August is shaping up to be an exciting month for car enthusiasts, with several new models hitting the market and some intriguing concept reveals on the horizon.
Upcoming Car Launches
Volvo XC60 Facelift: Kicking Off the Month
The 2025 Volvo XC60 facelift is set to arrive on August 1st. This updated SUV, known globally as Volvo’s bestseller, will feature subtle exterior refinements. Expect to see a refreshed grille, redesigned alloy wheels, and new color options, giving it a modern edge.
Inside, the biggest upgrade is a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipset, this new infotainment system promises improved image quality and double the speed compared to its predecessor. Under the hood, it’s expected to retain the current 250hp, 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe: Performance Powerhouse
On August 12th, Mercedes will unleash the AMG CLE 53 Coupe. This high-performance model will sit above the CLE 300 Cabriolet, boasting an aggressive Panamericana grille, flared front fenders, and quad exhausts for a truly sporty look. It will likely ride on 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch options available.
The interior is equally luxurious and performance-focused, featuring an 11.9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an Alcantara-wrapped AMG-spec steering wheel. Power comes from a potent 449hp, 3-litre twin-turbo straight-6 engine, sending power to all four wheels via a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup allows it to sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.2 seconds.
VinFast’s India Debut: VF7 and VF6 EVs
Vietnamese EV brand VinFast is making its highly anticipated India debut by the end of August, starting with two electric SUVs: the VF7 and VF6.
The VinFast VF7, positioned as their flagship SUV in India, is a sleek, crossover-like electric vehicle. Unique to the India-spec model are 19-inch alloy wheels and 190mm ground clearance. Key features include a 12.9-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, reclining rear seats, and a Level 2 ADAS suite with seven airbags.
The VF7 will offer two powertrain options: a 204hp front-wheel-drive version with a 450km WLTP range, and a more powerful 350hp all-wheel-drive variant providing a 431km WLTP range, both powered by a 70.8kWh LFP battery.
Joining it is the slightly smaller VinFast VF6, which shares a similar design language and many features with the VF7, including the touchscreen and ADAS. It comes with a 59.6kWh battery powering a 204hp FWD motor, offering an impressive 480km WLTP range.
Pre-bookings for both the VF6 and VF7 have been open since mid-July. VinFast has also opened its first showroom in Gujarat, with plans for 34 more across major Indian cities, alongside establishing a comprehensive charging network.
Upcoming Car Reveals
New Mahindra Compact SUV: A Mysterious Debut
Mahindra is set to unveil an all-new compact SUV on August 15th. This mysterious model is expected to be built on the brand’s new ‘nu’ monocoque platform. Early sightings suggest it will be a sub-4m SUV, distinct from both the Bolero and XUV 3XO lines. While details are scarce, it could feature design cues similar to the Thar Roxx and is anticipated to be well-equipped.
Powertrain options might include 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, with a hybrid version potentially following later. The name of this new SUV remains under wraps, though it might leverage an existing Mahindra nameplate. Its market launch is projected for next year.
Mahindra Vision Concepts: Glimpses of the Future
Also on August 15th, Mahindra will showcase a quartet of exciting concepts as part of its Vision series: SXT, X, T, and S. Each concept offers a peek into Mahindra’s future design and possibly new segments.
The Vision SXT hints at a rugged design, possibly aligning with the Thar family. Vision X could be the anticipated XEV 7e, an alternative to the XEV 9e. The Vision T might evolve the all-electric Thar.e prototype, and Vision S is speculated to be a third model in the Scorpio lineup. Specifics on powertrains, features, and launch timelines for these concepts are yet to be revealed.
- August kicks off with the Volvo XC60 facelift and continues with the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe.
- VinFast makes its grand India entry with the VF7 and VF6 electric SUVs by month-end.
- Mahindra has a busy August 15th planned, revealing a new compact SUV and four Vision concepts.
This August promises a mix of powerful new launches and intriguing glimpses into the future of automotive design and technology from both established players and new entrants.
