News & Top Stories2024 Bharat Mobility Expo: Mercedes-Benz EQG Concept Makes Its India Debut
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the electrified G Wagon will be launched in India.
- It has the same design as the ICE G-Wagon, but with EV-specific features.
- Features dual-integrated displays in an all-white cabin; additional cabin designs will also be available.
- Will include a 4-motor arrangement, one for each wheel.
- Can be launched in India sometime in 2025, with a projected beginning price of Rs 3.5 crore.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Mercedes-Benz EQG, essentially an electric G-Wagon concept, during the 2024 Bharat Mobility Exhibition. The EQG concept had its global premiere in 2021 and has now arrived in India for the first time. Mercedes-Benz has also announced that the EQG will be launched in India after it has reached production readiness. Details about the electric G-Wagon are limited, but here is what we do know so far.
Design
The EQG’s main design is similar to that of the ICE-powered G-Class. It retains the same boxy form but incorporates EV-specific design elements throughout. Up front, the spherical headlights are still there but between them, the radiator grille has been removed for a closed-off and lit grille. This grille features an illuminated Mercedes-Benz logo and squarish patterns, just like other electric Mercedes cars.
This EQG Concept features Maybach-style 22-inch alloy wheels, which may be an optional feature on the production-ready version. You can also see the outer door protector, which also functions as an LED light strip. Another item to note is the dual-tone exterior finish, with the bottom half of the automobile painted silver and the top half black.
The rear remains the same, except the standard spare wheel on the tailgate has been replaced by an elegantly designed squarish box, complete with an LED light strip all around. Meanwhile, the bumper and taillights look to be identical to the ICE model.
Mercedes also unveiled a close-to-production version, albeit disguised, during CES 2024 in Las Vegas, USA. There was a more realistic design for the alloy wheels, including the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate.
Cabin
The EQG concept features an all-white cabin, but more colour options are expected in the production version. This interior has a dual-integrated display system for the infotainment touchscreen and the digital driver’s display. The inside combines the solidity of the G-Class with the luxurious design of other Mercedes models.
The dashboard includes a white and silver grab grip for the front passenger, as well as Mercedes’ iconic turbine-shaped air conditioning vents. previous cabin elements, including as the centre console, gear selector, door handles, and powered seat controls, are identical to previous Mercedes models.
Powertrain
The specifications for the Mercedes-Benz EQG have not yet been released because it is currently in development. For the time being, the only information available is that it will be equipped with four motors, one for each wheel, and a two-speed transmission for off-road capability. This 4-motor system enables a great party trick known as the “G-Turn,” in which it spins in place by rotating each wheel in separate directions. According to Mercedes-Benz, the electric G-Class will have the same off-road capabilities as the ICE G-Wagon, with some improvements.
Launch Timeline:
The production-ready Mercedes-Benz EQG will be launched globally this year and could arrive on our shores in 2025. Given the costs of the normal G-Class in India, which range from Rs 2.55 crore to Rs 4 crore, the electric version might be priced starting at Rs 3.5 crore when it launches.
News & Top StoriesMercedes-Benz GLA Facelift Launched In India, Starting At Rs 50.50 Lakh.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA receives slight appearance modifications and several crucial feature enhancements with this mild facelift.
- The 2024 GLA is available in three configurations: 200, 220d 4MATIC, and 220d 4MATIC AMG Line.
- The new GLA has upgraded headlights, a reworked front grille, and a new bumper.
- It has two 10.25-inch displays (infotainment and driver’s display) and the newest steering wheels with touch controls.
- It now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a 360-degree camera.
- Mercedes has preserved the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and 2-litre diesel engine options from the previous GLA.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift made its global premiere in mid-2023, and now, in 2024, it has arrived in India, with prices beginning at Rs 50.50 lakh. The 2024 GLA has slight design tweaks and new features to improve overall convenience. It continues to be available with both petrol and diesel engine options.
Prices
| GLA 200 | Rs 50.50 lakh |
| GLA 220d 4MATIC | Rs 54.75 lakh |
| GLA 220d 4MATIC AMG Line | Rs 56.90 lakh |
Design changes are subtle.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift features minor design changes and retains a similar look to its predecessor. The most visible changes are to the front, which includes updated LED headlights with LED DRLs, a revamped grille with vertical lines, and a changed bumper design. The AMG Line SUV has a unique front grille with pin chrome accents.
In profile, the AMG Line model of the GLA facelift features new 19-inch alloy wheels, and the cladding surrounding the wheel arches now matches the body color. The rear design remains intact, with the exception of the new LED taillights. Mercedes has also launched a new exterior color, Spectral Blue, with the facelifted GLA.
Cabin updates
Interior options for the 2024 Mercedes GLA SUV include dual-tone black and beige and all-black. The dashboard arrangement remains unchanged, but the central console has been reworked to provide more storage space. The ordinary model of the GLA facelift features lighted star pattern trim on the passenger side dashboard, whilst the AMG Line variant has a specific carbon structure trim that is enhanced by the ambient lighting strip.
The AMG Line edition also includes the latest AMG steering wheel with touch controls, which is encased in Nappa leather. The 2024 GLA has two upholstery options: Macchiato Beige and Artico Black.
Features & Safety
Mercedes has fitted the GLA facelift with two 10.25-inch monitors (one for infotainment and one for the driver). The infotainment screen now works on the most recent MBUX – NTG7 operating system and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other features on the 2024 GLA include electrically adjustable front passenger seats with memory function, 64-colour ambient lighting, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, and a two-part panoramic sunroof.
Seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, active braking and blind spot help, adaptive high beam aid, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) all ensure passenger safety.
Powertrain Details
The GLA facelift features the same petrol and diesel engine options as the pre-facelift version, as noted in the table below
| Specifications | GLA 200 | GLA 220d 4MATIC |
| Engine | 1.3-litre turbo-petrol | 2-litre diesel |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | AWD |
| Power | 163 PS | 190 PS |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 8-speed DCT |
| Acceleration (0-100 kmph) | 8.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 17.4 kmpl | 18.9 kmpl |
Engineering Package for Off-Roads
The Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift’s 220d AMG Line diesel option comes with all-wheel drive (AWD). Mercedes also offers an off-road engineering kit that includes a real-time display of characteristics such as gradient and slope angle on the infotainment screen. Additionally, the off-road package includes downhill speed regulation (DSR), which works similarly to hill descent control. However, this technology also allows you to manually set a speed range of 2 kmph to 18 kmph. The assist mechanism then applies the brakes based on the pre-selected speed while descending.
Rivals
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA continues to compete with the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1. It can also be considered an economical alternative to the Mini Cooper Countryman.
News & Top Stories5-door Mahindra Thar Spotted Again, New Details Revealed
The larger Thar will not only provide greater space, but also more equipment covering safety, entertainment, and convenience.
- It is scheduled to be available later this year.
- Will be available with a 2-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel engine, both with manual and automatic transmission.
- There will be a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
- So far, feature changes have included a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a digital driver display, and a single-pane sunroof.
- Prices are expected to start around Rs 15 lakh.
The 5-door Mahindra Thar is one of the most anticipated automobiles to be released this year, and testing has been ongoing for quite some time. Every now and then, new spy images of the elongated Thar appear online (still camouflaged), and the most recent ones provide new information on its design, interiors, and features. Here is what we know about the larger Mahindra Thar so far.
Exterior
The 5-door Thar has a similar look to the smaller version, with only slight changes to the grille and an updated signature for the round headlights. We can also see the existence of front parking sensors.
Aside from the two additional doors, the side profile features 19-inch alloy wheels with a distinct design from the 3-door variant. The back aspect appears to be intact, with the spare wheel positioned on the tailgate.
Interior
The first thing you notice inside the cabin is the dashboard’s new dual-tone black and brown decor. This dashboard also includes a larger touchscreen entertainment system (perhaps a 10.25-inch display), similar to the one found in the new XUV400 electric SUV. This screen will most likely support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Mahindra’s ArdenoX connected car technologies.
The front seats are the same as in the three-door variant, but the driver and front passenger each get their own arm rests.
The rear seats have been redesigned for the 5-door Thar and now seat three people, including a headrest for the middle person. They also get a fold-out center armrest, which most likely includes cupholders.
Features
Aside from the larger touchscreen, the 5-door Thar gets a digital driver’s display (perhaps a 10.25-inch), a single pane sunroof, a type-C charging outlet in the front, automated climate control, rear AC vents, an electric fuel cap release, and an auto-dimming IRVM.
In terms of safety, the 5-door Thar is slated to include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a rearview camera, and a 360-degree camera in higher-end models.
Powertrain
Mahindra will offer the larger Thar with two conventional engine options: a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. While these are the same engines as the three-door variant, with 152 PS (petrol) and 132 PS (diesel), they will have higher output figures. The 5-door Thar will most likely come in both RWD and 4WD configurations.
Price & Rivals
The Mahindra Thar 5-door is scheduled to be launched later this year, with a starting price of Rs 15 lakh. With its size and performance, it will be a step up from the sub-4m Maruti Jimny and a more capable competitor to the impending 5-door Force Gurkha.
REVIEWS & VIDEOSSkoda Kushaq Car
The ex-showroom pricing of the Skoda Kushaq, a five-seater automobile, in India is Rs. 10,49,999. It comes in seven different versions, with a 999.0 cc engine that comes in five different colors and two gearbox options—manual and automatic. The Skoda Kushaq gets between 15.7 and 17.8 km/l.
| Pros | Cons |
| striking external style | Absence of a diesel engine |
| Superior construction quality and safety certification | Greater boot space would have been ideal. |
| Many options for gasoline engines and transmissions | Not the segment’s most fuel-efficient |
Car BlogLatest Cars Under Rs 15-20 Lakhs
The self-charging hybrid Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is powered by a 1.5-liter engine with an e-drive transmission and Toyota Hybrid System (THS). With the engine providing 91 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque and the motor producing 79 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, this version has a total output of 113 horsepower. The SUV can run in electric (EV) or zero-emission mode for 40% of the trip and 60% of the time with this configuration, according to the company.
Meanwhile, alliance partner Suzuki provides the 1.5L K-series engine with Neo Drive (ISG) for the petrol versions of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It delivers 100 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque when coupled to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The SUV’s CNG variant gets 26.6 km/kg on average with the same engine.
The wide trapezoidal lower grille, the distinctive crystal acrylic upper grille with chrome garnish, the turn indicator, the LED projector headlights, the twin LED daytime running lamps, the rear skid plate, and the 17-inch alloy wheels are some of the outward highlights of the SUV.
The strong hybrid versions’ interiors are a combination of black and brown, whilst the Neo Drive model’s inside is all black. The interior features a nine-inch smart play cast audio system with voice assistants for Hello Google and Hey Siri, a drive mode switch, wireless charging, leather seats with ventilation, ambient lighting, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera and view, a panoramic sunroof, door spot + IP line, and ambient lighting.
Its features include reclining back seats, rear AC vents, USB rear hookups, and 60:40 split seating. Customers can also mark off the 66 distinct accessory options.
Car BlogLatest Car Under Rs 15-20 Lakhs
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is available for purchase for between 12.74 and 15.05 lakhs. For those looking for adventure, even though it’s priced higher, its off-road capabilities make it worthwhile.
Engine: The 1462cc engine that powers the Jimny produces 134.2Nm of torque at 4000 rpm and 103.39 horsepower at 6000 rpm – Latest Car Under Rs 15-20 Lakhs
Given its tough design, it provides a mileage range of 16.39 to 16.94.
Transmission: To accommodate a range of driving tastes, manual and automatic transmissions are available.
Safety features including airbags and an antilock braking system are standard on the Jimny.
Comfort: It has four passenger seats and power steering, but it doesn’t have automatic climate control.
Extra Features: It’s a great option for off-road excursions because of its alloy wheels and 4WD (four-wheel drive) capacity – Latest Car Under Rs 15-20 Lakhs
In the market, the Mahindra Thar, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and Mahindra XUV300 Turbo Sport compete with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. It is a distinct option for anyone looking for tough experiences because of its off-road skills and small size, which set it apart from its competitors.
In summary, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is an off-road enthusiast and adventurer’s dream SUV. Despite its higher price tag, its sturdy construction, 4WD capability, and remarkable torque make it an excellent off-road travel partner. The Jimny is a strong option in its class if adventure, off-road ability, and a small form factor are your top priorities.