VR Tech Times

Mercedes-Benz is set to expand its India line-up with the launch of the new AMG E 53 performance sedan on July 23. This AMG version of the Mercedes E-Class was unveiled globally in March 2024 and is now finally headed to India, more than two years later. Here's everything you need to know about the new Mercedes-AMG E 53. What is the expected price of the new Mercedes-AMG E 53? The 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 price is expected to be around the Rs 2.2 crore (ex-showroom) mark. If that holds, the E 53 will carry a premium of about Rs 29 lakh over the AMG C 63 S E sedan, which costs Rs 1.91 crore. Is the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 a PHEV? While the previous E 53 that was on sale in the country came with a 48V mild-hybrid system, the new version is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The 2026 performance sedan continues to use a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol straight-six engine, but pairs it with an electric motor integrated into the 9-speed automatic gearbox. Combined, this setup produces 585...

Bajaj Auto has announced plans to upgrade its 125-160cc motorcycle portfolio following a record first quarter performance, as the company looks to build on its momentum in one of India's largest motorcycle segments. The company's current 125-160cc lineup includes models under the Pulsar and Freedom brands, although Bajaj did not specify which models would be updated or when. Bajaj Auto to upgrade its 125-160cc motorcycle portfolio following strong Q1 FY27 performance Pulsar, Avenger and Dominar all posted double-digit year-on-year growth in the quarter Q1 FY27 revenue up 37 percent YoY to a record Rs 17,244 crore Bajaj Auto Q1 FY27 and product plans: Key details Sports segment grew around 50 percent; Pulsar range gained market share In its Q1 FY27 earnings statement, Bajaj Auto said product interventions across the Pulsar range helped it gain market share in the sports segment during the quarter, with the segment as a whole growing by around 50 percent. The planned updates acr...

It's not often that Range Rover adds a fresh member to the family. The last wholly new addition to the range was the Velar in 2017. Now comes something far more radical - the Range Rover GT, a grand tourer that ditches the SUV playbook, goes all-electric and pushes the brand into uncharted territory. Shape of a new Range Rover Even under the elaborate gold-on-black camouflage, the GT’s form is impossible to miss. The silhouette is long, low and almost coupe-like, with a roofline that seems to run on forever and exaggerates the car’s length. Range Rover says the GT is longer than the standard-wheelbase Range Rover and, crucially, the lowest Range Rover yet. It also sits lower than a Porsche Macan while stretching beyond a Range Rover Sport . Those proportions immediately change what you expect a Range Rover to be. There’s still the familiar clean surfacing and tight detailing, but the GT comes across more like a fast, long-legged cruiser than a traditional go-anywhere SUV. And o...

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2026 facelift of the Maybach GLS. The ultra-luxury SUV adopts similar styling cues to that of the 2026 GLS facelift that broke cover a few months ago, but brings an array of Maybach-specific touches, a stronger V8 engine, and an expanded set of features. 2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 exterior changes Up front, the 2026 Maybach GLS incorporates reshaped LED headlamps with dual three-pointed star DRL signatures, along with a new chrome-laden grille that gets illumination for both the surround and the Maybach wordmark; the Mercedes-Benz bonnet emblem can be optionally illuminated as well. The front bumper design has been subtly updated too. Two new exterior colours, namely Dark Petrol and Verde Silver Metallic, are on offer for the 2026 Maybach GLS as well. The side profile is largely unchanged from the outgoing Maybach GLS, but the updated model does bring fresh 22-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 23-inch monoblocks available as optional extras. Powe...

As part of its 108-year celebration, Citroen India has launched the Basalt X Comfort Edition from an ex-showroom price starting at Rs 8.75 lakh. This special edition for the Citroen coupe-SUV, as the brand says, brings a range of "premium interior enhancements, convenience features and curated personalisation options". The Basalt is the second Citroen model to get the 'Comfort Edition' treatment, as it was first introduced with the Aircross .  Special Edition brings in goodies like leatherette seat upholstery, JBL sound system and more.  Offered with 82hp naturally aspirated petrol and 110hp turbo-petrol engines. Citroen Basalt X Comfort Edition: What's new? Wireless phone charger among features offered with Comfort Edition.  The Comfort Edition of the Basalt X comes with 'Comfort AXS' packs, which are available on the base 'You' and mid 'Plus' trims of the Basalt. This includes beige leatherette seat upholstery, a 10.25-inch Android-bas...

In welcome news for enthusiasts, BMW has indicated that the next-gen ICE-powered M3 will continue to offer a manual gearbox. BMW M chief executive officer Frank van Meel stated in a recent interview that the performance division intends to keep the three-pedal option alive “as long as possible” despite tightening regulations and dwindling supplier support. Manuals offer a way better mechanical connection, says BMW M boss M2 manual sees particularly strong demand in the automatic-dominated US market BMW M3 Handschalter manual gear lever. Image used for representative purposes only. Speaking to Autocar UK, van Meel noted that manual transmissions remain an important part of BMW M’s identity because of the driver engagement they provide. “We want to have this mechanical connection, shifting by yourself. It’s an emotional thing; it’s not just an engineering thing, and it’s still there,” van Meel said. He pointed to the BMW M2 as proof that demand for manual gearboxes remains strong. In ...

BMW Motorrad has filed a design patent in India for what appears to be the Concept RR – the supersport concept the brand first unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como in May last year. Concept RR is based on the M 1000 RR and produces over 230hp Patent filing suggests the production version could eventually make its way to India BMW Concept RR design patent: What we know The Concept RR previews the future direction of BMW's RR superbike range When BMW Motorrad unveiled the Concept RR at Lake Como last year, it was explicit about its intent – the concept was presented as a preview of the design and engineering direction for the next generation of its high-performance RR superbike range. Built on the M 1000 RR platform, the Concept RR uses a liquid-cooled inline-four engine derived from BMW's WorldSBK race bike, producing over 230hp. The bodywork makes extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium, with aerodynamic winglets integrated into the fairing...

Hyundai has been testing the upcoming Bayon-based SUV , and now, our sources indicate that the model will launch with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, with a CNG-powered version to arrive soon after. Unlike its mid-size sibling, the Bayon-based SUV will likely not offer a diesel engine or a hybrid powertrain, which will be offered with the next-gen Creta due next year.  Hyundai Bayon-based SUV powertrain details The Bayon-based SUV is likely to utilise the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual and CVT gearbox options from the current Creta. Soon after, Hyundai will follow up with a CNG kit paired with this engine. CNG-powered versions will arrive with an underbody-mounted tank, whilst retaining a spare wheel. This would make it the first Hyundai model over 4 metres to have CNG power. As of now, the carmaker offers CNG only on sub-4-metre models such as the Exter, Grand i10 Nios and Aura. Currently, only the Victoris offers a CNG version with an underbod...

Vinfast has filed design patents in India for two electric two-wheelers – the Viper e-scooter and what appears to be an electric motorcycle based on the Sulad concept revealed earlier this year. The filings suggest Vinfast is expanding its India product plans beyond the three electric scooters it had previously indicated it would bring to the country. Vinfast Viper electric scooter design patented in India Sulad concept-based electric motorcycle also patented Vinfast had earlier indicated plans to launch e-scooters in India in 2026 VinFast Viper and new electric motorcycle details The electric motorcycle appears to be based on the VinFast Sulad concept revealed earlier this year We had previously reported that a sporty-looking scooter resembling the VinFast Viper had been patented in India in June, although at the time we noted a few visual differences, including a twin-pod headlight instead of the Viper's single-piece unit and more rounded body panels. This latest patent filing i...

The Renault Duster impressed us at the first drive event with its muscular design, modern interior and ride and handling balance. We’ve now subjected all versions of the new Duster to our in-depth performance and efficiency testing to tell you how it stacks up against its established competition in the midsize SUV segment.  Renault Duster Exterior Design and Engineering - 9/10 Butch, muscular SUV has good road presence; India model based on RGMP platform Renault Duster dimensions and specs Length 4,346mm Width 1,815mm Height 1,701mm (with roof rails) Front track 1,565mm Rear track 1,539mm Ground clearance 212mm Construction Monocoque, five-door crossover Weight 1,316kg (1.0TP MT) / 1,372kg (1.3TP MT) / 1,393kg (1.3TP DCT) Tyres 225/60 R17 (1.0TP), 225/55 R18 (1.3TP) Boot capacity (f/r) 518 litres Renault has absolutely nailed the design of the new Duster. While it retains clear visual links to its predecessor, the styling feels thoroughly modern. Up front, large LED headlamps are...