Upcoming Cars and SUVs Launching in August 2023

With the second half of the year underway and the festive season around the corner, automakers are gearing up for a slew of new launches. From premium models by Volvo and Mercedes to MPVs and micro-SUVs by Toyota and Tata, here are the 5 upcoming cars and SUVs launching in August 2023.

Tata Punch CNG

First showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo, the Punch CNG is finally slated to go on sale in August. The fourth CNG model in the brand’s lineup, the micro-SUV will feature minimal visual or feature changes compared to its ICE sibling. The biggest difference will be the new twin-cylinder tank tech from Tata that frees up boot space.

Powering the Punch is a 1.2-litre engine that makes 77 bhp with 97 Nm of max torque and will be mated to a 5-speed manual. Upon launch, it will rival the recently launched Hyundai Exter CNG.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Facelift

Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling the second-gen GLC on August 9. The SUV, which made its global debut last year, gets an evolutionary design update which looks sleeker and slightly sportier as well. Inside, the interior will be dominated by the 11.9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The new GLC will be offered with petrol and diesel powertrain options. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol makes 200 bhp with 320 Nm of max torque while the 2.0-litre turbo diesel churns out 200 bhp with 320 Nm of peak torque. A 9-speed automatic gearbox is the only transmission option and both powertrains will get mild-hybrid tech.

Audi Q8 e-tron

Q8 e-tron

Audi is also planning to reveal the new Q8 e-tron in India on August 18. Essentially a facelift, the new EV will replace the e-tron SUV and will be offered in both SUV and Coupe body styles. Styling changes include a fresh front end and tweaked rear end with new bumpers as well as a new alloy wheel design. In terms of features, it will get a premium audio setup from Bang and Olufsen, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, a touchscreen for the climate controls, a fully digital instrument cluster, and more.

The Q8 e-tron will be offered in two variants, 50 and 55. The former uses a 95 kWh battery pack and makes 340 bhp with 664 Nm of peak torque from its dual-motor setup. Claimed range is 505 km. The more powerful 55 model makes 408 bhp with 664 Nm of peak torque, with its 114 kWh battery pack offering over 600 km of claimed range. Both models support 170 kW fast charging as well.

Toyota Rumion

Tata Rumion

The Japanese automaker is planning to launch a smaller MPV that will be positioned below the Innova Crysta. Named the Rumion, it is based on the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota already sells it in markets like South Africa. Like previous Maruti-Toyota models, changes to the Rumion will be minimal with new bumpers, a front grille and tweaked headlights. The interior too will be identical to Ertiga but may get a different theme and upholstery colour.

The Rumion will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 103 bhp with 137 Nm of max torque. It will be paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo is slated to unveil its second EV for India, the C40 Recharge, in August. Visually, the C40 looks identical to the XC40 recharge except for the new sloping, coupe-like roofline and steeply raked rear windscreen. The interiors however will remain unchanged and will get features like a 9-inch infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, panoramic sunroof, and more.

The Volvo C40 Recharge uses a 78 kWh battery back. It powers a dual-motor setup that makes a combined 408 bhp with 660 Nm of max torque. The C40 Recharge has a fully charged claimed range of 530 km.