Best launches of the year
This year surprisingly saw a variety of new vehicles in all segments, ranging from the generic feature-packed crossovers to high-performance electric cars to budget-friendly sedans
The Bangladeshi automotive market in recent times, has been growing at an accelerating rate with many new brands starting official operations every year. This year too, the automobile sector saw the unveiling of several impressive models across various market segments.
Unlike the last few years, 2024 surprisingly saw a variety of new vehicle types, ranging from the generic feature-packed crossovers to high-performance electric cars to budget-friendly sedans which can give reconditioned cars a run for their money. In this feature, we look back at five of the best launches in Bangladesh of this year.
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Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport stands out in the SUV market with its youthful and dynamic design. Its sporty stance, aggressive grille, and sharp LED headlights make it particularly appealing to younger consumers. Inside, the cabin offers a comfortable experience, featuring climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and spacious seating for up to five passengers.
One of the most notable features of the new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is its four distinct driving modes, designed to handle Bangladesh's varying weather and road conditions. Its high ground clearance makes it suitable for both city commutes and weekend adventures, while the engine strikes a fine balance between performance and efficiency.
The appeal of the Outlander Sport is further enhanced by safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, making it a practical and reliable choice. With its eye-catching design, versatility, and comprehensive feature set, this car is an excellent option for young professionals and small families. The model is regularly priced at Tk49.50 lakh. However, it is currently offered at a massively discounted price as part of Mitsubishi Bangladesh's year end sale.
- Engine: 1499cc 4A91 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
- Transmission: CVT
- Max Power: 105 bhp at 6,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm
- Price: Tk48.50 lakh (after discount)
Proton X90
The Proton X90 stands out in the hybrid SUV market, offering an excellent balance of price and practicality. Its 1500cc turbocharged hybrid drivetrain delivers an impressive balance of power and fuel efficiency at a low annual income tax bracket, thus making it a cost-effective choice for consumers looking to save on expenses.
With three rows of seats accommodating up to seven passengers, the X90 is an ideal choice for large families. The interior is equipped with modern features, including dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, a touch screen infotainment system and even a panoramic sunroof. One of its standout advantages in Bangladesh is its low Advance Income Tax (AIT) of Tk25,000 due to its 1500cc engine, ensuring significant cost savings for buyers.
Even the cost saving benefits aside, the X90's combination of a hybrid powertrain, a feature packed yet spacious cabin, and exceptional value for money makes it an excellent option for environmentally conscious families.
- Engine: 1500cc 3G15TDB G-Power Turbo I3
- Transmission: 7-speed DCT
- Max Power: 190 bhp at 5,500 rpm
- Max Torque: 300 Nm at 1,500–4,000 rpm
- Price: Starts at Tk48.50 Lakh
BYD Seal
Although Bangladesh is not widely known for its EV community, BYD (Build Your Dreams), one of China's leading automotive giants, has made its debut in the country with the launch of the BYD Seal, a direct global competitor of the Tesla Model 3.
The BYD Seal combines cutting-edge design with incredible torque, redefining electric performance. This sporty sedan delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, generating an impressive 523 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
Its sleek, aerodynamic design is complemented by a tech-rich interior, featuring a large floating touchscreen, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a digital instrument cluster. Despite its sporty nature, the BYD Seal is highly practical, offering a range of over 500 km on a single charge—perfect for both daily commutes and long journeys.
The BYD Seal stands out in the growing electric vehicle market, demonstrating how EVs can seamlessly combine performance and practicality. Its innovation and capability make it a deserving inclusion on this list.
- Powertrain:
- Front: 160 kW Squirrel Cage Induction Asynchronous Motor
- Rear: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- Transmission: Automatic
- Max Power (Combined): 523 bhp
- Max Torque: 670 Nm
- Price: Starts at Tk89.90 Lakh
Changan Alsvin
The Changan Alsvin is an excellent entry-level sedan for consumers on a tight budget. At the time of the brand's debut in November 2023, the model was offered for Tk23 lakh. However, since the beginning of 2024, its price dropped down significantly to just Tk18 lakh for the regular model and Tk19 lakh for the optional sunroof package. This makes the Alsvin the cheapest brand new model to be offered in this list.
Dimensions wise, the Alsvin directly competes with the Yaris. Yet during our test, it proved to be nearly as spacious as a Toyota Axio inside but with added agility in traffic. It features a modern cabin layout with a touchscreen entertainment system, projector headlights, a stylish exterior, and an impressive array of features like a rearview camera, reverse parking sensors, and a sunroof. With smooth handling and commendable fuel economy, the Alsvin is perfect for daily driving and urban commuting.
Its exceptional price-to-feature ratio makes it a popular choice for first-time buyers and a worthy inclusion on this list.
- Engine: 1480cc DVVT Inline-4 DOHC
- Transmission: 5-speed DCT with Tiptronic
- Max. Power: 105 bhp
- Max. Torque: 145 Nm
- Price: Starts at Tk18 lakh
Mercedes EQE 350+ SUV
In May 2024, Mercedes-Benz Bangladesh hosted an event to officially unveil the Mercedes EQ Series—a lineup of electric vehicles now available in the country.
The Mercedes EQE 350+ SUV is a mid-size electric SUV that seamlessly combines performance, luxury, and practicality. Positioned as the smaller sibling of the flagship EQS SUV, the EQE 350+ offers electric vehicle enthusiasts a more accessible and versatile package while maintaining the premium features of the EQ range.
It boasts a sophisticated and futuristic design. Its aerodynamic shape, sleek body lines, and signature Mercedes-Benz LED lighting ensure it stands out on the road. The coupe-like roofline and large 19- to 21-inch wheels enhance its sporty appeal, while the closed-off front grille adorned with the iconic three-pointed star design underscores its modernity.
Inside, the EQE 350+ features a meticulously crafted cabin, blending high-quality materials such as leather, wood, and metal accents. A minimalist design, combined with cutting-edge technology, creates a serene and futuristic atmosphere. The EQE 350+ delivers a truly premium EV experience, offering long range, advanced features, and timeless luxury yet a forward thinking package that Mercedes is known for.
- Powertrain: Permanently Excited Synchronous (PSM)
- Transmission: Automatic
- Max Power: 288 bhp
- Max Torque: 565 Nm
- Price: Contact Mercedes-Benz Bangladesh
