Mercedes Benz brings new E-Class in India, starting at Rs 63.6 lakh

2020 saw German car-manufacturer Audi trying to attract the first-time luxury car buyers in India by launching 5 variants of its much-awaited SUV Q2.

Powering the Audi Q2 is a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, developing 190PS and 320Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG (twin-clutch) automatic. It makes for a claimed 0-100kmph in a sprightly 6.5 seconds.

The quattro all-wheel drive in the Q2 is via an electro-hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch, which can direct up to a 50:50 split of torque between the front and rear wheels depending on the need.

That’s not all. Audi will give customers a 5-year comprehensive service package, a 2+3 year extended warranty and 2+3yr of roadside assistance.

Price:

Standard - Rs 34.99 lakh
Premium - Rs 40.89 lakh
Premium Plus - Rs 44.64 lakh
Premium Plus II - Rs 45.14 lakh
Technology - Rs 48.89 lakh

Jumping on the bandwagon, luxury brand Mercedes launched a midsize SUV, AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, priced at Rs 1.2 crore (ex-showroom pan-India), in September.

The GLE-class performance SUV Coupe was displayed at the Auto Show 2020 in Greater Noida and is the first AMG 53 series in the country. The model comes with 3 litre V6 biturbo engine, which churns out 390 hp of power, 23 hp more than the previous model.

What’s more? Mercedes also came up with an online sales platform ‘Merc From Home’ to promote digital bookings.

"We have got more than 500 bookings, which are a combination of both new and old cars, through an online platform. It also reaffirms our confidence in our digital strategy globally," Mercedes-Benz India Vice-President for sales and marketing Santosh Iyer said.

Price:

Rs 1.2 crore (ex-showroom pan-India)

Premium motorcycle brand KTM, part of the Bajaj Auto group, launched KTM 250 Adventure model priced at Rs 2,48,256 (ex-showroom Delhi) in November.

The bike is powered by a 248 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which generates power of 30 hp and is mated with a six-speed gearbox.

It is equipped with an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) system by Bosch with an additional off-road mode that can be engaged via a button on the dashboard, allowing riders to steer the rear end into the corners with ease.

Commenting on the launch, Bajaj Auto President (Probiking) Sumeet Narang said,"The recent years have witnessed an increasing trend in adventure touring and the interest in outdoor exploration is on the rise. Our Adventure range is conceptualised to address this trend."

Price:

Rs 2.48 lakh (ex-showroom)

British niche bike-manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles launched its all-new Tiger 900 in India priced between Rs 13.7 lakh and Rs 15.7 lakh (ex-showroom) in June.

The model is powered by a fresh 900 cc triple engine, and boasts of new rider-enhancing technology and an aggressive style.

The 2020 model will be available in three variants in India – Tiger 900 GT priced at Rs 13. 7 lakh, Rally at Rs 14. 35 lakh and Rally Pro Rs 15.50 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).

Triumph Motorcycles India Business Head Shoeb Farooq said, "The three variants will cater to both on-road and hard-core off-roading enthusiasts along with those wanting a long distance touring motorcycle."

Price:

Rs 13.7 lakh (ex-showroom)

Jaguar Land Rover India launched its iconic SUV Defender in the country with a price starting at Rs 73.98 lakh (ex-showroom).

The latest version of the model comes with a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and would be available in two body styles in the country.

The price of new Defender 90 (three-door) starts from Rs 73.98 lakh, while Defender 110 (five-door) is tagged at Rs 79.94 lakh onwards (ex-showroom).

The new Defender will earn its place in the hearts of those with a passion for travel.

For off-roading, Defender has an impressive maximum approach angle of 38 degrees and a capability of water wading through a depth of 900 mm.

It also delivers a maximum towing capacity of 3,720 kg coupled with a roof load capacity of 168 kg. The model also comes with next-generation electronic vehicle architecture supporting SOTA (Software-Over-The-Air). It allows customers to receive updates without visiting the retailer.

Price:

Rs 73.98 lakh (ex-showroom)

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) launched its first BSVI-compliant premium motorcycle, the 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports priced at Rs 15.35 lakh (ex-showroom, India), in March.

Honda has replaced the previous 998cc motor with a larger 1084cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. While the previous motor pumped out 86.04bhp and 93.1Nm, the updated mill is capable of producing 102bhp at 7,500rpm and 105Nm at 6,250rpm.

This substantial increase has been achieved by altering the intake and exhaust systems of the powerplant.

Adding to its touring credentials is a larger 24.8 litre fuel tank while the tall windscreen gets five steps of adjustability. For an added comfort in cold regions, heated grips have also been incorporated.

Price:

Rs 15.35 lakh (ex-showroom, India)