Launch Radar

October saw the return of some of the most loved nameplates across the board with significant upgrades to demand your attention. Here are the hottest releases of the lot

-  Kanaad Chatterjee

Ahead of the festive season, the Indian automotive market witnessed a flurry of launches with a lineup of highly anticipated vehicles. Kia took the spotlight with its tech-forward EV9 electric SUV and a rugged facelifted Carnival, Mercedes-Benz's E-Class LWB continued to emphasize the carmaker's commitment to premium Indian buyers. The motorcycle lineup was equally thrilling. Honda launched the eco-friendly CB300F Flex-Fuel, India's first flex-fuel bike in the 300cc category, while BMW's adventure-focused F 900 GS and the urban electric scooter CE 02 added options for diverse riding preferences. Safe to say there was no dearth of options for potential buyers this festive season.

KIA EV9

Price: Rs1.30 crore (ex-showroom) The Kia EV9, launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs1.30 crore, is Kia's new flagship electric SUV, crafted to compete in India's premium EV market. Based on the company's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 is designed as a luxurious, high-performance SUV. This model boasts a 99.8 kWh battery, offering a range of 561 km, and includes a dual-motor setup delivering 379 PS, with a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.3 seconds. This launch positions Kia as a strong player in the premium EV segment in India with multiple options. The EV9 competes with models such as the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, which also target high-end customers seeking luxury and high performance. However, the EV9 stands out with its extensive range, unique three-row seating (a rarity in EVs), and its relatively accessible price point for the luxury segment.

KIA CARNIVAL FACELIFT