From flagship luxury electric sedans to factory-fitted CNG people-movers, here are five automotive developments that happened in the Indian market this week.
News Roundup
- BMW updates the 7 Series and i7 range with local assembly and larger batteries.
- Tata Motors increases ex-showroom prices for the Punch EV across multiple trims.
- Kia opens official pre-bookings for the factory-fitted Carens and Carens Clavis CNG.
- Hyundai introduces a diesel-exclusive five-seat Lounge Edition of the Alcazar.
- Audi confirms the third-generation Q3 launch date for Indian showrooms.
New BMW 7 Series and i7 Launched at ₹1.95 Crore
BMW India has launched the facelifted 7 Series and the all-electric i7 in India, starting at ₹1.95 crore (ex-showroom). The internal combustion lineup is restricted to the locally assembled 740 petrol model, with no diesel options. The electric i7 eDrive50, meanwhile, is also assembled at BMW’s Chennai facility, featuring a larger 112.4 kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed WLTP range of 728 km alongside 455 bhp. And the range-topping i7 M70 xDrive arrives as a fully imported unit priced at ₹2.65 crore.
Tata Punch EV Prices Hiked by up to ₹20,000
Tata Motors has revised the ex-showroom prices of the Punch EV across its variant lineup by up to ₹20,000. Entry-level 30 kWh Smart and Smart+ variants have seen a price increase of ₹10,000, while the higher-spec Empowered and Long Range 40 kWh configurations command ₹20,000 more now. The revised pricing structure places the Punch EV between ₹9.79 lakh and ₹12.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Mechanical specifications, battery capacities, and standard 6-airbag safety configurations remain completely unaltered across all variants.
Kia Carens and Carens Clavis CNG Bookings Open
Kia India has officially opened pre-bookings for the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG, which will be the brand’s first factory-fitted bi-fuel models in the country. Both MPVs use a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 96 bhp and 123 Nm of torque in CNG mode, mated strictly to a 6-speed manual gearbox. By packaging the 60-litre CNG cylinder under the rear cargo floor, Kia has kept the underbody spare wheel, but the three-row boot space has gone down from 216 litres to 116 litres.
Hyundai Alcazar Lounge Edition Launched at ₹21.81 Lakh
Hyundai has expanded its SUV range with the Alcazar Lounge Edition, priced at ₹21.81 lakh (ex-showroom). Under the flagship Signature grade, this trim is the first time the Alcazar is offered strictly in a 5-seater layout. It is sold exclusively with the 1.5L diesel engine generating 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Other key equipment includes the Rear Seat Experience package with an 11.6-inch rear infotainment screen, Golden Bronze exterior paint, and matte-black alloy wheels.
New Audi Q3 Launch Date for India Confirmed
Audi India has confirmed October 16, 2026, as the official launch date for the third-generation Q3 luxury SUV. Locally assembled to replace the outgoing four-year-old model, the new Q3 will be sold exclusively with a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine producing roughly 201 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Power is distributed to all four wheels with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the standard Quattro all-wheel drive remains. Inside, the cabin introduces a twin-screen display and a steering-column gear stalk.
