Audi Q4 e-tron SUV

1 Crore rupees is a lot of money. It can buy you a decent house, help you start a new business venture or help purchase a couple of new cars from premium brands. But what if you want to spend more than 1 crore for a brand-new car? The turn of the decade has made purchasing luxury cars above Rs 1 Crore a lucarative option for many. According to a new research, there is a sudden in-flux of money that has broken the luxury barrier for the Indian consumers. So what is the best car above Rs 1 crore. Today, we pick our choices for the ‘Top 5 New Luxury Cars You Can Buy for Around Rs 1 Crore in India’.  Mercedes-Benz GLS: Price Rs 1.19 - Rs 1.21 Crore  The GLS is the largest SUV in Mercedes-Benz India’s product portfolio. Currently, in its third generation, the GLS has been given a complete design overhaul that makes it look more premium and luxurious than before. The SUV’s front end features all-LED headlights with Mercedes’ new signature LED while the large front grille offers an aluminium twin slat design. The front bumper provides wide air intakes with a chromed-out skid plate at the bottom. Moving to the side, the GLS hides its sheer size well with its clever surfacing and softer edges. You will also notice the flared wheel arches, 21-inch alloy wheels, chrome surrounds on the windowline and aluminium roof rails. Towards the rear there are sleek-looking LED tail lights connected by a chrome strip, a boot lid spoiler, and a chrome-finished rear skid plate. On the inside, GLS’ interior is packed to the brim with features like dual 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen infotainment system & instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support, connected car tech, a tablet for rear passengers to control media & HVAC, 13-speaker Burmester audio system, a 360-degree camera, powered & ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone auto climate control, adaptive cruise control and more.  Mercedes offers the GLS with both petrol and diesel engine options. The former is a 3-litre inline-six turbo-petrol motor that makes 367bhp with 500 Nm of peak torque. While the oil burner is a straight-six turbo diesel pumping out 330 bhp and 700 Nm torque. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission. Audi e-tron: Price Rs 1.02 - Rs 1.25 Crore Launched in 2021, the Audi e-tron is the latest pure-electric SUV from the German automaker. Unlike other electric cars that are designed to stand out from ICE-powered vehicles, the e-tron looks quite similar to the brand’s Q-series of SUVs. Up front, it features the signature Audi hexagonal grille finished in gray, flanked by angular MATRIX LED headlights. The side profile caters to a slightly sloping roofline, aluminium roof rails, flared wheel arches, aluminium finish around the windowline, and 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, the LED taillights are connected by a full-width LED light bar while the bumper offers a aluminium-finished skid plate.  The Audi e-tron comes with all the latest features and creature comforts you expect from a luxury SUV. It provides a dual-display setup for the center console with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.8-inch screen for the climate control functions. The electric vehicle also gets features like Audi’s Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, 4-zone climate control, wireless charging, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, powered front seats with massage functions, electrically-adjustable steering wheel, 16-speaker audio setup from Bang & Olufsen, a 360-degree camera, and a powered tailgate.  Mechanically, the EV uses a 95 kWh battery pack that powers two electric motors, one on each axle. Combined, the e-tron makes 408 bhp with 664 Nm of peak torque in overboost mode alongside 360 bhp and 561 Nm torque while in other driving modes. The vehicle has an ARAI-claimed range of 484 kms. Using an 11 kW home AC wall box charger, fully charging the e-tron takes around 8 hours. A 25 kW fast charger adds a range of 100 to 120 kms in just 1 hour. The e-tron also offers two regenerative braking - manual and auto. Porsche Cayenne: Price Rs 1.27 - Rs 1.92 Crore The Cayenne is single-handedly responsible for saving Porsche from bankruptcy in the early 2000s. When the First-Generation Cayenne was introduced in 2002, it instantly became a hit for the brand and went on to become the best-selling vehicle in the company’s history. Now in its Third Generation, Porsche’s SUV has become one of the best choices if you are looking to buy a new luxury vehicle priced over Rs 1 crore. At the front, the Third-Gen Cayenne gets a pair of four-dot LED headlights that sit above the wide grille and air intakes. The side profile features flared wheel arches, aluminium roof rails, and chrome surrounds on the windowline. Towards the rear, the luxury SUV provides a steeply-raked rear windscreen, a boot lid spoiler, quad exhausts, and LED tail lights that span the width of the vehicle. The Cayenne’s interior comes packed with features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility, twin 7-inch screens on either side of the analogue tachometer for the instrument cluster, connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated & powered front seats, ambient lighting, haptic touch buttons on the center console, multi-zone climate control, and more.   Porsche India offers 2 petrol and 1 strong-hybrid powertrain option with the Cayenne. Petrol engine options include a 3-litre turbo V6 that makes 335 bhp with 450 Nm of peak torque. The 4-litre twin-turbo V8 comes in two states of tune, 453 bhp and 620 Nm torque in the GTS trim and 542 bhp with 770 Nm of peak torque in the flagship Turbo variant. While the strong-hybrid powertrain uses a 3-litre V6 petrol powerplant that is paired with a single electric motor. Combined, it delivers a maximum power output of 462 bhp with 700 Nm of peak torque. All three powertrains are paired to an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Audi Q8: Price Rs 1.06 - Rs 1.43 Crore  The Q8 is the latest model in Audi’s ever-expanding SUV lineup. It is the new flagship model in the brand’s product portfolio but is interestingly shorter than the Q7. In terms of design, the Q8’s front end features Audi’s signature octagonal, single-frame grille that is flanked by all-LED MATRIX headlights and DRLs. Moving to the side, you notice the SUV’s coupe-like silhouette with its slammed roofline and small-ish window area, the flared wheel arches, and a strong shoulder line are key design highlights. The rear end provides a sharply raked windscreen, roof spoiler, a sculpted bootlid, and all-LED tail lights connected by a full-width lightbar. Being the top of the line model, Audi Q8’s interior gets all the premium features you can think of and more. The dashboard features a dual-display setup, a 10.1-inch unit for the touchscreen infotainment system and a smaller, 8.6-inch screen for climate controls. Additionally, the SUV provides a fully-digital Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, connected car tech, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, four-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, powered & ventilated front seats, a premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen, and more. It is offered with a single petrol powertrain option. It happens to be a 3-litre TFSI-turbocharged V6 motor that makes 336 bhp with 500 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. BMW iX: Price Rs 1.21 Crore The BMW iX heralds the start of a new age for the German automaker. The SUV is a clean sheet design, underpinned by a new platform and powertrain. However, the futuristic styling is also unmistakably BMW. The iX’s front end features a sculpted bonnet, slim LED headlights, and a ‘self-healing grille’. The side profile offers an upward kinked windowline, flush-fitting door handles, and 22-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Towards the rear, it portrays a pair of sleek LED tail lights, roof spoiler, and a sculpted boot lid with a wraparound effect. Inside, the BMW iX comes packed with features and creature comforts. The headline feature of the cabin is BMW’s curved display setup that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system. Other notable equipment include HUD (Heads Up Display), connected car tech, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, an electrochromic panoramic glass roof, front seats with massage & memory function, 4-zone climate control, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and an 18-speaker audio setup from Harman Kardon. The electric SUV uses a 71.4 kWh battery pack that powers a dual-electric motor setup, one on each axle. Combined, the motors deliver a maximum power output of 322 bhp with 630 Nm of peak torque. The iX has an ARAI-claimed range of 446 kms. Fully charging the iX using a 11 kW wall charger takes 7 hours while a 50 kW DC fast charger can juice the battery from 0 to 80 percent in just 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Conclusion  So, here were our picks for the ‘Top 5 Luxury Cars Over Rs 1 Crore in India’. You will notice that the list comprises only SUVs. This is because they make the most sense for India’s mixed road conditions. You get all the tech, features and creature comforts you can ask for in a luxury car, which added to the high ground clearance and great driving position, makes SUVs the best premium luxury vehicle choices. And it is not like all of them are the same, the GLS is a full-fledged 7-seater SUV, the Cayenne is renowned for its handling, while the Q8 in its SUV-coupe silhouette is a head turner. The iX and e-tron on the other hand are pure EVs that give an insight into the world of electric mobility. At the end of the day, which Rs 1 crore luxury car is the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. 

When it comes to talking about German luxury cars like BMW and Audi, all you think of is high-end levels of comfort, equipment, features, and great performance. The brands further offer top safety features and comfort amenities on their luxury car models. BMW's tagline "Ultimate Driving Machine" has served its role well over the years by making some of the best handling cars in the world. Audi has also strived to deliver continued advancement through technology which can be seen in the manner they introduce the latest infotainment updates with lavish interiors. Read Also: Why Should You Buy a BMW Car? Top Features and Benefits But, if you plan to buy a new Audi or BMW, how would you differentiate both these German luxury cars? To help you determine which is the better one, let us go through some of the factors of Audi and BMW cars in terms of design, performance, and technology. Audi vs BMW: Performance Level BMW is reputed for producing high-performance engines. Over the years, the brand has developed a wide range of vehicles that cater to different driving preferences. The most common types of BMW engines include the Inline 4-cylinder engine (2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo), Inline 6-cylinder engine (3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo), V8 engines (4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8), and V12 engines (6.6-litre TwinPower Turbo V12).  Apart from these normal engines, BMW has the M Performance Division which is focused on making high-performance vehicles. These models are designed to provide more power, a more engaging driving experience, and sharper handling. Some of the notable M Performance models include BMW M2, M3, M4, M5, and M6 among others. Audi's most utilised engine is TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection) which delivers pure performance. The turbocharged direct injection engine produces a higher power output. For instance, the Audi A6 2.0-litre TFSI engine is capable of generating 243 bhp of power output and 370 Nm of peak torque. Moreover, the iconic Quattro four-wheel drive system has new benchmarks for engine performance. Cars like Audi A3, A4, A5, A6, and E-Tron all come with a Quattro all-wheel drive system. In addition, the Quattro's cutting-edge technology serves dynamism and safety while providing a unique driving experience. Furthermore, Audi and BMW both have made investments in the electric vehicle segment. Audi e-tron SUV, e-tron GT, and BMW's i7 cars deliver impressive performance and a range of driving modes to enable drivers to customize the car's performance as per their needs. Read Also: Most Powerful BMW Cars You Can Currently Buy in India Audi vs BMW: Exterior Design BMW and Audi are known for their sleek and modern designs that blend performance and luxury. However, BMW cars tend to have a more aggressive and sporty look, with sharper lines and a more angular design. Audi cars, on the other hand, tend to offer understated and elegant design, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. The kidney grille is one of the most distinctive features of BMW cars and now with the latest models, the brand features larger and more prominent ones which gives the cars a modern and aggressive appearance. Besides that, the BMW cars feature sharp bold lines, adaptive LED lighting, and sporty accents. In fact, the BMW Vision Next 100, which is a concept car, features a visionary design, showcasing the brand's vision for the future of mobility. One of the most striking features of this concept is the "Alive Geometry" design, which can change shape and colour to communicate with the driver and other road users. In Audi cars, one of the most distinctive design elements is the company's single-frame grille, accompanied by sharp and angular headlights that give their vehicles a dynamic and aggressive look. Even the futuristic concept car, the Audi Activesphere features a futuristic and streamlined exterior design that is meant to showcase the car's cutting-edge technology and advanced aerodynamics. One of the most distinctive features of the Activesphere Concept is its smooth and sleek exterior. The car's grille is minimalist and understated, with a sleek design that blends seamlessly into the four-wheeler’s body. Audi vs BMW: Interior Styling Audi and BMW are both known for their luxurious and high-quality interiors, but they have different cabin layouts. Audi interiors feature a clean and minimalist design, with a focus on simple lines, and high-quality materials such as Alcantara leather, wood trims, aluminium and carbon fibre inserts. The dashboard and centre console are uncluttered and simple, with intuitive controls that provide a sleek and modern feel. BMW interiors, on the other hand, are known for their driver-centric design and sporty aesthetic, with a focus on creating a dynamic and engaging driving experience. The company uses high-quality materials for its car models such as leather, wood trim, aluminium, carbon fibre inserts among others. The dashboard and centre console are oriented towards the driver, with intuitive controls and a range of features designed to make driving easier and more enjoyable. Comfort is top-priority for both Audi and BMW, all their cars offer supreme on-board experience be it for the driver, co-passenger and the occupants towards the rear. Read Also: Why Does Audi Car Dominate the Luxury Car Market? Audi vs BMW: Unbeatable Technology For technology, both these car brands are in a good position. One of the most-talked features in Audi is its Virtual Cockpit which is a digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional gauges with a high-resolution display and can also be customized to show the driver the information they need the most. It can display everything from speed and fuel level to navigation and entertainment information. Another smart tech is Audi's MMI infotainment system is the central hub. The panel provides a range of features, from navigation and climate control to entertainment and phone connectivity. You can control this system via voice commands, touchscreens, or a rotary dial, and it also offers a range of third-party app integrations. BMW, on the other hand, offers an iDrive infotainment system. It is designed to provide drivers with access to various features of the car, such as audio, navigation, and climate control. The system is operated using a central display screen and a rotary dial, known as the iDrive controller, located on the centre console. Besides, BMW offers a feature called "Remote Control Parking" on some of its models, which uses radar-guided sensors to allow the car to park itself without the driver being inside. The feature can be activated via the BMW Display Key, which allows the driver to control the car remotely from outside the vehicle. Other smart tech features that BMW provides are Head-Up Display, Gesture Control, and EfficientDynamics technology. Which one is worth buying? Audi and BMW are the two crowning German giants in the market and selecting one of these would be inevitably tough. Both provide vehicles that offer smart tech features, unique and elegant designs, and good performance. So it does not matter which of these cars you buy, at the end of the day, you will be satisfied with your choice. Read Also: Audi's Impact on the Indian Automotive Industry

Audi has announced that it has commenced production of the Q3 and Q3 Sportback in India. Both models will be built at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private plant in Aurangabad. The Q3 was launched in India in August last year, while the Q3 Sportback was introduced in February 2023.   Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback: Assembly in India Following the announcement, Audi also stated, “With this, the VW Group reiterates its commitment to Make in India and continues to enhance its product offering to meet the ever evolving needs of the discerning Indian luxury customer.” The Q3 duo become the 5th and 6th models to be assembled locally in the country, following the A4, A6, Q5 and Q7. Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback: No Change in Price  Usually, a vehicle’s price drops the moment there is local assembly. This is not the case for the Q3 and Q3 Sportback with Audi India stating that there will be no price cut for both SUVs. The price for Audi Q3 starts from Rs 44.89 lakh (ex-showroom), while Q3 Sportback comes for Rs 51.43 lakh (ex-showroom). Audi has also announced a 1.6 percent increase in prices across the entire range, while some select models have received a 2.4 percent hike that will come into effect from May 2023. The automaker has said the rise in input costs and custom duty are the  reasons behind the hike. This is the second price hike from Audi in 2023. In January, the German manufacturer had increased prices of all models by 1.7 percent, citing “rising supply-chain-related input and operational costs”.  Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback: Powertrain Details Both the Q3 and the Q3 Sportback are powered by the same engine. It is a 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine churning out 188 bhp with 320 Nm of peak torque. The motor is mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback: Rivals In India, the Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback rivals the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40, and the Mini Countryman. Read Also: Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback Prices Increased

The German luxury automaker, Audi India has announced a price hike of 1.6 percent on its Q3 and Q3 Sportback models due to increased custom duty and input costs. The new prices will come into effect from the 1st of May 2023. It is also said that selected models within the brands product portfolio we witness an increase in the price of up to 2.4 percent. These include the names of Audi S5, Audi Q8 Celebration, and Audi RS5. Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback The Q3 Sportback SUV was recently launched by Audi with a price tag of Rs 51.43 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is offered in only one trim; Technology. This top-spec trim is 1 lakh more expensive than the regular Q3 SUV. Talking about the dimensions, the Q3 Sportback is 4,518mm long, 1,843mm wide, and 1,558mm tall. Overall in size, it is 36mm longer, 6mm narrower, and 49 mm shorter than the regular Q3. Speaking of its exterior, the SUV features an S-line exterior package, a coupe roofline, high gloss styling, 5-spoke 18-inch wheels, and LED headlamps. Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine, it delivers 187 bhp of power output with 320 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission and it also features Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Besides, the model is available in five exterior colour options. These include Navarra Blue, Glacier White, Turbo Blue, Mythos Black, and Chronos Grey. What Audi’s Head of India has to say on this price hike "At Audi India, we strive to give our customers the best, but the rise in custom duty and input costs have compelled us to amend our prices upwards. While we have tried to absorb the impact at various levels, the current situation necessitates an increase in price”, commented Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head Audi India. Read Also: Audi Q3 Sportback Launched at Rs 51.43 Lakh in India