Author: Akshay Kumar

The wait for a silent, sustainable Lexus sedan in India is officially over. Today, March 20, 2026, Lexus India officially launched the eighth-generation ES 500e, marking the brand’s first-ever all-electric offering for the Indian market. Priced at ₹89.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the ES 500e isn’t just a new engine option—it’s a complete reimagining of the executive sedan that has long been a favorite for those who value comfort over lap times. Built on the heavily updated TNGA-K platform (shared with the new Toyota Camry), the ES 500e arrives as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), though Lexus has hinted at future local…

The micro-SUV segment in India has a new benchmark. Following months of anticipation, Hyundai Motor India Limited officially pulled the curtains off the 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift today, March 20, 2026. Starting at an aggressive ₹5.79 lakh (ex-showroom), this mid-cycle refresh isn’t just a cosmetic makeover; it’s a strategic move to solidify the Exter’s position against the recently updated Tata Punch. Since its original debut in 2023, the Exter has crossed the 2-lakh sales milestone. This 2026 edition brings over 25 major enhancements across design, safety, and in-cabin technology, aiming to attract young, first-time SUV buyers who refuse to compromise…

The “New Class” has officially arrived. On March 18, 2026, BMW pulled the covers off the all-new BMW i3 electric sedan, the second production model to be built on the revolutionary Neue Klasse architecture. While the i3 nameplate was once associated with a quirky city hatchback, it has now been reborn as a high-tech, long-range powerhouse that previews the future of the legendary 3 Series. Launching initially in the i3 50 xDrive guise, this sedan isn’t just a step forward for BMW—it’s a technological leap that puts the brand at the forefront of the premium EV segment. Breaking the Range…

The landscape of high-end performance has shifted. Following the official transition on January 1, 2026, Alpina is no longer an independent tuner but a fully integrated standalone brand within the BMW Group. Positioned as the bridge between the aggressive BMW M division and the celestial luxury of Rolls-Royce, the new “BMW Alpina” sub-brand has just confirmed its roadmap for the next three years. As part of this “Modern Exclusivity” strategy, the brand will officially focus its development on the BMW 7 Series and the BMW X7. This move streamlines the portfolio, focusing on “flagship-only” platforms to compete directly with Mercedes-Maybach.…

In a bold move to preserve brand trust, Mahindra & Mahindra has officially announced a full buyback guarantee specifically for the first 999 owners of the Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition. Announced on March 18, 2026, this initiative is a direct response to a wave of “collector anxiety” that swept through the EV community earlier this month. The Batman Edition, an electric SUV developed in a high-profile collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, was originally marketed as a strictly limited-run masterpiece. However, the decision to launch a second batch has led to a fascinating moment in Indian automotive history. The “Founding…

The mid-size SUV segment in India is about to get a major shake-up. Skoda Auto India has officially confirmed that it will announce the prices for the highly anticipated 2026 Kushaq Facelift on March 21, 2026. This marks the first significant update for the Czech SUV since its debut in 2021, and it comes at a time when competition from the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra has never been fiercer. While the overall silhouette remains familiar, the 2026 update is far more than just a “botox job.” It introduces a host of mechanical and tech-heavy upgrades designed…

The “Duster” nameplate has officially returned to Indian soil, and while the top-end hybrid models are grabbing the headlines, the entry-level Authentic variant is arguably the most important launch of the week. Starting at an introductory price of ₹10.49 lakh (ex-showroom)—or ₹10.29 lakh for those with an R-Pass—Renault is directly challenging the lower-spec trims of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. But what exactly does a “base” Duster look like in 2026? Does it feel like a budget compromise, or is it a genuine no-frills workhorse? Let’s dive into the details. Ruggedness as Standard Usually, base models are stripped of…

To celebrate one successful year of its flagship performance SUV in India, BYD has officially pulled the wraps off the BYD Sealion 7 First Anniversary Edition. Launched yesterday, March 17, 2026, this special edition is designed to reward early adopters of electric mobility with a suite of exclusive ownership benefits and a fresh aesthetic upgrade. Despite the added value, BYD has strategically kept the pricing identical to the standard model. The Anniversary Edition is available across two trims: What’s New: The “Tahiti Blue” Experience The most noticeable change in the Anniversary Edition is the introduction of the Tahiti Blue interior…

BMW M India has officially unleashed its most aggressive compact performance machine to date: the BMW M2 CS. Launched today, March 18, 2026, this limited-run masterpiece arrives as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) import, priced at ₹1.66 crore (ex-showroom). Positioned as the “hardcore” sibling to the standard M2, the CS (Competition Sport) isn’t just a trim level—it’s a surgical tool designed for the racetrack. It recently set a benchmark at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, lapping the “Green Hell” in a blistering 7:25.5 minutes, making it the fastest compact car in BMW history. S58 Engine: Power Without Compromise Under the hood, the M2…

The wait is finally over. On March 17, 2026, Renault India officially brought back its most iconic nameplate, launching the third-generation Renault Duster at a competitive starting price of ₹10.49 lakh (ex-showroom). For those who participated in the “R-Pass” pre-booking program, Renault offered a special introductory price of ₹10.29 lakh, underscoring their aggressive strategy to reclaim dominance in the mid-size SUV segment. Built on the new Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), this isn’t just a facelift—it’s a ground-up reinvention of the rugged SUV that first started the segment in India. A Masterclass in Rugged Design The 2026 Duster successfully balances…