Auto News of the Week: Skoda Upgrades, Batman’s Dash, VinFast Entry, BMW Power & Maruti’s EV Bet

Skoda Exchange Carnival Brings Simple Upgrade Options

Skoda’s Exchange Carnival is rolling out across India’s six major cities—Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Pune—offering straightforward upgrade benefits for car owners. Users can bring older cars for a free evaluation, and trade them in for new models with special exchange bonuses. This event eliminates unnecessary hassles, with instant bookings and extra perks across the brand’s entire lineup, ensuring a smooth, customer-first upgrade experience. These events are held in one location per city, allowing easy access and participation for prospective buyers looking to upgrade their ride with clear advantages and no complicated steps. Skoda’s extensive dealer network and ongoing customer focus cement its place as an accessible choice in the Indian automobile market.

Mahindra’s Batman Edition BE 6: 999 Cars Gone in 2.25 Minutes

Mahindra’s BE 6 Batman Edition, a special limited-run electric SUV, made headlines when all 999 units sold out in just 135 seconds after bookings opened. This collector’s version, inspired by the Dark Knight Trilogy, is built on the top-spec 79kWh Pack 3 variant and features custom Bat-themed details like a satin black finish, gold brake calipers, Batman insignias on exterior and interior, unique ambient lighting, and exclusive upholstery. Buyers were offered the chance to pick their preferred badge number, bringing extra exclusivity. Priced at about Rs 27.79 lakh, this launch reinforces strong demand for exclusive EV offerings and highlights the increasing appeal of limited edition, themed automobiles in India.

BMW Reaches 5,000 EVs Delivered, Unveils High-Power Charging Corridor

BMW India has crossed the significant milestone of 5,000 electric vehicle sales in the country, marking a first for a luxury automaker here. To celebrate BMW launched a 4,000 kilometer high power charging corridor with chargers every 300 km stretching from Jammu to Madurai. The charging infrastructure, open to multiple EV brands, features fast charging stations with power output ranging from 120 kW to 720 kW, ensuring that long distance EV travel is hassle free. BMW has also partnered with popular charging services and installed nearly 300 destination chargers at hotels, resorts, and malls, now offering seamless charging options via the myBMW app. The move demonstrates BMW’s strong push towards e mobility and its focus on supporting EV adoption with both products and infrastructure.

Maruti Suzuki Begins Production of the e Vitara in Gujarat

Maruti Suzuki has officially started production of its first-ever electric SUV, the e Vitara, at the Hansalpur facility in Gujarat. This model will be available for Indian buyers and exported to global markets, marking a major shift in the brand’s electric strategy. The e Vitara offers two battery options 1.1kWh and 48.8kWh providing a 500 km range on one charge and fast-charging from 0 to 80% in just 50 minutes. Buyers can select from three different variants and ten stylish color combinations, catering to varying tastes. Features include dual 10 inch screens, ADAS safety suite, sunroof, 360 degree camera, ventilated seats, wireless charging and multiple advanced comfort and safety functions. Maruti’s e Vitara is expected to offer a high value proposition as a mass-market electric SUV.

VinFast Confirms September 6 India Debut for VF6 and VF7

Vietnam based EV maker VinFast is set to introduce its VF6 and VF7 electric SUVs on September 6 in India with both models locally assembled at the Tamil Nadu facility. This plant started operations in August and can produce up to 50,000 vehicles per year, ramping up to 150,000 depending on demand. The VF6 targets urban mobility, offering a 59.6kWh battery, all LED lighting, vegan leather, advanced ADAS and a panoramic sunroof. The VF7, meanwhile, aims at the luxury performance segment, promising tech heavy interiors, premium safety systems and a more dynamic driving profile. Local assembly allows VinFast to price these EVs competitively for Indian buyers. The debut signals growing competition in the Indian electric vehicle sector with VinFast bringing global tech and ambitious investment levels.

2025 BMW X5 Launched in India at Rs 1 Crore

BMW has launched the 2025 X5 in India, starting at Rs 1 crore, with multiple petrol and diesel options. The xDrive40i petrol starts at Rs 1.02 crore, while top-end diesel and petrol trims range up to Rs 1.20 crore. The SUV features matrix adaptive LED headlights, new alloys, a modernized exterior, and BMW’s latest cabin design. Interior highlights include advanced four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, Harman/Kardon sound system, surround cameras, and new BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery options. Both the xDrive40i petrol and xDrive30d diesel variants include mild-hybrid technology for increased efficiency. Performance is robust, with 0–100 km/h figures of 5.4 seconds for petrol and 6.1 seconds for diesel. Off-road lovers can select a dedicated xOffroad package, with specific drive modes for versatile handling. With this update, BMW aims to reinforce its presence in the Indian luxury SUV segment, offering a blend of technology, safety, and performance.