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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has debuted the GX+ grade, the newest model in the venerable Innova Crysta series. This new grade, which is motivated by a commitment to customer pleasure, has a number of improved features, showcasing TKM’s unwavering commitment to providing excellence that is catered to consumer preferences.

The recently unveiled Innova Crysta GX+ grade, which breathes fresh life into the Innova Crysta lineup, boasts 14 more features that expertly blend aesthetic and functional upgrades to improve the entire driving experience.

Key highlights

In addition to a host of new visual and practical features like diamond-cut alloys, wooden panelling, and premium fabric upholstery, the Innova Crysta GX+ also comes equipped with a DVR, auto-fold mirrors, and a rear camera. The GX+ grade is offered in seven and eight-seater versions, and its five vivid colours each bring a unique element to the car’s adaptable colour scheme.

Insight from TKM

“Since its launch in 2005, the Innova brand has consistently led its segment, setting industry benchmarks,” explained Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. The Innova, which is widely known for its reliability and quality, has served generations of Indians’ various mobility demands.

Performance and pricing

The 2.4L diesel engine of the Innova Crysta GX+, coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox that offers Eco and Power drive modes, delivers strong performance. With the GX+ 7s variant starting at Rs 21,39,000 and the GX+ 8s variant at Rs 21,44,000 (Ex Showroom Price, W.E.F. May 06, 2024), the car is reasonably priced.

Enhanced features

The GX+ grade, with its increased torque and revised suspension for a comfortable ride on uneven roads, raises the bar for power and efficiency in its class. Its stylish front grille, robust bumper, and elegant design exude toughness and sophistication.

Safety and value-added services

With a full array of safety features like a rear camera, SRS airbags, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist control, the Innova Crysta GX+ prioritises safety. To further improve cost and flexibility for clients, the car is enhanced with a variety of value-added services like Extended Warranty, Toyota Genuine Accessories, and alluring financing plans.

Innovative solutions

In order to further improve customer pleasure and experience, Toyota has also unveiled the “Amazing New Car Delivery Solution,” an industry first that guarantees the smooth transportation of new cars from dealer stockyards to sales outlets on flat-bed trucks.

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Joby Aviation Inc. anticipates launching its airborne taxi service in Dubai prior to any other location, including the US, where the startup is based.

Joby’s head of operations, Bonny Simi, stated in an interview that the Gulf emirate cooperation project, which was first announced earlier this year, is “a bit more advanced in the approach that they’re taking” than in other countries. “So we’ll be able to launch in Dubai first.”

In February, Joby stated that its goals were to launch its electric air taxi services by 2025 in Dubai, where it had secured a six-year exclusivity contract, and to begin offering commercial services by the beginning of 2026. According to Simi, the milestone might possibly be accomplished as soon as late 2025.

In order to “remove as many roadblocks as possible for us to move as quickly as possible and as safely as possible,” Simi stated that the government of Dubai has offered financial support and that regulators have committed resources specifically to Joby. Financially, the funding will “de-risk that initial launch for us,” the speaker stated.

For its electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, Joby first intends to build four vertiports throughout Dubai, according to Simi. The launch locations include the city’s marina, the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, downtown Dubai next to the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, and Dubai International Airport, a major international airport.

Rival Archer Aviation Inc., aiming to begin manufacturing and providing services by 2026, and the government of neighboring Abu Dhabi inked a preliminary agreement last year. Joby will be the only airline operating within Dubai, although Archer intends to run flights throughout the United Arab Emirates as well as between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The oil-rich Gulf states have attracted other eVTOL market hopefuls as well. Agreements have been inked in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or both by Lilium NV, Eve Air Mobility of Embraer SA, and Volocopter GmbH.

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At least two powerful solar flares from the Sun this week could disrupt radio communications and trigger vivid displays of the Northern Lights over the northern United States. The flares sent plasma hurtling toward Earth.

A coronal mass ejection (CME) that left on Friday was observed by satellites monitoring the Sun, leading NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to issue a Geomagnetic Storm Watch on Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, the effects of the plasma outburst on Earth are predicted to be at their strongest. The SWPC issued a moderate Level 2 watch on Monday on a 5-point scale.

The Northern and Southern lights are caused by auroras, which happen when charged particles from the Sun contact with the Earth’s atmosphere.

The appearance of Aurora lights farther from Earth’s poles can be attributed to intense space weather occurrences. The Northern Lights could be seen on Sunday night from New York to Idaho, according to SWPC’s aurora forecast.

The SWPC reported that it has been monitoring the activity of a very active region of the Sun that has been producing powerful and moderate solar flares since late April, in addition to the possibility that the CME would produce aurora lighting displays.

The SWPC reports that during the course of the weekend, several intense M-class and X-class flares were observed. The strongest flares are X-class, with M-class being the next most intense.

Electromagnetic radiation bursts known as solar flares can result in high-frequency radio blackouts and endanger space launches and spacecraft in Earth’s orbit. Since these energetic particles do not penetrate far enough into Earth’s atmosphere to have an impact on the general population, most people do not need to worry.

According to SWPC, between Sunday and Tuesday, these flares may momentarily interfere with high-frequency radio transmissions.

Solar flares are frequently linked to sunspot groupings and usually occur in the Sun’s active areas. The Sun’s 3663 region is the source of the flare activity.

“Region 3663 is the largest and most complex sunspot region on the disk, and has produced a total of 14 M-flares and three X-flares since it emerged on April 30,” said the SWPC.

Space weather scientists from NOAA predict that this busy region will likely produce more flares throughout the next week.

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Lando Norris dutifully celebrated his first Formula 1 victory at Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix, proving that they never forget their first.

With a record-breaking fifteen podium finishes without a victory, Norris was ultimately able to claim the title of champion after defeating Max Verstappen by a mere seven seconds.

After celebrating by performing a stage dive into his teammates, Norris was repeatedly thrown into the air by them.

As he celebrated the win, the McLaren driver also performed the champagne pop on stage.

Reportedly, after winning the Miami Grand Prix, Norris said over the radio, “Whooooooooooo, whooooooooo, I love you all.”

“Thank you so much. We did it, Will [Joseph, Norris’s race engineer]. We did it.

“I guess that is how it is done. Finally. Oh, I am so happy. I knew it when I came in this morning. I said today is the day, full of opportunities. I nailed it, you nailed it, thank you so much.

“Thanks Mum, thanks Dad, this one is for my grandma, thank you very much.”

From the driver’s seat of his car, Max Verstappen, who had been leading the race, showed sportsmanship by congratulating Norris on his victory.

Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination and a former president, also congratulated Norris.

Following the event, the two were seen together in a shot, albeit it wasn’t obvious
After the race, the two were seen chatting, though it was unclear exactly what they were discussing.

Prior to the race, the 45th president was seen talking with team CEO Zak Brown while receiving a tour of the McLaren garage.

“McLaren is a nonpolitical organization however we recognize and respect the office of President of the United States so when the request was made to visit our garage on race day we accepted alongside the president of the FIA and the CEO’s of Liberty Media and Formula 1,” the company said in a statement provided to the Daily Mail.

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In the first four months of 2024, the nation has witnessed a number of incredible automobile debuts. Nevertheless, a good number of mass-market vehicles will still be introduced this year in the Indian auto industry.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

On May 9, the fourth generation Swift will go on sale. With Maruti Suzuki having already started taking reservations for this car, enthusiasm is running high throughout the nation. The 2017 Swift will have a completely redesigned, more contemporary interior in addition to numerous exterior design upgrades.

Its new Z-Series 3-cylinder petrol engine, which will be supported by a 12V battery, will be one of the key attractions. The new Swift will get 25.72 km/l thanks to this improved engine. You should budget more than you would have for the departing Swift.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki has not yet disclosed the date of the new Dzire’s release. But it’s expected that the new Swift will emerge a few weeks or months before this new sub-compact sedan. It will have a lot of new features along with an exterior that is comparable to the new Swift.

Maruti Suzuki is reportedly planning to offer this vehicle with an electric sunroof. With this feature, it will be the first sedan in the sub-compact sedan market. It will also have an updated interior that looks more luxurious. Its powertrain will not change from the Swift.

Tata Altroz Racer

Tata Motors is prepping the debut of the brand-new Altroz Racer hatchback to take on the Hyundai i20 N-Line. This is the updated, more aggressive version of the discontinued Altroz, which debuted at the Bharat Mobility Global Auto Expo. An all-new 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine will power the Altroz Racer.

Although it has been more aggressively tuned to produce a maximum of 120 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque, the motor is the same as the Altroz iTurbo. Compared to the iTurbo, this has 10 horsepower and 30 Nm more. In contrast, its primary competition, the Hyundai i20 N Line, provides 120 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. As of yet, no launch dates have been disclosed.

Tata Curvv EV

Tata Motors has stated that it will launch the Curvv EV first, despite the fact that the business has officially demonstrated the Curvv ICE first in the nation. It will premiere sometime in July of this year, according to the reports.

It is speculated that, similar to the Nexon EV makeover, the Curvv EV would come with two battery pack options: a medium-range model and a long-range variant. The Nexon EV MR currently runs on a 30 kWh battery, whereas the LR model has a larger 40.5 kWh battery.

The range of the departing Nexon EV facelift is approximately 325 km for the MR model and 465 km for the LR variant. According to reports, the Curvv EV will have a range of about 500 kilometres on a single full charge.

Tata Curvv

Around August of this year, Tata Motors will introduce the Curvv diesel in India, following the formal launch of the new Tata Curvv EV. It will have the exact same features and design as the Curvv EV.

It will, nevertheless, have a diesel drivetrain. The proven 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine from the Nexon diesel will be used in this SUV. At its maximum, this motor can produce 115 PS of power and 260 Nm of torque. It is anticipated that this engine would be mated to a manual gearbox.

Citroen Basalt

In preparation for the new Basalt coupe SUV’s national debut, the French automaker Citroen is making preparations. This new vehicle is likewise built on the same chassis as the Citroen C3 hatchback. It is anticipated that the business would introduce it in August of this year.

It can cost between Rs. 15 and Rs. 20 lakh. In the meantime, it will face off against the Tata Curvv coupe SUV in India. The same 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine will power it.

The Citroen C3 Aircross is powered by the same engine. It is anticipated to produce 110 PS of maximum power and 205 Nm of peak torque. It will be available with an automatic torque converter gearbox or a manual gearbox.

Mahindra Thar five-door

It is highly probable that Mahindra would introduce the new Thar five-door at the same time in August. Both some cosmetic and interior upgrades will be included with the new Thar five-door. ADAS, 360-degree camera, roof-mounted speakers, motorised sunroof, and a host of additional features are on the list.

An approximate price of Rs 18 lakh is required for the base model of this SUV. It is anticipated that the Mahindra Scorpio-N’s powertrain options would power the new Thar five-door. These consist of 2.2-liter diesel and 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engines.

Honda Amaze

The new Honda Amaze is reportedly set to debut in India around the holidays. To align with the new City and Elevate models, the business plans to update the exterior appearance.

It is rumoured that Honda will only provide the new Amaze with a four-cylinder, 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. The current model’s engine is the same as this one. This engine generates 110 Nm of torque and 90 horsepower. It is coupled to a CVT automatic gearbox or a 5-speed manual gearbox.

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  • By the end of 2024, Hyundai plans to launch three new SUV models in the Indian market.
  • Updated versions of the Alcazar and Tucson, along with an electric version of the well-liked Creta, will be part of the upcoming collection.
  • In the next months, the redesigned Alcazar—a product of South Korean automotive expertise—is anticipated to be introduced in India.

Hyundai Alcazar

The new Alcazar’s exterior style will be rather similar to the updated Creta’s, but it will have distinctive visual cues to set it apart as a more expensive option.

The most recent Creta and the upgraded Alcazar are expected to share a number of features and technological advancements, such as Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which improves convenience and safety.

Its engine isn’t anticipated to alter, though.

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai extended the life of its current generation of Tucsons by introducing an updated model for overseas markets in late 2023.

The revamp includes new alloy wheels, skid plates, a revised back, and a new front grille and lighting arrangement.

A new panoramic curved display on the dashboard, which houses a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment panel and a 12.3-inch digital console, has given the interior a makeover.

Hyundai Creta EV

Later this year, Hyundai intends to reveal the Creta electric vehicle; an early 2025 launch in India is possible.

The Tata Curvv, Tata Nexon.ev, MG ZS EV, Maruti Suzuki eVX, Toyota’s similar vehicle, and other electric SUVs will compete with this midsize model.

This vehicle’s electric motor may come from Kona Electric’s entry-level model, and it probably uses an LG battery pack.

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Mahindra recently unveiled the XUV700 Blaze Edition, an SUV with a distinctive hue and some interior upgrades. The Blaze Edition is priced starting at 24.24 lakh, ex-showroom. Three trim levels are available for the Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition: AX7 L Diesel MT 7-seater, priced at Rs 24.24 lakh; AX7 L Petrol MT 7-seater, priced at Rs 25.54 lakh; and AX7 L Diesel AT 7-seater, priced at Rs 26.04 lakh.

The car’s hue is the biggest alteration, starting with the outside. There is a special dual shade paint option for the XUV700 Blaze Edition. The exterior has Mahindra’s exclusive Napoli Black roof, ORVMs, grille, and black alloys, all completed in a matte red hue. The automobile also has blacked-out pillars throughout, giving the appearance that its roofline is floating. This shade is known as “Matte Blaze Red” by Mahindra.

The interior of the XUV700 Blaze Edition is completely black. Many red inserts have been added to the cabin to improve its aesthetic appeal, including red AC vents, red trims around the central console, and red stitching on the seat fabric. The Blaze Edition does not include any extra features.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 6-way power driver’s seat, 12-speaker audio system, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and integrated Alexa connectivity are some of the Blaze Edition’s standout features.

The XUV700 has two potent engine options under the hood. The first is a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine that produces 380 Nm of torque at 1,750–3,000 rpm and an amazing 197 BHP of power at 5,000 rpm. The petrol turbo engine is a highly smooth and quiet machine. The XUV700 is quite spirited despite not having the high rpm peak acceleration of normal petrol engines. It has a strong bottom end and mid range punch.

Customers may also choose the higher-tuned 2.2-liter diesel engine, which produces 182 horsepower and 450 Nm. The majority of consumers who select the XUV700 go for the diesel model, which is among the best-looking models available. Diesel has a torque that is very strong and uses less gasoline than petrol. Either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox is attached to each engine. The XUV700 Blaze edition has front-wheel drive in all configurations.

The base MX variant of the ordinary XUV700 costs Rs. 13.99 lakh, while the top-of-the-line AX7L AT AWD (AX7 luxury pack with all-wheel drive and automatic gearbox) costs Rs. 26.99 lakh.

Numerous more safety features are available on the XUV700, including a 360-degree camera, an electronic stability programme (ESP), ISOFIX anchors, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and up to seven airbags. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and autonomous emergency braking are also included with the top-of-the-line model.

The Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and the future Toyota Hyryder 7-seater and Grand Vitara 7-seater are the rivals of the Blaze Edition, just like it is with other XUV700 variations.

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Of the SUVs available today, the Ford Bronco and the Toyota 4Runner are the most capable of going off-road. They are somewhat different, though. The top and doors of the Bronco may be removed, and it comes in two or four door versions. The 4Runner is a four-door only midsize SUV that can accommodate three rows of seats, which makes it a little more useful for daily driving.

2024 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco was an off-road enthusiast’s dream come true when it was released in 2021. Finally, a competitive alternative to the popular Jeep Wrangler had made an appearance, and it hasn’t stopped impressing us. Apart from its amazing features and gorgeous appearance, the Bronco wins our Best Resale Value title for its class. The base price, including the destination charge, is $41,525 for the 2-door and $42,265 for the 4-door.

Ford Bronco Highlights

2-door or 4-door: The Ford Bronco is available with a 2-door or 4-door body style, whereas all Toyota 4Runners are 4-door vehicles. The shorter 2-door versions not only have a more vintage appearance, but they also have slightly better off-road manoeuvrability.

Manual gearbox: The Ford Bronco still has a manual gearbox as standard equipment, unlike the 4Runner. Although an automated gearbox is optional, we value the range of gearbox options.

Roof and doors that are removable: Take off the Ford Bronco’s top and doors if you don’t mind getting a little muddy. It’s only one of the countless configuration options for your Bronco.

2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

The price of the whole Toyota 4Runner model lineup is comparable to that of the Ford Bronco. But since it has off-road capability akin to the Bronco, we’re concentrating on the top TRD Pro model for this comparison, which is identical to the Bronco Badlands. Two TRD Off-Road trims are offered at lower price ranges for the off-road enthusiast who prefers the 4Runner but can’t quite afford the TRD Pro. The base price of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is $56,565.

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Highlights

TRD appearance package: It’s understandable if the appearance of this Toyota draws you in more than its features. 17-inch matte black wheels, an aluminium front skid plate with the TRD stamp, a special roof rack, and a special “TOYOTA” front grille are all part of this aggressive look kit.

Off-road suspension system: The 4Runner TRD Pro’s off-road prowess matches its rugged good looks. Naturally, it comes equipped with 4-wheel drive, but it can travel anywhere thanks to an off-road suspension system that includes Fox high-performance shocks and special front springs.

Multi-Terrain Monitor: With the help of this feature, you can see the front, back, and sides of the 4Runner on your 8-inch infotainment screen. This can protect you from painful bumps and scratches while navigating the trails.

Similarities

Their exceptional off-road capabilities are the Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro’s greatest similarities. The tech elements for their infotainment are likewise fairly comparable.

Conclusion

In this instance, what you’re looking for will determine which SUV is best for you. The Ford Bronco is the vehicle of choice if you’re looking for a classic two-door off-road vehicle with a manual gearbox. On the other hand, the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a superior option if you’d rather have a four-door and appreciate the concept of dependable Toyota performance.

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  • Price announcement on 9 May
  • Will be offered with hybrid petrol engine

Spotted in India

The complete new Maruti Swift has leaked ahead of its much awaited launch in India on May 9. This is the fourth generation of the Swift, and it looks exactly like the models we have been seeing in Europe and Japan, which is not surprising given that the Swift is the most popular global model for Japanese automakers.

Exterior and interior design highlights

The Swift’s redesigned grille, wheels, headlamps, and tail lamps are among its exterior highlights. While the general design remains the same, it is somewhat longer than the previous model, and the rear-door handles are now located on the doors rather than the C-pillar as they were on the third-generation vehicle.

Maruti Suzuki has kept most of the older interior features, so the layout is rather recognisable. However, there is a new touchscreen, a temperature control interface, and a larger colour MID in the instrument cluster. The images show the orange backlight and black-over-silver colour scheme.

Variant details

There will five trim levels available for the new Maruti Swift: LXi, VXi, VXi (O), ZXi, and ZXi+. Similar to the existing model, there will be two- and three-pedal driving options for this.

Powertrain options

A five-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox will be coupled to the new Swift’s 1.2-liter, three-cylinder hybrid petrol engine, which is available internationally and produces 80 horsepower and 111.7 Nm. It is anticipated to take the place of the outgoing Swift’s 1.2-liter K12C engine.

Rivals

There will be competition for the new Maruti Swift from the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Renault Triber, and Citroen C3. Its main competitor, though, is the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, which received an update in 2023.

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Maruti Suzuki Swift, 4th Gen

Maruti Suzuki began accepting reservations for the fourth-generation Swift in India earlier this week. As the automaker gets ready for the debut in the upcoming days, dealer deliveries have already started.

A 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, mildly hybrid petrol engine with 80 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 112 torque at 4,300 rpm will be available for the 2024 Swift. It is anticipated that the engine would be mated to an AMT and a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Tata Altroz Racer

At the 2023 Auto Expo, the Tata Altroz Racer—a more aggressive take on the Altroz hatchback—was introduced. According to the most recent reports, the car might be released soon.

An engine from the Nexon, a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol, is anticipated to power the Altroz Racer. It has 118 horsepower and 170 torque, and a 6-speed manual gearbox is probably going to be attached to it.

Mercedes-Benz C300 Petrol

Later this year, Mercedes-Benz will launch the C 300 petrol in the Indian market. In Q2 of 2024, the C 300d will be replaced by the new petrol model.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine combined with a 9-speed automated gearbox and a mild hybrid setup will power the C 300. With the mild hybrid system adding 23 BHP, this engine generates 254 BHP. 400 Nm is the maximum torque rating, which is 150 Nm less than the C 300d.

The future C 300 petrol may be available in a single, fully loaded AMG line variant, similar to the C 300d.

3rd-gen Porsche Panamera

In November 2023, Porsche disclosed the pricing of the third-generation Panamera. But this month, the automaker is anticipated to start taking orders and delivering cars.

Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition

Mahindra is probably going to release the “Blaze Edition,” a brand-new, limited-edition XUV700.

‘Matte Blaze Red’ is the distinctive exterior colour of the Mahindra XUV700 Blaze Edition. The SUV has black alloy wheels, black ORVMs, and a Napoli Black roof. The blacked-out B, C, and D pillars further provide the idea of a floating roofline.

Force Gurkha 5-Door

Force Motors has revealed the Gurkha’s new pricing. The pricing of the off-road vehicle, ex-showroom, is Rs 16.75 lakh for the 3-door model and Rs 18 lakh for the 5-door model. For the 2024 model year, there are multiple improvements for the Force Gurkha.

A 2.6-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine with 320 Nm and 138 BHP powers the Force Gurkha. The engine is coupled with a 4×4 system and a 5-speed manual gearbox. According to the business, it can now travel at triple-digit speeds on motorways thanks to increased power and torque.

2024 Isuzu V-Cross pick-up

The 2024 V-Cross pickup truck has been introduced by Isuzu in India. The price of the upgraded variant (ex-showroom) starts at Rs 21,19,900. For the 2024 model year, Isuzu has modified the V-Cross in a number of ways.

A 1.9-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 163 BHP and 360 Nm powers the new V-Cross. Either a torque converter automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox is mated to the engine. There is an additional option for the pick-up truck with 4-wheel drive.

2024 BMW M4 Competition M xDrive

In India, BMW has introduced the 2024 M4 Competition MxDrive. The redesigned sports coupe costs Rs 1.53 crore (ex-showroom) and will be imported through the CBU channel.

The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, turbocharged S58 engine, which generates 650 Nm at 2,750–5,370 rpm and 523 BHP at 6,250 rpm, powers the M4. The engine is coupled with BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive technology and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. According to BMW, the M4 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

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