The month of August is going to be as happening for car buyers as it is for smartphone buyers. With launches from overseas brands like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, VinFast, to the Indian automaker like Mahindra, there’s plenty of ground to cover. While some of the events are confirmed, the others are highly anticipated for the month.
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1. Volvo XC60
- Launch: August 1, 2025
The Swedish automaker Volvo XC60 has already kicked off August with the launch of the XC60’s facelift. It comes with sleeker LED headlamps (integrated DRLs), a redesigned front grill with diagonal lines, new 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and new LED taillights, with a smoked look on the back.
On the inside, the vehicle features the same dual-tone look as its predecessor. The dashboard, however, boasts a larger 11.2-inch infotainment screen with a new user interface and faster processing speeds. Additional features include a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system, four-zone automatic climate control, heads-up display, and a panoramic sunroof.
Under its hood, the SUV features a powerful two-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (with 48V mild hybrid assist) that produces 250 PS and 350 Nm. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic torque converter transmission, which sends power to all the wheels. For those wondering, the vehicle reaches zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Given that it’s a Volvo, there is no compromise with safety on the XC60. It gets plenty of active and passive safety features, including a 360-degree camera (with blind spot monitor), parking sensors on the front and rear, and a Level 2 ADAS system with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and emergency braking.
The Volvo XC60 starts from Rs. 71.90 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
2. Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Coupe
- Launch: August 12, 2025
After the CLE 300 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch yet another performance vehicle in India: the AMG CLE 53 Coupe. Along with other AMG-style design elements, the car features quad-exhaust tips on the back, flared fenders, and a Panamericana grille on the front. A sloping roofline and the new 19-inch alloy wheels dominate the side profile of the AMG CLE 53.
The interiors of the premium, two-door coupe are characterized by the Alcantara upholstery, a three-spoke steering wheel, an 11.9-inch infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Under its shiny hood, the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Coupe features the three-liter, twin-turbo engine (inline-six), mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system.
It produces a whopping 443 bhp of peak power and 560 Nm of torque, which is then passed on to all the vehicles via a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a powerful engine, the car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.2 seconds. Given that the C-Class and E-Class coupes remain discontinued in India, the upcoming AMG CLE 53 Coupe is expected to replace both of them.
3. Mahindra Vision Models
- Announcement: August 15, 2025
On the 79th Independence Day of India, Mahindra will announce four new concept vehicles, along with a new platform. At the live event in Mumbai, the company will present four concept models: Vision S, Vision T, Vision X, and Vision SXT. Although we don’t know the exact details about the upcoming vehicles, we have heard enough rumors to make up our minds.
The Vision S is likely a next-generation Mahindra Scorpio in either electric or hybrid form. The Indian automaker also dropped a teaser of the Vision S, which reveals a tall stance with a wide front grille and bonnet scoops. Despite being based on the new platform, the company is expected to disclose that the vehicle should retain its off-road capabilities.
The Vision T, on the other hand, is likely the evolved, near-production version of the Thar.e or the electric Thar we’ve seen in the year 2023. The vehicle will maintain the classic Thar look with its signature boxy silhouette, squared-off wheel arches, chunky off-road tires, and visible bonnet latches. What’s interesting is that the electric Thar might feature an all-four-wheel drive powertrain.
Positioned between the Vision S and the Vision T, the Vision X could be a fusion of both, but likely with a more compact and urban-focused design and feel. As seen in the teasers, the vehicle details smoother lines (from the front to the back), along with a sleeker, more toned-down aesthetic that might appeal to family buyers. Rumors also suggest that this could be the XEV 7e (the all-electric version of the popular XUV700), but nothing can be said with certainty at the moment.
Last but not least, the Vision SXT could be a pickup version of the Thar or Scorpio. Teasers suggest that the vehicle could feature a clamshell bonnet, bold arches, a heavy-duty bumper, and exposed hinges and skid plates for a rugged look. It will also include a load bed with spare tyres. However, we aren’t sure whether it will be an ICE or an all-electric model.
Along with the four new concept vehicles, Mahindra is also gearing up to announce a new, multi-energy platform called Freedom NU. This versatile platform supports petrol, diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrains.
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4. VinFast VF6 & VF7
- Launch: Late & Mid-August, respectively (expected)
The Vietnamese automaker VinFast is about to unveil its first two vehicles in the world’s third-largest car market. This will include the VF6 and the VF7. While the former is relatively smaller (at 4,238mm), the latter is the brand’s flagship electric SUV (at 4,545mm).
The VF6 features a sleek design with the brand’s signature V-shaped LED DRLs, connected LED taillamps, and 18-inch aero-styled wheels. Inside, the eSUV gets a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen, which also acts as an instrument cluster, as the vehicle doesn’t have a dedicated one.
Additional vehicle features include black interiors, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof. The VinFast VF6 is powered by a single motor that powers the front wheels, producing 204 hp and 310 Nm, paired with a 59.6 kWh battery pack (WLTP range of 480 kilometers). From what we’ve heard, the VF6 could cost around Rs. 25 lakhs (ex-showroom) in India.
Then comes the VF7, with bigger dimensions that increase the wheelbase, provide more room inside the car, and leave enough space for a 537-liter boot space. Some of the vehicle’s key exterior elements include V-shaped LED DRLs, full LED headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a ground clearance of 190mm.
Inside, the VinFast VF7 features a minimal dashboard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (which, like the VF6, doubles as the driver’s information cluster), premium vegan leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats.
Unlike the VF6, the VF7 is available in both FWD and AWD versions, both of which are powered by a 70.8 kWh battery. While the FWD variant has a single motor, producing 204 hp and 310 Nm, the AWD version has a dual-motor setup that produces 350 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
Even with a larger battery pack, the VF7 has a claimed range of 450 kilometers for the FWD and 431 kilometers for the AWD variant. Nonetheless, the vehicle could be priced around Rs. 40 lakhs (ex-showroom) in India.
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5. Renault Kiger
- Launch: Last week of August (expected)
Most recently, Renault India launched a facelift for its affordable family MUV, the Triber. Now, the company is preparing to unveil another facelift of its compact SUV, the Kiger. Per spyGoog shots, the 2025 Kiger will feature a new front grille and LED DRLs. On the side, the car will feature new alloy wheels, while the rear bumper could also get a minor redesign.
It’s worth mentioning here that the vehicle won’t feature any major internal changes. Features like an eight-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and an eight-inch touchscreen will be shared with the existing model. Further, the Kiger 2025 will borrow its engine options from the existing variant, which include a 72PS one-liter NA engine and a 100PS one-liter turbo petrol engine.
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