Hero Xpulse 450 unveiled with 421cc engine, gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Hero MotoCorp has unveiled the Xpulse 450 at EICMA 2026, featuring a new 421cc liquid-cooled engine, adjustable suspension and smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp with the new Xpulse 450.Hero MotoCorp has taken the wraps off the Xpulse 450, its new flagship adventure motorcycle, at EICMA 2026. The motorcycle marks a significant step up from the Xpulse 210, bringing an all-new liquid-cooled engine, fully adjustable suspension and a technology package that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.Positioned as the most powerful adventure motorcycle in Hero's portfolio, the Xpulse 450 has been developed with inputs from the Hero MotoSports Team Rally. The manufacturer has confirmed that the motorcycle will make its way to international markets first, although its launch timeline and pricing remain under wraps.Hero Xpulse 450: Engine and performancePowering the Xpulse 450 is a newly developed 421cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve DOHC engine. It produces 46.7bhp at 9,100rpm and 38Nm of peak torque at 7,500rpm. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox and gets a slip-and-assist clutch as standard.These figures put the Xpulse 450 considerably ahead of the smaller Xpulse 210, whose 210cc engine develops 24.6bhp and 20.7Nm. The additional performance should make the larger motorcycle better suited to highway touring while retaining the off-road capabilities expected from the Xpulse range. Hero Xpulse 450: Suspension and off-road hardwareA major highlight of the new adventure motorcycle is its suspension package. At the front, it gets a 43mm KYB upside-down cartridge fork with 225mm of travel. The setup offers 22-step adjustment for compression and rebound damping, allowing riders to adapt the suspension to different riding conditions.The front suspension travel is 15mm more than that of the Xpulse 210. Hero has not yet disclosed the complete specifications of the rear suspension, although the company has confirmed that the motorcycle gets a fully adjustable setup. The Xpulse 450 also features wire-spoke wheels designed to accommodate tubeless tyres. The setup appears to comprise a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, although the company is yet to confirm the complete tyre specifications.Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrationTechnology is another area where the Xpulse 450 aims to distinguish itself. The motorcycle features a large, approximately 7-inch TFT instrument display with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. This makes smartphone connectivity a key part of its equipment package, allowing riders to access compatible smartphone features through the motorcycle's display.Hero is positioning this as a category-first offering, bringing connected-car-style smartphone integration to its adventure motorcycle.Hero Xpulse 450: Launch and expected rivalsHero MotoCorp has not announced the price or an India launch date for the Xpulse 450. The company has confirmed that the motorcycle will be introduced in global markets before arriving in India.Once launched, it will sit above the Xpulse 210 in Hero's adventure motorcycle range, joining the Xpulse 200, Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition and Xpulse 210 MX.In the Indian market, the Xpulse 450 is expected to take on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure range.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends