Aston Martin is poised to take the 89th Geneva International Motor Show by storm with the global debut of the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept. Following the successful relaunch of Lagonda as the world’s first luxury zero emission brand and the surprise debut of the Lagonda Vision Concept at last year’s Geneva Show, 2019 sees the reveal of Lagonda’s All-Terrain Concept.

The first model Lagonda will put into production, the All-Terrain Concept bears the bold hallmarks of the Vision Concept. By taking full advantage of its zero emission platform Lagonda’s design team has created a car boasting extraordinary style and space efficiency combined with a rakish design language that demonstrates the unique freedom afforded by Lagonda’s commitment to zero emission powertrain technologies.

Joining the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept will be examples of Aston Martin’s three core series production sportscars: Vantage, DB11 AMR and DBS Superleggera. Two of these cars are the work of Aston Martin’s bespoke personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin. Inspiration has been taken from the high performance of motorsport for its Geneva Show Vantage. Finished in Q by Aston Martin’s exclusive searing ‘Cosmos Orange’ paintwork and featuring a dazzling array of interior and exterior carbon fibre detailing together with orange graphics and matching anodised interior switches, it perfectly expresses the Vantage’s innate dynamism and racing DNA.

Drama of a different kind is provided by the Q by Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, which explores dark Gothic themes. Painted with Q by Aston Martin exclusive ‘Numinous Pearl’ with Q Collection Black Tinted Carbon Body Pack, Satin Black and Satin Bronze 21” forged ‘Y’spoke wheels and smoked tail lamps the 725 PS Super GT exudes maximum menace. Inside a combination of Triaxial Weave carbon fibre, Black Metallic and Bitter Chocolate Aniline Leather upholstery reinforce that message, creating brooding ambience that’s rich in opulence and intrigue.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, said: “The ways in which automotive brands reveal new product has changed beyond recognition in recent years, but there’s still something compelling about the unique atmosphere of a great motor show. Historically Geneva has always been good for us – the buzz surrounding the stand last year when we revealed the Lagonda Vision Concept was truly remarkable – so it’s fantastic to return to the scene of such great success with another world debut. The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept offers explicit clues regarding what will be the first Lagonda model to enter production, and further demonstrates how Lagonda’s zero emission powertrain enables us to create spectacular cars that will radically redefine their sectors of the market. I’m expecting the Aston Martin Lagonda stand to be busier than ever, and very much look forward to seeing the crowd’s reaction first-hand”.

A new research report by Nissan India and SaveLIFE Foundation brought attention to the startling number of Indians compromising their and their childrens’ safety. Released today by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, the study titled ‘Rear Seat-Belt Usage and Child Road Safety in India’, found that over 90 percent respondents reported not using a rear seat-belt, thereby risking their safety. This was further confirmed through an observational survey, conducted at strategic locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Lucknow, revealing that 98 percent respondents were in fact not using their rear-seat belt. Usage of rear seat-belts is very low despite over 70 percent of people affirming to the presence of rear seat-belts.

The study also focused on the safety of children during commute and revealed that two thirds of respondents believed that Indian roads are unsafe for children. The report also revealed that despite 92.8 percent respondents reported being aware of the safety benefits of child helmets, only 20.1 percent respondents owned a child helmet. This becomes especially relevant in light of the latest data released by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) according to which 9,408 children lost their lives to road crashes in year 2017 alone. This translates to nearly 26 child deaths on Indian roads every day.

With its findings, the report also builds a strong case for a comprehensive national Road Safety law, or the passage of Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill to bridge the policy-implementation gap and build a robust enforcement mechanism for better compliance. The need for both, better policy awareness and implementation, is evident in the report’s findings; only 27.7 percent of respondents were aware that rear seat-belt usage is already mandated under the current law in India. Further, 91.4 percent of respondents felt the need for a strong child road safety law in India.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Shri Nitin Gadkari said, “As India continues on its trajectory of rapid infrastructure growth, the role of road safety acquires immense importance. Through a combination of policy and awareness creation measures, the government has given road safety the critical importance it deserves. I would like to laud this initiative, and the willingness of corporate India and civil society to work together to make road safety a people’s movement.”

Commenting on the launch of the report, Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India, said, “While there have been various initiatives undertaken to raise awareness around road safety in India, the importance of wearing rear seat belts has been completely neglected. At Nissan, it is our vision to enrich people’s lives and through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness around the usage of rear seat belts. Our strategic partnership with SaveLIFE Foundation and SHARP will set a strong base to bring attention towards this important issue. The first phase of our campaign will focus on reaching out and educating over 200k children in 240 schools across 12 cities on usage of rear seat belts and road safety.”

Commenting on the National Study, Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, noted, “This report documents, for the first time in India, the concerning state of child safety on our roads and the public’s perception and expectation regarding the usage of rear seat belts. High road crash fatality cannot be accepted as the norm. It is high time that basic provisions such as child helmets, safety measures in school zones, child seats, special training for school bus and van drivers, and adult accountability be made mandatory across the country. We look forward to the government’s help in enabling a change in mindset at a national level.”

The ‘Rear Seat Belt Usage and Child Road Safety in India’ study, conducted by research firm MDRA for Nissan India and SaveLIFE Foundation, covered 11 Indian cities and recorded responses through 6,306 face-to-face interviews, 100 in-depth expert interviews, two focused group discussions and on-site observations to gauge compliance of CBSE School Bus guidelines as well as usage of rear seat belts.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), has announced nation-wide initiatives to spread road safety awareness during the road safety week from February 4 – February 10, 2019. Under the umbrella of Hyundai’s ‘Safe Move’, the campaign is aimed at creating a positive change in the society and inspire people to adhere to traffic rules for their own safety and that of others on road.

To reach out to masses in a unique and interactive way, Hyundai Motor India launched the #BeTheBetterGuy campaign will highlighting 7 key road safety practices during the Road Safety Week:

1. Don’t Over speed
2. Non Violation of Traffic Rules
3. Don’t use Mobile Phone while driving
4. Usage of Seatbelt
5. Don’t drink and Drive
6. Discouraging Under Age Driving
7. Pedestrian Safety

Commenting on the initiatives Puneet Anand, Sr. GM and Group Head- Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “Safe Move’ is one of the key pillars of Hyundai Motor Group’s long-term road-safety CSR initiative across the globe. Hyundai is a Brand with Cause and focuses on spreading awareness about the importance of road safety to bring about a significant behavioral change amongst the masses and sensitizing people on the issues around road safety. In line with the Government’s theme of Sadak Suraksha – Jeevan Raksha, Hyundai’s multiple digital and on-ground activities during the Road Safety Week 2019 will engage customers in life-saving road safety practices.”

Customers at Hyundai’s network will be offered free a 20-point safety check up for their vehicles along with providing awareness on Road Safety through activities such as customer pledge to adhere to traffic rules, safety awareness sessions at Service Centres. In addition to these, Hyundai will also organise activities with RWA’s of Residential Societies and schools inviting the ‘Young Drivers of Tomorrow’ for poster-making competition on the theme of Road Safety.

Over last four phases of the Safe Move Campaign, Hyundai Motor India has successfully reached out to 260,000 students across 392 schools, about 235,000 Mall visitors and 23,000 Residents. The program enrolled 146 RWA’s and also reached out to 35,000 visitors during the popular Krakerjack Karnival in New Delhi.

SIAM welcomes the Government’s move to encourage electric mobility in the country through providing preferential import duty on CKD and SKD of electric vehicles vis-à-vis conventional vehicles. At the same time, Government’s intention to not allow import of completely built electric vehicles at a concessional rate is also in the right spirit of Make in India. The notification has also removed ambiguity in the definitions of CKD and SKD of electric vehicles for all the vehicle segments. The fully built electric vehicles will still attract 60 per cent / 100 per cent for passenger vehicles, 50 per cent for two-wheelers and 25 per cent for trucks and buses as they are for conventional vehicles as suggested by SIAM.

In line with their submission to Government, certain additional components are added to be imported at concessional rate should trigger assembly operations in the country. This would help in creating supply and demand for electric vehicles. Government should allow these concessions for a few years to allow industry to achieve minimum viable scale. With improved scale of operations, localization of these components would also happen.

Import duty on battery cell has been raised from Nil to 5 per cent. As there is no cell manufacturing in the country presently, the local battery pack with imported cells would become costlier and make introduction of electric vehicles more difficult. However, it is recognized that domestic cell manufacturing would be an important strategic goal for the country, SIAM would recommend that import duty on cell can be reconsidered and kept at Nil duty with an expiry date announced upfront to enable battery and automobile companies plan. SIAM look forward to work with Government on this aspect to have a win-win situation for the country as a whole.

The announcement has been well designed to enable investments, market creation and localization for electric vehicles and their critical components in the country.

Skoda offers a first glimpse of the new Kamiq SUV with two exclusive design sketches. With its rugged looks, the Kamiq continues the Czech carmaker’s successful SUV design language and adds some new highlights, including split headlight with daytime running lights above – a first for Skoda.

At the front, the appearance of the new Skoda Kamiq SUV is defined by a wide, upright radiator grille, which comes with double slats, a typical feature for the Skoda SUV design, and picks up the sculpted lines of the bonnet above. The striking tornado line visually elongates the vehicle and harmonizes perfectly with the dynamic roofline. The robust silver-coloured front spoiler underscores the model’s off-road looks. A highlight at the front is the new two-part LED headlamp design – a first for Skoda – with the daytime running light strips positioned above the main headlights. In addition, the Kamiq is the first Skoda to have dynamic indicators at the front and rear. The headlamp lenses with crystalline effects and LED units enhance the car’s premium appeal.

Oliver Stefani, Skoda Chief Designer said: “In our new KAMIQ city SUV we’ve implemented a completely new headlamp configuration. The two-part headlamps with daytime running lights above are a first for ŠKODA. They give the KAMIQ a unique appearance and represent another interpretation of our successful SUV design language.”

The tall, muscular bonnet is an important part of the side view. The extra ground clearance, large wheels and diffuser underscore the powerful appeal of the Skoda Kamiq. Balanced proportions, clear surfaces and a modern yet timeless design maximise the model’s dynamic, sporty looks. The eye-catching and clearly defined rear demonstrates a re-interpretation of Skoda’s classic C-shaped taillight design, and features crystalline shapes similar to the front. The Skoda Kamiq is the first SUV in Europe bearing the Skoda lettering in the middle of the tailgate instead of the familiar Skoda logo.

The world premiere of the new Skoda Kamiq takes place from 5 to 17 March 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show.

BMW Group India has presented the 14th BMW Art Car created by renowned British artist David Hockney for the first time in India. His creation will be exhibited from 31 January – 3 February 2019 at the India Art Fair in New Delhi. David Hockney created the 14th Art Car for BMW in 1995 with the BMW 850 CSi.

BMW Art Cars or the ‘Rolling Sculptures’ are original masterpieces of art that demonstrate an individual synthesis of artistic expression and automobile design. Since 1975, 19 international artists have created Art Cars based on contemporary BMW automobiles of their times, all offering a wide range of artistic interpretations.

For over 40 years, BMW Art Car Collection has fascinated art and design enthusiasts as well as lovers of cars and technology with its unique combination of fine art and innovative automobile technology. Several cars from BMW Art Car Collection are usually on display at the BMW Museum in Munich, the home of BMW Art Cars, as part of its permanent collection. The remaining BMW Art Cars travel the globe – to art fairs as well as exhibitions.

The BMW Art Car collection was born when French race car driver and art aficionado Hervé Poulain, together with Jochen Neerpasch, then BMW Motorsport Director, asked his artist friend Alexander Calder to design an automobile. The result was a BMW 3.0 CSL, which competed in 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1975, where it quickly became the crowd’s favourite. Since then, 19 international artists have designed BMW models, among them some of the most renowned artists of our time : Alexander Calder (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975), Frank Stella (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1976), Roy Lichtenstein (BMW 320 Group 5, 1977), Andy Warhol (BMW M1 Group 4, 1979), Ernst Fuchs (BMW 635CSi, 1982), Robert Rauschenberg (BMW 635CSi, 1986), Michael Jagamara Nelson (BMW M3 Group A, 1989), Ken Done (BMW M3 Group A, 1989), Matazo Kayama (BMW 535i, 1990), César Manrique (BMW 730i, 1990), A. R. Penck (BMW Z1, 1991), Esther Mahlangu (BMW 525i, 1991), Sandro Chia (BMW M3 GTR, 1992), David Hockney (BMW 85  0CSi, 1995), Jenny Holzer (BMW V12 LMR, 1999), Ólafur Eliasson (BMW H2R, 2007), Jeff Koons (BMW M3 GT2, 2010), John Baldessari (BMW M6 GT3) and Cai Fei (BMW M6 GT3).

David Hockney’s art car tells a story. The imagery, flat and Matisse-like, narrates the emotional connection and singular bond between the driver and the vehicle. Hockney offers us a glimpse into the dynamics of the driver’s life: the car contains this personal story and is contained by it. The X-ray view of the interior of the car presents us a view of this connection.  He turns the inside out, putting the technology of the BMW 850 CSi on the outside and making the bodywork seem transparent. The idea of showing the inside without damaging the outer shell. On the bonnet he paints parts of the 380 hp 12 – cylinder engine: big grey cylinders and huge round intake manifolds. He stretches stylised tyre treads, painted in black on white, far beyond the wheel arches, as if you are looking down through the metal from above. On the driver’s side there is a silhouette of a human figure in black and white. Its like the shadow of the driver on a canvas screen. On the passenger side, roof and trunk Hockney depicts a landscape. We can see a short stretch of grey road and lots of green, the lush rich green of California’s trees. Behind the silhouette of the driver is a white dog in an upright position. The dog is looking over the driver’s shoulder and out of the window. The Californian sun shines a powerful yellow and orange in the background.

As part of its commitment towards ensuring a seamless customer experience for the launch of its SUV MG Hector, MG Motor India has appointed tech giant Adobe, for bringing on board an end-to-end digital solutions platform to chart out its entire customer journey from initial expression of interest to purchase.

With a focus on digital media for MG, the mandate encompasses a gamut of Adobe Experience Cloud products, making MG among the first automobile brands in India to adopt the entire suite of Adobe’s digital marketing products. The Adobe Experience Cloud platform will be responsible for delivering a differentiated customer experience – right from managing the Adobe Cloud Experience interface with customers via the revamped MG Motor India website, to managing the entire step-by-step digital interface with customers around its launch.

“With the car buying decisions of customers increasingly being influenced by digital media, it is imperative to provide a seamless yet not in-the-face customer experience at all instances during digital customer interaction. With Adobe on board, we can facilitate an experiential customer journey and map and monitor the entire digital customer journey, right from interest generation to the final purchase. This deep access to customer insights will allow us to engage prospective customers with experiences that are personalised, relevant, and compelling, starting with the current pre-launch phase,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India.

As part of its digital strategy, Adobe will help MG India build and consolidate its experience onto a common platform, including its brand website, dealer websites, and digital screens. With the implementation of Adobe Analytics, MG India will leverage insights derived from digital interactions between the brand and its customers across these channels, to further deliver personalised customer experiences. Additionally, the brand’s recently revamped website has moved from WordPress to the Adobe Experience Cloud keeping in mind enhanced customer experience and personalized content as the core.

“Technology has transformed the way customers interact with the world around them and has rapidly evolved the expectations of brands. Digital, and the era of experience, are at the core of brands looking to thrive, especially in hyper-competitive sectors like the automobile industry. This industry has an array of objectives including appealing to a wide audience, establishing a deeper customer connection, and truly standing out from the pack. We are excited to partner with an iconic brand like MG and look forward to working with them as they enter the Indian market,” said Kulmeet Bawa, Managing Director, Adobe South Asia.

Shri N Chandrababu Naidu, Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; Shin Bongkil, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India; and Han-Woo Park, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation test drive the SP2i Prototype

Kia Motors today commenced trial production at its manufacturing facility in Anantapur, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This important step not only signifies the completed construction of the new 536-acre manufacturing facility, but also marks the arrival of Kia’s new flagship car for India, the Kia SP2i – a new SUV based on the Kia SP Concept, first showcased at India’s Auto Expo 2018.

The Kia SP2i will bring Kia’s exacting standards for quality to the Indian market, as well as the brand’s reputation for modern design and in-car technology. Trial production of the SP2i will enable Kia to synchronize and fine-tune the brand’s manufacturing equipment and technologies before series production commences later in 2019.
Kia marked the start of trial operations with a launch ceremony at the Anantapur plant, in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu and Shin Bongkil, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India. The ceremony was also attended by Han-Woo Park, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, and Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India.

Kia also consolidated its Future Mobility Partnership with the government of Andhra Pradesh by handing over an example of the new Kia Soul EV (electric vehicle). The new EV is part of Kia’s growing portfolio of advanced, eco-friendly powertrains. This partnership reinforces Kia’s commitment to supporting the Andhra Pradesh government in promoting the uptake of EVs and developing a local EV charging infrastructure.

Commenting on the brand’s latest production milestone, Han-Woo Park – President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation said, “India will play a singularly important role in expanding Kia Motors’ global footprint, and today feels like the start of another chapter in our Indian success story. Commencing trial production is a significant moment that we have been preparing for as we take on the challenges of future mobility across the country.”

Kia’s new Anantapur manufacturing facility occupies 536 acres and is capable of an annual production capacity of up to 300,000 units, boosting Kia’s global manufacturing capability. The plant is poised to create more than 3,000 direct and 7,000 indirect jobs across the Andhra Pradesh region.

A US$2bn investment by Kia and its vendor partners ensures the availability of world-standard technologies and the development of high-quality local manufacturing skills.
An integrated automotive production facility, the new Anantapur plant employs the latest production technologies, with more than 300 robots automating the press, body and paint shops. The plant houses a five-acre training facility that offers a Basic Technical Course (BTC) in automobiles in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), helping develop manufacturing skills among young people. Safety performance during vehicle production is another highlight of the facility.

“Today represents a moment of pride and reflection for us as we officially commence trial production of Kia’s new Indian manufacturing plant. This is the latest important step in our entry into the Indian automobile market. We started construction of the site just a couple of months more than one year ago, and to have started manufacturing operations here so soon is testament to our bold plans and strong commitment to India.”, Kookhyun Shim – Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India commented.

“Globally, Kia constantly seeks out new ways to reduce consumption and minimize
waste across the entire automotive life cycle, and we believe in constantly monitoring results to ensure we remain clean and green. Here in Anantapur, we have created one of the most technically advanced, cost-effective and labor-efficient manufacturing facilities in the world. Today, we officially begin our journey to becoming one of the top five automakers in India by 2021, with a new model that will appeal to forward-looking and outgoing Indian buyers.”, he added.

The country’s leading car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has announced the launch of the 2019 Wagon R in India with prices starting from Rs 4.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R will be available in three variants – LXI, VXI and ZXI; it will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid and Datsun GO.

Now in its third generation, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has been newly built from the ground-up. The new Wagon R will be based on the same 5th generation Heartect platform, similar to the new Swift and Dzire. According to Maruti Suzuki, the new platform increases safety of occupants through effective absorption of impact and dispersion of crash energy and assures stability. Use of 40 per cent high tensile steel provides better strength, safety, rigidity and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance.

On the exterior, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R continues to sport a tall boy design, however, it is now lighter by 6 kilograms when compared to its predecessor. The car will get a matte black grille and lower bumper and an entirely redesigned tall headlight. The rear gets a complete re-jig as well, with a new tail-gate along with new elongated tail lamps which look good.

At 3,655 mm in length and 1,620 mm in width, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is now both longer by 60 mm and wider by 145 mm. It also has a 35 mm longer wheelbase now at 2,435 mm, all of which translates into more cabin space. It comes with 341 litres boot space, which can further be extended to 710 litres with the rear seats folded.

The cabin of the new Wagon R too gets a major overhaul with a new dashboard and a new touchscreen infotainment system with a classy two-tone finish. It is a definite step-up over the outgoing model. The system is called as SmartPlay Studio by Maruti, and it offers smartphone connectivity, vehicle information, and cloud-based services along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also gets new dual tone brown and beige fabric upholstery with 60:40 split seats at the rear.

Under the hood of the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the advanced K-series engine. The New Wagon R will be available with a new 1.2-litre petrol engine option along with the tried and tested 1.0-litre motor. The 1.2-litre engine produces 83 PS of  maximum power and 113 Nm of peak torque. The 1.0-litre engine churns out 68 PS of power and 90 Nm of torque. The engine options are available with the choice of manual transmission and Auto Gear Shift (AGS).

Safety features including Driver airbag, ABS (antilock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), front seat belts reminder, speed alert system and rear parking sensors are standard across variants.

2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (ex-showroom, Delhi) are as follows:

1.0-litre

LXi – Rs 4.19 lakh

VXi – Rs 4.69 lakh

VXi (AGS) – Rs 5.16 lakh

1.2-litre

VXi – Rs 4.89 lakh

ZXi – Rs 5.22 lakh

VXi (AGS) – Rs 5.36 lakh

ZXi (AGS) -Rs 5.69 lakh

From L-R: Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai and Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India at the roll-out of the all-new BMW X4.

The all-new BMW X4 was launched in India earlier this week. Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the all-new BMW X4 will be available in diesel and petrol variants.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India said, “BMW established the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) category and the latest addition to this hugely successful family is the all-new BMW X4 belonging to the Sports Activity Coupé segment. Its distinctive vehicle concept, which fuses the hallmark features of a BMW X model with the sporting elegance of a coupé, will be proven an instant hit in this class and will become a trend-setter. The all-new BMW X4 underscores its individual character with superior driving dynamics, standout exterior design accentuating the car’s sporting instincts, a refined premium ambience in the interior and leading-edge technologies.”

The all-new BMW X4 is available in two diesel variants – the BMW X4 xDrive20d M Sport X and the BMW X4 xDrive30d M Sport X and in one petrol variant – the BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport X, all of which are locally produced.

The three-litre six-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW X4 xDrive30d produces an output of 269 PS (265 hp) and a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 2,000 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.0 seconds. The two-litre four cylinder diesel engine of the BMW X4 xDrive20d produces an output of 193 PS (190 hp) and produces a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750-2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 8.0 seconds. The two-litre four cylinder BS VI compliant petrol engine of BMW X4 xDrive30i produces an output of 252 PS (252 hp) and produces a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,450 –4,800 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.3 seconds.

The 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission performs smooth gear shifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. For even greater driving pleasure, the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is available with steering wheel paddle shifters.

BMW xDrive, an all-wheel-drive system monitors the driving situation constantly and is quick to respond. The compact, low-weight all-wheel-drive system distributes the engine’s power between the front and rear axle exactly to suit the driving situation and the surface. Electronically controlled ‘Automatic Differential Brakes/Locks (ADB-X)’, extended ‘Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)’, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control help to conquer every terrain.

Adaptive Suspension makes it possible to adjust the damper characteristics to suit any given driving situation, increasing comfort and driving dynamics. Performance Control intervenes by providing controlled braking when turning, so that more power is distributed to the outer wheels and less to the inner wheels. Variable Sport Steering including Servotronic continuously adjusts the steering effort required depending on the current speed.

BMW EfficientDynamics comes with features such as Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and many other innovative technologies. Using the Driving Experience Control switch, driver is able to choose between different driving modes (ECOPRO, COMFORT, SPORT/ SPORT+) to suit diverse driving conditions.

The all-new BMW X4 features several safety technologies. It provides optimal support in any situation with six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

The all-new BMW X4 is equipped with a wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive systems like the Multifunctional Instrument Display which visualises driving-related cockpit information in a style that reflects the selected driving mode, BMW iDrive Touch with handwriting recognition, 26 cm (10.25-inch) BMW Navigation System Professional with touch functionality, 16 loud speakers with 600 Watts high-end Surround Sound system from Harman Kardon, BMW Apps, Wireless Apple Car Play and connectivity through Bluetooth and USB. The full-color BMW Head-Up Display with a resolution of 400 x 800 pixels reflects driving-related information onto the windscreen.

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

BMW X4 xDrive20d M Sport X : Rs. 60,60,000

BMW X4 xDrive30d M Sport X : Rs. 65,90,000

BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport X : Rs. 63,50,000