Audi India has started getting back on the fast lane with back to back launches. While the BS6 norms left Audi with no products at all, the German carmaker has buckled up with new cars pretty fast and we will see one new launch every month. Audi has lost big numbers in recent years due to ageing products and late launches, that is about to change but this time, it's only TFSI taking the charge. Audi India will launch 7 new cars in the Indian market by 2021 end.
Audi India launched the A6 last year which is generating a big chunk of sales for the brand. Moreover, we have the Q8, RSQ8, RS7 and A8L in the portfolio but all are targeted to the premium set of buyers which doesn't generate big numbers. To tackle that, Audi recently launched the more affordable (but not too affordable) Q2 to get numbers. After the launch of the Q2, Audi India has announced to hold one launch every month and getting fully packed by the end of 2021.
Audi S5 Sportback
Audi India faintly teased the launch of the Audi S5 Sportback at the web launch of the Q2. Inspecting closely revealed that it is none other than the S5 Sportback and Audi will launch it in November. The S5 Sportback facelift was revealed globally last year and it's now making the way to our shores. It will come with a solid 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol engine, mated to an 8-speed auto and standard Quattro all-wheel-drive. The Audi S5 Sportback does nought to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and it will take on the likes of Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe.
Audi E-Tron
Audi E-Tron is the brand's all-electric flagship SUV and it is also available in Sportback iteration now. Audi showcased the E-Tron in India last year but its arrival has been delayed thanks to COVID. The E-Tron is expected to get launched this year and it will take on the likes of the Mercedes EQC 400 and Jaguar I-Pace. Audi offers the E-Tron with multiple battery options but the Indian market is expected to get E-Tron 55 with 360hp and range of 436km. As it is the fully-electric, the price will roam in the region of 1 crore ex-showroom.
Audi A4 Facelift
Audi A4 has been one of the most successful Audi models in India and it is making a comeback soon. Audi has been selling the facelifted model of the A4 in the global markets for long and India launch is expected in the coming months. As Audi is betting on the petrol-only range, we won't get the frugal and torquey diesel engines. The heart of the matter is expected to be a 2.0-litre 4-pot turbo petrol engine. However, the power tune and gearbox can't be anticipated thanks to the long list of options on offer. The A4 will go head-on with the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and Jaguar XE.
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Audi Q3 Facelift
Audi Q3 has also been a great selling model in India and it's doing well in the pre-owned market as well. Audi has been selling the facelifted Q3 for a long time now and it's even available in Sportback and RS models. However, India is expected to get the regular Q3 and power duties will be done by 1.5-litre TFSI and 2.0-litre TFSI engines. Power output and gearbox combinations are unknown but we expect top trims to come with Quattro system as standard. Once launched, the Q3 will be the only SUV of its segment to come with all-wheel-drive.
Audi Q7 Facelift
Audi Q7 has always been a preferred choice for buyers looking for comfort in full-size SUV segment. The recent facelift made it even better with freasher looks and updated features. The facelift model comes with LED matrix headlights, tweaked styling and twin touchhscreens on the inside along with latest Virtual Cockpit. Globally, the Q7 comes with various powertrain options but the Indian market is expected to get 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol engines. The Audi Q7 will go head on with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90.
Audi Q5 Facelift
Audi Q5 recently got a mid-cycle update earlier this year which brought in latest tech like OLED taillights and fresh interiors. Audi India has also put the Q5 on the cards and it is expected to get launched in the Indian market in 2021. The Q5 is expected to carry a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine coupled with a 48V mild hybrid setup. The engine will come mated to an 8-speed auto and Quattro all-wheel-drive as standard. The Q5, once launched, will rub its shoulders with the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60 and Range Rover Evoque.
Audi A3
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Audi revealed the new-genereation of the A3 sedan earlier this year and yes, it is hitting our shores. Although Audi hasn't claimed any dates but given the popularity of the old A3, Audi will surely give it a shot. Powertrain in question is a 1.5-litre TFSI petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The styling of the new A3 is sharper than before and the interiors get the Urus-inspired AC vents. Audi will launch all these cars by the end of 2021 in the India.
