MAHE Hosts 5th National Conference: With A Theme Around “Bridging Academic And Corporate Volunteering For Social Change"

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) concluded successfully the 5th National Conference on Youth in Social Change conducted at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium today. The event brought together over 600 participants, from more than 20 non-MAHE institutions including dynamic young leaders, change-makers, and passionate social advocates from across the country.  The Conference was spearheaded by Chief guest of D Carthigueane, Regional Director Regional Directorate of NSS Bangalore, Mr Sankara Mahalingam, Global Head - CSR, Firstsourc, Mr Harish Deshishtha Kulkarni, Manager - CSR & Lead-Global, Employee Volunteer Program, Tata Communications,Capt. Shanthi S, Sr, Program Director, Infosys Foundation, Misha Bhatt, Senior Vice President, iVolunteer, Mr Satyam Gambhir, Cofounder Platform Commons, Mr Utkarsh Sinha, Managing Director, Bucolic Kailash, Mr Navaneeth Ganesh, Consultant, Ministry of Education, along with Dr H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal

Centered on the theme, "Bridging the Gap Between Academic & Corporate Volunteering to Synergize Social Change," the conference emphasized the seamless transition of students' volunteering efforts during their academic years into impactful corporate volunteering.

Chief guest D Carthigueane, Regional Director of Regional Directorate of NSS Bangalore, the 5th National Conference on Youth in Social Change offered a vibrant platform for thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, and interactive sessions on youth engagement and social change. It provided participants with a valuable opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and innovative solutions, focusing on how corporate volunteering can synergize social change.

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor MAHE, Manipal, welcomed attendees and outlined the conference's theme, "Bridging the Gap Between Academic & Corporate Volunteering to Synergize Social Change." He emphasized the importance of transitioning students' volunteering experiences into corporate settings, enhancing both professional growth and community contributions. The conference aims to explore the pivotal role of volunteering in academic and corporate environments, fostering sustained community engagement and maximizing the benefits for individuals, institutions, and society.

Speaking on the occasion, D. Carthigueane, Regional Director of NSS Bangalore, expressed gratitude for being invited to the conference and commended the collective effort to involve youth in societal change. He highlighted the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' launch of the Bharat portal, a platform providing diverse opportunities for young people in sectors like cyber security and healthcare, promoting experiential learning and voluntary service. He praised Manipal's commitment to hosting the event under the NSS banner, aligning with the goal of student development through community service. The Swachhata Sava, coinciding with the Prime Minister's birthday and ending on October 2nd, symbolizes youth empowerment and community involvement. He thanked MAHE for organizing the event, calling it a stepping stone toward a cleaner, empowered future.

Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal, presided over the event. Dr. Praveen Kumar, the organizing secretary of the conference, delivered a vote of thanks. The conference also witnessed the presence of key figures like Dr. Anup Naha, Convenor, Dr. Abhishek Chaturvedi, Co-Convenor, and student secretaries MS Manaswini u and Mr. Aniket Poojary.

The event brought together diverse gathering of young minds with wealth of perspectives and ideas to the table, enriching the discussions around the theme of bridging academic and corporate volunteering. The involvement of students from various institutions highlighted the conference's wide-reaching impact and underscored the collective commitment to fostering social change through collaborative efforts

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Hyperlocal News Platform Way2News Raises $14 Million In Series B Round Led By WestBridge Capital

* With a strong presence already established in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, this funding will fuel Way2News' growth and further strengthen its presence across South India

Way2News, India’s leading hyperlocal news platform, has raised $14 million in a Series B funding round led by WestBridge Capital, with participation from renowned venture capitalist Sashi Reddi. This fresh infusion of capital, which follows the company’s Series A round two years ago, will drive Way2News' dominating presence in South India.

Founded in 2015 by Raju Vanapala, Way2News is committed to making every Indian an informed citizen by delivering reliable and relevant hyperlocal news. With over 50 million downloads, the platform is transforming the regional news landscape in India. It offers short, engaging news stories from trusted sources in local languages, leveraging its AI-powered, human-enhanced news delivery model to cater to user preferences. With technology, Way2News ensures that communities have daily access to the news that matters most, bridging the information gap in villages and mandals with timely, easily accessible content that empowers them.

Way2News has rapidly established itself as a dominant player in the news space, particularly in the Telugu and Tamil markets, achieving deep penetration and strong user engagement across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. With this latest fund infusion, the company is set to build on this growth and focus on scaling its operations, enhancing its technology, and further bolstering its presence in the South Indian market. This strategic move aligns with the platform's broader goal of deepening its hyperlocal presence across the region, to reach people even at grassroots levels.

Raju Vanapala, Founder and CEO of Way2News, said, “Way2News is dedicated to delivering news that truly matters to language communities. We are thrilled to have a partner like WestBridge Capital, whose continued belief in our vision has been instrumental in supporting our growth. This investment is a step towards expanding our footprint into every household in South India, ensuring that all citizens can access timely and relevant news in their language. We focus on building an inclusive, dynamic, and engaging news experience for every Indian. With this funding, we aim to scale our platform further, bringing more communities into the fold.”

Since its inception, Way2News has revolutionized how news is consumed in the regional markets by tailoring short-format content to meet the needs of local language audiences. The platform’s success in the Telugu and Tamil regions is a testament to its unique approach and user-centric strategy. The new funds will be deployed to enhance the platform’s capabilities, aiming further to boost user experience and engagement in new markets while cementing its leadership in the South Indian news ecosystem.

Rishit Desai, Partner at WestBrigde, said, “ Over the last few years, Way2News has made remarkable strides in democratizing access to local news across South India, effectively addressing a crucial gap in the market. Their rapid growth in the Telugu and Tamil markets is a testament to their vision and the strength of their model. We are excited to support their expansion across South India. We look forward to continuing our support for their vision to become the go-to platform for news, and we believe their unique approach will enable them to make significant inroads down south.”

About Way2News

Way2News is a leading hyperlocal news platform in India that provides relevant and reliable news coverage extending beyond districts to mandals and villages. The platform aims to inform and empower every Indian with the latest news in real-time, using artificial intelligence to personalize content based on language and preference. By promoting citizen journalism, Way2News aims to foster a more diverse and democratic media landscape by allowing citizens to share news stories from their local area. It combines the power of both human intelligence and artificial intelligence to provide the most relevant news to its users. The app has more than 50 million downloads and is rated the highest news app with a 4.7 rating on the Play Store. The platform delivers real-time news in eight local languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati, using advanced technology.

Whitelion Systems Pvt Ltd Unveils First Experience Center, The Stanza, In Bengaluru

Whitelion Systems Pvt Ltd, a leading innovator in the home automation sector, is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever experience center, The Stanza, in collaboration with SVS Enterprise. This state-of-the-art center, located in Sector 6, HSR Layout, Bengaluru , offers an opportunity for the general public to experience the next generation of home automation. The grand opening will be inaugurated by Mr. Kishor R Unnithan, CEO of Sobha Projects and Trade Limited, as the Chief Guest.

Founded in 2014 by Vishal Kukadiya, Sajag Sheta, Nirav Dholiya, and Jenish Kumbhani, Whitelion Systems has established itself as a pioneering player in the Indian home automation industry. With a focus on smart switches and related devices that seamlessly integrate with platforms like Alexa and Google Home, Whitelion is committed to making smart living a reality for the modern Indian consumer. Their product range has grown to include motion sensors, TV sensors, and other smart devices that redefine convenience and enhance the lifestyle of their users.

The Stanza by Whitelion is a significant milestone for the company, serving as its flagship experience center. It aims to demystify home automation by offering hands-on experiences of Whitelion’s cutting-edge technology. Unlike traditional luxury-focused perceptions of home automation, Whitelion envisions these technologies as a lifestyle necessity, making The Stanza an accessible space for people to explore automation solutions that improve efficiency and convenience in their homes.

In a statement, Vishal Kukadiya, Director of Sales and Marketing at Whitelion Systems, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Urban living is rapidly evolving, and home automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The Stanza will provide the perfect environment for consumers to understand and experience the immense benefits of automation.”

With a mission to revolutionize the Indian home automation market, Whitelion is committed to educating consumers about the value of automation. The Stanza is not just a showroom; it is a learning hub where visitors can understand how these technologies work and how they can simplify and enhance their everyday lives. The center will feature live product demonstrations and interactive displays, allowing visitors to engage with Whitelion’s innovative solutions firsthand.

Nirav Dholiya, Director of Finance at Whitelion Systems, spoke about the strategic importance of this launch: “The home automation market is on the brink of a significant revolution. The Stanza is just the first step in making smart home living accessible to all.”

This launch is a collaboration with SVS Enterprise, and the first of many franchise stores planned by Whitelion across India.

Usas Velandy, Managing Partner of SVS Enterprise, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Whitelion to bring The Stanza to Bangalore. This center will showcase the future of home automation and how it fits into everyday life.”

In addition to offering a transformative visitor experience, the launch event will also feature a keynote address from Mr. Kishor R Unnithan, who has a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the construction industry. His leadership and vision for innovation make him the ideal Chief Guest to inaugurate The Stanza, underscoring the synergy between technology and modern construction practices.

About Whitelion System Pvt Ltd

Since its inception, Whitelion Systems Pvt Ltd has been at the forefront of developing energy-efficient, sustainable solutions in home automation. By focusing on customer satisfaction, innovation, and environmental responsibility, Whitelion is reshaping the future of smart living, making it more accessible to the masses. With The Stanza, the company is poised to bridge the gap between technology and everyday living, bringing futuristic solutions into the homes of millions across India.

For further information and updates on the launch, visit www.whitelion.in.

One Of Kind Of operation Of A Nigerian Doctor In Bengaluru

Gabriel Pascal an optometrist , aged 43  hailing from Nigeria suffered from facial nerve paralysis secondary to a bony tumour involving his ear bones and was struggling to smile or speak and was also having difficulty closing his eyes. This had troubled him immensely since food used to escape from his mouth and there was excessive watering of eyes. His notable problem was in difficulty to express any emotions on his face driving him to become depressed and social isolation. The patient had researched various treatment options and zeroed in on Trustwell hospitals for his advanced medical and surgical care. He underwent the complete Tumour excision and reconstruction by a surgical oncology team at a different hospital successfully, after which he was transferred to Trustwell hospitals for surgical and rehabilitative treatment of his face  Paralysis.

The procedure called as Facial reanimation, is a very complex surgical procedure done to give life back to the nerve and muscle of the face especially mouth by joining new donor nerves from other areas to the faulty facial nerve to make the face work again. This involves a prolonged operating time of 10 -12 hrs with stringent intraoperative nerve monitoring where the nerve and muscle activity is understood by an electrode machine interface interacting with the nerves of the body continuously. Being a specialised surgery requiring high end diagnostic and therapeutic surgical option, there are very few centres in the country performing Comprehensive Facial paralysis management.

The surgical team headed by Dr Vishwas Vijayadev who is the first International Board-certified Diplomate facial plastic surgeon from USA, performed this complex procedure with his team of Dr Anand Subhash, Dr Stuti Mahajan, Dr Sravya Kakollu, done first time in the country involving a double nerve transfer. This involved transferring a nerve from the leg on to the face and connecting it from the normal side of the face with functioning facial nerve, second nerve used for chewing and rerouting the current to the paralysed nerve on the face. The anaesthetic team headed by Dr NS Chandrashekhara and Dr Jaydev handled the complex interplay of anaesthetic medications in the prolonged surgery during which nerve stimulation had to be appreciated for the surgical teams to identify and delineate the nerves for surgery.

The Nerves are living organs which can be transferred from one part of the body to the other and they come alive after gap of few months, but this requires delicate and trained handling of the tissues and specialised techniques to join the nerves across the face without causing further damage to the face. Additionally, to improve the eye closure innovative and evolved surgeries were performed on this patient as compared to the conventional surgeries being done in India. This surgery lasting 11 hours was done at Trust well hospital since the hospital has started a separate department of Facial plastic surgery and Facial nerve disorders by equipping it with the latest infrastructure from USA, Europe, Israel , Taiwan and state of the art Operating theatre ,High dependency Units,  surgical Intensive care units.

Advanced rehabilitative surgery of this type is seldom available to the public. With the intention of having the latest cutting edge surgical solutions with best safety and outcomes for the patients, Trustwell has put its might behind this unique case and subspecialised Doctors and Surgeons like Dr Vishwas Vijayadev , who have trained abroad and moved to India for developing newer realms and areas where treatments have so far been dismal and incurable.

Facial paralysis treatment has been one such area wherein treatment has evolved tremendously abroad along with newer diagnostic modalities which are yet to be introduced into mainstream practise in India. Dr Vishwas Vijayadev has actively also taken up the role of training many of his colleagues in the diagnostic, rehabilitative and surgical challenges involved in this interdisciplinary branch. The best reward to the teams involved is when the happy patient who is able to smile and speak after the nerves start firing in a few months.

Speaking on the occasion Guruprasad Director strategy Trustwell said, “We are delighted that our doctors could handle this very difficult case with precision & the patient is on the recovery mode & will lead normal life once cooling period is completed.

Avant & Zenith 2024 – Celebrating Future Design Innovators

The Student Council of the Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP) is excited to invite the public to Avant & Zenith 2024, a premier showcase of innovation and design. This captivating event will take place on September 20, 2024, at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, 3rd floor, KMC Manipal, featuring the final year Fashion Design students', fashion garment design collections, from the Department of Design, MSAP. Avant, the main event attraction, displays the culmination of rigorous education and creative exploration by our students, offering a glimpse into the future of fashion design.

The event will commence at 5:30 PM on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium and will host distinguished guests, including Ms. Shefalee Vasudev, a noted journalist and Editor-in-Chief of 'The Voice of Fashion” and Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

Concurrently, an Open House will be held at the Marena Sports Complex, MAHE, Manipal starting at 11 AM, featuring a wide range of projects from various streams within MSAP. This exhibition, inaugurated by Commander (Dr) Anil Rana, Director of Manipal Institute of Technology, Dr Harish Kumar S. Director - Corporate Relations, MAHE, and other dignitaries, will extend until 7 PM on September 21, 2024.

Avant & Zenith 2024 aims to educate and inspire attendees by demonstrating how theoretical knowledge is applied in practical, innovative ways within the realms of architecture and design. This event will not only showcase student talents but also will serve  as an inspiration for potential students and design enthusiasts, illuminating the vibrant career paths and creative endeavours that lie ahead in these dynamic fields. We encourage everyone to join us for this celebration of creativity and innovation.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Stonehill Founder's Day Run Sees Record Participation In Its 7th Edition

The seventh edition of the Stonehill Founder's Day Run, organised by Raadiant Sports, witnessed an unprecedented turnout of over 1300 participants on Sunday, September 15th. Beginning at the Stonehill campus, the runners navigated the picturesque trails of Tarahunise village in North Bangalore. This year's event marked a significant milestone, with participation increasing by 30% from the previous edition.

The Stonehill Founder’s Day Run is an annual event that celebrates the Founder of Stonehill International School, Bangalore. The School was founded in September 2008 by Mr. Jitu Virwani, Chairman & Managing Director, Embassy Group.

The different categories included a Half Marathon, 10K, 4 x 5 K Corporate Relay (men/women/mixed), and a competitive and non-competitive 5K run. Corporate teams from Cargill, Deutsche Bank, Healthium Medtech and Ladco Crest Wealth actively participated, contributing to the event's success.

Aditya Virwani, Group Chief Operating Officer - Embassy Property Developments Pvt Ltd., gave away the prizes to the winners. The winner in the Half Marathon men’s category (16-30 years) was Mohmmad Sahil Annigeri with a timing of 01:16:16 and Ayesha Shaikh (16-30 years) won the women’s category with a 01:48:16 timing. The winner in the 10K men’s category (16-30 years) was Prajwal Gowda with a timing of 36:39 secs and Bindu J Prakash (16-30 years) won the women’s category with a timing of 53:53 secs. In the Corporate Relay, Deutsche Bank won the men's and women's categories and Cargill Runners Club MX2 won the mixed relay.

Joe Lumsden, Head of School, Stonehill International School, commented, “Every year, the Founder’s Day Run is a great community event for us at Stonehill. Not only does it bring together the whole community for a fun event, but it also reinforces the commitment that our School demonstrates towards health, well-being and physical fitness.”

The First-Ever BMW XM Label Arrives In The Indian Market

* Most powerful BMW M model ever made: V8 based BMW M HYBRID powertrain with 550 kW (748 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque.

* Exterior paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black Metallic.

* Maximum exclusivity:

* 500 units produced worldwide. Only 1 comes to India.

* Unique red elements on the exterior and interior with 1/500 badging in the car.

* #BMWXMLabel #BMWM #BMWIndia

The first-ever BMW XM Label has been launched in India. Available as Completely Built-up Unit (CBU), only one unit out of 500 produced is coming to India.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “The first-ever BMW XM Label maximises the exclusivity factor with even more expressive styling. It brings together the M HYBRID system with extra power and bespoke design elements that showcase its standout performance attributes to unmistakable effect. The BMW XM Label responds to the needs and desires of customers with a taste for an extroverted lifestyle and passion for ultimate performance in a car reaching beyond traditional conventions. With only 1 out of the total 500 units produced coming to India, the BMW XM Label is truly special.”

The first-ever BMW XM Label is available at an ex-showroom price of INR 3,15,00,000.

*Price prevailing at the time of invoicing will be applicable. Ex-showroom prices inclusive of GST (incl. compensation cess) as applicable but excludes Road Tax, Tax Collected at Source (TCS), GST on Tax collected at source, RTO statutory taxes/fees, other local tax cess levies and insurance. Price and options are subject to change without prior notice. For further information, please contact the local authorised BMW Dealer.

The first-ever BMW XM Label is available in an exclusive paintwork – BMW Frozen Carbon Black Metallic. It features BMW Individual Leather Merino upholstery in Fiona Red/Black.

The first-ever BMW XM Label

With its unique design features, the BMW XM Label has a singularly extrovert aura. The muscular proportions of a dynamic Sports Activity Vehicle converge with an extrovert exterior design featuring large surfaces, clear lines, and a front-end look reserved for luxury-class BMW models. Added to the mix here are design accents underscoring the singular character of the BMW XM Label as a car focused on achieving the highest peaks of performance. The strikingly illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille surround lends an unmistakable appearance. Toronto Red metallic for the BMW M kidney grille surround and rear diffuser insert create additional design cues that combine with a body paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic. The use of red also extends to the model badges and the wheel inserts. The contrast of the gloss colour accents against shimmering matt surfaces ensures the exterior of the BMW XM Label has a particularly enthralling effect. Exclusive 22-inch M light alloy wheels add on to the vehicles style quotient. The latest generation of M Sports Brakes with Red Calipers produces accurate stopping power.

A black/red colour scheme also brings a visually appealing and sporting flavour to the interior of the BMW XM Label. A generous feeling of space, high-quality materials and extravagant design transform the rear of the BMW XM Label into an exclusive M Lounge. The distinctive three­ dimensional headliner and the trim for the body pillars have black surfaces. Red is used to bring an extra sense of exclusivity to the diamond-shaped upper sections of the backrests and the integrated head restraints of the seats for the driver and front passenger and the outer rear seats. This is complemented by red contrast stitching for the black surfaces of the seats, instrument panel, door trim and centre console, and the likewise red accents for the air vents. Among the other exclusive features of the BMW XM Label interior are a red "XM" badge below the control display and an interior trim strip in Carbon Fibre satin effect with red and blue accent threads highlighting this as an M car. Inside the limited-edition variant of the XM Label, customers will find a plaque below the control display reading "1 of 500".

M multifunction seats, knee pads, M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display and the standard-fitted BMW head-up display, the signature M gear selector lever and an M-specific control panel on the centre console are the headline features of a sports car-style cockpit optimised to deliver a richly engaging performance experience on board. The M leather steering wheel has trim elements in Black Chrome, plus M buttons and gearshift paddles with carbon inlays whose plus and minus symbols are in red. An exclusive special feature of the BMW XM Label is the symbol identifying Boost Mode on the left­ hand shift paddle. Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and 1,475-watt amplifier, along with illuminated elements generate an absorbingly clear and multi-layered 3D sound experience for people in all seats.

The M HYBRID system in the BMW XM Label demonstrates the intoxicating effect of drive system electrification in high-performance models from BMW M GmbH in impressive style. The precisely honed interplay of the electric motor and V8 engine ensures an instantaneous delivery of power that then builds emphatically and continues unabated into the highest reaches of the rev range. The plug-in hybrid system delivers a combined maximum output of 550 kW (748 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 Nm. The combustion engine delivers up to 430 kW (585 hp) and a maximum torque of 720 Nm while, the electric drive system generates a peak output of 145 kW (197 hp) and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. A high voltage 25.7 kW lithium-ion battery is situated in the underbody. It delivers a pure-electric driving range of up to 76 - 82 kms. The car sprints from 0 -100 km / hr in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr, although this figure rises to 290 km/hr with the M Driver’s Package. The note of a V8 engine is unmistakable, but the XM also offers an emotionally rich sound experience in pure-electric mode with BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The BMW XM Label comes with a complimentary BMW Wallbox charger with installation. It can be integrated at home to enable safe and convenient charging.

The fourth generation 8 - speed M Steptronic transmission delivers smooth gear shifts and top levels of power delivery and shift comfort as well as impressive efficiency. Three driving modes can be selected using the M Hybrid button on the centre console. Hybrid default setting for intelligently controlled interplay of the combustion engine and electric motor maximises efficiency or performance depending on the requirement.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system maximises traction, agility and directional stability. Precisely controlled and fully variable distribution of power between front and rear axles and between the left and right rear wheels ensures masterful performance in any situation.

BMW ConnectedDrive technology breaks the innovation barrier and turns the car into an interconnected digital device. Host of connected drive features include Digital Key Plus, Emergency Call, Real-time Traffic Information, and Remote Services through MyBMW app. BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the freestanding 14.9” BMW Curved Display with Navigation with real-time traffic information and augmented view, a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel and BMW Head-up Display.

The latest BMW Operating System 8.5 offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch or voice. It is complemented by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant system that adopts driver’s individual habits and proactively provides useful tips on driving functions. Regular Remote Software Upgrades ensure that the car is always up to date.

My BMW App keeps an eye on vehicle status and includes ‘Learning Navigation’ which offers destination suggestions and traffic information based on driving habits. BMW Digital Key Plus turns a smartphone into a vehicle key enabling remote locking / unlocking and starting the car.

The spread of driver assistance systems is more extensive than ever. Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View Camera makes parking in tight spots easier by taking over acceleration, braking as well as steering. The Reversing Assistant provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or through narrow driveways. It keeps a record of the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering.

BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as BMW eDrive technology, Electric power Steering, Hybrid-specific Auto Start-Stop, BMW EfficientLightweight, Active air flap control, efficiency -optimised all-wheel drive. Driving Experience Control switch and many other innovative technologies. The Adaptive M Suspension Professional with additional Active Roll Stabilisation that uses the new control logic to optimise sportiness and comfort. The damper forces are controlled using an M specific characteristic.

The newly designed Travel & Comfort System is also available to provide customised entertainment in the rear. BMW Safety technologies include six airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), M Dynamic Mode (MDM), Attentiveness Assistance, M Sport differential networked with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Active Roll Stabilisation  with Active Roll Comfort, Performance Control, electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.