The automotive industry has had quite a week, from news about government policy on small cars and two wheelers, to new car and bike launches. We take a quick look at the highlights of the past week.
New car launches
Tata Harrier EV
While the entry-level Harrier EV’s price was revealed earlier this month, Tata has now revealed the full price list of its flagship electric SUV. The Tata Harrier EV’s price range is Rs 21.49 lakh-28.99 lakh, excluding the cost of a fast charger and its installation. Crash test results for the Mahindra XEV 9e rival were also announced; the Harrier EV scored a full 5-star BNCAP safety rating.
Mahindra Scorpio N with ADAS
The Mahindra Scorpio N now gets a Level 2 ADAS suite. Available only on the top-spec Z8L variant, prices for the Scorpio N with ADAS range between Rs 21.35 lakh and Rs 25.42 lakh. Mahindra has also launched a Scorpio N Z8T variant positioned above the Z8 but below the ADAS-equipped Z8L.
Audi Q7 Signature Edition
Audi launched a limited-run Q7 Signature Edition with prices starting from Rs 99.81 lakh.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63, GT 63 Pro
Mercedes-Benz India launched the AMG GT 63 and the more performance-focused GT 63 Pro at Rs 3 crore and Rs 3.65 crore, respectively. Deliveries of the GT 63 and will begin by Q4 2025, followed by the GT 63 Pro by Q1 2026. Now in its second generation, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 has returned after a 5-year gap, following the discontinuation of the first-generation model in 2020.
Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge
The most powerful Rolls-Royce yet, the Spectre Black Badge, was launched at Rs 9.5 crore, before options. The 659hp, 1,075Nm EV costs Rs 1.88 crore more than the standard Spectre.
New bike launches
TVS Apache RTR 160 with dual-channel ABS
The TVS Apache RTR 160 now gets dual-channel ABS, complies with the more stringent OBD2B emissions norms, and sports new red alloys wheels. It is priced at Rs 1.34 lakh.
2025 Indian Motorcycle cruiser prices
Indian Motorcycle, the other American cruiser manufacturer, announced its 2025 price list for our market. Prices start at Rs 23.52 lakh for the Indian Chief and go up to Rs 48.49 lakh for the Indian Roadmaster.
New government policy
ABS likely to be mandatory on all new bikes and scooters
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is likely to announce that ABS is mandatory for all new two-wheelers sold in India from January 2026, regardless of engine capacity. In addition, it will be mandatory for dealers to provide two BIS-certified helmets with every new vehicle.
Government mulling easing CAFE norms for small cars
The Indian government is reportedly considering easing CAFE norms for small cars – defined as cars weighing less than 1,000kg. Carmakers that stand to benefit include Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault, Tata Motors, Toyota, Honda and Citroen.
No toll charges for bikes and scooters
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have clarified that reports on toll being levied on two-wheelers from July 15 onwards are false.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Hormazd Sorabjee
Sahil Kukreja
