India’s automotive sector witnessed a flurry of activity with Volvo, Ducati, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ultraviolette, and Toyota launching upgraded models and EVs. Highlights include the Volvo XC90 facelift, Ducati’s track-focused Panigale V4 and Ultraviolette’s disruptive Shockwave and Tesseract. Tesla’s premium showroom plans in Mumbai and Delhi has also almost confirmed the brand's imminent launch in India.

Volvo XC90

Volvo has introduced the updated 2025 XC90 in India, priced at ₹1.03 crore (ex-showroom), with design and feature upgrades to strengthen its luxury appeal. Externally, the SUV sports a revised grille with diagonal slats, slimmer ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights, darker LED tail-lamps, refreshed bumpers, new alloy wheels and offers six paint options, including the new Mulberry Red.

Inside, the cabin features an 11.2-inch Google-based touchscreen with over-the-air updates, replacing the older 9-inch unit. The list of features also includes a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, memory seats, and an advanced air purifier with PM 2.5 filtration. 

Powering the XC90 is a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine (250hp/360Nm), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Competing against the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Audi Q7, the 2025 XC90 retains its focus on Scandinavian luxury, advanced tech, and hybrid versatility in India’s premium SUV segment. 

Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S 

Ducati has introduced the 2025 Panigale V4 in India, priced at ₹29.99 lakh (Standard) while the V4 S is priced at ₹36.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The superbike receives design, aerodynamic, and tech upgrades, retaining its dominance in the premium segment.

The 2025 model features a sharper, 916-inspired fairing with 4% lower drag and integrated double-profile winglets for improved stability and downforce. Both variants are powered by a Euro5+-compliant 1,103cc V4 engine producing 214bhp and 120.9Nm, paired with a quickshifter-equipped 6-speed gearbox. 

The Standard variant uses Showa BPF forks and a Sachs monoshock, while the V4 S upgrades to Öhlins NPX forks, TTX36 rear shock, and 4kg lighter forged wheels (191kg kerb weight). Electronics include Ducati Traction/Slide/Wheelie Control, Power Launch EVO, and Engine Brake Control, managed via a new 6.9-inch TFT display.

Other updates include the Brembo Hypure front calipers and Bosch-developed Race eCBS braking system, enhancing precision and cooling. These refinements solidify the Panigale V4’s reputation as a track-focused machine with cutting-edge innovation.

Volkswagen Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line 

Volkswagen is expanding its premium portfolio in India with the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line, set to debut as CBU imports in Q2 2025. The Golf GTI, expected to launch in April 2025 at an estimated ₹52 lakh (ex-showroom), packs a 2.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine (265hp/370Nm) paired with a 7-speed DSG. It features LED matrix headlights, 18-inch alloys, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and sport-oriented interiors. 

The Tiguan R-Line, likely to arrive in June 2025, adopts aggressive styling with R-Line bumpers, exclusive wheels, and premium cabin finishes. While India-specific details are pending, global R-Line trims typically include bolstered seats, ambient lighting, and dynamic chassis tuning. 

Both models will cater to performance enthusiasts, especially since they'll bypass local assembly to retain global specifications. The launches underscore Volkswagen’s strategy to strengthen its niche in India’s growing luxury performance segments. 

2025 Hyundai Creta 

Hyundai has introduced the updated 2025 Creta in India, expanding its lineup with the EX(O) and SX Premium variants. The EX(O), starting at ₹12.97 lakh (ex-showroom), adds a panoramic sunroof and LED reading lamps, available with 1.5L petrol/diesel engines in manual and automatic options. The SX Premium (from ₹16.18 lakh) bridges the SX Tech and SX(O) trims, offering ventilated front seats, an 8-way powered driver’s seat, a Bose 8-speaker system, and leatherette upholstery. 

Most SX(O) variants now cost ₹8,000 more, with the base starting at ₹17.46 lakh, though the diesel automatic remains unchanged at ₹19.99 lakh.

Ultraviolette Shockwave

Ultraviolette Automotive has launched India’s first-ever off-road EV with the Shockwave, an electric enduro motorcycle priced at an introductory ₹1.50 lakh (₹1.75 lakh standard). Deliveries for the first 1,000 bookings (₹999 token) begin in Q1 2026. 

Designed for versatility, the Shockwave features a lightweight chassis, 19/17-inch wire-spoke wheels, telescopic front forks, a rear monoshock, and disc brakes. Its rugged styling is highglighted by a high-mounted fender, dual-LED headlamps, and a slim single-piece seat. Two color options—Electric Yellow/Black and White/Red—are on offer. 

Powered by a 14.5bhp motor producing 505 Nm torque, the bike accelerates 0-60 km/h in 2.9 seconds and hits a 120 km/h top speed. The 4 kWh battery delivers a 165 km range (IDC), while its 125 kg weight enhances agility.

Ultraviolette Tesseract

The Bengaluru based EV two-wheeler manufacturer also debuted its first mass-market EV scooter, the Tesseract, priced at an introductory ₹1.20 lakh (₹1.45 lakh standard). Deliveries for the same will begin in Q1 2026.

The Tesseract packs a 20.1bhp motor, hitting 125 km/h and accelerating 0-60 km/h in 2.9 seconds. Buyers can choose between three battery packs: 3.5 kWh (162 km range), 5 kWh (220 km), and 6 kWh (261 km). 

Standout features include radar-based ADAS (blind-spot detection, collision alerts), a 7-inch TFT touchscreen with navigation, dual dashcams, and 34L under-seat storage. The scooter also offers haptic handlebars, wireless charging, dual-channel ABS, and 14-inch wheels. Four color options—Sonic Pink, Desert Sand, Solar White, and Stealth Black—cater to varied tastes. Ultraviolette backs the Tesseract with a 3-year/75,000 km warranty, extendable to 8 years/200,000 km.

Toyota Fortuner Legender 4x4 Manual

Toyota has expanded the Fortuner Legender lineup in India with a new 4x4 manual transmission (MT) variant, priced at ₹46.36 lakh (ex-showroom). The variant retains the 2.8-litre diesel engine, producing 201 BHP and 420 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed MT and Toyota’s four-wheel-drive system.

Priced ₹1.73 lakh lower than the automatic variant (₹48.09 lakh), the MT model undercuts rivals like the MG Gloster and Jeep Meridian. As the sole offering in its segment with a 4x4 manual drivetrain, the Fortuner Legender 4x4 MT caters to niche set of enthusiasts. 

Tesla's Entry into India

Tesla is advancing its entry into the Indian market by securing prime showroom locations in Mumbai and New Delhi. In Mumbai, the company has finalized a lease for a 4,000-square-foot (approximately 372 square meters) space on the ground floor of a commercial tower in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The monthly rent for this showroom is approximately ₹35 lakh, calculated at ₹900 per square foot. The lease is set for a five-year term. 

In New Delhi, Tesla has secured a showroom space in the Aerocity area near the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Both the Delhi and Mumbai showrooms are expected to be around 5,000 square feet (approximately 465 square meters) in size.  

These developments follow Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating the company's commitment to establishing a presence in India's burgeoning electric vehicle market.