2016 Auto Expo: Upcoming Luxury Cars Which Will Be Showcased in India

1) Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet

If there is anything better than luxury, it is luxury with its top down. And bringing both of them together will be Mercedes-Benz with the 2016 S-Class Cabriolet that will be making its India debut at the auto expo. The flagship Mercedes convertible mimics the S500 two-door coupe in design, dimensions and features, while the hard top gets replaced by a soft cover. Loaded with creature comforts, the S-Class Cabriolet packs jewel theme DRLs, Airscarf and Aircap functions as well as the THERMOTRONIC climate control system. Power comes from the 4.7-litre turbocharged V8 motor belting out 455hp and 700Nm of torque with power via a 9-speed automatic transmission. The S-Class Cabriolet will be one of the 12 launches the automaker has planned for the year.

Also Read: Hyundai Cars at 2016 Auto Expo

2) Mercedes GLC

Also being showcased for the first time in India, Mercedes-Benz will be bringing the new generation GLC (previously GLK) luxury SUV at the auto expo with the launch expected later this year. The GLC is essentially based on the C-Class using the same underpinnings and can be termed as the brawnier cousin of the four-door sedan. The front fascia is strikingly similar to the C-Class with the bold twin-slat grille and sweptback headlamps with the design losing its boxy stance over the predecessor in favour of an urban appearance. The S-Class inspired interiors only add to the attributes of this SUV. Positioned between the entry-level GLA and GLE in the company's lineup, the GLC rivals the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

3) Audi R8

The 2016 auto expo will be playing host to the next generation Audi R8 that will be showcased for the first time in the country, giving a glimpse of the additional power, technology and sharp lines that have made it to the new model. With CFRP infused in its construction, the new generation R8 is 50 kg lighter over the outgoing model, whereas power is uprated on the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine to produce 540hp on the standard variant and 610hp on the V10 Plus trim. The cabin is now updated to resemble a race car and gets updated with the virtual cockpit, more controls on the steering a host of electronic aids. The new R8 will be one of the showstoppers at the Audi pavilion in addition to the new generation Q7 and A4.

4) 2016 Audi A4

Speaking of which, the fifth generation Audi A4 will be showcased at the upcoming auto expo next week, before the expected launch later this year. While not dramatically different in design, the new A4 looks sharper with the larger single-frame grille, new LED DRLs and a redesigned tail lights. The new sedan is also more aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of just 0.23. Inside the cabin, the interiors get comprehensive changes with a new steering wheel, gear selector while the virtual cockpit from the TT replaces the conventional unit. The 2016 A4 also gets a heavily revised platform helping shed 120 kg of extra weight. The new A4 will be offered with TSI and TDI engine options, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and will compete with the new BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class as well as the upcoming Jaguar XE.

5) New BMW X1

BMW India's one of the most anticipated launches for the year will be the new generation X1 that is set to be showcased at the upcoming auto expo. More SUV-like this time, the second generation X1 sits taller than its predecessor mimicking the X3 in several ways, which has also helped liberate more room inside the cabin. Mechanically too, the biggest change on the SUV new UKL1 architecture that is borrowed from the MINI Cooper and BMW 2-Series, which makes the 2016 X1 a front wheel drive model with transverse mounted engines. Engine options will remain the same with a 2.0-litre diesel motor under the hood with All Wheel Drive to be offered as optional. With the plethora of upgrades, the new X1 will post a competitive challenger to the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA in the segment.

6) New BMW 3-Series

Officially launched this month, the new BMW 3-Series facelift will have its first outing at the upcoming auto expo. The model gets subtle styling tweaks comprising of the new full LED headlamps, fog lights and revised DRLs; slightly revised bumpers and refreshed tail lamps. The cabin though gets updated with far more comprehensive changes including a heads up display unit, Park Assistant feature and new Navigation Professional system with an 8.8-inch display. Power has also been uprated on the refreshed 3-Series with the 2.0-litre diesel motor now producing 190hp and peak torque of 400Nm. As a result, the sedan is capable of doing the 0-100 km/hr sprint in 7.2 seconds and a 230 km/hr top speed. Currently, BMW is offering the 3-Series only with a diesel heart, but the petrol will join the lineup later this year.

7) BMW 7-Series

Also making its India debut at the auto expo will be the new generation BMW 7-Series that is sure to grab attention with its extensive feature list and tech wizardry on board. The new generation model is the first BMW to be based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform and gets an evolved design language compared to the outgoing model. Inside the cabin, the flagship sedan is loaded top notch materials, while the feature list boasts of the air suspension, Remote Control Parking, Road Preview predictive adaptive suspension and much more, while using carbon fibre in its construction to help achieve 200 kg of weight savings. Powertrain options will include petrol and diesel units when it arrives in India later this year, while the Hybrid system is likely to make a comeback as well.

8) Jaguar XE

Making a grand entry at the auto expo this year will be Jaguar, as its most affordable XE sedan will be officially launched in the country to take on the likes of Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 in the segment. The newest Jag is based on an all-new monocoque platform made of 75 percent lightweight aluminium that helps in extensive weight savings while power comes from the powerful new 2.0-litre petrol and diesel Ingenium family of engines. Both units are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, what really sets the smallest Jaguar apart are the young looks and quintessential British styling that make the model more desirable. Expect prices in the vicinity of Rs. 40 lakhs (ex-showroom) on the locally assembled XE.

Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: Volkswagen to Introduce 3 New Models This Year

9) Jaguar F-Pace

While the XE will be attracting queries from prospective buyers, it will be the Jaguar F-Pace that will be one of the more striking exhibits and is sure to raise some eyebrows. The automaker does first dabble at building an SUV with the F-Pace which looks sharp, brawny and urban with the front fascia resembling the XE whereas the rear gets F-Type inspired tail lights. It is also tech loaded like the automaker's sedan derivatives and features the new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system. In terms of power, the sporty crossover uses the same 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine seen on the XE, while a 3.0-litre turbo V6 diesel is also offered as optional on the R-Sport and First Edition trims. The F-Pace will be going on sale in the country by the end of this year.

Honourable Mentions:

Also gracing the expo this year will be some very exciting exotics that will be showstoppers at their respective pavilions. Ford India will be showcasing the Mustang ahead of its launch later this year, whereas Nissan will bring the iconic GT-R as well.