it produces 110hp and 170Nm and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. So, while the Baleno RS itself was never a major volume seller, its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine had a much longer life ahead of it.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Impact on Indian Automobile Market

The influence of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is perhaps best understood through its sales.

In July 2026, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno sold 18,241 units in India. The Toyota Glanza added another 4,461 units, while the Maruti Suzuki Fronx sold 19,473 units and the Toyota Taisor sold 2,470 units.

Together, these four Baleno-related models accounted for 44,645 units in a single month. With India’s passenger vehicle retail market at 4,16,555 units in July, that works out to approximately 10.72% of the market. In simple terms, roughly one in every ten passenger vehicles sold in India in July 2026 was either a Maruti Suzuki Baleno or a model derived from the Baleno.

That is what makes the Maruti Suzuki Baleno so important.

It is not just a successful premium hatchback. Its platform has spawned the Toyota Glanza, its architecture forms the basis of the Fronx, the Fronx has spawned the Toyota Taisor, and the engine originally associated with the Baleno RS now powers the Brezza as well.

From a relatively simple premium hatchback in 2015 to a technology-packed, ADAS-equipped model in 2026, the Baleno has evolved with the Indian car buyer.

But its biggest evolution goes beyond the car itself, with its platform, engines and engineering influencing an entire family of models. Eleven years and two generation on, the Baleno’s journey is no longer just the story of one hatchback, but of how one car helped shape Maruti Suzuki’s modern product portfolio.

The post Maruti Suzuki Baleno From 2015 to the 2026 Facelift, What Has Changed? first appeared on Shutterdrives.