Weekend News Round-up: Two New BMWs Launched, New CNG SUV From Maruti And More

The first week of 2023 is already off with a bang with several new cars launched. BMW brought in its new flagship sedans and Maruti introduced a new CNG SUV and black-themed versions of select models. 

For all that and more from the previous week, here’s our weekly round-up of car news: 

BMW 7 Series and i7 EV Launched 

For the first time, the flagship 7 Series sedan has been launched in two versions, mild-hybrid ICE and all-electric version. The prices are eye-watering, but the 7 Series and i7 have an incredible features list to back it up. It includes a 31.3-inch rear theatre screen, heated seats and even armrests and LED light threads within the panoramic sunroof. 

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Launched 

Convertibles have become a rare breed in India, not just because of our tropical climate. Nevertheless, well-heeled Indians will once again get to enjoy open-top motoring with the AMG E 53 Cabriolet. It’s a 435PS+ convertible laden with luxury features such as a sound insulating soft top, active noise cancellation and a retractable front wind deflector. 

• Mercedes-Benz To Launch 10 New Models In 2023, New GLC Confirmed For Q3 2023 Launch

Maruti Grand Vitara CNG Launched 

The Grand Vitara became the first compact SUV to offer a factory-fitted CNG kit with its Delta and Zeta trim levels. You can only get the CNG option with the standard 1.5-litre petrol engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. For a large SUV, it offers an impressive claimed fuel economy of 26.6km per kg of CNG. 

• Maruti Suzuki Introduces Black Edition Cars In Nexa Lineup: Grand Vitara, XL6, Ciaz, Baleno And Ignis

Tata Altroz Sport coming soon

In an exclusive scoop, we uncovered that the Altroz will get an even more powerful Sport variant with an even higher output than the current i-Turbo turbo petrol version. Its power and torque figures are expected to be on par with the turbo petrol Nexon and the Altroz Sport should also get a more highway-friendly six-speed manual gearbox. We can’t wait to see it at Auto Expo 2023. 

Mahindra Thar 2WD variants revealed 

The Mahindra Thar will soon get a two-wheel drive (2WD) option, and we now know its variant details. The non-4x4, rear-drive (RWD) version will be available with both AX Opt (base) and LX (top) trim levels. The base-spec rear-drive (RWD) variant will be limited to the downsized 1.5-litre diesel engine that should bring down the SUV’s starting price significantly. 

• Rear-wheel Drive Mahindra Thar’s New Diesel And Petrol Powertrain’s Specifications Compared With 4WD Model

Citroen eC3 cabin spied

We got a peek into the upcoming Citroen eC3 electric hatchback. It’s based on the C3, so the interior setup seems largely familiar, but the EV could get some additional features suhc as a rear washer and wiper and electric outer rearview mirrors. 

Auto Expo 2023 roundup 

With the Auto Expo approaching, we got to know about several upcoming models that’ll make an appearance at the show: 

• Auto Expo 2023: MG 5 Electric Estate Will Be On Display, Will Be The First Electric Estate Here

• Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 India Debut At Auto Expo 2023

• Next-generation Kia Carnival KA4 To Debut At Auto Expo 2023