Top car launches in 2024

Dec 27, 2024

The starting price for the BE 6 is Rs 18.90 lakh. It is built on Mahindra's new INGLO platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles.
The lackluster performance of most carmakers this year is expected to weigh down the overall industry growth rate, with estimated sales of 4.2 to 4.5 million units—a modest 3-4% increase over 2023. This marks the slowest growth pace in three years since the pandemic but will still represent the second consecutive year of the Indian car market surpassing the 4-million-unit milestone.

Mahindra & Mahindra and Toyota Kirloskar Motor are poised to achieve record sales in 2024, standing out as outliers in a challenging market where major players like Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai faced a difficult year.

Here are 10 cars that proved to be game-changers in 2024:

Honda Amaze:

The sub-compact sedan in its third generation features a distinctive exterior design, a new interior, additional features and added safety. It’s offered in three variants - V, VX, and ZX. The prices start from Rs 7.99 lakh and go up to Rs 10.89 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).

The new Amaze retained the same engine, a 90hp, 110 nm, 1.2-litre, 4-cyl, NA petrol engine with a choice of a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. The CVT auto has claimed a fuel efficiency of 19.46 kmpl and the 5-speed MT has claimed a fuel efficiency of 18.65 kmpl. As standard, the company is offering a warranty of 3 years/unlimited km.

Mahindra BE 6
The starting price for the BE 6 is Rs 18.90 lakh. It is built on Mahindra's new INGLO platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles. It features a blade-style battery and a rear-mounted motor, making it an RWD SUV. Mahindra offers two battery pack options: a 59kWh pack with a 682km range and a 79kWh pack with a 535km range. Power outputs vary, with the smaller battery delivering 170kW and the larger one providing 210kW, while torque remains consistent at 380Nm.

Mercedez E-Class LWB
Prices for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long Wheelbase (LWB) sedan in India start at Rs 78.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Under the hood, the 2024 E-Class LWB comes with three engine options, each paired with an automatic transmission. The E 200 variant features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 194 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The E 220d is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, generating 197 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with Mercedes' nine-speed automatic gearbox. For those seeking more power, the E 450 4MATIC variant is equipped with a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 380 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Additionally, the E 450 comes with a mild-hybrid system that adds 23 hp and 205 Nm of torque during short bursts, enhancing performance.

BMW M4 CS
The new BMW M4 CS sports car is priced starting from Rs 1.89 crores (ex-showroom) in India. The new BMW M4 CS is offered in - Black Sapphire and Brooklyn Grey. BMW Individual metallic paint finishes are offered as standard – Frozen Isle of Man Green and Riviera Blue.

The BMW M4 CS is powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine which puts out 550hp of power and and 650 nm torque. BMW says that it has increased the turbo boost pressure from 1.7 bar to 2.1 bar. BMW said that the M4 CS can sprint from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds and has top speed is limited to 302kph. BMW has updated the powertrain for longer track sessions, enhancing the cooling system and increasing the oil supply to the clutch to sustain the four-wheel-drive system's performance. Additionally, stiffer engine mounts have improved the powertrain’s responsiveness.

Kia Carnival
The new Kia Carnival is priced at Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Kia Carnival will be offered in two variants - Limousine and Limousine Plus. Both variants will be powered by a sole 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, CRDi turbocharged diesel engine with 193hp of power and 441Nm of torque. Compared to the previous gen, the torque is up by 1Nm and the power has gone down by 7hp. The engine comes paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox which sends power to the front wheels. The MPV is also expected to get different drive and terrain modes.

Mahindra Thar Roxx
The prices of 4x4 variants, the entry-level MX3 4x4 MT is priced at Rs 18.79 lakh, the mid-spec AX5 L 4x4 AT is priced at Rs 20.99 lakh and the top-of-the-line AX7 L 4x4 MT is priced at 20.99 lakh whereas the AT variant is priced at Re 22.49 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom). The Roxx 4x4 variant commands about Rs 1.8 lakh to 2 lakh higher than the equivalent 4x2 variants.

The Thar Roxx is offered with two engine options - MStallion 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which puts out 177 PS of power, and 380 Nm torque in automatic variants, the manual variants put out 162 PS power and 330 nm torque. Talking about the diesel, the 2.2-litre MHawk turbo diesel puts out 175 PS of power and 370 nm torque in 4x4 variants and 152 PS of power, and 330 nm torque in RWD variants. Both engines get a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission option.

Skoda Kylaq
The Skoda Kylaq compact SUV is available in four variants - Classic, Signature, Signature Plus, and Prestige. Prices for the model start at Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The Kylaq measures 3,995 mm in length, 1975 mm in width, 1575 mm height and has a 2,566 mm wheelbase with a ground clearance of 189 mm. Talking about engine and gearbox, the Kylaq is offered with a a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol engine with 115 hp of power and 178 nm of torque. Gearbox options will include a 6-speed torque converter and a 6-speed manual gearbox.

New Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The new Dzire in its fourth generation has a completely new design, interior, new engine and several first-in-segment features. The new Maruti Suzuki Dzire is offered in four variants – LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+. The manual gearbox is offered across all variants whereas the AMT gearbox and CNG option is available in VXI and ZXI trims. The sub-compact sedan is priced between Rs 6.79 lakh to Rs 10.14 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory). Customers can also own the new Dzire via Maruti's subscription service at a monthly payment of Rs 18,248. In this article, let’s take a look at variant-wise features with pricing.

BYD eMax
The BYD eMAX 7 Premium is priced at Rs 26.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The Premium is the entry-level variant of the BYD eMAX 7 and is available in both 6 and 7-seat configurations. It gets a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, all-LED lighting, keyless entry/start, NFC card key, rear AC vents, auto climate control, PM2.5 air filter, tyre repair kit, regenerative braking V2L, six airbags, TPMS, ISOFIX child seat anchors, electronic parking brake with auto hold, TCS, VDS, Hill Hold Control, regenerative braking, 360-degree camera, cruise control, electrically adjustable, foldable ORVMs, 5.0-inch TFT instrument cluster, leatherette seats, six-way manual adjustable driver’s and co-drivers seat and height adjustable headrests.

Tata Nexon EV
Tata Motors launched the updated Tata Nexon EV in the Indian market. The EV SUV got a larger 45 kWh battery pack with additional features and is available in four variants - Creative, Fearless, Empowered, and Empowered plus with prices ranging from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model has a claimed range of 489km on a full charge with its C75 (real-world estimate) range being 350-370km. In comparison, the older model with a 40kWh battery pack had a 465km range. Talking about the charging, the new Nexon also has faster charging rate of 1.2C and Tata Motors says it can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 40 minutes using a charger greater than 60kW. Tata Motors also claimed that it provides a range of up to 130km in just 15 minutes of this charge.