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After a packed August that saw the BMW X1 LWB and MG Hector Tomahawk arrive in both EV and PHEV forms, along with a mid-life refresh for the Mahindra Scorpio N, the Indian car market shows no signs of slowing down. New trims also landed on the Mahindra BE 6, Range Rover SV Ultra, BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic, and Skoda Kylaq Sportline. September carries that momentum forward with a fresh set of launches worth watching.
Kia Sorento: September 4
Kia is set to bring in the Sorento as its new flagship model in India, offered with both petrol and diesel powertrains. Buyers will get the choice between a 1.6-litre strong-hybrid engine, putting out 238hp and 380Nm, and a 2-litre diesel unit producing 202hp and 441Nm. The SUV is expected to be offered in both 6 and 7-seat configurations. Kia has already opened bookings, and once launched, the Sorento will go up against rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, and Jeep Meridian.
Maruti Baleno Facelift: September 5
The Baleno is due for a refresh, having first launched back in 2022. Spy shots have already revealed a redesigned front end with a new grille, featuring a horizontal bar connecting the headlights, along with a revised bumper that does away with the front fog lamps seen on the current model. Side profile changes appear limited to a new alloy wheel design, while the rear is expected to get a revised bumper, though the taillights should carry over. Inside, the car may retain its current 9-inch touchscreen but gain updated upholstery along with a few added features. The engine lineup is expected to stay unchanged. Once launched, it will continue to compete with the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, and Toyota Glanza.
BMW 7 Series And i7 Facelifts: September 11
BMW opened bookings for the updated 7 Series and i7 on August 1, following their global unveiling earlier this year. In India, the lineup currently includes the 740i petrol and 740d diesel for the 7 Series, along with the eDrive 50 and M70 xDrive trims of the electric i7, all of which are set to receive updates with this facelift. BMW is yet to confirm the exact variants that will make it to Indian showrooms. Visually, both models now carry a more solid, monolithic look, with new split LED headlights, slimmer and more upright kidney grilles finished with an illuminated surround, and larger air intakes built into the bumper.
Porsche Cayenne Electric: September 30
Having already announced pricing back in November last year, Porsche will finally give the Cayenne Electric its physical showcase in India by month-end. The standard version is priced at Rs 1.77 crore, while the range-topping Turbo Electric comes in at Rs 2.27 crore, both ex-showroom. Both variants get a 113kWh battery paired with dual-motor all-wheel drive as standard. The Turbo Electric stands out as the one to watch, producing 1,156hp and 1,500Nm with Launch Control engaged, enabling a 0-100kph sprint in just 2.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 260kph. Porsche claims a WLTP range of 537km for the Turbo Electric.
Khushi Patel is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX, covering automotive, technology, Lifestyle, entertainment, and mainstream news. She previously worked as a Copy Editor at Times Network and has written automotive editorial content, including comparison pieces, for TimesDrive.
