August promises to be a busy month for the Indian auto market, with several notable launches awaited across segments, ranging from SUVs to electric entries and futuristic concept reveals. Expected introductions include the Volvo XC60 facelift, the sporty Mercedes‑AMG CLE 53 Coupé, electric SUVs from VinFast, Mahindra’s futuristic concepts and the Renault Kiger facelift. These launches reflect both global brand entries and the shifting tide towards electric mobility and high-end offerings in the Indian line‑up, signalling sustained momentum in the industry amid growing consumer interest.
Updated Design & Tech: Volvo XC60 Facelift (August 1)
The facelifted Volvo XC60 is scheduled for August 1, bringing refined styling and updated in‑car technology to one of Volvo’s best-selling models. Updates include a redesigned grille with diagonal slats, new alloy wheels, smoked-effect taillights, and expanded paint options. Inside, the SUV gains a larger 11.2‑inch touchscreen powered by a faster Snapdragon chipset, offering smoother performance. The powertrain remains the same, at around 250 HP, from a 2.0‑litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an 8-speed automatic and all‑wheel drive, thus retaining familiar mechanicals while refreshing its visual and infotainment appeal.
Performance CLE Arrives: Mercedes‑AMG CLE 53 Coupé (August 12)
The high-performance Mercedes‑AMG CLE 53 Coupé will be introduced on August 12, positioned as the sportiest variant in the CLE range. Its visually aggressive styling includes a Panamericana grille, flared fenders, quad exhausts, and standard 19‑inch wheels. It will be powered by a 3.0‑litre twin‑turbo inline-six engine paired with a 48‑volt mild-hybrid system, producing around 449 HP and capable of accelerating to 100 KM/H in about 4.2 seconds. Inside, buyers get AMG‑specific seats, an 11.9‑inch portrait infotainment display, and a 12.3‑inch digital cluster, delivering a blend of luxury and driving joy.
New EV Entrants: VinFast VF7 & VF6 (Late August)
Later in August, India’s first VinFast electric SUVs are expected to launch, which include the mid‑sized VF7 and the smaller VF6. The VF7 offers configurations of 204 HP (FWD) and 350 HP (AWD) with a 70.8 kWh LFP battery delivering an estimated 431‑450 KM range (WLTP). It features reclining seats, ventilated interiors, a panoramic roof and Level‑2 ADAS with seven airbags. The VF6 is slightly more compact but claims a longer range of 480 KM from a 59.6 kWh battery and a single 204 HP FWD motor. Pre‑bookings began mid‑July, and both SUVs aim to establish VinFast as a serious EV brand in India with competitive pricing and strong specs.
Mahindra Concept Reveal (August 15)
On August 15, as it usually does, Mahindra will unveil a series of concept SUVs under its annual showcase, including Vision S, Vision SXT, Vision T, and Vision X. Latest teasers highlight rugged off-road styling with bold vertical tail lamps and dual spare tyres mounted in the bed, suggesting a pickup-like carving of the Scorpio-N architecture. The reveal is expected to lay out the design direction and multi-energy platform vision (codenamed ‘Nu’) that may underpin Mahindra’s future ICE, hybrid, and EV models. Though not immediately saleable, these concepts offer insight into Mahindra’s strategy for SUVs and electric mobility expansion in India.
Renault Kiger Facelift (Late August)
Renault is expected to introduce the updated Kiger around August 23, 2025. According to testing reports, the compact SUV will receive refreshed styling bits including a larger grille, sharper split headlamps with new LED DRLs, redesigned alloy wheels, and a revamped bumper with integrated fog lamps. Inside, subtle upgrades like softer touch materials and updated upholstery are likely to enhance cabin experience, while the well-known dual-screen layout with an 8-inch infotainment unit and digital instrument cluster will carry over. Under the hood, the same tried-and-tested engine line-up will remain: a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol, paired with manual, CVT, or AMT transmissions depending on the variant. A modest price revision of ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 is expected, placing the facelifted Kiger in the ₹6.5‑11.5 lakh range.
