Fast Lanes & New Rules: What Drove the Auto World This Week

From the full price list of the Tata Harrier EV to the ABS mandate on scooters and bikes, here are the most important bits of news this week.

The automotive industry has had quite a week, from news about government policy on small cars and two wheelers, to new car and bike launches. We take a quick look at the highlights of the week that was.

New car launches
Tata Harrier EV

While the entry-level Harrier EV’s price was revealed early this month, Tata has now revealed the full price list of its flagship electric SUV. The Tata Harrier EV’s price range is Rs 21.49 lakh-28.99 lakh, not inclusive of the cost of a fast charger and installation. Crash test results for the Mahindra XEV 9e rival were also announced; the Harrier EV scored a full 5-star BNCAP safety rating.

Mahindra Scorpio N with ADAS

The Mahindra Scorpio N now gets a Level 2 ADAS suite. Available only on the top-spec Z8L variant, prices for the Scorpio N with ADAS range between Rs 21.35 lakh-25.42 lakh. Mahindra has also launched a Scorpio N Z8T variant positioned above the Z8, but below the ADAS-equipped Z8L. 

Audi Q7 Signature Edition

Audi launched a limited-run Q7 Signature Edition with prices starting from Rs 99.81 lakh. 

Mercedes-AMG GT 63, GT 63 Pro

Mercedes-Benz India launched the AMG GT 63 and the even more performance-focused GT 63 Pro at Rs 3 crore and Rs 3.65 crore, respectively. The deliveries of the GT 63 and will begin by Q4 2025, followed by the GT 63 Pro by Q1 2026. Now in its second generation, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 has made a return after about a 5-year gap, following the discontinuation of the first-generation model in 2020. 

Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

The most powerful Rolls-Royce yet, the Spectre Black Badge, has launched at Rs 9.5 crore, before options. The 659hp, 1,075Nm EV costs Rs 1.88 crore more than the standard Spectre.

New bike launches
TVS Apache RTR 160 with dual-channel ABS

The TVS Apache RTR 160 now gets dual-channel ABS, complies with the more stringent OBD2B emissions norms, and sports new red alloys wheels. It is priced at Rs 1.34 lakh.

2025 Indian Motorcycle cruiser prices

Indian Motorcycle, the other American cruiser manufacturer, announced its price list for our market for 2025. Prices start at Rs 23.52 lakh for the Indian Chief and go up to Rs 48.49 lakh for the Indian Roadmaster.

New government policy
ABS likely to be mandatory on all new bikes and scooters

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is likely to announce that ABS is mandatory for all new two-wheelers sold in India from January 2026, regardless of engine capacity. In addition, it will be mandatory for dealers to provide two BIS-certified helmets with every new vehicle.

Government mulling easing CAFE norms for small cars
The Indian government is reportedly considering easing CAFE norms for small cars – defined as cars weighing less than 1,000kg. Carmakers that stand to benefit include Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault, Tata Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Citroen.

No toll charges for bikes and scooters
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have clarified that reports on toll being levied on two-wheelers from July 15 onwards are false.