New arrivals

This month we saw Lexus' newest MPV, a new Chinese electric sedan, and new variants and editions of our favourite SUVs

LEXUS LM

The Lexus LM luxury MPV has made its debut in India with two variants, a 7-seater and a 4-seater. Built on the Toyota Vellfire platform, it boasts a potent 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain coupled with an eCVT gearbox and all-wheel-drive. Its exterior features a striking spindle grille, electronically sliding rear doors and connected LED taillights. Inside, passengers are treated to a plush cream-coloured cabin, reclining ottoman seats, a massive 48-inch rear TV and a premium 23-speaker sound system. Safety is enhanced with Lexus Safety System+ 3, offering a suite of advanced driver assistance features.

HYUNDAI CRETA N LINE

Hyundai's much-anticipated Creta N Line has arrived. It is available in N8 and N10 trims and boasts the same turbo-petrol engine as before generating 158bhp and 253Nm torque, with a seven-speed DCT or six-speed manual transmission. Visually, it gets a revamped front grille, larger air vents, 18-inch alloys with red brake callipers, a roof mounted spoiler and a striking rear diffuser with dual exhausts. Inside, the cabin is accented with black and red detailing, metal foot pedals, three-spoke steering and ‘N' badging. Tech features include dual 10.25inch screens, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS tech. With stiffer suspension and improved steering, the Creta N Line promises an exhilarating driving experience, building on its already impressive performance, with not too much of an additional cost over the turbo variants.

MG ZS EV EXCITE PRO

MG Motor has added a new Excite Pro variant to its ZS EV lineup, replacing the Excite variant. There are four variants to choose from and this new variant sits

1 lakh above the base Executive variant. Its highlight feature is the panoramic sunroof which MG claims makes the ZS EV the only electric SUV under 20 lakh to get such a feature. Other features over the base model include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, driver and co-driver vanity mirror, parcel shelf and luggage net. It also gets four speakers instead of just two available on the base variant. Similar to the base variant, you get the 3.3kW AC home charging box and the 7.4kW AC fast charger as added options. The powertrain continues to be the same with a 50.3kWh battery and a 174bhp and 280Nm electric motor. The ZS EV has a claimed range of 461km.

BYD SEAL

BYD has launched the Seal EV, joining India's burgeoning luxury electric vehicle market. The entry-level variant offers a 61.44kWh battery, producing 201bhp and 310Nm, with a range of 510km. The mid and topend variants boast an 82.56kWh battery, yielding 308bhp, 360Nm and a range of 650km, while the top-end Performance trim offers all-wheel-drive, generating 523bhp, 670Nm, with a range of 580km. DC charging from 0-80 per cent takes 45 minutes, or 15 minutes for 200km (Premium, Performance). The Seal features a Tesla-esque design, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, ADAS and a spacious interior with advanced features.

If a 400-litre boot space wasn't enough, there's 50 extra litres under the bonnet.