Auto News of the Week: Key Launches and Milestones in Indian Auto Market

Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R Revealed Ahead Of 2026 Rally Debut

Here’s what to know about Land Rover’s newest rally-special SUV that enters one of the world’s toughest off road races

The brand has taken the Defender Octa as a base and built a new version called the Defender Dakar D7X-R. This model has been engineered specifically for the 2026 Dakar Rally, competing in the FIA’s category for stock based vehicles. It is not road legal and focuses only on extreme endurance performance

Key Highlights

• Stronger Power Setup- Runs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. The air intake has been restricted as per race rules. Power flows through an 8-speed automatic, tuned to deliver better low-speed pull across deep sand
• Rally-Ready Suspension- Uses Bilstein coilover suspension at the front along with twin dampers at the rear. The track is wider by 60 mm and sits higher, using large 35-inch off-road tires
• Higher Protection- Equipped with a full FIA roll cage, improved underbody guards, and a huge 550-liter fuel tank built for long-distance rally legs
• Cooling System- Features a single large radiator and four dedicated cooling fans to manage heat in desert stages
• Exterior Design- Comes in a special desert theme “Geopalette” paint scheme, shorter overhangs for sharper approach angles, bright LED roof lights and a cabin fitted with racing seats, six-point harnesses, and onboard spares

The model shows how far off road engineering can go when the goal is to survive punishing rally stages

Red Bull India And Tata Motors Team Up To Showcase Harrier.ev

This week, the Harrier.ev took on a fresh challenge thanks to a new collaboration between Red Bull India and Tata Motors. Rally driver Abdo ‘Dado’ Feghali drove the SUV through a demanding course along the Beas River, close to the Pong dam in Himachal Pradesh

The test aimed to show how electric SUVs can handle tough real world terrain

Key Highlights

• Three Stage Challenge- The test route covered rocky river edges, deep water sections and strong flowing currents
• Power & Range- Based on Tata’s Acti.ev architecture, the Harrier.ev uses a 75 kWh battery paired with dual motors that make 390.5 bhp and 504 Nm of torque. Range is claimed at 627 km under MIDC conditions
• Charging Speeds
• AC charging- About 10.7 hours using 7.2 kW
• DC fast charging- 20 to 80 percent in around 25 minutes with 120 kW
• Feature Pack- Offers Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, premium JBL audio and V2L/V2C features for powering devices

This partnership highlights how India’s EVs are being pushed into more adventurous tests

2026 Kia Seltos Teased Ahead Of December 10 Reveal

Kia shared the first official teaser for the 2026 Seltos, with a global premiere set for December 10, 2025. The India launch is expected in the early part of 2026

Highlights You Should Know

• Next Gen Look- The teaser suggests bolder styling with sharper body lines and a fresh front section
• Hybrid Option Expected- The new model will likely bring a strong-hybrid engine option in addition to existing petrol and diesel units
• Market Position- With added features and updated tech, the new Seltos aims to stay competitive in India’s busy compact SUV space

Customers planning an upgrade may consider waiting for this model’s price and final details

VinFast Limo Green 7-Seater EV: Official Launch Timeline Revealed

The Vietnamese automaker VinFast has confirmed that the Limo Green, a 7 seat electric MPV, will launch in India in February 2026. This model adds to the brand’s planned local lineup, which also includes the VF6 and VF7 SUVs

Key Highlights

• Battery & Range- Comes with a 60.13 kWh battery and promises up to 450 km of driving range
• Built For Fleets- Aimed mainly at fleet operators and ride-hailing services, including VinFast’s own GSM taxi division
• Launch Strategy- The brand plans to introduce a new model in India every six months after this one

This MPV is expected to appeal to both families and mobility service providers looking for efficient people movers

Skoda Auto India Crosses 500,000 Sales In Its 25th Anniversary Year

Skoda Auto India crosses 500,000 cumulative sales since 2001, with November 2025 at 5,491 units, up 90% year-on-year. SUVs like Kushaq drive growth

What Boosted These Numbers

• Wide SUV Range- Models priced from about Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 45.9 lakh continue to attract customers
• Safety Ratings- The Kushaq and Kylaq have both earned 5-star scores in Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP crash tests
• Network Expansion- More showrooms and service centers have increased reach in smaller towns

This result marks Skoda’s steady rise during its silver anniversary year in India

BYD Sealion 7 Electric SUV To Get A Price Hike From January 1, 2026

BYD announced that its new electric SUV, the Sealion 7, will see a price increase starting January 1, 2026

Key Highlights

• Customers can still lock the current ex-showroom price if they book the SUV before December 21, 2025
• The model sits in the mid-size SUV space and aims to offer premium EV features at a competitive price

If you’re planning to buy it, December is the best time to secure savings

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Secures 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating

The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara earned a 5-star crash rating under Bharat NCAP, scoring well for both adult and child occupant safety. It is the first electric SUV from the brand to achieve this rating

Key Highlights

• Crash Test Results- Performed well in the 64 km/h frontal-impact test with good head and neck protection
• Part Of A Safe Lineup- This becomes the fourth 5-star model from Maruti after the Dzire, Victoris, and Invicto
• Global Score- Previously, it received a 4-star rating under Euro NCAP

This safety result strengthens the model’s appeal for family buyers who prioritize protection

Lexus RX 350h Exquisite Launches In India Priced At Rs 89.99 Lakh

Lexus added a new variant to its RX lineup in India with the introduction of the RX 350h Exquisite. The price starts at Rs 89.99 lakh, while the variant with the Mark Levinson sound system comes in at Rs 92.02 lakh

Highlights

• Hybrid Engine- Runs a 2.5-liter petrol-hybrid setup producing 190 hp and 242 Nm, paired to an e-CVT
• Comfort Features- Offers 10-way power seats, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, soft ambient lighting, and premium interior materials
• Full Range- The top-end RX 500h F-Sport+ is priced at Rs 1.09 crore

The new Exquisite variant gives buyers a more accessible entry point into the premium hybrid SUV segment

Tata Sierra Test Drives Starting December 10

Tata Motors confirmed that public test drives for the Tata Sierra will begin on December 10, 2025. Bookings start on December 15, with deliveries from January 15, 2026

Model Highlights

• Engine Choices
• 1.5-liter NA petrol (108 PS)
• 1.5-liter turbo-petrol (160 PS)
• Gearbox Options- Manual, automatic, and DCT choices depending on the engine
• Color Choices- Pure Grey, Pristine White, Andaman Adventure, and others

This marks the return of an iconic nameplate in a modern and more capable form

BMW iX1 LWB Updated With New Color And Vegan Leather Interiors

BMW refreshed the iX1 Long Wheelbase version with a new exterior shade and updated interior materials. The main highlight is the new Night Dusk Blue paint option

Key Updates

• Interior Themes- Two new Veganza vegan leather options — Smoke White with Atlas Grey, and a unique Castanea shade
• Design Feel- Cabin now features 3D-style stitching and a wraparound theme across the doors and dashboard
• Performance- The iX1 LWB continues with its 204 hp electric motor and an estimated range of 531 km
• Availability- Bookings are open at BMW dealerships across the country

The update gives buyers more choices in color and eco-friendly interiors