If luxury is your need of the hour in a car, the new Land Rover Defender or the Audi Q8 e-Tron are just what you need at your doorstep! Ultimately, driving a premium luxury car is an experience that is unmatched and will have you mesmerised after each drive.
True premium cars are built using the finest raw materials, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and deliver a driving experience that is worth every penny spent on the car. In India, growing disposable incomes have spurred the purchase of luxury cars with 38,000 of them being sold in 2022—a whopping 50% increase from the previous year!
So, if you’re looking to spend a few extra bucks on an extravagant ride that is yet to hit the shelves, here are the ones totally worth the hype and the wait.
1. Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is a true icon in the world of off-road vehicles, and it's not hard to see why. With a design that is both rugged and refined, the Defender is the perfect vehicle for those who want to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury and comfort.
Under the hood, the Defender is a powerhouse of performance. It comes with multiple engine options, including turbocharged petrol and hybrid options, all of which are paired with an 8-speed automatic and 2-speed transfer case. Whether you're driving on the highway or off-road, the Defender has the power and capability to handle any situation.
But what sets the Defender apart from other vehicles in its segment is its impressive safety features. With a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, this vehicle is more than safe for passengers, and it comes with an extensive list of active and passive safety features to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected at all times.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹91.80 lakh-₹2.30 crores
Expected Launch Date: July 20, 2023
Land Rover Defender Key Specifications (Expected):
Maximum Power | 296.36 bhp @ 4,000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 650 Nm @ 1,500-2,500 rpm |
Engine | 2,997 cc (Diesel), 4,997 cc (Petrol) |
Transmission | Automatic |
Mileage | 14.01 km/l |
Fuel Type | Diesel, Petrol |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | SUV |
Land Rover Defender Key Features:
Durable and exquisite Leather-free material called Resist with a lower carbon footprint |
Customisable cabin |
Permanent All Wheel Drive1 |
Twin-speed transfer |
What’s Good:
- Top class off-road capability
- 5-star NCAP safety rating and equipment
What's Not Good:
- Limited third row seats
- Questionable long-term reliability
2. Ferrari Purosangue
Purosangue, meaning ‘thoroughbred’, accurately describes this gorgeous SUV’s athletic architecture that brings alive the spirit of racing in an SUV.
The Ferrari Purosangue is the first four-door, four-seater car in the history of Ferrari. This Ferrari SUV blends driving pleasure with exhilarating performance and is expected to launch in India in July, 2023.
This SUV comes with a sleek design that includes a stylish dihedral on the lower section in place of the standard Ferrari front grille. The most interesting addition to this car is the latest vehicle dynamic control technology with an independent four-wheel steering system.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹5 crores
Expected Launch Date: July 31, 2023
Ferrari Purosangue Key Specifications (Expected):
Maximum Power | 715 bhp @ 7,750 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 716 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
Engine | 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 |
Transmission | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
Mileage | 6.8 kmpl (Combined) |
Fuel Type | Petrol |
Seating Capacity | 4 |
Body Type | SUV |
Ferrari Purosangue Key Features:
Largest ever boot space in a Ferrari |
Ergonomic driving position that improves driving pleasure |
6-Way Chassis Dynamic Sensor that helps stabilise the car when clocking speeds above 200 km/h |
What’s Good
- Active Suspension Technology that helps reduce friction, clearances, and inertia
- ABS EVO 2.0 that is designed to reduce dispersion
- Advanced four-wheel drive that ensures faster axle response time
What’s Not Good
- Limited service centres (only three authorised centres in India at Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurgaon)
3. Mercedes-Benz EQS
The EQS SUV is yet another impressive car lined up for an early 2023 launch in India. This SUV sports a design that aligns with Mercedes’ vision of offering ‘progressive luxury’ to its buyers.
The EQS SUV offers a highly spacious, comfortable, and chic cabin. It has a connected lounge with electrically adjustable backrests, entertainment screens, and seat climate control.
The stylish cockpit features the MBUX Hyperscreen fitted with two 11.6 inch displays. These displays have a wide range of connectivity, navigation, and entertainment features like the Zero-Layer Tech that uses AI to understand your commands.
The EQS SUV is smart, sustainable, and built perfectly for a large family with spacious seating for seven, adjustable height, and front and rear assists.
Expected Ex-Showroom Price: ₹2 crores
Expected Launch: June 15, 2023
Mercedes-Benz EQS Key Specifications (Expected):
Maximum Power | 516 hp (385 kW) |
Maximum Torque | 855 Nm (632 lb-ft) |
Engine | Dual electric motors |
Transmission | Single-speed fixed reduction gearbox |
Mileage | Up to 580 km (360 miles) WLTP |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | SUV |
Mercedes-Benz EQS Key Features:
MBUX Hyperscreen fitted with two 11.6 inch displays |
Zero-Layer Tech that uses AI to understand your commands |
Adjustable memory seating |
What’s Good
- AI-backed voice command technology
- Powerful electric motor
- Stylish design
What’s Not Good
- Limited cargo space
4. Audi Q8 e-Tron
Source : Audi
Audi has announced that the next iteration of the e-Tron would be rebranded as the Q8 e-Tron and will debut in India around the middle of 2023.
The new version is not only going to be called something different, but it will also feature numerous improvements. Audi is anticipated to release not one but three new electric SUV models, the Q8 e-Tron, SQ8 e-Tron, and Q8 e-Tron Sportback.
The 2023 Q8 e-Tron is now on sale around the world, and it boasts a completely redesigned front end, new air-spring suspension, fine-tuned chassis control systems, and re-calibrated steering to provide more dynamic handling and riding.
Ex-showroom Price: ₹1.20 Crore
Expected Launch Date: August 2, 2023
Audi Q8 e-Tron Key Specifications (Expected):
Maximum Power | 496 bhp |
Maximum Torque | 664 Nm |
Body Type | SUV |
Engine | 2995 cc |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Audi Q8 e-Tron Key Features
12.3-inch digital driver's display |
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
Powerful 8.8 kWh battery pack |
What’s Good
- Equipped with 8 airbags for ultimate safety
- Available in 8 colours: Galaxy Blue Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Typhoon Gray Metallic, Floret Silver Metallic, Glacier White Metallic, Catalunya Red Metallic and Siam Beige Metallic.
- Automatic four-zone air conditioning
What’s Not Good
- Limited driving range
5. Jaguar F-TYPE R-Dynamic Black
The Jaguar F-TYPE R-Dynamic Black is a breathtaking piece of engineering with its sleek, Black Pack and imposing 20-inch, five split-spoke wheels designed to leave onlookers spellbound. But the exterior of this car is just the beginning.
The Jaguar F-TYPE’s cabin is replete with all the creature comforts you’d expect from a modern sports car, such as the 12.3-inch reconfigurable driver display. But gizmos are not really why you’d buy this car, would you? It’s the 443 bhp on tap and 580 Nm on tap that will keep you grinning from ear to ear and traffic signal to signal.
The F-TYPE also boasts one of the best music systems money can buy. But we aren’t talking about the one that plays music from a streaming app. It’s the exhaust system, and the pops it makes when you shift gears… something no musician can compete with. Keeping you safe are some of the best brakes in the business (this car will stop on a dime), an anti-lock braking system, airbags and a suspension that will keep up with any driving style you throw at it.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹1.37 crores onwards
Expected Launch Date: September 30, 2023
Jaguar F-TYPE Key Specifications (Expected):
Maximum Power | 296 bhp @5,500 rpm, 443.8 bhp @ 6,000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm @1,500 rpm, 580 Nm @ 2,500-5,000 rpm |
Engine | 1,997 cc 4 cylinder, 4,998 cc V8 |
Fuel Type | Petrol |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating Capacity | 2 |
Boot Space | 310 L |
Jaguar F-TYPE R-Dynamic Black Key Features:
Configurable Dynamics for personalised driving settings |
Meridian Sound System for concert-quality entertainment experience |
12-way Electric Performance Seats |
Adaptive Dynamics for smooth ride quality |
Premium and luxurious leather upholstery |
Climate Package 2 for heated seats and steering wheel |
What's Good:
- Stunning exterior design
- Powerful engine delivers impressive performance
- Luxurious and premium interior
- Excellent build quality with plenty of features
- Comfortable and smooth ride quality
What's Not Good:
- Limited availability of sales and service outlets
6. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Once you look, you can’t look away before you admire the EQE SUV’s sporty body and glossy grille. The EQE SUV comes with a much smaller footprint, a larger cabin size, and premium seating.
This car has a crisp silhouette with enhanced details like lines across the rear wheels, LED headlights, and ambient lighting. The EQE SUV has a state-of-the-art cockpit fitted with the latest AI-powered MBUX software.
This intelligent vehicle is backed by a premium battery management system that allows OTA updates (over-the-air update system). This helps navigate through city traffic and provides an insight into better routes.
With a powerful engine and battery system, the EQE SUV car offers exemplary on-road performance whether you’re travelling or driving to work on a Monday!
Expected Ex-Showroom Price: ₹1.25 crores
Expected Launch: December 1, 2023
Mercedes-Benz EQE Key Specifications (Expected):
Maximum Power | Up to 329 hp (245 kW) |
Maximum Torque | Up to 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) |
Engine | Dual electric motors |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Mileage | Up to 310 miles (498 km) WLTP |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | SUV |
Mercedes-Benz EQE Key Features:
MBUX Hyperscreen fitted with a large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen |
Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist |
Adaptive cruise control |
What’s Good
- Complete safety kit
- Onboard air purification system
- Ambient lighting strips in the cabin
What’s Not Good
- Rear seats are stiff and not ideal for long journeys
The Bottom Line
From the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV to the Ferrari Purosangue, each of these luxury cars come with top-notch features and impressive design where you’ll be left feeling exhilarated after each drive.
So, whether it’s the custom colour options or their powerful engines, sit back and choose the premium ride you’d like to get behind the wheels of, this year!
FAQs
Q. What are the top upcoming cars above 1 crore?
The Land Rover Defender, Ferrari Purosangue, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV are the top upcoming cars above 1 crore.
Q. Which type of cars are going to be launched under 1 crore?
Several SUVs, MUVs, Coupes, and Sedans are expected to be launched under 1 crore.
Q. Are these cars above 1 crore worth the wait?
Yes, these cars such as the Ferrari Purosangue and Land Rover Defender are global favourites and offer unmatched quality and performance.