August 2025 India car launches: Volvo XC60 Facelift, Mahindra Nu SUVs, Mercedes-AMG CLE 53, and VinFast EV Debut
India’s automotive landscape in August 2025 is marked by a wave of strategic launches and announcements:
1. Volvo has introduced a refreshed XC60 luxury SUV on August 1, enhancing its premium tech and styling.
2. Mahindra will unveil its Freedom NU platform and four new SUV concepts on August 15, signaling a bold shift into modular ICE, hybrid, and electric mobility.
3. Mercedes‑Benz is expected to launch the AMG CLE 53 Coupe in India later this quarter, targeting performance-luxury buyers.
4. VinFast, the Vietnamese EV maker, made its Indian debut with the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs at the Bharat Mobility Expo, and opened bookings in July.
The article “August 2025 India car launches” offers a comparative look at these developments and their potential impact on the evolving Indian market.
1. Volvo XC60 Facelift – Luxury Elevated in August 2025 India car launches
Launch Date: August 1, 2025, in India
Ex-showroom Price: ₹71.9 lakh for the Ultra trim—about ₹1.15 lakh higher than previous ₹70.75 lakh pricing
Official website: https://www.volvocars.com/in/cars/xc60/
The facelift retains the 2.0‑litre turbo‑petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid, producing 247 bhp (250 PS) and 360 Nm torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic with AWD. Performance remains 0‑100 km/h in 6.9 seconds
Key Upgrades:
- Diagonal-slat grille, new dual-tone alloys, refreshed bumper vents, and smoked tail-lamp effects
- Redesigned cabin includes an 11.2-inch Google-powered Snapdragon Cockpit infotainment screen, a new 12.3-inch digital driver display, refined upholstery, wireless charging, upgraded sound system, and massage seats
- Safety additions: 8 airbags, Level‑2 ADAS (360° camera, blind‑spot monitor, adaptive cruise, lane‑pilot assist)
Market Positioning: A subtle yet worthwhile update for buyers seeking Scandinavian luxury with tech enhancements, still competing against the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5
2. Mahindra Freedom NU Platform & Four SUV Concepts in August 2025 India car launches
Launch Date: August 15, 2025 (Independence Day event in Mumbai)
Official Website: https://auto.mahindra.com/freedom_NU.html
Mahindra will debut its Nu (“Freedom NU”) platform, a modular architecture built for petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric applications—designed with both Indian and international markets in mind
Concept Vans and SUVs:
Four concept vehicles: Vision S, Vision T, Vision SXT, and Vision X, previewing the new SUV design language and upcoming powertrain diversity
Vision S appears inspired by an electric Scorpio N with high ground clearance and rugged capability Vision X offers a more urban-focused profile with premium features
Significance:
- Marks Mahindra’s transition to a cohesive multi-energy platform strategy, enabling faster development and cost-effective future rollouts
- The platform is expected to support annual production capacity of over 1.2 lakh units from its Pune facility
3. Mercedes‑AMG CLE 53 Coupe – High Performance Elegance in August 2025 India car launches
Though not yet officially launched in India, the AMG CLE 53 Coupe is anticipated in August–September 2025, aligning with Benz’s momentum in India’s luxury performance segment. Official website:https://www.mercedes-benz.co.in/passengercars.html?group=all&subgroup=see-all&view=BODYTYPE&gagcmid=GA_20685282646_153411963263_761824062702&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20685282646&gbraid=0AAAAADccPp2uTascTYMWa8usUqKTuAmw9&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2oHD9qrsjgMVguwWBR1J_y15EAAYASAAEgLknPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Expected Specs:
- Inline‑six turbocharged engine with mild-hybrid support, estimated 435 hp
- Performance-focused chassis, aggressive AMG styling, and luxury cabin appointments
Positioning & Market Impact:
1. India’s premium buyer base is seeing growth in performance-centric luxury models, with Mercedes-Benz posting its highest-ever Indian sales in 2024 and strong Q1 FY 25‑26 numbers (4,200 units)
2. The CLE 53 Coupe will likely attract buyers looking for coupe styling but city-friendly usability
4. VinFast Debut in India — VF 6 & VF 7 Electric SUVs in August 2025 India car launches
VinFast officially introduced the VF 6 and VF 7 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi on January 18, 2025—India is the first right-hand-drive market for these models
Bookings began on July 15, 2025, with a ₹21,000 fully refundable token; public sales expected in August 2025 Official Website: https://vinfastauto.in/en/press-release/vinfast-opens-pre-booking-for-highly-anticipated-premium-electric-suvs-vf-7-and-vf-6
Vehicle Specs:
VF 6: 174 bhp, 250 Nm (single-motor), 59.6 kWh battery, 400 km range (WLTP), Level‑2 ADAS as standard
VF 7: Variants include Eco (350–360 km range) and Plus (349 bhp/500 Nm, AWD, 431 km range, 75.3 kWh battery)
Infrastructure & Strategy:
Plans include 35 showrooms across 27 cities in India by end-2025; service network and charging infrastructure also underway
VinFast is investing $500 million in a Tamil Nadu facility in Thoothukudi, with initial capacity of 50,000 units/year, scalable to 150,000
Highlights & Comparison
Volvo XC60 Facelift
1. Segment: Premium Luxury SUV
2. Key Features: Mild-hybrid B5 engine, 11.2-inch infotainment system, advanced ADAS, refreshed Scandinavian styling
3. Strategic Implication: Strengthens Volvo’s position in the mid-size SUV segment with tech-luxury upgrades
Mahindra Freedom NU Platform & Vision Concepts
Segment: Concept SUV Family
Key Features: Flexible multi-energy architecture (ICE, hybrid, EV), Vision S/T/X/SXT design language
Strategic Implication: Marks Mahindra’s transition toward scalable electrification and modernized SUVs
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe
Segment: Performance Coupe-SUV
Key Features: Inline-6 turbo hybrid engine, AMG chassis tuning, luxury coupe styling
Strategic Implication: Expands India’s growing performance-luxury segment, targeting niche enthusiasts
VinFast VF 6 & VF 7
Segment: Electric SUVs
Key Features: Long-range batteries, multiple powertrain options, Level-2 ADAS, bookings launched in India
Strategic Implication: Brings fresh competition to India’s premium EV space with local production and infrastructure plans
Innovation & Market Implications of August 2025 India car launches
1. Volvo XC60 serves as a statement of calculated evolution—upgrading infotainment and safety while preserving a proven powertrain.
2. Mahindra’s NU platform and Vision series mark a transformative shift in design strategy, with scalability across powertrains and future SUV variants.
3. Mercedes‑AMG CLE 53 underscores India’s growing appetite for niche luxury-performance vehicles.
4. VinFast’s entry brings fresh competition to the premium EV space—with ambitious infrastructure and local manufacturing goals aligned with India’s EV transition targets.
Outlook & Consumer Impact
1. Consumers now have access to diverse vehicle choices—from luxurious mild-hybrid SUVs and performance coupes to futuristic EV crossovers and concept previews.
2. Regulatory push for electrification and consumer interest in connected/EV technologies supports market momentum.
3. Expect increased competition between domestic brands and global players cementing presence across traditional and EV segments.
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August 2025 is a pivotal month in India’s automotive calendar:
1. Volvo delivers a refined luxury SUV upgrade.
2. Mahindra reveals its next-generation architecture and electric-forward vision.
3. Mercedes-Benz updates its premium portfolio with expected performance launch.
4. VinFast steps into India as a serious EV contender.
Together, these launches represent a confluence of design, technology, and strategic positioning, shaping the future of how Indians drive and buy vehicles.
You can also read: https://khabarkhabri.com/mahindra-august-2025-debut-304/