What is the story about?
The automotive sector is buzzing with a diverse array of new releases, catering to everything from industrial applications to eco-friendly transport. A major highlight is the unveiling of the second-generation Kia Seltos in India. In the luxury electric segment, the fully electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB has made its debut, while the commercial vehicle market sees fresh innovation from Tata Motors with its latest high-capacity mining tipper.
From the introduction of the new Kia Seltos to the global debut of the Mercedes-Benz GLB, here is a detailed look at the latest launches and updates across the automotive sector.
Kia Seltos
Kia has unveiled the second generation of the Seltos for the Indian market. The updated model features a tiger-nose grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a flatter roofline, a panoramic sunroof, an integrated rear spoiler and a shark-fin antenna.
The new-generation Seltos is claimed to be the longest in its segment, measuring 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width and 1,635 mm in height. Powertrain options include two petrol engines and one diesel engine: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit (115 hp/144 Nm), a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 hp/253 Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel (116 hp/250 Nm). These are paired with transmission options including MT, iVT, DCT and AT.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV has made its global debut, now presented as a fully electric and more spacious model. Offered in both five- and seven-seat configurations, the GLB replaces the EQB in Mercedes-Benz’s electric SUV line-up.
The second-generation compact SUV incorporates new design elements such as a full-width LED light bar, three-pointed-star lighting integrated into the headlamps, and a studded grille featuring a prominent Mercedes emblem.
952 hp Lotus Eletre Plug-In Hybrid SUV
Lotus has unveiled the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Eletre SUV in China. Branded ‘Lotus For Me’, it is scheduled for a global launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The new Eletre PHEV features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 70 kWh battery, delivering an impressive 952 hp. The all-electric Lotus Eletre was launched in India in 2023 at an ex-showroom price of ₹2.55 crore.
Tata Motors mining tipper
Tata Motors has launched its most powerful tipper to date, the Prima 3540.K AutoShift, at EXCON 2025. Designed specifically for deep-mining operations, the model is powered by a Cummins 8.5-litre engine producing 375 hp and 1,800 Nm of torque, paired with a 12-speed automated manual transmission.
Vida Dirt.E K3 Kids’ Electric Dirt Bike
Vida has launched the Dirt.E K3, an electric motorcycle designed for children aged 4 to 10, in the Indian market. It comes with an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 69,990 for the first 300 customers. The bike is equipped with a 500W motor and a 360Wh removable lithium-ion battery.
Key safety features include a magnetic kill switch, a rear motor cover and removable footpegs for assisted walking. Seat height options are adjustable across three levels: 454 mm (Small), 544 mm (Medium) and 631 mm (Large).
Honda XL750 Transalp SP
Honda has introduced a new special edition of the XL750 Transalp, known as the SP. Based on the 2025 model, this edition features a conventional manual transmission and receives several aesthetic enhancements that give it a distinctly retro appearance rooted in the model’s heritage.
Most of the changes are cosmetic, including a retro-style vinyl decal package with red and purple accents on a white backdrop, along with an SP logo positioned at the base of the 16.9-litre fuel tank. The spoked wheels feature a gold outer rim, and the distinctive styling extends to the wide front mudguard.
From the introduction of the new Kia Seltos to the global debut of the Mercedes-Benz GLB, here is a detailed look at the latest launches and updates across the automotive sector.
Kia Seltos
Kia has unveiled the second generation of the Seltos for the Indian market. The updated model features a tiger-nose grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a flatter roofline, a panoramic sunroof, an integrated rear spoiler and a shark-fin antenna.
The new-generation Seltos is claimed to be the longest in its segment, measuring 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width and 1,635 mm in height. Powertrain options include two petrol engines and one diesel engine: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit (115 hp/144 Nm), a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 hp/253 Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel (116 hp/250 Nm). These are paired with transmission options including MT, iVT, DCT and AT.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV has made its global debut, now presented as a fully electric and more spacious model. Offered in both five- and seven-seat configurations, the GLB replaces the EQB in Mercedes-Benz’s electric SUV line-up.
The second-generation compact SUV incorporates new design elements such as a full-width LED light bar, three-pointed-star lighting integrated into the headlamps, and a studded grille featuring a prominent Mercedes emblem.
952 hp Lotus Eletre Plug-In Hybrid SUV
Lotus has unveiled the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Eletre SUV in China. Branded ‘Lotus For Me’, it is scheduled for a global launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The new Eletre PHEV features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 70 kWh battery, delivering an impressive 952 hp. The all-electric Lotus Eletre was launched in India in 2023 at an ex-showroom price of ₹2.55 crore.
Tata Motors mining tipper
Tata Motors has launched its most powerful tipper to date, the Prima 3540.K AutoShift, at EXCON 2025. Designed specifically for deep-mining operations, the model is powered by a Cummins 8.5-litre engine producing 375 hp and 1,800 Nm of torque, paired with a 12-speed automated manual transmission.
Vida Dirt.E K3 Kids’ Electric Dirt Bike
Vida has launched the Dirt.E K3, an electric motorcycle designed for children aged 4 to 10, in the Indian market. It comes with an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 69,990 for the first 300 customers. The bike is equipped with a 500W motor and a 360Wh removable lithium-ion battery.
Key safety features include a magnetic kill switch, a rear motor cover and removable footpegs for assisted walking. Seat height options are adjustable across three levels: 454 mm (Small), 544 mm (Medium) and 631 mm (Large).
Honda XL750 Transalp SP
Honda has introduced a new special edition of the XL750 Transalp, known as the SP. Based on the 2025 model, this edition features a conventional manual transmission and receives several aesthetic enhancements that give it a distinctly retro appearance rooted in the model’s heritage.
Most of the changes are cosmetic, including a retro-style vinyl decal package with red and purple accents on a white backdrop, along with an SP logo positioned at the base of the 16.9-litre fuel tank. The spoked wheels feature a gold outer rim, and the distinctive styling extends to the wide front mudguard.
