Porsche Mission S image gallery

Porsche Mission S image gallery
Porsche Mission S

The Porsche Mission S concept previews a new mid-engined sports car positioned above the 911. It features a low front end with round headlights, raised front fenders, a sloping roofline and an integrated active rear wing. Its design draws on historic Porsche models, including the 959, 911 GT1 and 928. The cabin combines five round instruments, an analogue rev counter, digital displays and physical controls, without a fixed central touchscreen. Porsche is developing a new platform that can accommodate combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Mission S remains a concept, with no production timeline or technical specifications announced.

New Renault Duster hybrid vs midsize cars spec comparison

New Renault Duster hybrid vs midsize cars spec comparison
Renault Duster hybrid compared

The new Renault Duster has been launched with a strong hybrid powertrain option, a first for the nameplate in India. The latest from Renault competes in the midsize SUV space, where only the Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris and Toyota Hyryder currently offer a hybrid choice. Honda does not offer a hybrid setup with the Elevate at the moment, though the City midsize sedan has been equipped with one. But how do these vehicles stack up on paper when it comes to specifications? Let’s find out.

Renault Duster hybrid spec comparison

Duster has the highest power output

Renault Duster hybrid specs vs Grand Vitara, Victoris, Hyryder and City e:HEV 

 Hybrid systemCombined powerCombined torqueTransmissionMileageBattery size | Voltage
Duster1.8L 4cyl + 2 e-motors160hp–Multi-mode automatic29kpl1.4kWh | 247V
Grand Vitara1.5L 3cyl + e-motor116hp141NmeCVT27.97kpl0.60kWh | 177.6V
Victoris1.5L 3cyl + e-motor116hp141NmeCVT28.65kpl0.60kWh | 177.6V
Hyryder1.5L 3cyl + e-motor116hp141NmeCVT27.97kpl0.60kWh | 177.6V
City e:HEV1.5L 4cyl + e-motor126hp253NmeCVT 27.13kplNot available | 172.8V

While we are yet to sample the Duster hybrid in real-world conditions, the above specs table suggests it takes a more performance-led approach than the rest. Its four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine is the largest by cubic capacity here, and paired with two electric motors, this hybrid setup delivers the highest peak power output. Renault claims a 0-100kph time of 9.61 seconds, which it says makes the Duster hybrid the quickest in the segment. The brand has not revealed a combined torque figure yet, though the Duster’s traction motor produces 208Nm on its own.

Renault SUV’s multi-mode gearbox stands out

The Duster’s multi-mode automatic gearbox has two gears for the motor and four gears for the engine. Renault claims that this setup creates an 8-speed combination in hybrid mode, and it stands out as the others use an eCVT unit, which is known for a smooth driving experience. Moreover, the Duster hybrid’s larger, higher-voltage battery further points to more electric assistance than the rest. The French brand claims that 80 percent of city drives are possible in EV mode alone, while the Duster hybrid’s ARAI-certified mileage of 29kpl is the highest of all the cars here.

Midsize SUVs offer most powertrains

Only PHEV is missing

Save for plug-in hybrid, midsize SUVs offer almost every major powertrain choice, including petrol, CNG, diesel and electric. Hyundai Creta is expected to adopt a hybrid powertrain in its next generation, due in 2027, and its Kia Seltos sibling is also set to follow suit. The new Tata Sierra’s ARGOS platform is hybrid-ready, giving the homegrown carmaker the flexibility to introduce a hybrid version in the future. Volkswagen and Skoda are also working on hybrid midsize SUVs for the Indian market.

Stellantis lines up 12 Citroen, Jeep launches for India by 2030

Stellantis lines up 12 Citroen, Jeep launches for India by 2030
Stellantis lines up 12 Citroen, Jeep launches for India by 2030

Stellantis has confirmed 12 Citroen and Jeep launches for India by 2030 as part of a roadmap dubbed ‘FaSTLAne 2030’. Speaking to Autocar India at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Tianshu Xin – the head of Stellantis China and Asia-Pacific – confirmed a new investment of Rs 4,000 crore for the Indian market and said, “The plan is to introduce 12 new models in the next three years…seven of them will be new models and five are upgrades.”

Stellantis India lines up a dozen launches across Citroen and Jeep

Multiple SUVs inbound, along with an MPV, an entry-level car, and a premium pickup

The first model under FaSTLAne 2030 is scheduled to go on sale in India by the second quarter of 2027. This influx of new Citroen and Jeep launches will cover the compact, midsize, and premium SUV segments, and include a new MPV, an entry-level car, and a premium pickup truck. Of the 12 launches, seven will be from Citroen and five from Jeep.

Brand footprints to be expanded in India

Stellantis says these brands will play “distinct but complementary roles” in its line-up – Jeep will bolster its current position in the premium SUV arena, and Citroen will do the same in the mass-market segments. Expanding the customer reach of Citroen and Jeep is crucial, and Stellantis has committed to growing the brands’ retail and service networks, especially in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, along with increasing parts availability.

More Stellantis EVs coming, hybrids also confirmed

Additionally, Stellantis has confirmed a new multi-fuel strategy for the Indian market, which will span “efficient internal combustion engines, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery-electric (BEV) technologies.” These are already offered by Stellantis brands globally, and it should be interesting to see the specific powertrains that make it to India. As it stands, the majority of Stellantis India’s powertrain offerings are petrol; Citroen and Maserati also offer EVs, while Jeep additionally offers diesel in entry-level models.

Localisation target of 90 percent

According to Xin, the new models under FaSTLAne 2030 will be produced in India, so localisation will play a key role for competitive pricing. In light of that, Stellantis has set a target of 90 percent localisation across Jeep and Citroen, and will bank on its Indian R&D and manufacturing facilities, along with its supplier ecosystem, to achieve this. Moreover, India-developed FaSTLAne 2030 models will be exported to overseas markets.

Stellantis India’s two major brands, Citroen and Jeep, haven’t been very successful at attracting buyers in recent years. Citroen’s cars, despite recent updates, have struggled to gain traction in India due to their rivals being more aspirational and feature-rich. Jeep India, meanwhile, hasn’t launched any new models or facelifts in several years, turning prospective buyers away to more updated offerings. FaSTLAne 2030 is looking to be the shot in the arm that Stellantis India needs to pique buyer interest again.

What about Leapmotor?

Xin also provided an update on the long-overdue India entry of Stellantis’s Chinese EV brand, Leapmotor. Stellantis had planned to bring Leapmotor to India in 2025, but that evidently didn’t pan out. Xin noted that Leapmotor’s India entry is still being studied, and that there has to be enough “volume potential to justify the business case.” Therefore, a decision on Leapmotor entering India will only be made when the business case is ‘proven and solid.’

Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso concept previews brand’s new design language

Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso concept previews brand’s new design language
Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso

Alfa Romeo’s major reveal at the 2026 Paris Motor Show is the Cuorerosso, a four-door concept that previews a new design language dubbed ‘Necessary Beauty’. In addition, the Cuorerosso debuts a strong hybrid version of Alfa Romeo’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, which is used in the Giulia, Stelvio, and 33 Stradale.

Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso powertrain

Alfa Romeo says that the Cuorerosso serves as a precursor to a “multi-energy approach” that the carmaker’s future models will follow, specifically mild hybrid, strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full-electric powertrains. To put it succinctly, Alfa Romeo wants to put “technology and innovation at the service of driving pleasure and sportiness.”

The Cuorerosso’s 2.9-litre V6 hybrid powertrain is mated to a torque converter automatic gearbox, an all-wheel drive system, and a carbonfibre driveshaft – the concept weighs 1,750kg. It’s also equipped with steer-by-wire tech, which eliminates physical linkages between the steering rack and wheels in favour of full electronic control.

Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso exterior design

Stretching the tape at 4,700mm long, 1,980mm wide, and 1,331mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,930mm, the Cuorerosso doesn’t stray all that far from the Alfa Romeo Giulia in terms of dimensions. The styling, though, is a different story. Up front, the Cuorerosso looks quite menacing thanks to its swept-back triangular headlamps and segmented eyebrow-like DRLs, which flank a backlit grille that displays the Alfa Romeo motif in a pixel pattern – the brand’s emblem sits right above the grille too.

Sleek air intakes can be seen on the front bumper, while the bonnet looks very sculpted and muscular, with air exits opening up just ahead of the windscreen. Over to the side, the 22-inch bronze-coloured forged alloy wheels immediately stand out, and so do the slatted ORVMs and heavily flared rear wheel arches. Rear-hinged back doors are another flamboyant styling touch on the Cuorerosso.

The rear end of the Cuorerosso is characterised by a large integrated ducktail spoiler, below which sits a pair of crescent-shaped tail-lamps and an Alfa Romeo wordmark. The sharply-protruding bumper lends a cool wedge-like shape to the rear, especially when viewed from the side, and includes a centrally positioned dual-exhaust setup flanked by air exits. Alfa Romeo claims a 0.28Cd drag coefficient for the Cuorerosso.

Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso interior

Inside, the Cuorerosso has a 2+2 seating layout and is just as radical as its exterior. For one, the colour scheme is predominantly red to convey the Cuorerosso’s sporty intentions, and there’s red ambient lighting in various spots too. The centre console has a pass-through design, and integrates a ‘Magma Display’ that combines physical controls with a digital interface. An aircraft-style gear selector can also be seen in the lower half of the centre console, along with a clover leaf emblem that glows green.

Ahead of the driver sits an unconventional-looking three-spoke steering wheel that has a flat top and a pointed bottom, while the central hub is dished inward and sports an Alfa Romeo emblem that glows red. Behind the steering wheel sits a pair of digital dials, which remain separate during normal driving and merge into one large dial if you start picking up the pace.

The Cuorerosso itself is unlikely to make it to production, but if it’s any indication of Alfa Romeo’s future, things look to be quite exciting for the Italian marque.

JSW Combat to debut on December 3

JSW Combat to debut on December 3
JSW Combat to debut on December 3

JSW Motors will unveil the Combat SUV on December 3, marking its entry into India’s automotive market as a fresh standalone brand. This follows our exclusive report in September, which revealed the Combat name for the upcoming SUV based on the Jetour T2. The JSW Combat will be a 5-seater plug-in-hybrid SUV expected to be assembled at the manufacturer’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously Aurangabad) facility.

JSW Combat: All you need to know

Will produce 360hp, 610Nm and have a claimed total range of 1,100km

The internationally available Jetour T2 has multiple plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options. The India-spec JSW Combat is expected to feature a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, an 18.4kWh battery and two electric motors driving the front wheels (FWD). Paired with a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), the system produces a combined output of 360hp and 610Nm of torque. It offers a claimed all-electric range of 90km on the NEDC cycle, while the combined range with a full fuel tank is rated at up to 1,100km.

Save for new badges and slight revisions, the overall design is likely to be the Jetour T2’s

The JSW Combat is expected to have a similar design to the Jetour T2, but previous spy shots suggest slightly revised headlights and front and rear bumpers. A new ‘Combat’ badge is likely to replace the ‘Jetour’ at the front. Along with a boxy silhouette, what is expected to be retained are the 20-inch alloy wheels, generous cladding on the wheel arches, roof rails with neon green design elements, a spare wheel mounted on the boot door, and vertically oriented LED taillights.

The Jetour T2 recently received a facelift internationally, but the numerous spy shots in India reveal JSW Motors will be offering the pre-facelift model in the country. 

Porsche plans new halo supercar above 911, Macan-sized ICE SUV

Porsche plans new halo supercar above 911, Macan-sized ICE SUV
Porsche CEO Michael Leiters

Porsche has outlined a new line-up of models under its Sportwagenschmiede ‘35 strategy, which was presented by the German luxury marque at the Capital Markets Day in Weissach. The strategy, which means ‘sports car forge’ in German, includes a new halo supercar positioned above the 911, a new internal combustion-powered (ICE) SUV and an all-electric 718 line-up. Porsche stated that it will also be expanding its ‘special request’ offerings.

  • Mission S concept to preview the new supercar on October 15.
  • New ICE and PHEV SUV to join the Macan Electric in 2028.
  • Next-gen 718 Boxster and Cayman to be all-electric.

New Porsche halo supercar

This upcoming model is to be previewed as the Mission S concept on October 15

Under its new Sportwagenschmiede ‘35 strategy, Porsche has announced plans for a new mid-engined super sports car platform that will underpin a model above the 911. “We are developing a super sports car platform,” Porsche CEO Michael Leiters told the media present at the Capital Markets Day event.

Porsche Mission S teaser
Porsche Mission S official teaser

The brand said that it will be previewing this new model on October 15 by way of a concept called ‘Mission S’. This would be Porsche’s first range-topping supercar since the 918 Spyder and could serve as its spiritual successor. This upcoming mid-engined supercar, along with the other upcoming models announced by Porsche, could share parts with Volkswagen Group models, the company stated.

New Porsche SUVs in the works

This new combustion-powered SUV is set to join the Macan Electric in 2028

Joining the all-electric Macan in 2028 will be a similarly sized SUV, the brand confirmed. It also said that this new SUV will be offered with a range of combustion and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options. Autocar UK previously reported that this SUV will be based on the PPC platform and be twinned with the Audi Q5.

Porsche is also exploring a new flagship SUV, which would be placed above the Cayenne. Codenamed the ‘K1’, it is reportedly set to launch with combustion power first, with an all-electric version expected at a later stage. The brand has committed to deepening its collaboration with Audi on the PPE and PPC platforms, which it hopes will lower development costs and improve efficiency. Porsche added that the unique character of each brand will be maintained through brand-specific technology and features.

Porsche confirms all-electric 718 models

Boxster and Cayman to move away from combustion power

Porsche 718 Boxster EV
Porsche 718 Boxster EV image by Autocar UK

The next-gen 718 duo will be moving to an all-electric platform, with 2028 set to be their first full year of production, Porsche confirmed. This is in contrast to what the luxury marque was earlier expected to do, with plans to equip the next-gen 718 range with a platform compatible with both combustion and pure-electric powertrains.

Porsche to ramp up its exclusive offerings

Focus on individualised examples from Sonderwunsch, Exclusive Manufaktur and Manthey to strengthen

Porsche has showcased several one-off models in recent months. These include the Flachbau RS, which is a road-legal one-off based on the 911 GT2 RS, and three one-of-one 911s that were displayed at the Monterey Car Week in August 2026.

Porsche Manthey 911 GT3
Porsche Manthey 911 GT3

Porsche is now aiming to grow the sales from its Sonderwunsch personalisation division sixfold in the medium term. It has also increased its stake in Manthey Racing to 67 percent, with the aim to offer customers performance kits, exclusive track-side experiences and complete few-off concepts. These individualised examples are likely to carry much higher profit margins than regular series-production models. Porsche revealed that the highest price ever paid for a fully bespoke Sonderwunsch example was north of EUR 13 million.

Measures to boost profitability

Porsche is working on increasing profitability after profits fell by over 90 percent in 2025

Porsche saw its operating profit fall from EUR 5.64 billion to EUR 413 million in 2025, a drop of over 90 percent compared to 2024. Porsche expects the upcoming 718 electric range to support sales in 2028, with the new Macan-sized ICE SUV contributing from 2029. More models in the higher-margin D and E segments will follow, as per Porsche.

Porsche is also cutting model variants by about 20 percent to reduce complexity, and expects sales per variant to rise by about 30 percent as a result. As reported earlier, Porsche may also merge the Panamera and Taycan nameplates into a single model to curb unprofitable expenses. By implementing its new Sportwagenschmiede ‘35 strategy, Porsche is aiming for a net cash flow margin of 9 to 12 percent in the medium term, and wants its break-even point to drop below 2 lakh units. The company is also set to reduce material costs by around 10 percent by way of parts sharing with the rest of the Group.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: What Rs 1.15 crore extra brings over standard model

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: What Rs 1.15 crore extra brings over standard model
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

A few months after introducing the 2026 S-Class facelift, Mercedes has launched its more luxurious Maybach counterpart. Priced at Rs 3.35 crore, the Maybach S-Class commands a premium of Rs 1.15 crore over the standard model. But apart from the Maybach badge, what exactly does it offer for the extra money? Here is everything you need to know.

Note: LHD models used for representation

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vs Regular S-Class: Exterior

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class front static
Mercedes-Benz S-Class front static
 

Unlike the standard S-Class, which features two exterior designs across variants, the Maybach S-Class gets a uniform exterior design throughout. The Maybach builds on the standard S-Class design, turning up the luxury quotient. At the front, it sports a Maybach-specific grille with fine vertical chrome slats and Maybach lettering at the top. The regular S-Class, by contrast, features horizontal chrome slats paired with a pattern of tri-star motifs.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class side static
Mercedes-Benz S-Class side static
 

Lower down, the standard S-Class’s air intake details are replaced on the Maybach by a fine mesh patterned with small Maybach logos, and there’s thicker chrome trim along the bumper’s edges. The LED headlights feature rose-gold accents, while the bonnet-mounted Mercedes star is retained.

In profile, both models ride on 20-inch alloy wheels. However, the Maybach features multi-spoke forged rims, self-centring wheel caps that keep the Mercedes logo upright while moving, and noise-absorbing tyres. The Maybach’s rear doors are also slightly longer, as it has a 180mm longer wheelbase than the standard model. A subtle illuminated Maybach badge on the C-pillar further sets it apart from the side.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class rear quarter static
Mercedes-Benz S-Class rear quarter static
 

At the rear, the updates are more understated. Maybach lettering on the bootlid distinguishes it from the standard model, alongside minor tweaks to the lower sides of the bumper. Both models share the same LED taillights with tristar motifs connected, and there’s a full-width chrome strip right above it. The Maybach S-Class also offers greater personalisation, including dedicated paint options and exclusive dual-tone colour schemes.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vs Regular S-Class: Interior

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class interior
Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior
 

Inside, the Maybach retains the multi-screen layout of the regular S-Class. The dashboard features a 14.4-inch OLED central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a dedicated 12.3-inch display for the front passenger. Both models run the latest MB.OS software, but the Maybach gets custom user-interface graphics. It also offers richer materials and expanded upholstery options, including bespoke leather finishes, stitching, and embroidery. 

At the back, the Maybach S-Class gets the  “executive rear seats” package as standard, whereas the standard S-Class gets it as an optional extra. This means you get a 4-seat layout as standard, and the rear seat recline angle is increased to 43 degrees, up from 38 degrees on the standard model’s 5-seat configuration.

Rear passengers in the Maybach get more creature comforts over the standard S-Class, including temperature-controlled cup holders and dual wireless phone chargers.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vs Regular S-Class: Powertrain

Like the standard S-Class, the Maybach uses a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup. In the S 580e trim, it pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor and a 22kWh battery pack. Combined output reaches 585hp and 750Nm of torque—a noticeable step up from the regular S 450e’s 435hp and 680Nm. Both cars send power to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. An AWD layout is standard on both models.

Both models feature a dedicated pure-electric mode. Here, the regular S-Class offers a WLTP-certified electric range of up to 115km, while the Maybach achieves 100km. Conversely, the Maybach earns a higher claimed combined efficiency figure of 34.48kpl versus the standard model’s 32.3kpl. Additionally, the Maybach adds an exclusive “Maybach” drive mode that’s used for maximum rear-seat ride comfort.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class launched at Rs 3.35 crore

2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class launched at Rs 3.35 crore
Mercedes-Maybach-S-Class-India

Mercedes-Benz has launched the Maybach S-Class facelift at Rs 3.35 crore (ex-showroom). It has been brought to India in S 580e guise, making it the first Maybach in India to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Only 30 units have been allocated in the first batch, costing Rs 97 lakh more than the ‘regular’ S-Class Manufaktur Edition AMG Line that was launched just a couple of months ago. This is also Mercedes’s third PHEV in India, following the updated S-Class and AMG E 53 Hybrid. Mercedes says around 50 percent of its S-Class sales in India are of the Maybach variant. 

  1. Maybach S-Class comes to India in S 580e guise with 3.0-litre PHEV powertrain 
  2. Gets executive rear seats with full-length business console as standard 
  3. Offers 98km electric-only range thanks to a 22kWh battery 

Mercedes-Maybach S 580e powertrain and specs 

The new PHEV powertrain is one of the biggest updates to the Maybach S-Class, as the outgoing model was offered with a 4.0-litre V8. The S 580e uses a 443hp/560Nm 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine paired with a 160hp/480Nm electric motor and a 22kWh battery. Total system output is 585hp and 750Nm, and it comes with all-wheel drive as standard. Mercedes claims the car can travel up to 98km and reach a top speed of 140kph on electric power alone. It also has a WLTP-certified fuel efficiency of 34.48kpl, although it’s likely not to be of much interest to a Maybach owner.  

The S 580e offers three drive modes – Maybach, Electric and Battery Hold – along with adjustable energy recuperation, including one-pedal driving. As for charging, Mercedes will offer an 11kW AC on-board charger, and the car is also compatible with up to 60kW DC fast charging. The S 580e gets air suspension and rear-axle steering as standard. 

Mercedes-Maybach S 580e interior and features 

The focus of any Maybach is, of course, the back seat, and in that regard, Mercedes is offering the S 580e in a four-seat layout with executive seats with a full-length business console. Rear Comfort Package Plus is standard, offering fold-out tray tables, wireless charging pads, rear-compartment ambient lighting and even temperature-controlled cup holders. The seats recline to 43 degrees (compared to the regular S-Class’s 38 degrees) and are heated, ventilated and massaging. You also get two individual ‘smartphone’ remotes to operate everything instead of the tablet controller from before.

Up front, the dashboard remains largely unchanged from the regular S-Class. The MBUX Superscreen spans the front of the cabin, combining the central display with a front passenger display carrying a privacy function, while the driver gets a free-standing 3D display. The difference here is that you get a unique Maybach graphical theme for all screens, along with signature rose gold accents. Some of the equipment highlights include an augmented reality head-up display and navigation, a 31-speaker Burmester 4D surround sound system and two rear entertainment screens with wireless headsets.

The cabin is trimmed in Maybach-exclusive Nappa in crystal white and silver grey pearl, with Manufaktur piano lacquer trim, a Manufaktur roof liner in crystal white Nappa leather and Manufaktur seat backrest trim. 

Mercedes-Maybach S 580e exterior design 

Changes to the exterior are similar to those on the regular S-Class facelift, albeit with a few Maybach-specific twists. For instance, here too the grille is 20 percent larger and framed by LED illumination, with an illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet above. The difference is that the grille uses the Maybach signature vertical slats, and there’s an illuminated ‘Maybach’ wordmark above them.

The headlamps are the new, larger units with the latest version of Mercedes’s Digital Light ambient lighting and three-pointed star daytime running lamps (DRLs), but rather than the techie blue accents, there are rose gold embellishments with the Maybach logo on them.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class facelift Wheel

As before, the Maybach is 180mm longer than the long-wheelbase S, and that’s plain to see in profile. The India-spec model rides on 20-inch forged Maybach wheels, which also house a counterweighted Mercedes logo that always stays upright as the wheels turn. The Maybach logo on the D-pillar is illuminated as well, and the tail-lamps also get the triple-three-pointed star LED signature, like in the standard S-Class.

BMW 3 Series drops diesel with new eighth-gen model

BMW 3 Series drops diesel with new eighth-gen model
BMW

BMW has dropped diesel power from the eighth-generation 3 Series, codenamed G50, ending a run that dates back to the second generation (E30). The new G50 is offered with petrol engines, while a plug-in hybrid version is due to join the range in 2027. The fully electric i3 is also part of the eighth-generation 3 Series family.

G50 3 Series offered only with petrol engines

Speaking to members of the European press at the debut, BMW confirmed that the eighth-generation 3 Series will not be offered with a diesel engine. Besides the first-generation (E21), the G50 is the only other 3 Series generation without a diesel option. All other generations offered at least one diesel variant.

The G50 is available in 318, 320 and M350 xDrive forms. The 318 and 320 use 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines with 48V mild-hybrid technology, while the M350 xDrive gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol mill with the same system.

BMW has not given a specific reason for removing diesel from the new-generation 3 Series, although it is likely in the interest of meeting increasingly stringent local emissions regulations.

Plug-in hybrid to join 3 Series range

BMW will add a plug-in hybrid version to the G50 range in 2027. Technical details of this version have not yet been announced. The fully electric BMW i3 is also part of the eighth-generation 3 Series family. The i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive are available with electric power, with claimed WLTP ranges of up to 710km and 912km respectively.

The result is a 3 Series range comprising petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains, with diesel no longer part of the new-generation line-up.

BMW’s shift from diesel to electrification in India

BMW’s changing powertrain strategy for the 3 Series is also reflected in its India portfolio. The company is increasingly pairing its petrol models with electric alternatives in India rather than offering diesel versions across these newer model lines. The 7 Series is available with a petrol engine, while the fully electric i7 is offered alongside it. The 5 Series LWB follows the same approach with the petrol-powered 5 Series and electric i5 LWB, while the X1 LWB is available with a petrol engine alongside the electric iX1 LWB.

None of these models is offered with a diesel engine in India. BMW’s electric models are therefore increasingly filling the role that diesel variants traditionally occupied as the more efficient option for buyers. The same transition is now evident in the new 3 Series in Europe, where the diesel has been dropped in favour of petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options.

BMW India says electrification and its long-wheelbase range are two key areas of its current product strategy, with EVs accounting for 26 percent of its sales in the first half of 2026. The company expects the share of EVs in its sales to exceed 30 percent in the second half of the year.

BMW India has also seen some customers move from diesel to electric vehicles. The company says concerns around the long-term use and residual values of diesel cars have contributed to the shift in some markets, while it continues to offer diesel engines where demand remains strong.

What to expect from Mercedes-Maybach S-Class ahead of launch tomorrow

What to expect from Mercedes-Maybach S-Class ahead of launch tomorrow
Mercedes Maybach S-Class

Mercedes-Benz will launch the updated Maybach S-Class in India on October 5. The facelift brings styling and technology updates, along with more personalization options and changes to the powertrain range. With the launch just around the corner, here’s everything you need to know about the new Maybach S-Class.

What exterior changes does the new Maybach S-Class get over the S-Class?

The Maybach S-Class gets the larger illuminated grille seen on the updated S-Class, but with Maybach-specific vertical slats and an illuminated ‘Maybach’ wordmark above them. It also gets an illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet, LED headlights with three-pointed-star DRLs and rose gold embellishments featuring the Maybach logo instead of the techie blue accents on the standard S-Class. There are also tiny Maybach logos in the lower air-dam mesh, an illuminated Maybach logo on the D-pillar and the same three-pointed-star LED signature for the tail-lamps as the standard S-Class.

The Maybach is 180mm longer than the long-wheelbase S-Class. It is also available with new 20- and 21-inch forged alloy wheels, which feature a counterweighted Mercedes logo that stays upright as the wheels turn. The carmaker says every Maybach S-Class gets some options from its Manufaktur personalization range, which now includes more exterior colours and two-tone paint combinations.

What are the key interior and feature highlights of the Maybach S-Class?

The cabin of the Maybach S-Class, like the standard S-Class gets a Superscreen-style layout comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger display. The car also uses a new E&E architecture with four ‘supercomputers’ that run the entire car, from the screens to the safety features to the driving dynamics.

As on the outside, Mercedes has expanded the choice of extended leather upholstery and added new upholstery colours. For the first time on a Maybach, buyers can also specify leather-free vegan upholstery with its own unique design. 

What changes have been made to the rear-seat experience of the Maybach S-Class?

The rear seats now recline up to 43 degrees, compared with 38 degrees in the standard S-Class. They are also heated, ventilated and equipped with massage functions. The previous tablet controller has been replaced by two individual smartphone-style remotes for operating the car’s functions. There is also a Maybach drive mode that makes the suspension even softer.

What engine options are available internationally on the Maybach S-Class, and which one will India get?

Internationally, the Maybach S-Class is offered with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The S 580 gets a 4.0-litre V8 with a flat-plane crank, producing 537hp and 750Nm. Some markets also get the S 580e plug-in hybrid, which combines a 3.0-litre inline-six with a 163hp electric motor and a 22kWh battery. Total output is 585hp and 750Nm, with an electric-only range of up to 98km. The top-spec S 680 gets either a V12 or a more powerful V8 depending on the market. 

In India, we are likely to get the 612hp, 850Nm version of the S 580’s 4.0-litre V8.

What is the Maybach S-Class Night Series?

The Night Series is a darker-themed version of the Maybach S-Class. It gets darker exterior and interior colours, while chrome elements are replaced with dark chrome. It also gets a different set of aero-efficient black wheels adorned with dozens of Maybach logos.

How much will the new Maybach S-Class cost in India

The outgoing Maybach S 580 is currently priced at Rs 2.87 crore, ex-showroom, before options. Like the outgoing model, the updated Maybach S-Class is also expected to be locally assembled in India. The updated model is expected to cost more, with the price likely to be north of Rs 3 crore.