July will witness the much-anticipated car launches from automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Nissan. In the first half of 2024, several new vehicles were introduced in the Indian market, including the Tata Punch EV, the Creta Facelift, and the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600. Moving into the second half of the year, luxurious and feature-rich models such as the Mini Countryman Electric and the Mercedes-Benz EQA are all set to enter India. While the price announcement is still some time away, here are some specifics about these newcomers.
Mercedes-Benz EQA
Mercedes-Benz will introduce the EQA to the Indian market on July 8, 2024. The electric SUV has a closed-off grille with many small triangular stars, streamlined headlamps, aerodynamic alloy wheels, and an integrated LED taillight arrangement. It is available in multiple variants worldwide, including the EQA 250, EQA 250+, EQA 300 4Matic, and EQA 350 4Matic. The first two models have identical highest power output (188bhp) and peak torque (385Nm). The remaining ones, on the other hand, produce 225bhp/390Nm and 288bhp/520Nm (EQA 350), respectively. The EQA 250+ has a bigger 70.5kWh battery, while the EQA 250, 300, and 350 sport a smaller 66.5kWh battery pack. Depending on the variant, the SUV offers a range of up to 560 kilometres.
Also Read: Ferrari's First Ever EV Spotted Testing with Fake Exhausts
The SUV will likely have a 10.25-inch touchscreen running the newest OS, a touch-capacitive three-spoke steering wheel, a digital driver display, and a Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos. It could carry a price tag of Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).
BMW 5 Series LWB
The new 5 Series Long Wheelbase (LWB) is set to go on sale in India on July 24, with an expected price of Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Volvo S90, the Audi A6, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the class. According to BMW, the 5 Series LWB is the largest sedan in its category, measuring 5,175mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,520mm tall, with a 3,105mm wheelbase. It is even larger than the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB, which will debut late this year. The saloon's striking design elements include a coupe-like sloping roof, enormous all-black air dam vents, elegant side skirtings with gloss black accents, '5' engraved on the C-pillar, 18-inch star-pattern alloy wheels, and wraparound tri-LED taillights. It also has a lighted kidney grille, with a new bronze-finished surround.
Inside, the sedan gets a new twin-screen arrangement that comprises a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, both using the BMW 8.5 operating system. Its other notable features include ventilated and powered front seats with memory function, a 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a four-zone climate control, an 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system, and Level 2 ADAS. The new-generation 5 Series will likely use a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automated gearbox. A 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine could join the lineup later. Moreover, a mild hybrid system may also be offered.
Mini Countryman Electric
The new Mini Countryman Electric will also make its entry in India alongside the BMW 5 Series LWB. The EV uses the same platform as the BMW iX1. The Countryman E's electric motor develops 201bhp and 250Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds. In contrast, the Countryman ALL4, a more potent version, develops 309bhp and 494Nm with its dual-motor configuration. However, both variants use a 66.45 kWh battery pack. The Countryman E offers a range of up to 462 kilometres. Although there is no confirmation, the company will likely introduce a single variant in India, presumably the single-motor one. The electric car's design and feature highlights include revamped headlights with LED DRLs, updated taillights, an octagonal grille, a 9.5-inch round OLED infotainment display, and a head-up display. The Countryman Electric will arrive on our shores as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). It is expected to cost somewhere around Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mini Cooper S
Mini will also launch the next-generation Cooper S hatchback in India on July 24 this year. The new Cooper S gets round LED headlights with LED DRLs, an octagonal grille, and LED taillights with dynamic turn indicators. It also sports newly designed diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Cooper S boasts a heads-up display, a panoramic glass top, an electrically adjustable front seat, and a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen. It comes with six airbags, dynamic stability control, an electronic parking brake, and several contemporary driver assistance features. The new-gen hatch will have the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol unit as the previous model, but with a revised output of 201bhp and 300Nm, marking an increase of 26bhp and 20Nm. It has a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic gearbox) that powers the front wheels. According to Mini, the car can go from 0 to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds. In terms of price, the hatch is expected to cost around Rs 47 lakh (ex-showroom).
Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail will return to India in its fourth iteration following a nearly ten-year hiatus. Although an official launch date has yet to be announced, the SUV is expected to make its debut shortly, with a price of more than Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). In terms of dimensions, the X-Trail is 4,680 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,725 mm tall. It has a 2,705mm wheelbase. It has a massive grille with the brand's unique V-motion design, split headlamps with LED lighting, and LED taillamps. Depending on the version, the SUV sports either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Swift Crosses 30 Lakh Unit Sales Milestone Since Introduction in 2005
The India-spec X-Trail is expected to have a head-up display, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, three-zone automatic climate control, Bose surround sound system, and ADAS. Mechanically, it could mirror the global version, which includes a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a hybrid system. This version produces 201bhp in two-wheel drive and 210bhp in four-wheel drive, with an eight-speed CVT automatic transmission. Upon its launch, the Nissan X-Trail will lock horns with the MG Gloster, the Jeep Meridian, and the Skoda Kodiaq.
Write your Comment