BMW is gearing up to release the eighth-generation 5-Series model in India, coinciding with the festive season that normally sees a surge in car sales. Offering more details on this eagerly anticipated release, it has been revealed that both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) versions of the new 5 Series will be made available in the country, both of which will be offered with diverse wheelbase options.
BMW India is set to introduce the long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the conventional 5 Series model, a move aimed at directly competing with the locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For context, the 5 Series LWB is already available in China in both ICE and electric versions, albeit in left-hand drive (LHD) format. To give an insight into its size, this model measures 5,175mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,520mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,105mm. This means that it is 145mm longer overall than the regular 5 Series, with a wheelbase that is 110mm longer.
The introduction of a LWB version of the 5 Series in India will complement the luxury of extended legroom for rear passengers, a feature normally appreciated by chauffeur-driven customers. Catering specifically to the comfort of backseat passengers, the interiors boast of features such as reclining rear seats, four-zone climate control, leather upholstery with exclusive quilting, and even the option of a 31.1-inch display folding down from the headliner to act as an entertainment screen.
However, the company will be importing the short-wheelbase (SWB) variant of the BMW i5 electric vehicle (EV) sedan, as a straight-forward conversion from LHD to right-hand drive (RHD) is not a simple process. Given that EV sales are likely to be less prolific than petrol or diesel variants, the local assembly of a converted RHD model will not be economically viable.
The new 5 Series is set to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the petrol-only Audi A6, with prices expected to fall between Rs 70 lakh-80 lakh, ex-showroom. With regards to the all-electric i5, it will not have a direct rival in the market yet. However, it is expected to be priced more expensively than its ICE variant due to import costs, with prices possibly touching the Rs 1 crore mark.
As for powertrain options, the 5-Series will feature a 255hp, 400Nm, twin-turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in the 530Li model. The electric i5 is likely to feature a 340hp, rear axle-mounted motor powered by an 81.2kWh battery pack, offering a maximum range of 582km. However, it is yet to be confirmed which diesel variant is to be introduced in India, considering the availability of both four- and six-cylinder options internationally.
In terms of external differentiation, the LWB 5-Series can be identified by the illuminated ‘5’ on the C-pillar, where the equivalent SWB version is simply finished in black.
The successful application of a similar strategy with the 3-Series Gran Limousine in India, which turned out to be the brand’s best-selling model in the country in 2023, is expected to replicate for the 5-Series as well.
In sum, BMW's new 5-Series promises to bring the best in luxury and technology to automobiles in India later this year, with the spotlight being shared by both combustion engine models as well as electric alternatives. The introduction of these models is timed to take advantage of the festive season, further driving sales in the high-end auto sector.
Nissan's best-selling Magnite has received a facelift, retaining its starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh. The updated model boasts subtle design changes, new features, and the same powerful engine options.
The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift offers a refreshed design, enhanced features, and powerful engine options, making it a compelling choice in the sub-4m SUV segment.
KTM has officially launched the 2024 200 Duke in India, priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This updated model demands a premium of Rs 4,000 over its predecessor.
The 2024 KTM 200 Duke Bike is priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), slightly higher than its predecessor (Rs 1.99 lakh). With its enhanced features, design, and functionality, this updated model promises a richer riding experience.
Kia India has officially unveiled its highly anticipated EV9, a three-row electric SUV, priced at ₹1.30 crore in the Indian market. Originally showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo 2023, this luxury vehicle boasts an impressive ARAI-certified range of 561 kilometers on a single charge.
The Kia EV9 exemplifies luxury and innovation in the electric vehicle sector, offering Indian consumers a high-end SUV option that combines performance, technology, and safety.
Jeep India has unveiled the Compass Anniversary Edition to commemorate eight years in the Indian market, priced at Rs 25.26 lakh (ex-showroom). This limited-edition model is designed for adventure-seekers and features exclusive accessories.
The Jeep Compass Anniversary Edition is a unique offering that combines adventure, design, and innovation. With its exclusive features and robust performance, this limited-edition model is perfect for Jeep enthusiasts in India.
Mahindra has launched the ZEO EV, a 4W electric pickup truck, priced at Rs 7.52 lakh (ex-showroom), marking its entry into the electric commercial vehicle segment. This innovative vehicle targets those seeking sustainable transport solutions, aligning with Mahindra's vision for a greener future.
Mahindra's recently launched Thar Roxx SUV has achieved an unprecedented milestone, garnering 176,218 bookings within a mere hour of availability. This overwhelming response has resulted in an extended waiting period for prospective owners.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx has created a buzz in the automotive world, shattering records with its impressive booking numbers. As the company prepares to deliver its highly anticipated SUV, Mahindra is poised for a milestone moment in meeting customer expectations.
Kia Motors India has launched the 2024 Kia Carnival, a premium offering in India's luxury automotive market, priced at Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom). This fourth-generation model embodies a perfect blend of luxury, space, and advanced features, creating a new era in luxury mobility.
The 2024 Kia Carnival offers an unbeatable combination of luxury, comfort, and practicality at a competitive price point. With its unique positioning and lack of direct competition, it is poised to capture a significant share of India's luxury automotive market.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reaffirmed its dedication to the Halewood factory, with investments now surpassing a significant £500 million. Initially, back in 2022, the company laid out its vision for transitioning the factory to support electric vehicle (EV) production, and since then, it has shown substantial progress. Over the past 12 months, the company has dedicated an impressive 'one million hours' to construction, resulting in a 32,000-square-foot extension to the historic facility, which originally began as a car factory for the Ford Anglia in 1963.
This half-billion-pound investment includes an initial outlay of £250 million, primarily aimed at modifying the production line to accommodate JLR’s forthcoming Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. This platform will support a new generation of medium-sized electric luxury SUVs. Though these future models remain officially unnamed, there is widespread speculation that the next generation of Range Rover Velar will be the first to roll off the new production line in 2025.
However, plans for Halewood to transform into an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturing facility have been postponed. Last month, JLR announced it would extend its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles longer than previously planned. As a result, Halewood is now set to produce ICE, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV) side by side, before eventually becoming the company's first all-electric production facility—though, notably, without a fixed timeline.
Looking ahead, JLR has earmarked an additional £250 million to fully realize its objectives for Halewood. Considerable advancements have already been made, including the installation of 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, and laser alignment technology to ensure perfect part fitment. In the pursuit of creating a 'factory of the future,' state-of-the-art cloud-based digital plant management systems have also been integrated.
These investments have expanded the length of the production line from 4km to 6km, accommodating new battery fitment processes. Additionally, seven-metre build stations have been installed to cater to the different proportions of EMA electric vehicles. Previously, the factory was mainly focused on the production of the current Land Rover Discovery Sport, highlighting the substantial scale of transformation JLR is undertaking.
Moreover, JLR has prioritized training, offering High Voltage Training to over 1,600 employees, and has constructed a new body shop capable of producing 500 vehicle bodies per day. The paint shop has also been modified to meet the higher demand for contrasting roofs.
Sustainability remains a core focus. Halewood plans to install 18,000 photovoltaic panels, projected to satisfy 10 percent of the facility’s energy needs. This move aligns with JLR’s broader goal of becoming a carbon net zero firm by 2039. Despite significant progress, the company acknowledges there is still much work ahead to meet this ambitious target but proudly asserts that they are moving in the right direction.
In summary, Jaguar Land Rover's continuous and exponential investments in Halewood underscore its commitment to transforming the factory into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing a diverse range of vehicles. As it carefully balances ongoing ICE production with its ambitious EV goals, JLR is set to position Halewood at the forefront of automotive manufacturing innovation.
