A couple of top-notch EVs, a global performance icon, and the 'Best car in the world'! Here's a quick overview of some of the best upcoming cars of the year from the top end of the spectrum.
Audi e-tron
Audi’s first-ever production EV – the e-tron – was supposed to arrive in India in 2020, but its launch was delayed for obvious reasons. In 2021, Audi will finally bring this all-electric SUV to the Indian market. Armed with 95 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack, the e-tron features two electric motors, one on each axle, making it an all-wheel-drive SUV. The total power output stands at 402bhp, with a claimed range of 400km. The Audi e-tron will be brought into the country as a CBU.
Expected launch: July 2021
Expected price: ₹1.20 crore
BMW M3/M4
BMW recently unveiled the all-new high-performance M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. While the design of the new duo is a bit controversial, there’s no denying that they pack some serious punch. Powering both is a newly developed 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, which is available in two states of tune – 473bhp and 550Nm (standard) and 503bhp and 650Nm (Competition). A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard in the lower output version, while an 8-speed automatic is optional. The Competition versions are only offered with an automatic gearbox and get all-wheel drive as an optional extra. Expect BMW India to launch the M3 and M4 in Competition trim.
Expected launch: June 2021
Expected price: ₹1.5 crore
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The ‘Best car in the world’ has been further improved for its 2021 iteration. And it will make its way to India in the second half of the year. Sporting an all-new exterior design, the S-Class is now longer, wider, and taller than before – all this translates into more space for occupants inside. With the new S-Class, Mercedes has taken the luxury, technology, and safety quotients up a notch. The interior has been completely redone and will feature two large screens – a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch vertically-stacked unit for the infotainment system. The S-Class will be launched with 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options, both of which will be offered in different states of tune.
Expected launch: Late 2021
Expected price: ₹1.5 crore
Porsche Taycan
Porsche seems to be keen on gauging Indian consumers’ response to its first-ever electric four-door sports car – the Taycan. Though the plans to bring the Taycan to India have been on the table for quite a while now, we think that Porsche will definitely take the plunge this year and launch it here. Speculations suggest that the Taycan will arrive in India in three versions – the entry-level 4S, Turbo, and range-topping Turbo S. The Taycan’s claim to fame is that it became the first-ever production EV (at the time of its global debut) to feature an 800V electrical system, which can draw enough juice for 100km of range in just five minutes.
Expected launch: Mid 2021
Expected price: ₹2.2 – 2.5 crore
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