Autocar India turns 27, and rather than quietly celebrating with a cake, we’ve celebrated the way we know best: with scoops, exclusive drives and a frankly unreasonable amount of driving. In this issue, we bring you an exclusive drive of JSW’s new Combat SUV (you heard the name here first), a scoop on BYD’s Denza luxury push, and the last leg of the 20,000km Pune-to-Prague odyssey, alongside a serious collection of new cars and bikes. Oh, and there’s also a Boeing 737 Max aircraft involved. Because apparently cars weren’t complicated enough.

JSW Combat: Review

JSW’s first SUV is a rugged plug-in hybrid based on the Jetour T2. We get an early exclusive drive of the Combat and examine whether this newcomer really has what it takes to shake up the Rs 30-50 lakh SUV market. 

BYD Denza: China’s Luxury Offensive

BYD is bringing Denza to India, with luxury EVs like the D9 MPV and Z9 GT aimed squarely at the established big boys. Having disrupted the mid-range EV market with BYD, it is now going after the high-end market with Denza. 

ADAS Meets Autopilot: Hands Off!/Look ma, no hands!

What do a Hyundai Venue and a Boeing 737 Max have in common? Quite a lot, apparently. We climb into a full-flight simulator to understand how aircraft autopilot works and what it has in common with the increasingly sophisticated systems in our cars. 

Skoda Kylaq: Pune to Prague, Part 2

The Silk Route may have been built for traders, but we’ve used it to find out just how far you can take a small SUV before it starts asking for a holiday. After 19,000km, 70 days and not a single puncture, our Skoda Kylaq finally reaches Prague. 

Autocar’s Day Out: M-ployees of the Month

Most company off-sites involve a resort, a buffet and someone reluctantly joining a team-building exercise. Ours involved six BMW M cars, more than 3,000hp, a deserted concrete ground and a frankly irresponsible amount of tyre abuse. Four M4s and two M2s went head-to-head in slalom, football and drifting, and what began as a relaxing team outing rapidly descended into a war. 

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Comparison 

Two premium EVs, two very different ideas about what an electric car should be. The Model Y with its recently revised price, and the updated Ioniq 5 go head-to-head to see which makes the stronger case. 

Bentley Supersports: Drive

Take a Continental GT and turn the dial towards something completely unnecessary. The result is Bentley’s Supersports, a rear-wheel-driven beast with considerably more intent. We drive it around Laguna Seca.

Mini Countryman C: First Drive 

The Countryman has grown into a proper luxury SUV, with generous space, loads of kit and a new 1.5-litre turbo. At Rs 47.5 lakh, it’s the biggest and most grown-up Mini yet, and is ready to lock eyes with real luxury SUVs rather than merely be a fashion statement. But has it done that?

5 Ways to Adventure: Feature

Five made-in-India ADVs, 1,300km and one simple question: which is the best way to go exploring? We put the bikes through highway miles, trail riding and plenty of scenic detours to see how their different approaches to adventure stack up.

Ather Konarc: First Ride

Ather’s new Konarc brings the brand’s blend of quality and comfort to a wider audience, with prices starting at Rs 99,999. A compelling new step into the mainstream.

Suzuki e-Access vs Yamaha EC-06: Comparison

Japan finally answers India's e-scooter boom, and the two takes couldn't be more different – one built from scratch, the other born from an Indian startup partnership. Which one takes the crown?

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The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), once signed and implemented, will allow European carmakers to import 1 lakh completely built-up (CBU) internal-combustion engine (ICE) and non-plug-in hybrid cars into India at concessional import duties in the first year, according to the tariff schedule under the deal. The quota will gradually rise to 1.6 lakh vehicles from the 10th year.

The negotiations concluded in January 2026. The agreement is yet to be signed and will require completion of the respective internal procedures before it can enter into force. It is expected to be signed by the end of this year and could come into effect from 2027.

1. First-year quota covers 1 lakh CBU cars
2. Import duty within quota starts at 30 percent
3. Quota rises to 1.6 lakh cars from 10th year

Lower duties for imported cars

In the first year, ICE and non-plug-in hybrid cars priced between 15,000 euros and 35,000 euros will attract a 35 percent import duty within the quota. Cars priced between 35,000 euros and 50,000 euros, as well as those above 50,000 euros, will attract a 30 percent duty. Cars priced below 15,000 euros will not receive a tariff concession in the first year.

The 1 lakh-unit quota will be divided across three price bands, with 34,000 units allocated to cars priced between 15,000 euros and 35,000 euros, and 33,000 units each for the 35,000-50,000 euro and above-50,000 euro categories.

The quota will increase to 1.075 lakh vehicles in the second year, 1.3 lakh in the fifth year and 1.6 lakh from the 10th year. The preferential duty across all three price bands will be 10 percent from the 10th year.

EVs and plug-in hybrids get separate quota

Pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars will not receive concessional access under this initial quota. Their preferential access will begin from the fifth year for vehicles priced above 20,000 euros.

A separate quota for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid CBUs will start at 20,000 vehicles in the fifth year and increase to 90,000 vehicles by the 14th year. The preferential duty will be 30 percent in the fifth year and will fall to 10 percent from the 10th year.

Cars imported outside the quota will continue to attract higher duties, ranging from 66-110 percent initially. These rates are scheduled to fall to 30-35 percent by the 10th year.

European carmakers could expand CBU imports

The lower duties could make it more viable for European manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW to bring more CBUs from Europe. The deal could particularly help them introduce a wider range of niche, performance and high-end models that are currently less viable to import at higher duties.

The FTA also provides reciprocal concessions for cars exported from India to the EU.

It’s not every day that a new brand enters the Indian market, but by the end of this year, we’ll have two – JSW and Denza. Last month, we exclusively reported on Denza’s intention to enter India, and now we bring you all the additional juicy details.

A little bit about the brand first. Founded in May 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Daimler AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group AG), the company announced its brand name ‘Denza’ two years later. Mercedes has since exited the partnership, and in 2022, BYD repositioned the brand and is generally concentrating its efforts at the higher end of the market. 

In India, Denza will be positioned above BYD’s existing portfolio, with products at around Rs 80 lakh and above, while BYD will occupy the Rs 20 to Rs 80 lakh space. Leading Denza’s charge will be two models, the Z9 GT high-performance fastback and the D9 luxury MPV. Both will be brought in as completely built-up units.

Denza Z9 GT: Enormously powerful yet practical fastback

The Z9 GT is Denza’s take on a fastback or, as the company puts it, a shooting brake with four-door practicality. It has both EV and PHEV options globally, but for India, we’ll get just the electric version, and its numbers are staggering. It weighs 2.9 tonnes, puts out a colossal 1,156hp from three electric motors (one at the front and two at the rear),  that propel it from 0-100kph in 2.7sec and on to a top speed of 270kph. The only modest number is the range, which stands at 600km on the combined WLTP cycle. Charging, though, is super quick, with the company’s 1,500kW Flash ultra-fast charging that can take the GT’s 122.5kWh battery from 10 to 97 percent in just nine minutes. It stops at 97 percent to preserve the life of the battery. Expect to pay premium pricing for this level of performance, though; the GT would retail in India somewhere in the Rs 1.2 to 1.5 crore mark.

Here too, there’s a cell-to-body construction that integrates the blade cells directly into the vehicle structure, plus rear-wheel steering with a sideways crab-crawl ability, buttons to open and close power doors and, of course, Level 2+ ADAS. Inside, the GT seats five and pampers the four outer passengers with adjustable under-thigh support, heating, cooling, and massage functions, and the rear seats also recline. As with so many EVs today, the dashboard is dominated by screens, five in total, with two on the flanks for the outside rear-view ‘mirror’ camera feed.

Denza D9: Vellfire Challenger

The D9 MPV is available with electric or plug-in hybrid power globally too. For India, it’s the EV that will arrive, and in front-wheel-drive form. Expect prices at around the Rs 80 lakh mark, positioning the D9 above the MG M9 but below the Toyota Vellfire.

Power stands at 313hp and 360Nm of torque, and it’s fed by a 103kWh blade cell battery. Claimed range is 520km on the combined WLTP cycle, while charging speed peaks at 200kW on a DC fast charger. 

The seating configuration is 2+2+3 with the centre captain seats offering full power adjustment, heating, ventilation and massagers, along with armrest-integrated control pads. Middle-row occupants also enjoy fold-out tables and extendable leg-rests. Other creature comforts include a three-zone climate control, premium Dynaudio sound system and full leather upholstery. 

The D9 also features BYD’s cell-to-body construction that helps reduce weight and increase body rigidity. The luxury MPV also comes with an active body control system that, the company says, eliminates fore-aft pitching motion to keep the cabin flat during “nose-up” acceleration and “nose-down” braking forces. 

Where does Denza fit in India's automotive landscape?

The name Denza is an invented one and loosely translates to ‘rising power’ or ‘gathering momentum’, and that is what BYD will be hoping for in India. Hamstrung by the Indian government’s restrictions around Chinese investments, BYD – the world’s largest EV manufacturer – has not been able to grow. Its proposed $1 billion investment, along with a local partner, to scale up its small semi-knocked-down (SKD) plant in Tamil Nadu has been slowed by Press Note 3 – a 2020 policy that requires foreign investments from countries sharing a land border with India to get prior state approval. 

Thus, given the limited playing field it’s been put into, getting into niches like luxury MPVs is a smart move from BYD. The segment accounts for about 2,000 units a year and is seeing rising customer interest and growth, attracting players like the Toyota Vellfire, the Lexus LM and Mercedes V-Class. The D9, then, has competitors to contend with, while the Z9 GT sits in a smaller niche, with just the Porsche Taycan as a similar rival. It’s likely to sell fewer numbers but will serve as a technology showcase and a brand shaper. 

Interestingly, Denza will be retailed through exclusive showrooms separate from BYD. This may seem odd given the limited volumes, at least in the short term, but our sources tell us the company wants to provide Denza customers with a highly personalised shopping experience. The premium positioning will limit its network to larger cities; launch likely to be in the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai regions only. For BYD, though, it plans to scale up, thus keeping the two brands separated allow each to focus on their distinct goals. 

So far, BYD India has managed a decent start and enjoys an awareness much higher than its actual market volume, enviable for a new brand. That’s all thanks to products that deliver consistently, with innovative tech like the famed blade cells. For Denza, though, the company also needs to build a high level of desirability, because at the upper end of the luxury spectrum, badge value accounts for nearly as much as, if not more than, engineering prowess itself, and that is what the company seems to be setting out to do. 

BMW launched the F 450 GS earlier this year as their new entry-level ADV, replacing the long gone G 310 GS in India. At launch, the motorcycle raised eyebrows with its ERC (Easy Ride Clutch) that effectively eliminated the need for using the clutch to shift gears. BMW had mentioned that the launch prices were introductory. Well, now the prices have been increased for all three variants.

1. No mechanical or feature changes
2. All three variants continue to get only one colour option each

All three variants have received price hikes

GS Trophy variant is Rs 30,000 more expensive now

To recap, the F 450 GS has three variants in India: Base, Exclusive, and GS Trophy. The Exclusive variant offered an up-and-down quickshifter as an extra over the base variant and the GS Trophy variant stepped it up with ERC and adjustability to the USD fork. India still hasn’t gotten the Sport variant that sits between Exclusive and Trophy with just the adjustable suspension. At launch, the Base variant cost Rs 4.70 lakh, the Executive variant cost Rs 4.90 lakh, and the GS Trophy variant cost Rs 5.30 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

With the price increase, the Base variant now costs Rs 4.95 lakh, the Exclusive costs Rs 5.15 lakh, and the GS Trophy costs Rs 5.60 lakh. The base two variants have each received a Rs 25,000 increase and the top GS Trophy has received a Rs 30,000 increase. Other than the price increases, the motorcycle continues as-is with no changes to its mechanicals, or features; which means the same 420cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 48hp and 43Nm of torque. That also means that there’s only one Cosmic Black colour for the Base and Executive variants. GS Trophy also gets one colour, but a different Racing Blue with red and white accents. On the feature side, ERC is still only on the Trophy variant and heated grips continue to be offered as standard, but cruise control is missing, even as an accessory.

JSW Group’s homegrown automotive company, JSW Motors, will christen its debut model the “Combat,” we can exclusively report. The plug-in hybrid SUV will be based on the Chery Jetour T2, and is expected to launch in India during this festive season.

JSW Combat price expectation

We understand that JSW Motors is keen to price the Combat aggressively, possibly in the Rs 30 lakh-50 lakh (ex-showroom) range. The Combat would be the first 5-seater plug-in hybrid SUV in that range, and its closest rival would be the strong-hybrid Honda ZR-V. However, the rugged trappings of the Combat could also make it a worthwhile alternative to the venerable Toyota Fortuner, which is one of the most popular SUVs in this price band.

JSW Combat exterior and interior

The Combat is anticipated to retain the styling of the Jetour T2, albeit with subtle changes to the headlamps, grille, and bumpers, as well as JSW badging. It features boxy, upright proportions with squarish LED headlamps, chunky bumpers, generous cladding, 20-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, vertically oriented LED tail-lamps, and a bootlid-mounted spare wheel in a squircle-shaped cover.

Inside, the Combat will get a clean dashboard layout with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.6-inch digital driver's display, and a four-spoke steering wheel (bearing JSW branding). As for features, the global-spec Jetour T2 packs a 12-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree camera (360 degrees + underfloor view), powered and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, adaptive cruise control, and more. Expect the JSW Combat to largely match this features list.

JSW Combat powertrain details

As noted previously, the Combat will get a plug-in hybrid powertrain that is likely to use a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine working in tandem with two electric motors and an 18.4kWh battery. In the global-spec T2, this powertrain outputs a combined 360hp and 610Nm, which is routed to the front wheels via a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. While the T2 is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive guises globally, the Combat is expected to sport the former layout only.

The 18.4kWh battery delivers an NEDC-claimed all-electric range of 90km in the T2, and it can be charged from 30-100 percent in around 3 hours using a 6.6kW AC charger, and from 30-80 percent in 27 minutes using a 50kW DC outlet. Combined driving range is rated at 1,200km. The JSW Combat's powertrain specifications are likely to be quite similar to those of this T2 spec.

Hero MotoCorp has added single-channel ABS to the Glamour X 125, making it the most significant update to the motorcycle since its launch. It couples the single-channel ABS system with Integrated Braking System (IBS) and has been launched at Rs 1.01 lakh.

1. 125cc engine produces 11.4hp and gets three riding modes
2. Cruise control and connected features continue

Glamour X 125: What’s new?

Costs just Rs 1,000 more than the Disc variant

The addition of ABS is the key change here. It prevents the wheel from locking during hard braking, while IBS links the front and rear brakes to provide more balanced braking.

The Glamour X 125 joins the TVS Raider 125, Honda CB125 Hornet and Hero’s own Xtreme 125R in offering ABS in its class. The Xtreme 125R is also available with dual-channel ABS. The Glamour X 125 comes in Drum and Disc variants as well, priced at Rs 89,999 and Rs 99,999, respectively. The new ABS-equipped version costs Rs 1.01 lakh.

All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Volvo has updated its entire 40 series range, which includes the XC40, EX40 and EC40. The Swedish carmaker has brought in subtle exterior revisions, new interior decor options, updated tech and safety enhancements.

1. New 11.2-inch infotainment with Google Gemini integration
2. Level 2 ADAS and a 360-degree camera are optional fitments

There's no confirmation yet on whether the facelifted EC40 will arrive here, considering it's the only 40 series SUV sold in India. Volvo has delisted the EX40 from its India website; the XC40 was discontinued in 2023

Volvo 40 Series: What's new?

The front end on all models receives revisions for the matrix LED headlamps with ‘Thor’s Hammer’ DRL signatures and a cleaner look for the bumper. There’s also a new grille design for the XC40 that helps set it apart from the EC40 and EX40, which get a blanked-off finish. At the rear, only the XC40 and EX40 sport new LED tail-lamps and a revised tailgate and bumper. The alloy wheels on all models have been restyled, with the XC40 now offering 18- to 20-inch rims. Black Editions are also available, which come with blacked-out exterior elements.

Inside, there’s a larger 11.2-inch infotainment system with Volvo’s latest operating system. There’s also Google Gemini integration onboard, which helps drivers have natural conversations with the in-car assistant. Volvo has also introduced new upholstery and decor options for the interior.

Volvo says that, as standard, all models respond to potential collisions in real time with features like automatic emergency steering and braking. Optional safety features include a Level 2 ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera. The Swedish carmaker says that the XC40, EX40 and EC40 will “improve over time” with OTA updates.

Under the hood, the XC40 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine available in two states of tune. Lower-spec versions produce 163hp and 265Nm, while higher-spec versions deliver 197hp and 300Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DCT. The EC40 and EX40 provide multiple battery choices ranging from 66kWh to 79kWh. Depending on the variant, you either get a rear-mounted motor or a dual-motor setup that enables AWD. The maximum e-motor power output is 442hp and 670Nm, and WLTP-certified range figures for the EX40 and EC40 are 575km and 584km, respectively. 

BMW has launched the 2026 7 Series facelift in India at a starting price of Rs 1.95 crore. Globally unveiled earlier this year, the 7 Series facelift brings a slew of changes to the flagship sedan’s exterior and interior, along with some powertrain upgrades. The 7 Series continues to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a facelift of which also went on sale in India a few months ago.

In addition to the ICE-powered 7 Series, BMW launched the luxury sedan’s updated all-electric counterpart, the i7, in 50 xDrive and M70 guises. The 7 Series and i7 50 xDrive will be locally assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant.

2026 BMW 7 Series facelift is available in a single variant

The ICE-powered 7 Series facelift is available in only one variant in India: the petrol-powered ‘740’, which costs Rs 10 lakh more than the outgoing car. BMW has dropped the prior model’s ‘740d’ diesel version. Compared to the S-Class, which is priced in the Rs 2.20 crore-Rs 2.38 crore range, the 2026 7 Series is up to Rs 43 lakh more affordable.

2026 BMW 7 Series facelift exterior changes

The front end of the 7 Series facelift sees the most drastic changes, with a more slab-sided and imposing look. BMW has revised the split headlamps, with a pair of slim daytime running lamps (DRLs) extending outwards at the top of the grilles and the main LED units relocated right above the redesigned vertical air intakes. The kidney grilles are now more squared-off and have horizontal slats, and they continue to get an illuminated surround. Lastly, the air dam below the grilles is much wider.

Over to the side, the 7 Series facelift gets updated side skirts and new alloy wheel designs – 20-inchers are fitted as standard, with the option of up to 22-inch ones. The rear end, meanwhile, features a pair of new wide LED tail-lamps and a smoother-looking bumper.

2026 BMW 7 Series facelift interior changes

On the inside, the 7 Series facelift has been updated to resemble BMW’s newer Neue Klasse models. The dashboard notably features a rhomboidal 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 14.6-inch passenger screen, a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display and an unconventional-looking two-spoke steering wheel. Lower down, the centre console has been redesigned with a larger storage space, fewer buttons and a new cylindrical rotary drive selector.

As for features, the facelifted 7 Series packs a 35-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, ambient lighting, powered doors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, a fixed panoramic glass roof, Boss mode, powered leg rests, connected car tech, Level 2 ADAS, a 31.3-inch 8K rear entertainment screen, four-zone climate control, and powered, heated, ventilated and massaging seats.

2026 BMW 7 Series facelift engine and gearbox

The 7 Series facelift carries forward the outgoing model’s 3.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol straight-six, which is mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Thanks to internal upgrades, the 740 now produces up to 400hp and 540Nm – up 19hp and 20Nm over its predecessor. As noted previously, the 2026 7 Series facelift is not available with a diesel engine in India, even though the option is offered in some global markets.

An 8-speed torque converter automatic sends power to the rear wheels, enabling a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.4 seconds for the 740. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph. Additionally, the 7 Series facelift packs rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

BMW India launched the 2026 i7 facelift at Rs 1.95 crore (50 xDrive M Sport trim), ex-showroom, today; the top-spec M70 xDrive trim costs Rs 2.65 crore. With this year’s mid-lifecycle update, BMW’s flagship electric sedan gets powertrain upgrades, as well as several exterior and interior design tweaks. Alongside the i7, the carmaker also launched the updated 7 Series, priced at Rs 1.95 crore.

2026 BMW i7 facelift: Powertrain specs

The range-starting i7 50 xDrive M Sport trim makes 455hp and 600Nm, and it has a 0-100kph sprint time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 210kph (both claimed figures). It uses a 112.5kWh battery pack, allowing for a 728km range (WLTP rated). BMW claims that is an increase of 125km over the outgoing model. The top-spec i7 M70 xDrive makes higher outputs of 680hp, 1,015Nm (in Sport mode) and 1,100Nm (with Sport Boost). As a result, it is said to take just 3.8 seconds to hit 100kph; top speed is 250kph. Range, however, stands at 686km (also WLTP).

With a 250kW DC fast charger, a 10-80 percent charge takes 28 minutes; BMW claims that a 10-minute top-up can add a range of 235km. Meanwhile, with a 22kW AC charger, it takes about six hours for a 0-100 percent charge. Both trims come with a complimentary wallbox charger plus installation.

2026 BMW i7 facelift: Exterior highlights

The updated i7 receives subtle styling revisions, though it carries over the overall design of the outgoing model. Part of the changes include a more squared-off kidney grille with illuminated surrounds, revised LED headlamps and a new front bumper.  

Compared to the standard sedan, the i7 M70 xDrive gets a larger front air intake. In addition to the grille, this trim also gets M badges on the Hofmeister kink of the side windows and on the outer edges of the rear lights. The M70 rides on 21-inch wheels.

Along the sides, BMW has introduced a new alloy wheel design while retaining the flush-fitting door handles. At the rear, the i7 gets new tail-lamps with smoked lenses, along with a redesigned tailgate and bumper.

2026 BMW i7 facelift: Interior features

The biggest changes are inside the cabin. Instead of a traditional driver’s display, the facelift gets BMW’s Panoramic Vision full-width projection at the windscreen’s base. The rhomboidal touchscreen in the centre measures 17.9 inches, and it runs the latest BMW Operating System X. There’s a new passenger screen as well, measuring 14.6 inches. BMW has also redesigned the dashboard and introduced a new four-spoke steering wheel, like in its newer Neue Klasse models.  

As before, the i7 gets a massive 31.3-inch entertainment screen at the rear, and powered doors have been retained as well. Audio duties are taken care of by a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with Dolby Atmos. The panoramic glass roof can be specified with more than 40 LED lights. Other features include over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered ottomans, powered, heated, ventilated and massaging seats, connected car tech and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The 2026 BMW i7 50 xDrive M Sport is locally assembled at the company’s Chennai plant. Meanwhile, the M70 xDrive version arrives here as a fully imported model.

Ducati had initially certified its 2027 Diavel V4 range with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in March, with the filing listing three variants: the standard Diavel V4, the Diavel V4 Bentley and the limited-run Diavel V4 Bentley Mulliner. An updated executive order signed by CARB on August 26 revised that certification to add a fourth variant – the Diavel V4 S.

1. Diavel V4 S added to 2027 CARB certification documents
2. Expected to feature Skyhook electronic suspension and design revisions

Ducati Diavel V4 S: What to expect?

Could be unveiled at the upcoming 2027 World Première presentations

Earlier this year, Ducati was reported to have registered designs for what was believed to be a new Diavel V4 S. The model was initially expected to debut as a 2026 offering, but no announcement followed from the Italian manufacturer.

Fresh documents from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) now indicate that the motorcycle is instead slated for the 2027 model year. Ducati had originally certified the 2027 Diavel V4 range with CARB in March, listing three variants: the standard Diavel V4, the Bentley edition and the Bentley Mulliner limited edition. However, an updated executive order signed on August 26 adds the Diavel V4 S to the line-up.

While Ducati has yet to officially reveal the motorcycle, its inclusion in the certification documents strongly suggests an unveiling could take place as part of the company's upcoming 2027 World Première presentations.

The design registrations associated with the Diavel V4 S indicate that the model could receive a number of updates over the standard bike. These are expected to include Skyhook electronic suspension, along with revisions to the radiator shrouds, air intakes, wheels and exhaust system.

The engine is expected to remain unchanged. The current Diavel V4 is powered by Ducati's 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine, which produces a claimed 168hp at 10,750rpm and 126Nm at 7,500rpm.

The Diavel V4 S is also expected to receive updates to its ride modes to integrate the Skyhook suspension system. Beyond that, details regarding any additional electronic changes remain under wraps.