Best Cars for First-Time Buyers in India (2026 Edition)

For first-time car buyers in India, the ideal car should offer reliability, safety, low maintenance costs, good fuel efficiency, and strong resale value. The Indian market offers excellent options across every budget range, from practical city hatchbacks to premium SUVs and EVs.

Buying your first car is an exciting milestone. However, choosing the right vehicle can be overwhelming with so many options available. The best first car should be easy to drive, economical to maintain, fuel-efficient, safe, and backed by a strong service network.

Here are the best cars for first-time buyers in India across different budget segments.

1. Best Cars Under ₹6 Lakhs

1. Maruti Suzuki WagonR

Why Consider It?

• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Spacious cabin despite compact size
• Low maintenance costs
• Strong resale value
• Ideal for city driving

2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Why Consider It?

• One of the most affordable cars in India
• Easy to maneuver in traffic
• Highly fuel efficient
• Reliable ownership experience

3. Renault Kwid

Why Consider It?

• SUV-inspired styling
• Good ground clearance
• Feature-rich for the price
• Suitable for urban and semi-urban roads

4. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Why Consider It?

• Tall seating position
• Excellent visibility
• Fuel-efficient engine
• Affordable running costs

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2. Best Cars Between ₹6–12 Lakhs

1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Why Consider It?

• Premium hatchback feel
• Spacious interior
• Efficient petrol engine
• Extensive service network

2. Hyundai Venue

Why Consider It?

• Compact SUV styling
• Modern features and technology
• Comfortable ride quality
• Good safety package

3. Tata Nexon

Why Consider It?

• Strong safety credentials
• Robust build quality
• Available in petrol, diesel and EV variants
• Suitable for both city and highway use

4. Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Why Consider It?

• Reliable ownership experience
• Excellent resale value
• Practical family SUV
• Strong after-sales support

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3. Best Cars Between ₹12–20 Lakhs

1. Hyundai Creta

Why Consider It?

• Segment benchmark SUV
• Premium cabin and features
• Comfortable for long journeys
• Multiple engine options

2. Kia Seltos

Why Consider It?

• Stylish design
• Feature-loaded interior
• Strong performance options
• Excellent highway manners

3. Honda Elevate

Why Consider It?

• Refined petrol engine
• Spacious cabin
• Excellent visibility
• Honda reliability and durability

4. Mahindra XUV700

Why Consider It?

• Premium features
• Advanced safety technologies
• Powerful engines
• Outstanding value for money

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4. Best Cars Above ₹20 Lakhs

1. Toyota Fortuner

Why Consider It?

• Legendary reliability
• Excellent resale value
• Strong road presence
• Proven long-term ownership experience

2. Toyota Innova Hycross

Why Consider It?

• Exceptional family vehicle
• Hybrid efficiency
• Comfortable and spacious cabin
• Low maintenance for its size

3. BMW X1

Why Consider It?

• Premium brand ownership
• Easy-to-drive luxury SUV
• Excellent build quality
• Ideal entry-level luxury vehicle

4. Hyundai Ioniq 5

Why Consider It?

• Advanced electric vehicle technology
• Long driving range
• Premium design and features
• Future-ready ownership experience

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Final Recommendation

If budget is the primary concern, the WagonR remains one of the smartest first-car purchases in India.

For buyers seeking the best overall balance of features, safety, and value, the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Creta are standout choices.

Those entering the premium segment should consider the Toyota Innova Hycross for family use and the BMW X1 for luxury ownership.

The ideal first car is not necessarily the most expensive one—it is the car that best matches your daily needs, budget, and long-term ownership expectations.

Quick Winners by Category

Budget	Best Overall Choice
Up to ₹6 Lakhs	Maruti Suzuki WagonR
₹6–12 Lakhs	Tata Nexon
₹12–20 Lakhs	Hyundai Creta
₹20 Lakhs+	Toyota Innova Hycross
Best EV for First-Time Buyer	Hyundai Ioniq 5
Best Resale Value	Toyota Fortuner
Lowest Ownership Cost	Maruti Suzuki WagonR

Tip: For most first-time buyers in India, the ₹8–15 lakh segment currently offers the best combination of safety, technology, comfort, and long-term value. The Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Brezza, Creta, and Honda Elevate are among the most well-rounded choices available today.

The above view is solely my view and the reader should consider it for general information purposes only. It should not be relied upon as professional advice, and readers should consult a qualified expert before making any decisions.

Aston Martin Arrives in India

Aston Martin joins Ferrari S.p.A, Maserati S.p.A and Volkswagen AG's Bugatti and Lamborghini units in India with the U.K.-based company Friday launching three models for the country's sports car enthusiasts.

"India represents a new opportunity for us," said Michael van der Sande, chief commercial officer at Aston Martin.

The company will sell the V8 Vantage, priced at 15.50 million rupees, the Rapide at 21.5 million rupees and the One-77 for 200 million rupees in Asia's third-largest economy that has already prompted Daimler AG, BMW AG, Audi AG, Bentley and Jaguar to introduce luxury cars for India's rising number of millionaires and billionaires.

"A decision to bring the Aston Martin brand to India is driven by a strong level of interest and enthusiasm from potential customers in an emerging luxury market."

Aston Martin on Friday starts a dealership in Mumbai and will open a second dealership in New Delhi by the end of May.

Expanding sales in India and China have provided global auto makers new market opportunities with business in Europe and the U.S.--their primary markets--stagnating.

Aston Martin was in 2007 sold to Kuwait's Investment Dar Co. K.S.C. and Adeem Investment by its erstwhile owner Ford Motor Co.

New BMW 520d Hits Indian Roads

German car manufacturer BMW is well-known for producing luxury-centric, high-performance vehicles, and can probably be termed as a worldwide leader in first-class car retails. It has now been reported that the company has uncovered its chic new 5 series sedan BMW 520d for Indian consumers which is immediately available for purchase.

The new vehicle is reported to offer best-in-class fuel economy of 18.4 km/ltr which is measured by Automotive Research Association of India for Indian market specifications and is made possible through appropriate execution of ‘Efficient Dynamics’, which simply means getting more for less. Additionally, BMW 520d also integrates light weight construction technology, advanced Electronic Power Steering technology and Brake Energy Regeneration.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India stated, “The 5 Series is the core model in our product portfolio. The new BMW 5 Series sedan, since its launch in April 2010, has successfully emerged as a leader in the luxury sedan segment in India. The new BMW 520d sets a new benchmark for four cylinder diesel sedans by combining outstanding performance with incomparable fuel efficiency.”

Crafted out with elegant aesthetics, unparalleled comfort and dynamic performance, the new BMW 520d is said to be one of the ‘most desirable modern executive sedan’ in its segment. The car is offered in ten paint finishes, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect, Alpine White, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Cashmere Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Havanna, Milano Beige, Space Grey, Titanium Silver as well as Black Sapphire. With individual upholstery designs in Dakota leather available in Cinnamon Brown/Black, Oyster/Black, Oyster/Oyster Dark, Vento Beige and Black shades for the car, interior trims can be furnished in Fine-wood Trim Fineline Anthracite and Fine-wood Trim Ash Grain Brown.

BMW 520d is powered by a two-litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission which delivers a maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp. Moreover, acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/hr can be attained in 8.1 seconds with top speed of 225 km/h along with which a peak torque of 380 Nm at 1,750 rpm can be achieved that reaches its maximum output at 2,500 rpm.

Produced in the BMW Plant Chennai as CKD (completely knocked-down unit), the new BMW 520d is now available to order from BMW dealerships all throughout India and is priced at Rs. 36,90,000, an ex-showroom price which excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges, octroi and entry tax.

Three superb new SUVs coming to India

This year has been a year of some great car launches. From hatchbacks to Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), every segment has seen the entry of a new model.

One of the recent entrants in this is the crossover launched by Tata Motors -- Aria.

The SUV and MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) segment of the country is all set to get many more models in the coming future. Here is a little about three of them:

Mahindra Ssangyong Korando



The acquisition of Korean carmaker Sasangyong by Mahindra had the auto industry abuzz for a long time.

The two companies share special interest in the SUV/MUV segment and it is rumoured that the Mahindra Ssangyong Korando is expected to be in India soon.

The specifications about the new car are still not available, but the fourth generation Korando C is ready to hit the international market once again.

Volvo XC60


The car is expected to come to Indian shores by November 24.

The Volvo XC60 is a contemporary crossover and the company has put all its safety knowledge into making XC60 a very safe car across all categories.

The Volvo XC60 is expected to come in both diesel and petrol variants. The diesel variants include 2.4D 175hp, 2.4 D DRIVe 175hp and D5 AWD, 205hp engines. While there would be two petrol engines -- the 3.2 AWD, 238hp and T6 AWD 285hp.

The Volvo XC60 is claimed to have more energy than any other Volvo and is considered a visual feast. This makes the XC60 the prefect car for those looking for superior design, brand integrity and high-tech content.

BMW X1


The car is being launched in the premium compact segment in the price band of Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh (Rs 2.5-3 million).

The car is expected to be available in five variants with a diesel engine in both manual and automatic transmission option.

It is expected to come with a 1995cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, diesel engine that produces 143bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 320Nm of maximum torque at 1750-2500rpm.

The same capacity engine capable of producing 177bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 350Nm of maximum torque at 1750-3000rpm would also be available.

The top end variant of the BMW X1 is expected to have the same engine with 204bhp of maximum power at 4400rpm with 400Nm of maximum torque at 2000-2250rpm.

The car also has features such as ABS (Antilock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags, alarm system with remote control, engine immobilizer, front and rear anti roll bars, central locking, child lock, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioner, belt force limiter and side impact protection.

BMW to launch electric car, MegaCity, in 2013

When everyone is going green, BMW does not want to be left behind in the race. Yes, we are talking about the latest trend, well known as electric cars, that has become so popular among the global car manufacturers.

BMW will launch a new car in 2013 which will run entirely on electricity. BMW had earlier announced that it will launch its first-ever full electric production vehicle, MegaCity in 2013, which is two years earlier than expected. This car would run primarily on electricity stored in a battery and the MegaCity urban electric vehicle will be built of carbon fibre.

BMW has forged a partnership with the composites expert SGL Group to construct a new plant in Moses Lake, Washington. This plant will produce lightweight carbon-fibre materials for auto industry applications. The total cost of the plant is likely to go beyond $100 million.

Carbon fibre weighs less and hence plays a very important role in reducing a car’s total energy consumption. The MegaCity will be built on carbon fibre which would enhance its green sustainability. It will be sold primarily in over-populated cities.

The firm's "Megacity" car "will be an emission-free city vehicle for metropolitan areas around the world," the Munich-based firm said in a statement.

The MegaCity is expected to be a four-seat, three-door hatchback. All MegaCity cars will run solely on electricity stored in a 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

BMW has now produced two electric cars so far: the two seat Mini E, which is currently being tested in the US, UK and Europe, and the new Active E Concept which introduced at the last month's Detroit Auto Show.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen, Europe's biggest automaker, is also expected to launch its electric cars in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz to launch new products in 2010

Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz on Monday said it would launch up to seven new models, including some variants of its existing products, this year.

Incidentally, the company is launching the new cars at a time when it is engaged in a tough fight with rival German firm BMW for the top slot in the segment.

“We have a plan to launch a total of 10-12 products this year. Of them, we have already launched five since January and the rest will follow during the course of the year,” Mercedes- Benz Board of Management India Member Suhas Kadlaskar told reporters in New Delhi.

He said the new products will include some variants of its existing E-Class sedans.

“We know the luxury car market is poised for huge growth in the country and we want to bring in the new cars to tap this,” Kadlaskar said.

Since January, Mercedes-Benz has launched five products, including luxury limousine S-Guard, which will come at a price of around Rs 6 crore. It had also launched its limousine S-500 L, the sports utility vehicle GL 350, and the sedans E-250 CDI and E-220 I.

The Stuttgart-headquartered company was dislodged from its long-held position of the numero uno luxury car brand in India in 2009 by its compatriot BMW.

However, according to Society of the Indian Automobile Manufacturers in January this year, Mercedes-Benz sold 403 units in the country, surpassing the figure of BMW’s 341 units.

Hyundai: the little carmaker that could be a world player

Hyundai Motor is merely the hottest major automaker on planet Earth. Not bad for a company that drew little but derision from car buyers after its poorly built, problem-plagued Pony subcompact made its debut in Canada in the early 1980s.

In 2009, while two of Detroit's Big Three carmakers -- General Motors and Chrysler -- were put on life support, Hyundai managed to rack up record profits, boosting its U.S. market share by more than a full percentage point, and securing its spot as the world's fifth-largest auto manufacturer, behind Ford.

Meanwhile, Hyundai's upper mid-priced Genesis model was named 2009 North American Car of the Year, the company's quality ratings continued to win acclaim -- it was the top-ranked nameplate last year among non-premium-priced vehicles, according to J.D. Power & Associates -- and it steadily expanded its global footprint.

In India, where Hyundai's wholly-owned subsidiary now produces some 600,000 vehicles a year, the South Korean company is the country's No. 2 automaker, and top vehicle exporter.

Many of the vehicles it makes are exported to Europe.

In China, where Hyundai's assembly plant in Beijing is owned on a 50/50 basis with a state-owned firm, the Seoul-based carmaker ranks as the country's largest non-domestic automaker. It sells all of its Chinese production in China itself, now the world's largest car market.

Elsewhere, Hyundai expects to complete construction of a new plant in Russia this year, and it will break ground soon on a plant in Brazil.

And in North America, Hyundai's 36-per-cent-owned affiliate, Kia Motors, will open a new plant in Georgia by the end of this month, complementing Hyundai's existing assembly plant in Alabama.

Add it all up, and the total worldwide production capacity of Hyundai and Kia is expected to soar to 6.5 million units by 2011, more than double last year's level.

That's plenty to brag about, especially in view of the troubles that Toyota and other competitors are facing these days. But apparently that's not Hyundai's style.

During an extensive interview at Hyundai's gleaming global headquarters in suburban Seoul, Chaz Lee, director of the automaker's overseas marketing group, takes pains to play down the company's recent ascent, while giving much of the credit to company chairman and CEO Chung Mong-Koo, who took over the top job in 1998.

"I think it was due to our long-term commitment about a decade ago when chairman Chung came into current management. He was very focused on improving our quality," he says.

At the time, Hyundai was still smarting from its initial foray into the North American market, where vehicles like the Pony were considered "a joke" and the company was seen as a bottom feeder.

"The first thing he did was invest in quality, all the processes and everything. So all the investment at that time I think now is paying off, it's been bearing fruit," says Lee.

"And also, the changing atmosphere in the auto industry and the world economy made people think differently and behave differently in their car purchasing. And we just happen to have the right product portfolio. They're looking for cars with good design, relatively solid sound quality, and at the same time, very affordable and very lean on fuel economy. So all these factors made us stand out a little bit. But I don't want to call it success."

A bit of false modesty, perhaps?

"No, no, no. Really, there are a lot of things to tackle and still there are a lot of tests we need to get done," Lee insists.

"Especially our brand, and our design compared to other products. Our brand reputation is not noticed as much or appreciated in the market. So we really need to have our brand image enhanced in the future."

Hyundai is working on that, too. It bought half a dozen ad spots for the recent Super Bowl game, it is spending big ad bucks on the Academy Awards broadcast in March, and it is a major sponsor for FIFA's 2014 World Cup of soccer event.

"We need to go big. Now, with Kia, together being the fifth-largest automaker in the world, we cannot be sitting in the back seat with the second-tier brands. We need to be, and we want to be, recognized as a main player," says Lee.

"And the recent opportunities for our marketing, I think it came to us because of the change of the world, really. We were able to efficiently manage our resources to grab those opportunities, by going to the Super Bowl with our first 30-second ad in 2007. And last year we really took a major part in the place of Buick. So all these things came to us because the world atmosphere has changed, and the industry."

Of course, Hyundai is hardly starting from square one.

It is already among the world's top brands, ranking 69th -- just behind names like Rolex and Avon -- in a recent BusinessWeek survey.

But at Hyundai, that's not good enough. The company exudes the same kind of restless, innovative, 'can do' spirit that seems integral to South Korea's DNA. This is a country that won't settle for second-best.

It's a nation that pulled itself out of abject poverty to become the world's 15th-largest economy, all within about 30 years. While China gets all the glory in the Western media as the global economy's rising new superpower, South Korea's story is no less dramatic.

In fact, since this tiny country of 49 million people is a thriving democracy -- unlike China -- with first-class educational institutions, a world-class high-speed rail system, and infrastructure that is the envy of many Western countries, it is now setting itself up as a model for less-developed Southeast Asian nations to follow, such as Vietnam.

"We just go for it. There is continuous challenge until we get things done. And that kind of philosophy is embedded inside us," Lee says.

Besides its primary auto-manufacturing unit, Hyundai operates dozens of subsidiary companies, from auto-parts makers to financial services, construction and information-technology firms.

It's also investing roughly $5 billion US to build its own steel mill in South Korea, so it can provide steel to its own plants. That includes Hyundai's massive complex at Ulsan, the world's largest auto-assembly operation, with annual capacity of more than 1.5 million units.

That's roughly the size of Canada's entire vehicle market, by way of comparison.

Hyundai's next big target: the upscale car market, where it intends to take aim at brands like BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz this fall. That's when Hyundai plans to launch its much-anticipated premium-priced Equus sedan in the U.S. and Canada.

With its expanding market presence in the world's two fastest growing car markets -- China and India -- and its inexorable climb up the rankings in North America and Europe, plus its stranglehold on the South Korean market, Hyundai is in an almost unassailable position. Provided it doesn't lose sight of the things that got it to where it is today, that is.

Lee says Hyundai isn't about to fall down on the job anytime soon.

"We listen to customers and we try to design and build cars that people love. GM, Ford and Chrysler are big companies with a lot of know-how and a hundred years of experience. But in car design and making products, appealing products, I think we've done a little better job."

At Hyundai, that's as close to an outright boast as you're likely to hear.

BMW makes its Debut in the Roadster Segment in India with the Launch of the New BMW Z4

The new BMW Z4 represents the re-birth of the roadster – powerful and stylish with a modern interpretation. It is the only vehicle in this segment to combine classic roadster proportions with a seating position close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and a fully-automatic retractable hardtop. Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by – and driving with the hardtop closed, it provides all the comfort of a Premium Sports Coupé. The appeal of this two-seater lies in its unique combination of elegance, agility, and supreme comfort.

The new BMW Z4 will be available in the petrol variant – BMW Z4 sDrive35i – and will be available across India at an ex-showroom price of INR 59,00,000 (Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax if applicable).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, “The BMW Z4 outlines an expression of joy which epitomizes the qualities of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design. More than anything the new BMW Z4 is an expression of sheer driving pleasure. With the new BMW Z4, we want to reach out to new target groups in India who appreciate a pure driving experience, high standards of elegance and value, and suitability for everyday driving and comfort.”

Superior style, sophistication and quality, the new BMW Z4 will be available in a range of six paint finishes (Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Deep Sea Blue, Orion Silver, Space Grey, and Titanium Silver) and three upholstery designs (Leather Kansas Black, Leather Kansas Canberra Beige, and Leather Kansas Coral Red).

The new BMW Z4 also comes with the optional Design Pure White package, that features the finest Nappa leather in Ivory White and door inserts in Alcantara. In addition to the six standard exterior colours, Havanna Brown paintwork is also available exclusively in conjunction with the Design Pure White trim, which brings the unique character of the new BMW Z4 Roadster to the fore.

The new BMW Z4

The contemporary styling of the new BMW Z4 Roadster, with its flattened, athletic-looking rear, wide track and flared wheel arches ensures the car is immediately recognizable on the road, and emphasizes its power. The long bonnet slopes slightly downwards to the upright kidney grille, giving it a dynamic sense of purpose even when stationary. The styling of the new BMW Z4 Roadster is a visual expression of what the car is capable of – which is just how a roadster should be.

With a long bonnet, low, set-back seating position and low belt line, the new BMW Z4 is the only car to combine classic roadster proportions with a retractable hardtop. When the roof is up, its coupé-style lines and the unmistakable BMW Hofmeister kink give the new BMW Z4 Roadster an elegant look. When it is down, the hardtop integrates seamlessly into the flattened, gently sloping rear, so you’d hardly know it’s even there. The two-part retractable roof features a lightweight, aluminium shell design, and opens and closes in approximately 20 seconds.

The six-cylinder in-line petrol engine has a capacity of three litres, and features Twin Turbo technology, High Precision Injection and an all-aluminium crankcase.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35i has a newly developed seven-speed sports automatic transmission, featuring double-clutch technology with which it accelerates to 100 km/h within just 5.1 seconds with a maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm. This supreme performance then continues all the way to 250 km/h where the speed of the car is limited by electronic control.

The new BMW Z4 is the only vehicle on the market today that fully embodies the roadster concept while offering strikingly stylish design. The BMW Z4 has succeeded in delivering an unheard-of level of comfort and functionality for a vehicle of this class, creating a dream car that combines a high level of practicality with a driving experience which no competitor even comes close to.

BMW India

Headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region) BMW India is a 100% subsidiary of the BMW Group. The initial investment in India is 1.1 billion Indian Rupees.

The wide range of BMW activities in India include the establishment of a production plant in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country.

In medium term, BMW India has employed around 200 people; up to 600 additional jobs have been created in the dealer and service network.

The BMW Plant Chennai produces the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series Sedans in petrol and diesel variants and has a capacity to produce 3000 units per year on a single shift basis.

Presently, BMW India is present at 16 locations in the Indian market; BMW Studio (New Delhi), Deutschen Motoren (New Delhi), Deutschen Motoren (West Delhi), Bird Automotive (Gurgaon, NCR), Navnit Motors (Mumbai), Infinity Cars (South Mumbai), Krishna Automobiles (Chandigarh), Navnit Motors (Bangalore), Delta Motors (Hyderabad), Kun Exclusive (Chennai), Bavaria Motors (Pune), OSL Prestige (Kolkata), Parsoli Motors (Ahmedabad), Platino Classic (Kochi), Kun Exclusive (Coimbatore) and Sanghi Classic (Jaipur).

BMW dealerships presently display the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series that are produced at the BMW Plant Chennai. BMW dealerships also display the BMW 6 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X3, the BMW X5, BMW X6 and the BMW Z4 which are available in the country as CBU’s (completely built-up units). The BMW M Cars, BMW 6 Series Individual and BMW 7 Series Individual can also be ordered as CBU’s at BMW India dealerships.

BMW's hybrid X6 accelerates nonsense about fast low-emission cars

BMW is launching the 'world's most powerful hybrid' at Frankfurt motor show but its eco-friendly claims are weak

It's the holy grail for motorists with a green conscience – a high-performance eco-friendly hybrid car. Well, that is what BMW will have us believe when it unveils its latest model at the Frankfurt motor show in Germany next week.



The show is likely to see a stream of new hybrids, cars that combine a combustion engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency. And pole position is likely to be taken by BMW's ActiveHybrid X6, which it styles the "world's most powerful hybrid".

The new X6 goes from 0-60 mph in under six seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph.

But the company gives equal prominence to its pitch that the new hybrid is "eco-friendly", because its carbon emissions are 20% less than those of a regular X6.

For a few days last month you could read the same claim on the website of the Energy Saving Trust, the "impartial" adviser on energy efficiency set up by the British government.

But is it too good to be true? Of course. As one incredulous reader who spotted the story on the Trust's website pointed out: "The Trust is promoting a car as eco-friendly with emissions TWICE that of my 6 year old Honda Civic hybrid!"

The ActiveHybrid X6's official CO2 emissions rating with the European Union is 231 grams per kilometre. That compares badly with the EU's 2012 target for average emissions from new cars of 120 grams. It is also higher than the emissions from most of the new Lexus hybrid range and more than twice the emissions of a Toyota Prius, for instance.

The fact that it is better than the regular X6's rating of 299 grams per kilometre does not make it eco-friendly, I am afraid. The claim is greenwash.

I suspect we are going to see a rash of these high-performance high-emission hybrids masquerading as green. Back in the lab, BMW is developing a hybrid "supercar" that will reach 155 mph and 0-60 mph in less than five seconds.

Sure, hybrids are more fuel-efficient than the equivalent old models. The key is that the fuel does not have to be burned in inefficient surges as the car accelerates and brakes. It can be burned efficiently in a smooth flow, and the energy transferred to a battery that supplies the electric motor that drives the car itself. The battery can also make use of energy generated during braking.

But to call these high-performance models eco-friendly, or low-emissions as they burn up the autobahn is nonsense. They are, in reality, slightly less polluting gas-guzzlers.

The Energy Saving Trust seems to take a similar view. When my correspondent pointed out the dodgy nature of the car's green credentials, the offending story swiftly disappeared from its site. "Once we noticed it, we removed it straight away," a spokesman told me.

The rise of these new hybrids has important implications for green-minded legislators. For instance, it should increase the pressure on London's mayor to reconsider his blanket exemption from congestion charges for hybrid cars. Surely, only truly low-emitters should qualify.

Interestingly, the BMW PR promotes the idea that the driver of the hybrid X6 can "experience silence without coming to a stop", while the electric motor is running alone.

It sounds fun. But speaking as a pedestrian, I'm a bit scared at the idea of a car that can go from 0 to 60mph in less than six seconds without making any noise. Green or not, it sounds like a stealth killer.

BMW Active 7 series Hybrid

The ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show will showcase the different ventures the car manufacturers have been working over the past years. The German automaker BMW, together with the other auto majors such as Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Hyundai, will showcase its best efforts in the show.

The BMW Active Hybrid X6 and Active Hybrid 7, BMW X1, and the BMW 5 Series GT that has been empowered to woo the audience will debut in the Frankfurt Motor Show. As the name suggests, the BMW Active Hybrid X6 and Active Hybrid 7 will be eco-friendly models.

The elegantly designed hybrid cars are an epitome of their respective series. Looks apart, it is the heart of these cars that matter the most and that’s why both the cars will be powered by 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 motor. While the X6 will feature two electric motors and a 7-speed CVT transmission the 7 has a single electric motor and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The most bizarre BMW that has been manufactured in the near past and one can name the BMW 5 Series GT without a second thought an MPV, an executive car or even an estate car, because it fits into all these categories. The car is a perfect combination of the X6, 7, and the 5 series. And the car will be available in three options namely 530d, 5351, and 550i.

Another model from BMW, BMW X1, the mini x, will also be showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The X1 built based on the 3 Series foundation will be available in two options such as the one with a rear wheel drive, known as sDrive, and an all wheel drive, xDrive.

It will take another one or two years before most of the models be available to common man, but it is a true pleasure to see these cars showcased as they are a glimpse to the future of the auto industry.

BMW, Audi race to take on Merc

The battle for the top spot in the country's top of the line luxury car segment is getting more intense and Mercedes Benz's near ten-year-old stranglehold in the market is under serious threat.

While BMW is the odds on favourite having already steered ahead in the first quarter of this fiscal, Audi has emerged as the dark horse in the fight. By the end of last fiscal (2008-09) in March, Mercedes Benz India held on to its leadership position selling 3,537 cars. But the signs of a change in the pecking order were there with BMW exceeding its own target and also selling more than 3,000 cars in the year.

"This market is already challenging and without doubt the competition is getting more and more intense," said Peter Kronschnabl, president BMW India. The three German companies are now racing against each other to expand their presence in the hinterland."Our involvement with tier II cities is growing at a fast pace and we are confident that these cities reflect the future growth pockets and offer good potential. We investing Rs 150 crore to expand to new cities as also to upgrade our existing network," said Dr Wilfried Aulbur, MD and CEO, Mercedes Benz India.

India Poised To be “Detroit of the East”

It seems like India certainly has arrived in the big scene of motoring. India as a whole could be the “Detroit of the East” soon with so many major car brands bringing their production centre to “Incredible India”. India has taken the centre stage producing small cars and the global automakers already seem to have been enchanted with the sub-continent for this sole purpose. India is all set to pip China in the automotive production scene and earn all the automotive laurels to itself when it comes to small cars.

We in India already have Suzuki Motor Corporation pitching in with the erstwhile Maruti Udyog to become Maruti Suzuki India which has already scripted a success story for itself in style in the span of twenty five years. Hyundai Motors, a Korean car company soon followed suit and set shop here and has marched in India with their superior products and now has already exporting cars to European countries keeping India as its production base for small cars.

Likewise, Toyota Motor Corporation tagging along with the Kirloskar Group in India about a decade ago also started producing cars here in India and already acknowledged the fact that the Indian operations of the company has stood still even with the recession taking its toll in other countries abroad. Toyota also plans to come up with a small car factory by 2011.

General Motors which has its presence in India with the Chevrolet brand stood firm ground during “Motown Meltdown” which affected its parent company in the US and other countries. It also might have contributed to the revival of the parent company. Business for Chevy here in India is blooming in an unexpected pace making GM count on GM India as a profit making venture.

Tata Motors earlier a commercial vehicle manufacturer barged into the great Indian Motoring scene with the advent of its Tata Indica and soon went up to produce more models of which the Tata Nano certainly awaits a mention. This small wonder has broken all the barriers the motoring world ever knew and will soon become a cash cow for Tata Motors once the export of the Tata Nano begins.

Another Indian auto manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra also has known the importance of India as a production hub and has already started exporting its products to lucrative auto markets like that south-east Asia, America, Europe, Africa and Australia.

Honda, Ford, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat and Skoda all have their production plants in India already. Audi, Nissan, Renault and PSA Peugeot-Citroen have also confirmed their participation in this big production marathon here in India. India expects a lot of other auto manufactures to set shop here in India.

But why is this big rush of global auto makers queuing in line to set shop in India? There are many benefits in India, including a high-quality vendor base that is also cost-effective, leading to globally-competitive pricing. In coming days we surely can see a lot of global auto makers emulate companies like Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki, which make small cars in India to export to Europe.

BMW Z4 To Be Launched In India In October

BMW will be launching its two-seater convertible roadster Z4 in India in October this year.

“The vehicle will be a brand shaper for us in India, we will launch it in October,” Peter Kronschnabl, president of BMW India, told The Telegraph on the sidelines of the SIAM convention in New Delhi.

BMW has plans to sell about 30-40 units of the car annually. The Z4 is priced between Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 60 lakh.

The new Z4 sports car comes with a 3-litre diesel engine and was launched in Europe in December 2008. The new edition will come with a folding hard roof.

Despite adding to the weight of the car, this feature has increased its appeal. Performance parameters include a top speed of 250 kph and a 0-100 kph rev-up in 5.8 seconds.

BMW India, which is a subsidiary of Germany’s BMW Group, will launch a petrol variant of its 7-series cars with a six-cylinder engine by September.

“Last year, we sold 2,908 units and this year we are confident of crossing 3,000 on the back of new cars and a robust demand for our products,” Kronschnabl said.

The company plans to increase its capacity by 2011. BMW’s current portfolio in India comprises cars from the 3 series, 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, X6, X5 and X3.

BMW Z4 To Be Launched In India In October

BMW will be launching its two-seater convertible roadster Z4 in India in October this year. “The vehicle will be a brand shaper for us in India, we will launch it in October,” Peter Kronschnabl, president of BMW India, told The Telegraph on the sidelines of the SIAM convention in New Delhi. BMW has plans to sell about 30-40 units of the car annually. The Z4 is priced between Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 60 lakh. The new Z4 sports car comes with a 3-litre diesel engine and was launched in Europe in December 2008. The new edition will come with a folding hard roof. Despite adding to the weight of the car, this feature has increased its appeal. Performance parameters include a top speed of 250 kph and a 0-100 kph rev-up in 5.8 seconds. BMW India, which is a subsidiary of Germany’s BMW Group, will launch a petrol variant of its 7-series cars with a six-cylinder engine by September. “Last year, we sold 2,908 units and this year we are confident of crossing 3,000 on the back of new cars and a robust demand for our products,” Kronschnabl said. The company plans to increase its capacity by 2011. BMW’s current portfolio in India comprises cars from the 3 series, 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, X6, X5 and X3.

BMW Withdraws from Formula One

This comes as a shocker for many Formula One fans. BMW has announced that it is withdrawing from world’s most viewed motorsports event Formula One racing! … BMW becomes the second team after Honda withdrew its candidature by end of 2008.

Well, BMW says that it is withdrawing from the racing event to restructure its motorsports activities. While the company claims that it wants to dedicate more resources to develop new racing technologies, but critics beg to differ.

BMW has been involved with Formula Once racing since 1980’s. It was an engine supplier to Brabham and helped clinch eight Formula One victories and one world title. Following the 1986 win, BMW exited from the F1 motorsports events till 2000. They again got back as the engine suppliers to Williams team which secured 10 victories over five years. BMW became an official Formula One entrant in 2006 after acquiring the Swiss Sauber team.

However, the current decision is hailed as a Landmark decision by BMW which has had three successful years, previously. BMW has struggled enormously in all events held this year. The team also lost its Credit Suisse sponsorship owning to the global economic meltdown. The company faced a huge credit crunch and BMW was unable to find a suitable replacement sponsorer for its F1 motorsports venture.

The decision has rendered a big blow to the Formula One event organisers. They fear that more teams will pull out form the event in the coming days. The FIA, the sports governing body has rushed into damage control mode. It is considering asking the main five constructer teams to sign an agreement to agree to continue to race till 2012. If this gets through the drive with which Formula One races are held will be diluted significantly.

Further Formula one’s involvement goes beyond mere racing in F1 events. It has been one of the manufacturer to run the Formula BMW junior championship. Leading racer Sebastian Vettel was found in this event. There are many other contributions of BMW towards FI.

The Formula One racing has become poorer by the exit of another car manufacturer.

BMW skeptical Over Mini Launch

It looks like the German premium car maker BMW, is skeptical of launching its iconic luxury hatchback, the Mini in India. The launch of this hatchback was supposed to happen by the end of this year. BMW had announced its Mini launch plans during the launch of BMW X6, a sports activity coupe in India.
The Mini is a three-door luxury hatchback that was likely to be imported as a CBU in India. The BMW Mini would carry a price tag of Rs20 Lakh. The delay in the launch of this luxury hatchback owes largely because the luxury hatchback market in India is not developed. Moreover, BWM thought the investment to launch a new brand would be substantial in this condition. Any carmaker needs to look at the potential business opportunity before launching a car, especially when it’s a luxury car. BMW Mini would have faced a tough competition with the Fiat 500 if it had been launched in India at the prescribed date.
The German car giant would reconsider the launch of the Mini by the end of the third quarter of the calendar year. BMW competes with European rivals DaimlerChrysler (DCXGn.DE) and Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) in the premium Indian car market. This German carmaker makes the 3 and 5 series in India and also sells its 7 series from imported kits.
To strengthen the dealership network, BMW will set up dealerships in 10 more cities by the end of 2010. Presently, there are 13 dealerships in the country. The company has invested $30 million in India, including setting up a plant in Chennai.
BMW has lined up a slew of launches in 2009 like the new BMW 7 series, the new BMW 3 series, and a diesel variant of BMW X3.

X6 - BMW's Macho Machine

BMW X6, a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) from the German premium car manufacturer BMW has been pulling a lot of eyes in India recently. This car is imported in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The BMW X6 comes in two versions the X6 xDrive50i in petrol and the X6 xDrive30d in diesel.
The X6 is world’s first Sports Activity Coupé to be equipped with BMW Dynamic Performance Control that imbues it with excellent driving dynamics. This BMW is equipped with a twin-turbo direct injection V8.
The new BMW X6 has all the agility and elegance of a coupé plus the impressive versatility of a SAV. The car has been named as Sports Activity Coupe as it ensures all the comfort and luxury of the coupe. This seven-seater coupe also provides generous spacing for both the driver and front
passenger.
This luxury SAV offers a unique synthesis of exclusive luxury, sporting dynamics, and powerful style. With a wide range of colors and materials, the BMW X6 really highlight its sporting character to suit individual style and personality. The petrol variant of the BMW X6 is priced at Rs. 83 Lakh while
the diesel is available at Rs. 65 Lakh.
The coupe X6 can be ordered across all 13 BMW dealerships in India. The German car giant has deferred the launch of its luxury hatchback the Mini in India till next year. BMW 7 series, 3 series and X3 are the other models of the world’s largest premium car make that are sold in India.

BMW, Audi race to take on Merc

The battle for the top spot in the country's top of the line luxury car segment is getting more intense and Mercedes Benz's near ten-year-old stranglehold in the market is under serious threat.

While BMW is the odds on favourite having already steered ahead in the first quarter of this fiscal, Audi has emerged as the dark horse in the fight. By the end of last fiscal (2008-09) in March, Mercedes Benz India held on to its leadership position selling 3,537 cars. But the signs of a change in the pecking order were there with BMW exceeding its own target and also selling more than 3,000 cars in the year.

"This market is already challenging and without doubt the competition is getting more and more intense," said Peter Kronschnabl, president BMW India. The three German companies are now racing against each other to expand their presence in the hinterland."Our involvement with tier II cities is growing at a fast pace and we are confident that these cities reflect the future growth pockets and offer good potential. We investing Rs 150 crore to expand to new cities as also to upgrade our existing network," said Dr Wilfried Aulbur, MD and CEO, Mercedes Benz India.

Audi to launch SUV Q5 in India

Audi is ready to launch its new SUV Q5 in India on June 05. The brand new SUV was launched in Europe in November 2008. The new Audi Q5 is geared towards brand building and Audi’s plans to expand its product portfolio in India. BMW has already surpassed Mercedes sales figures in the country and Audi is looking at the same market segment with keen eyes. To facilitate its growth in Inda, Audi plans to invest around 30 million Euros in India, till year 2015. Audi already marks its presence in the luxury SUV segment with its model Q7.

The Model



The company has not released any official specifications about the car or made any comment about the expected price range as well but is definitely betting big volumes with this car especially in India and Russia. The car will be imported as a CBU or completely built units in India from Audi’s Ingolstadt facility in Germany.



According to the industry sources, the new Q5 will be a 5-seater SUV which can be safely called as a mini-SUV and is very much in line with its big brother Q7. It has taken the styling cues from Q7 series which remains one of the favourites amongst the car buyers and designers. The basic style still features sportiness clubbed with all the luxuries of any basic premium SUV model.



Q5 definitely has an enormous boot space and with its rear styling like Q7, the Indian SUV surely will be lot roomier at the back. The imposing grille in the front is iconic of any Audi car but the vertical sports bars make the car look extremely classy. The Xenon lamps further lend an aggressive look to the car which seems necessary for any SUV. SUVs cannot have the softer looks of a luxury sedan, can they?



Audi brought as many as four variants of its SUV Q5 in Europe but in India it plans to bring only two variants - a 3.0-liter TDI diesel car and 2.0 liter TFSI petrol car. It will sport a 7 speed manual gearbox which is special because it allows clutch-less manual shifting. Audi’s Quattro 4-wheel system marks its presence in all its models and you can expect the same in Q5 as well. It will have 40:60 front-torque split to give more sporting drive. Q5 has been designed in such a way that it offers good visibility to the driver and even with its compact design; it does not intimidate the driver. You can expect the huge door mirrors to make a lot of wind noise at high driving speeds.



The Price and Other Features

For the mileage and the actual price of the car, the Indian customers will have to wait till the exact launch date. However, since Audi Q5 is expected to rival BMW X3 in India the expected price of the car is between Rs. 45 -50 lakh. Its current Audi Q7 is prices at Rs. 57 lakhs in India and Q5 will be definitely priced below that.

BMW to launch its Roadster Z4 in India

World’s top luxury and sports car manufacturer BMW has said it will launch its Roadster Z4 in India later this year. Roadster Z4 is top two seater sports car that company believes will attract hip and prosperous Indian youth.

BMW is very optimistic about its chances in the Indian market. It plans to launch at least half a dozen new cars here before the year end.

Its plans are not without any basis. The company has already replaced Mercedes Benz this year as the top luxury car brand in India.



After World War I, BMW was forced to cease aircraft (engine) production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty. The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923 once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted, followed by automobiles in 1928.

The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel is often alleged to portray the movement of an airplane propeller, to signify the white blades cutting through the blue sky - an interpretation that BMW adopted for convenience in 1929, which was actually twelve years after the roundel was created. In fact, the emblem evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW company grew. The Rapp logo was combined with the blue and white colors of the flag of Bavaria to produce the BMW roundel so familiar today.

The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the Z3, first-generation production started in 2002 at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, with both roadster and coupe forms produced. Starting with the 2009 model year, the second-generation Z4 is built at BMW's Regensburg, Germany plant as a retractable hardtop roadster.

The German auto giant’s cars are seen as the most modern cars on Indian roads, more particularly in Indian metros. They are becoming ubiquitous on potholed Indian roads.

The German auto giant sold 2,908 cars in India in 2008, its second year of operation, closing the gap with luxury car leader Mercedes-Benz, which sold 3,625 cars in the same year, which was also its 12th year in the country.

Earlier BMW India announced to launch five new cars in 2009. It has already introduced the all-new 7 Series sedan and the new 3 Series sedan. The SUV X6 and X3 diesel and a new sports model will be launched sometime this year.



The first-generation BMW Z4 was designated the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupé form. It was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming, who later made the Mille Miglia Concept car with some of the same shapes as the Z4.

The Z4's design addresses many criticisms of the preceding Z3; the Z4 is larger, and has a significantly stiffer chassis. The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its predecessor. The rear suspension, however is considerably different from that of the Z3, which was based on that of the E30 BMW 3 Series.

Instead of a semi-trailing arm suspension, the Z4 uses a more advanced multi-link suspension. It was built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Initially, the Z4 was available only as a roadster, but in 2006 a coupé version was officially launched. The last of the first-generation Z4 to be assembled in North America rolled off the assembly line on 27 August 2008.

In the meantime BMW India has said that it will add 10 dealers in tier-II cities such as Coimbatore, Jaipur, Lucknow and Ludhiana.

A top company official says, ““We grew 15% in the first quarter of 2009 and surpassed Mercedes Benz in the sales tally”.

The company overtook Mercedes Bens in January this year becoming the more preferred luxury car in the country.

BMW sold 181 more cars than Mercedes in India in January. Two mighty luxury car makers BMW and Mercedes are locked in a fight for supremacy in India. The war is going on with the entry of German car giant’s India entry a few years ago.