Hero MotoCorp Debuts Adventure Flagship XPulse 450 at EICMA 2026

Hero MotoCorp marked its 25th consecutive year of global sales leadership by unveiling its new adventure flagship, the XPulse 450, at the EICMA 2026 exhibition in Milan. Developed with insights from the Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the newly introduced motorcycle is powered by a 421 cc liquid-cooled 4V DOHC engine that delivers 34.3 kilowatts at 9,100 rpm and 38 Newton-meters of torque at 7,500 rpm. The adventure model is paired with a six-speed transmission and features fully adjustable KYB 43-millimeter upside-down front suspension with 225 millimeters of travel.

A notable highlight of the XPulse 450 is its inclusion of category-first Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, bringing advanced smartphone connectivity directly to riders. Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, stated during the event that the company is actively shaping the future of mobility through a relentless pursuit of innovation, engineering excellence, and a deep understanding of evolving rider aspirations across the world.

Alongside the XPulse 450, the company introduced the Harley-Davidson X350T to expand its mid-capacity co-developed portfolio. The X350T utilizes a 350cc air-oil-cooled engine and features flat-track-inspired design elements, chequered graphics, an electronic throttle body, riding modes, and switchable anti-lock braking systems. Hero MotoCorp also displayed future-focused concepts, including the Hero Scrambler Concept and the Hero Classic Concept, during the exhibition.

In addition to internal combustion engine updates, Hero MotoCorp officially commenced operations for its electric vehicle brand, VIDA, across Europe. Supported by strategic distribution partner Elektrorider, VIDA has activated a direct-to-consumer sales model spanning 10 European countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Croatia. European customers can now purchase models such as the VIDA VX2 urban scooter and the VIDA DIRT.E K3 electric off-roader.

VIDA further broadened its showcase by presenting several zero-emission concepts, such as the VIDA UBX neo-naked concept, the Project VXZ electric motorcycle developed in collaboration with Zero Motorcycles, and the DIRT.E MX7 off-roader. The brand's presence in Europe highlights a deliberate strategic pivot by the two-wheeler giant to diversify its revenue streams away from heavy reliance on entry-level domestic commuter segments.

As part of its long-term technological roadmap, Hero MotoCorp inaugurated Novus Labs, a dedicated innovation hub focused on AI-powered vehicle technologies, human-machine interfaces, and advanced powertrain development. Working prototypes like the NEX 1 foldable personal mobility vehicle and the NEX 2 electric trike were demonstrated at the innovation center's launch to showcase the company's progress in emerging mobility ecosystems.

Dr. Munjal emphasized that the brand's global showcase represents a bold expression of its vision to redefine motorcycling through breakthrough design, advanced performance, and intelligent technology. By merging India's engineering talent and manufacturing scale with global research and development capabilities, Hero MotoCorp aims to deliver competitive, sustainable mobility solutions that cater to diverse international markets.