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On July 24, the German luxury vehicle manufacturer BMW will introduce the brand-new 2024 5-Series Long Wheelbase (LWB). But the business has already launched this new sedan in the Indian auto market before the official debut. The 5-Series will be available with a slightly longer wheelbase this time around, which will improve the ride for the backseat occupants. The far more costly 7-Series served as inspiration for the design of the new 5-Series, which was created from the ground up this time.

2024 BMW 5-Series: Details

The most remarkable dimensions in its class are found on the 2024 BMW 5-Series LWB. Its dimensions will be 1,900 mm in width, 1,520 mm in height, and 5,175 mm in length. The wheelbase, which will be 3,105 mm, will greatly increase the amount of space inside, especially in the back.

Exterior Design

The German automaker started from scratch when designing the new 5-Series LWB’s external appearance. It doesn’t have any design cues from the model from the prior generation. It features the recognisable kidney grille up front, which has been updated with a more prominent and contemporary design.

Twin-pod swept-up LED headlamps with new LED daytime running lights (DRLs) surround it. The car’s aggressive attitude is further enhanced by the front bumper, which has more defined lines and a sharper appearance. The specific model that was unveiled also had gold grille surrounds, which were also visible on the bottom half.

Regarding the side profile, it has flush door handles, window surrounds in the same gold colour, and a five-point star in the same golden element behind the rear quarter glass. The new 5-Series M-Sport model in question was spotted with 18-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, the business will provide optional 19-inch wheels, which have a more modern appearance.

Its sleek wraparound LED taillights, which are reminiscent of the new 7-Series and i7, will be seen on the back. They will have three sleek-looking horizontal LED lines. Additionally, a sculpted rear bumper with integrated reflectors will be added. Additionally, the rooftop will slope gracefully into the trunk. Its silhouette is more akin to a coupe’s.

Interior Design and Features

The new 2024 5-Series LWB’s interior has also undergone a total overhaul. The new sedan will have state-of-the-art technologies and a layout that is far more contemporary, elegant, and sophisticated. A 14.9-inch curved display will take centre stage in the dashboard.

It will be available with the most recent version of the BMW OS, 8.5. In addition to this screen, there will be a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster located behind the newly designed three-spoke steering wheel. Additionally, aluminium speaker grilles, open-pore wood trim, and premium soft-touch surfaces will be seen on the new 5-Series.

Additional Features

The 2018 BMW 5-Series front chairs will have standard power adjustment features as well as ventilation. The longer wheelbase will be advantageous for the back seating area. It will provide more headroom and legroom for the backseat passengers.

The seats are fixed, but they have a pleasant 31-degree angle and are well-padded. Sadly, even though it’s the LWB version, there won’t be any changes. On the other hand, the backseat passengers will receive a wireless phone charger, a touchscreen for climate control, a fixed moon roof, and neck pillows.

Speaking of wireless phone chargers, there will be wireless charging stations on the front and back. In addition, the vehicle will have an eighteen-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, multi-zone climate control, and electrically controlled vents built into the dashboard.

BMW 5-Series LWB: Powertrain Options

It is anticipated that the 2024 5-Series LWB will provide a selection of strong and effective engines. Initial models are probably going to be 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel and petrol engines. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and a mild hybrid system will be standard on each of these engines.

Additionally, BMW intends to release more potent versions later on, such as the 530d and 530i in M-Sport configurations. The rear wheels will be powered by all engines. In 2025, the xDrive all-wheel drive is anticipated to be exclusive to the upcoming M5.

Pricing and Competition

It is anticipated that the 2019 BMW 5-Series LWB will cost between Rs. 85 lakh and Rs. 1 crore.

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Business

This year, MG Motor India plans to debut two new models: the Cloud EV and the Gloster facelift.

MG Motor is attempting to increase the size of its offering in the Indian market. The manufacturer is expected to introduce two new automobiles this year, one of which would be an electric car.

1. MG Cloud EV

The MG Cloud EV, which has been seen testing on Indian roads numerous times, is probably going to be on sale in September 2024. The forthcoming electric vehicle features a sloping roofline, flush door handles, a wide front fascia, and LED lighting. Its measurements are 4.3 metres long by 2.7 metres wide at the wheelbase.

Regarding features, the MG Cloud EV is probably going to have a sunroof, climate control, powered seats, a 360-degree camera, two digital screens, and linked car technology. Level-2 ADAS characteristics are anticipated for the Cloud EV in order to ensure safety.

In terms of mechanics, the electric vehicle probably uses an electric motor coupled with a 50.6 kWh battery pack. Depending on the model, the firm promises a range of up to 460 miles on a single charge. In terms of cost, the Indian market is anticipated to see it priced between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 28 lakh (ex-showroom).

2. MG Gloster Facelift

For the past few months, the MG Gloster Facelift has been subjected to spy testing on Indian soil. According to recent spy photos, the Gloster Facelift—a rebadged version of the Maxus LDV 90 sold worldwide—will have a new grille, LED DRLs, and a redesigned headlamp configuration. As shown in the spy photos, the full-size SUV will also have a new set of alloy wheels.

The SUV may get a redesigned dashboard with a larger touchscreen entertainment system, a new digital instrument console, and a new steering wheel inside the cabin. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel and 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine options are expected to remain available for the MG Gloster facelift. The former produces torque of 370 Nm and peak power of 159 bhp, while the latter produces maximum torque of 480 Nm and peak power of 213 bhp. AMT transmissions with eight speeds are mated to both engines.

The MG Gloster Facelift is anticipated to go on sale in India in the second half of 2024. Prices for the 2024 MG Gloster are probably going to range from Rs 38 lakh to Rs 44 lakh (ex-showroom) nationwide.

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Business

BYD and CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd) want to introduce a new EV battery that charges at a speed of six cycles per minute.

The current at which a battery is charged or drained is indicated by its C rating. According to Car News China, a battery’s charge rate indicates how many times it can be fully charged in an hour. A battery may potentially charge six times in an hour at a 6C charge rate.

Local Chinese media reports that BYD and CATL will introduce newly developed batteries that can charge from zero to 100 percent in roughly ten minutes.

CATL’S 6C BATTERY

One of the pioneers of battery technology worldwide is CATL. Earlier this year, the China-based battery supplier introduced the Shenxing battery, which has an EV charging rate of 5C. With CATL’s Shenzing battery, which the Zeekr 001 is said to be able to charge from 10% to 80% in 11.5 minutes, it made its debut on the Chinese auto scene. With respect to the CLTC standard, the Zeekr 001’s range is 472 kilometres.

A new Qilin battery is reportedly scheduled for debut by CATL in the second part of 2024. The battery is anticipated to have a 6C charge rate and employs a nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry.

BYD’S 6C BATTERY

BYD will introduce its second-generation Blade Battery at the same time that CATL debuts its brand-new Qilin battery.

The Chinese automaker’s electric vehicles should get even longer range at even lower costs thanks to BYD’s new Blade Battery. The ultimate cost of an EV is greatly influenced by battery costs, which makes the new Blade Battery even more intriguing.

Recently, in an effort to lessen the impact of Chinese EV imports on their domestic electric vehicle markets, the US and the EU have raised duties on these imports. New batteries, such as the Qilin battery from CATL or the Blade Battery from BYD, could, however, defeat the aim of those tariffs, particularly in Europe.

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Sports

Andy Murray, who is debating whether or not to attend his fifth and final Olympic Games in Paris, will have to wait to find out if he will be included in the Olympic doubles draw with Dan Evans.

Even though Emma Raducanu was also awarded an Olympic quota spot, she chose not to compete in the games. The only option for women’s singles will be Katie Boulter.

The men’s singles team for Great Britain is comprised of Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Dan Evans, and Murray. The LTA revealed its choices for the Olympic teams on Sunday. Murray, the three-time grand slam winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist in singles, earned his singles slot by using one of the quota spots granted to grand slam champions and Olympic gold medallists, while the first three singles players qualified based on their rankings.

Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski have been nominated by Great Britain as a doubles team, and Murray and Evans have been nominated as well; however, their participation in the draw will depend on if their combined ranking will allow them to advance. Boulter and Heather Watson, as well as Harriet Dart and Maia Lumsden, who are the nominees for the women’s doubles category, will also have to wait and see if their rankings permit them to go to the draw.

Murray has emphasized repeatedly that he would only like to compete in Paris if he has a realistic chance of taking home a medal, even though his singles spot is guaranteed. Given his challenging singles record right now and the fact that Roland Garros, a red clay court, will host the Olympic tournament, it is obvious that the 37-year-old will fare better in doubles.

“I’m not sure,” Murray admitted on Sunday. “It depends a little bit physically how I’m doing and a bit how the next few weeks ago as well. My plan just now is to play but it’s not straightforward.”

Since doubles players rated inside the top 10 can choose any partner as long as they are inside the top 400, it appeared for much of this year that Great Britain would be able to send two specific men’s doubles teams. Prior to Skupski’s drop to No. 12 in the ATP doubles rankings last Monday, Salisbury and Skupski were both rated inside the top 10. The Olympic entry lists are based on these rankings.

In the unlikely case that Skupski had finished in the top 10, the LTA had been thinking about matching Salisbury with Murray and Skupski with Evans; however, they ultimately had to choose other pairings. The head of Great Britain’s tennis squad for the Olympics, Iain Bates, stated that the LTA is still optimistic that Murray and Evans will qualify, especially because singles players are given preference under the incredibly complex Olympic qualification standards.

The Olympic qualifying regulations have also been a major factor in Raducanu’s exclusion from the team and the women’s nominees. Raducanu, the winner of the US Open in 2021, also needed a quota spot to compete in singles since her current ranking of No. 209 would not permit her to enter the main event directly.

In the event that three or more champions apply, the players with the most major titles or Olympic gold medals will have first refusal. Each draw has a maximum of two quota spots available. With four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka, three-time grand slam champion Angelique Kerber, and number one seed Caroline Wozniacki all outside the top 100 and ahead of Raducanu in the rankings, it didn’t seem possible that Raducanu would earn a quota spot.

Raducanu declined an offer of a place that had been abruptly extended to him. Raducanu mentioned the health hazards of switching from grass to clay so soon after Wimbledon during her loss to Katie Boulter in Nottingham.

According to Raducanu, “it was pretty clear to me.” “I am very single-minded and I do things my own way and in my own time whenever I want, not in a diva way, but just prioritising my body and my health because I know if I am fit and giving my 100 per cent I know that great things are coming. I just don’t think there is any need to put any additional stress on my body or any risk, especially with my history.”

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Business

The M.VICS, a cutting-edge cockpit meticulously crafted by Hyundai Mobis, which has combined its innovative display technologies to establish a new benchmark for future digital cockpits, is more than meets the eye.

The global competitiveness in this industry has increased because to the rapid advancements in electrification and autonomous driving technologies. The most recent iteration of Hyundai Mobis’ next-generation integrated driver’s system, M.VICS 5.0, was created to help the business stay ahead of competitors throughout the world.

Since its initial release in 2021, the M.VICS series has undergone five versions as part of the company’s ongoing effort to improve and expand upon convenience, safety, and efficiency.

The newest M.VICs 5.0 look to be a single display, but in reality, they are a combination of five display panels, each with a unique function. As the dashboard, the 27-inch primary screen shows media and navigational information. A 7-inch screen shows vehicle status information, while a 12.3-inch screen is dedicated to the passenger. A projection display with touch and haptic feedback, along with button controls, give the cockpit an upscale appearance.To provide unparalleled customised ease of use, every display can be moved and adjusted to suit different settings and requirements. This future cockpit has intelligent measures to protect the health and safety of drivers and passengers in addition to these displays. This features anti-motion sickness lighting, sleepiness and inattention monitoring technology, and many airbags for safety.

The goal of the recently released M.VICS 5.0 is to bring together several display technologies. From a design standpoint, it creates a continuous, borderless, wide-screen cockpit by integrating the whole front panel from the left pillar of the driver’s seat to the right pillar of the passenger seat. This features a feature that modifies the display panel’s dimensions and angle based on the driving mode.

Five display panels for M.VICS 5.0

The M.VICS 5.0 has five display panels: a 12.3-inch high-definition screen for the passenger, a 7-inch screen showing different vehicle status information, button controls, and a 27-inch primary screen for the dashboard, navigation, and media content. This are all seamlessly connected to provide a roomy and airy driving atmosphere. For extra convenience, a touch and haptic feedback projection display has been incorporated beneath the huge screen.

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Business

  • To be launched in India on 24 July
  • Expected to be offered with both petrol and diesel power

The eagerly awaited next generation BMW 5 Series LWB has made an official debut ahead of its July 24 price announcement in India. This is the latest iteration of the most popular and iconic BMW vehicle in India, and it will compete with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is scheduled to launch at the end of the year.

Exterior design highlights

The next 5 Series is larger than the outgoing model, which is why it has the LWB designation rather than the gran limousine title applied to the 3 Series LWB. On the outside, it still has the same shape and recognisable components that characterise the line.

It is slightly longer than the E-Class, which has a length of 5.09 metres and a wheelbase of 3.09 metres, at 5.17 metres and 3.1 metres, respectively. The updated kidney grille, the angular bumpers, and the alloy wheels with their multi-spoke design are the main features of the exterior design.

Although the vehicle in the photos has 18-inch wheels, BMW does offer 19-inch wheels at the moment of configuration. BMW’s wrap-around tail lamps, which are now fully LED units with a much cleaner, simpler appearance than its predecessor, are one of the most recognisable features.

Interior design highlights and feature list

This cabin style, which debuted on the iX, is now available on the 5 Series. As with any BMW, the arrangement is simple and features a large single-piece screen that divides the driver and passenger but is angled more towards the former. Although simplicity is the aim, the central console’s iDrive dial, volume controls, drive modes, and gear selector element make it appear crowded. The main feature of this vehicle is the rear seat package, which provides extra space in all dimensions over the outgoing model because of the longer wheelbase.

The standard features include wireless phone charging, USB-C charging ports, eighteen-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, multi-zone climate management, level-2 ADAS, and ventilated front seats with power function. All of these are features one would anticipate from a 5 Series, which BMW has, at least theoretically, delivered without incident.

BMW 5 Series LWB Powertrains options, pricing and competition

Similar to the outgoing model, they anticipate BMW will first offer this vehicle in the 520d and 520i configurations, but later on, they will also release the 530d and 530i in M-Sport configurations. All powertrains will be available with an eight-speed AT with ZF sourcing to drive the back wheels. Only the next M5 (scheduled to launch in 2025) is anticipated to come with xDrive. The new 5 Series from BMW is anticipated to retail for between Rs. 85 lakh and Rs. 1 crore. It will go up against SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X3, and Audi Q5, as well as the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.

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Business

The French carmaker Citroen did not become very well-known in India. To bolster its position in the Indian market, the brand intends to introduce several new vehicles. The firm has started production on the Basalt SUV, which will soon be released. It will be official in a few weeks.

In Tamil Nadu, at the Thiruvallar facility, the Citroen Basalt is now under construction. Autocar India has verified this information. The Citroen C3 Aircross SUV, C3, and the EV C3 and eC3 are among the other vehicles being produced at the Tiruvallur plant. The Citroen Basalt SUV is scheduled to be manufactured in India and exported to other markets that accept right-hand drive vehicles.

The Citroen Basalt has an SUV coupe body style. For those who are unaware, a coupe SUV is an SUV with a sloping roofline that is characteristic of coupe automobiles and high ground clearance. Its sloping roofline improves the car’s aerodynamics. The Basalt’s measurements are as follows: it will be 4300 mm long, 1770 mm wide, and 1660 mm tall.

The Basalt will compete with the Tata Curvv, a future car with a similar design, in the Indian market. The Basalt and the Curvv are situated under the category of small SUVs. With these vehicles, the manufacturers hope to break into a highly competitive market that is dominated by SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Selto, and numerous others.

The 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine that powers the C3 Aircross SUV is anticipated to power the Citroen Basalt as well. This engine produces 190 Nm of torque and 110 HP of power. It is anticipated that the C3 Aircross’s six-speed manual and six-speed torque-converted automatic gearbox options would be comparable.

Although it will take at least a year for the Citroen Basalt to go on sale, there is an all-electric variant in the works. The C3 Aircross from Citroen.Citroen’s lack of technological innovation in its cars has drawn harsh criticism from consumers, particularly when contrasted with South Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia.

Citroen India is anticipated to provide significantly more technology in their vehicles with the Basalt and other future releases. Additionally, given that the Citroen eC3 and C3 received a GNCAP rating of zero stars, we may anticipate that the brand will improve its build quality and safety requirements. Indian automobile buyers now have access to a variety of 5-star SUVs, and a high crash test rating is a big deal-breaker.

Notably, Citroen has decided not to introduce the much anticipated C5 AirCross in India. This implies that the Basalt coupe SUV would replace the C5 AirCross as the company’s flagship product. In addition to participating in the highest volume segments, Citroen intends to use its cheaper models to secure a sizeable portion of the taxi market in India.

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Business

In the next months, Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce three new vehicles, one of which will be an all-electric SUV called the eVX, which will be the company’s first entry into the EV market.

As the leading manufacturer in the Indian market, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has consistently introduced new models in a proactive manner. Three new cars are scheduled to make their national debut in the upcoming months, so the pattern will continue. Let’s now examine the specifications of the three new Maruti Suzuki vehicles that will go on sale in India throughout the next several months.

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG

The newest model from Maruti Suzuki, the new-generation Swift, is anticipated to go on sale in the second half of 2024 and will shortly acquire a CNG version. The fourth generation Swift is the first vehicle in the lineup to feature the new powertrain, which is a 1.2 litre 3-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine. In a similar vein, the hatchback will be the first model to use the new engine’s CNG fuel option.

Although the power output will be reduced, the CNG fuel alternative is anticipated to have a fuel economy of more than 32 km/kg. The CNG-powered Swift is expected to cost between Rs. 90,000 and 95,000 more than the standard petrol-only variant.

2. New-Gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki will make its sedan counterpart, the Dzire, debut in the Indian market after the release of the new-generation Swift. The small sedan, which is anticipated to go on sale in July 2024, will have longer length and a larger boot than the new Swift while also sharing many of the same features and underpinnings. Its hatchback counterpart’s front profile will probably seem similar, while the rear end will probably have a fresh design.

The new-generation Dzire will be powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine that produces 111.7 Nm of peak torque and 80.46 horsepower. The most recent spy photos showed off the sunroof on Maruti’s next compact sedan, which will make it the first vehicle in its class. The package will also include features like cruise control, automatic climate control, keyless entry, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and more.

3. Maruti Suzuki eVX Electric SUV

By the end of 2024, Maruti Suzuki will introduce the eVX, a foray into the electric vehicle sector, to the Indian market. The all-electric SUV, which has been spotted testing across the nation several times, will ride on a recently developed all-electric skateboard platform that will also be utilised for a number of planned Maruti-Toyota electric vehicles. The production-spec vehicle’s length and wheelbase will be 4.3 metres and 2700mm, respectively.

The business has disclosed that there will be two battery pack options for the EV: a 48 kWh unit that can reportedly travel 400 kilometres on a single charge, and a larger 60 kWh battery that can travel 550 km. In the Indian market, the Maruti Suzuki eVX will compete against vehicles such as the soon-to-be Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Nexon EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV.

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Technology

In India, the Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G was released. The phone looks to be a rebranded Oppo A3 Pro, which made its debut in China in April of this year.

In India, the Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G is available for Rs. 27,999 for 8GB + 128GB, and Rs. 29,999 for 8GB + 256GB. The official sales date is June 20. There are two colour options for the phone: Midnight Navy and Dusk Pink.

The Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G features a 6.7-inch full-HD+ (2,412 x 1,080 pixels) 3D curved OLED screen with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a touch sampling rate of up to 240Hz.

It is equipped with an ARM Mali-G68 MC4 GPU, 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 onboard storage. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC. ColorOS 14.0, based on Android 14, comes pre-installed on the Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G.

The Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G is certified by Swiss SGS Premium Performance 5 Stars Drop Resistance and has a MIL-STD 810H construction. It also has dust and water resistance ratings of IP69, IP68, and IP66.

The dual rear camera unit of the Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G consists of a 64-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel secondary sensor. The smartphone’s front camera has an 8-megapixel sensor.

A 5,000mAh battery that supports up to 67W wired SuperVOOC charging powers the Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G. The phone has an in-display fingerprint sensor for security. The phone has USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and GPS connection.

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Technology

There are fresh regulatory obstacles that two US IT companies are apparently experiencing in Europe.

In one scenario, the subject is Apple’s App Store; in the other, the focus is on Meta AI, Meta’s AI assistant.

According to a report published in The Financial Times (FT) on Friday, June 14, the European Commission (EC) will file charges against Apple following its assessment that the company is not adhering to a mandate that permits app developers to refer users to offers that are available outside of Apple’s App Store without levying fees. Unnamed sources were quoted in the FT piece.

The source states that if Apple is indeed the target of accusations, this may be the first instance of EC action taken in accordance with the recently enacted Digital Markets Act (DMA). In March, the European Commission announced that it was looking into Apple, Alphabet, and Meta using the DMA’s authority.

According to the article, the regulators have just reached preliminary conclusions, the timing of any judgment may alter, and they may reevaluate any final ruling if Apple modifies its business methods.

“We’re confident our plan complies with the DMA, and we’ll continue to constructively engage with the European Commission as they conduct their investigations,” Apple said in a statement sent to the Financial Times.

Regarding Meta, it announced on Friday that it is postponing the launch of its AI assistant, Meta AI, in Europe. This decision was made in response to a request from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), acting on behalf of the European data protection authorities (DPAs), that it postpone training its large language models (LLMs) using adult-shared content from Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms.

The proposal is “a step backwards for European innovation,” the business stated in the update, adding that it was “disappointed” by it and that it had taken the European DPAs’ opinion into consideration.

In the update, Meta stated, “We are committed to bringing Meta AI, along with the models that power it, to more people around the world, including in Europe,”  “But, put simply, without including local information we’d only be able to offer people a second-rate experience. This means we aren’t able to launch Meta AI in Europe at the moment.”

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