New Recap for September 9: Teaser unveiled for Mercedes-Benz's electric C-Class, Suzuki's e-Vitara crashes in test evaluations
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India has announced that it will pass on the full benefits of the GST rationalization on luxury vehicles to customers, effective September 9, 2025. This move is part of the government's decision to simplify and rationalize indirect taxes under the upcoming GST 2.0 framework, aiming to boost demand in both mass and premium segments. However, it's important to note that JLR's GST benefit passing is not related to any specific model or vehicle, but a general price reduction across the brand in India.
In the realm of compact cars, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 continues to be a popular choice, with multiple variants and a 998 cc engine. Priced approximately at ₹ 4.23 Lakhs, it offers an affordable yet reliable driving experience. On the other hand, the Toyota Camry, with multiple engine options and variants, is priced at approximately ₹ 48.50 Lakhs.
The Indian auto market is also welcoming new additions. Ducati has launched the 2025 Multistrada V4 and V4 S in India, adventure tourers that focus on comfort and technology for long-haul trips. Positioned in the luxury adventure-touring segment, these motorcycles target riders who desire Italian flair with long-distance ability. The 2025 Multistrada V4 is priced at ₹22.98 lakh (ex-showroom) in Ducati Red, while the V4 S with spoked wheels and dual-tone paint costs ₹30.18 lakh.
The upcoming Jaguar E-Pace is another SUV to watch out for, with a 1999 cc diesel engine and expected to be priced between ₹ 50 - 60 Lakhs. Meanwhile, VinFast, a new player in the Indian market, is set to launch the VF7 model from its new plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, in September 2025. The electric SUV will have a starting price of at least 22.98 lakhs, making it an affordable option for those looking to transition to electric vehicles.
In the luxury segment, the Audi A4, with a 1984 cc petrol engine, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine, with a 1950 cc engine, are both available with multiple variants. The Audi A4 is priced at approximately ₹ 47.93 Lakhs, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine is priced at approximately ₹ 46.05 Lakhs.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser for the electric version of the C-Class sedan, which will compete with the BMW i3 and is scheduled for a 2026 debut. Skoda is also gearing up to launch the 2025 Superb, an upcoming car with a 1998 cc petrol engine, expected to be priced between ₹ 55 - 60 Lakhs.
It's not all smooth sailing, though. The made-in-India e-Vitara, Suzuki's first all-electric compact SUV, received a four-star rating from Euro NCAP's latest crash safety evaluation. While it performed well in many crash tests, head protection was weak, and the system lacks certain preventive measures for cyclists and rear-approaching pedestrians.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, we can expect more exciting launches and developments in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates!
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