The third model on Mahindra’s INGLO pure-electric platform, the Mahindra XEV 9S, is also the most sensible yet. While the BE 6 and XEV 9e drew attention with bold design and heavy tech—and sparked plenty of debate—the XEV 9S takes a more mature, understated route. It delivers the same core strengths of the INGLO architecture but in a familiar, easy-to-accept SUV form.
Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S 3-row SUV with introductory prices starting at Rs 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level Pack One Above variant. Interestingly, prices for the XEV 9S, the first dedicated 7-seater mass-market electric SUV, start at Rs 1.95 lakh lower than those of the XEV 9e; both models are based on the INGLO platform.
The Mahindra BE 6 Formula E Edition has debuted as a sportier, motorsport-inspired variant of the BE 6 SUV, bringing exclusive styling features at a starting price of Rs 23.69 lakh (ex-showroom). the special edition taps into the motorsport culture while strengthening Mahindra’s position as the only Indian brand to win on the global Formula E grid. Customer preferences open on December 14, 2025, while bookings begin on January 14, 2026, and deliveries commence a month later on February 14. BTTV's Chetan Bhutani in conversation with Pratap Bose.
The seven-seater SUV is claimed to be India's first authentic electric origin 7-seater SUV built ground-up on the INGLO architecture. While the brand has launched the SUV after building anticipation with teasers, booking for the Mahindra XUV 9S is set to commence from January 14, 2026, and delivery will begin from January 23, 2026. The Mahindra XEV 9S offers three battery pack options: 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh. The 59 kWh battery is capable of delivering a peak power of 170 kW, the 70 kWh battery delivers 180 kW, and the 79 kWh battery promises 210 kW of peak power.
The Tata Sierra 2025 has been launched at a starting price of Rs 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom). As of now, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has revealed the price of only the entry-level variant of the new 5-seater SUV. The complete pricing will be announced next month. So far as trims are concerned, the Tata Sierra 2025 has seven -- Smart+, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Adventure+, Accomplished and Accomplished.
Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO, TMPV, told Business Today that Sierra deliveries will commence in January, and prices will be held stable initially. He said commodity costs have risen by 1.5% of revenue over the past year, and the industry has not been able to fully pass this on making a Q4 price revision likely, with partial adjustments possible in January. Chandra confirmed the Sierra is being built at the Sanand-2 (Ford) plant. He expects Tata Motors’ SUV share to rise from 16–17% to 20–25% with the Sierra, and forecast double-digit growth in November’s second half and around 5% growth for the full year.
JCB India MD & CEO Deepak Shetty tells Business Today that despite a dampened 2024, the company expects a surge of new NHAI, road, airport and infrastructure projects next year. Export headwinds from US tariffs reduced shipments from 10,000 machines to around 1,500–2,000, but strong demand from Europe, East Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia helped offset nearly 70% of the impact. Shetty said the construction equipment industry urgently needs a PLI scheme to build a domestic ecosystem for key components like valves and electronics, still largely imported from Japan, Korea and Europe. JCB has also secured its largest-ever defence order—around 750 telehandler machines—and is developing new railway technologies.
In this exclusive conversation with Business Today, Ajay Jain, Head of the India Design Studio at Tata Motors deep-dives into the design journey of the all-new Tata Sierra. Reimagined from the legendary original, the new Sierra blends nostalgia with modern, future-ready styling. Ajay explains how the India design team led the project end-to-end, shaping its silhouette, signature glasshouse, strong stance, and EV-first proportions. He also discusses how the new Sierra reflects Tata Motors’ updated design philosophy, the balance between heritage cues and contemporary surfaces, and how global design studios in the UK and Italy contributed while India drove the final vision. With the production-spec model now unveiled, the Sierra is moving closer to its market debut on 25th November.
JK Tyre & Industries CMD Dr. Raghupati Singhania tells Business Today that the company’s ₹1,400-crore capacity expansion will be completed by Q1 FY26, adding that demand in the auto and tyre sectors remains strong at 6–7% growth. He said stable raw material prices and potential GST rationalisation will improve affordability and give a boost to the economy. On the US import tariffs, he revealed that JK Tyre has diversified exports to newer markets and is leveraging its Mexico plant to serve the American market more efficiently.
Maruti Suzuki Chairman R.C. Bhargava told Business Today’s Chetan Bhutani that the recent GST rate cut on small cars from 28% plus cess to 18% will revive demand in the compact car segment. He added that many automakers will now realise the true nature of the Indian car market and may rework their product strategies. Currently, 69% of Maruti’s sales fall under the 18% GST slab, a share Bhargava expects will grow further.
BMW India President & CEO Hardeep Singh Brar speaks to Business Today about the brand’s strong double-digit growth, surging EV demand, and how price drops have made luxury cars more accessible. With 21% of BMW’s sales now coming from electric vehicles against the industry’s 3.5%, the company is steering India’s luxury market into its next phase of electrified growth.
Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the latest version of its Thar SUV with prices starting at ₹9.99 lakh. The updated model comes with design tweaks, enhanced comfort features and new tech integrations. The Thar, which has built a community of over three lakh owners, continues to be one of Mahindra’s most recognisable SUVs. Known for its off-road capability and rugged styling, the new version is aimed at both urban buyers and adventure enthusiasts. BTTV's Chetan Bhutani reviews what's new in the Thar.
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for a record-breaking festive season, with 1.65 lakh vehicles already delivered in the first 8 days of Navratri and total sales expected to cross the 2 lakh mark this season. In an exclusive conversation, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer – Sales & Marketing, Maruti Suzuki, shares insights on the surge in demand, including a 50% jump in small car bookings, robust export momentum, and the strong outlook for October sales. He also highlights the waiting periods for select models, reflecting the festive rush
Maruti Suzuki’s Partho Banerjee speaks to Business Today TV on the festive sales boom – from SUV traction to big price cuts and the surge of 2-wheeler buyers upgrading to cars. Catch the inside story on how Maruti is racing to meet demand after dispatch delays.
Maruti Suzuki has launched the Victoris SUV in India, priced from ₹10.5 lakh to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom). With a full 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, the Victoris is Maruti’s safest car yet. It offers multiple powertrain options including petrol, CNG, and a strong hybrid claiming up to 28.65 km/l. Packed with features like 17-inch alloys, 210 mm ground clearance, a panoramic sunroof, and a segment-first powered tailgate, the Victoris takes on rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Practical for families and long drives, it does come with a touch of engine noise inside the cabin. BTTV's Chetan Bhutani presents the review.
SIAM President Shailesh Chandra told Business Today TV that the recent GST reform ahead of the festive season is a timely boost for the auto sector. He says there is pent-up demand as consumers were waiting for the tax cut for a month. He further adds demand is expected to rise by 30% during the festive period.
Ganesh Mani, CEO of Switch Mobility, told Business Today that India’s GDP growth will further boost demand, with the second half of the year expected to perform much better. He projected 5–10% growth in the commercial vehicle sector and highlighted that Switch Mobility already holds a 25% market share in the e-bus segment. The company is now eyeing more state government orders to strengthen its leadership in electric mobility.
Anurag Mehrotra, MD, JSW MG Motor India Pvt Ltd, told Business Today that electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars will not cannibalise each other, as both will grow in parallel. He highlighted that battery prices have fallen significantly, making EV ownership more viable compared to ICE over the long term. Mehrotra said MG expects to outpace overall industry growth while focusing on driving profitable expansion.
Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd, told Business Today that India’s strong economy, low inflation, and low interest rates will fuel auto demand. He emphasized the need for multiple powertrains with hybrid technology playing a crucial role. Behl revealed Honda will launch an electric SUV next year and three new models in FY27, while expecting 3-4% industry growth in FY26.
Jyoti Malhotra, MD, Volvo Cars India, told Business Today that with GST benefits and festive offers, this is the best time to buy a car. He added that a rate cut will have a cascading effect on the economy, boosting businesses and consumer sentiment. Malhotra also emphasized that the government has provided stability and predictability for the EV ecosystem, making its intent towards green mobility very clear.
Maruti Suzuki MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi speaks exclusively to Business Today TV on the GST boost for small cars, export milestones, and future launches. He confirms small cars will see a price reduction of more than 8.5%, exports are set to cross 4 lakh units this year, and models like Victoris and e-Vitara will be shipped abroad. Takeuchi also reveals Maruti is readying a big SUV for India and a Flex-Fuel vehicle launch in March 2026.
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