AUDI
The Audi Q3 has been a well-established bestseller in the premium compact segment for the manufacturer for years. Now the third-generation car is set to hit the Indian market. The latest is likely to come in with a mild-hybrid petrol powertrain making 110kW, and a TDI with similar output. A quattro with 195kW could also make it here. Also on the cards is the Audi A6 Sedan, which is the slipperiest Audi yet with a drag coefficient of 0.23. This is also going to get mild-hybrid technology in addition to the 2.0 TDI four-cylinder engine with 204hp and the 3.0 TFSI six-cylinder engine with 367hp.
BMW
This German automaker has lined up the iX3, which is the first of its Neue Klasse model, as well as the latest 3 Series for India. For the second the look is familiar since India got the M340i last year. The iX32 has a range of up to 805km and a peak charging rate of 400 kW. A new electronics and software architecture includes four “superbrain” high-performance computers. The iX3 50 xDrive has an output of 469hp. The various engines available for the BMW 3-Series produce outputs ranging from 110 kW/150 hp up to 210 kW/286hp and they have mild-hybrid technology.
HONDA
Honda is planning a couple of new launches this year apart from the updates. Apart from updates to the City, there is talk of the Honda Prelude making it to India. The new sports coupe is the first model to pair the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with the high-performance chassis hardware of the iconic Civic Type R. It has a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle direct injection gasoline engin. A combined system output of 200hp and a robust 315Nm of torque make the Prelude quick.
HYUNDAI
An interesting move likely from the Korean company is the return of the Santa Fe SUV. Currently, it does not have a vehicle in that segment. The Santa Fe is the fifth-generation model. The design language is something we are familiar with from other Hyundais in India. There are various petrol and diesel options ranging from ranging from 160ps to 281ps.
LEXUS ES
The 2026 Lexus ES that was unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition is the eighth generation of the global luxury sedan. Both the hybrid and the first ES battery electric vehicle (BEVs) models are available and the line-has both front- and all-wheel drive options. On offer is a 2.5-litre hybrid system, or battery power in two versions.
MAHINDRA
The Indian SUV maker will be rolling out the 7X0 tomorrow and has kept the design strictly under wraps. However, the exterior is likely to get updates in the lamps and grille and bumper areas. The bulk of the changes, however, is likely inside, were now a triple-screen setup has been added as well as active driver aids, among others. This year could also see Mahindra bring out the BE 07, the third of the five electric vehicles it had showcased a couple of years back. This is expected to be bigger than the three currently in the market.
The cars
MARUTI SUZUKI
The major all-new vehicle will be the eVitara, which, while technically launched, is going to have its price announced in a few days. It marks a watershed for the manufacturer since this is their first electric vehicle and is expected establish Maruti Suzuki in the EV space in India. It has a p range of 543km under test conditions.
MERCEDES-BENZ
The new CLA is designed throughout for the electric and digital age at Mercedes-Benz. As the first model of an entirely new vehicle family, it embodies the next evolutionary step in the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy. With a range of up to 792km according to WLTP, the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology offers a large radius in its class and 200kW of power. The 260kW CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology is positioned as the performance version at the top end of the model range. Mercedes-Benz could also bring in the GLC in the EV avatar to tap into the green segment.
NISSAN
Nissan has lined up the Gravite seven-seater for this year. This is its version of the Renault Triber. While the looks will be very different from that of the Triber, on the inside there will be a lot familiar bits. Nissan is betting that the same 71hp motor will be able to do the trick for it as well. Also in the pipeline is the Nissan Tekton, which will be a small SUV and likely to be positioned above the Magnite. Details of the powertrain are not yet clear however.
RENAULT
The Duster SUV, which was the small SUV that created that segment that has subsequently exploded, is set to make a comeback to India in its latest generation model. The current model is currently sold abroad as a Dacia, same as for the earlier model. It is likely to come with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel powertrains, but they would be turbocharged this time around.
SKODA
The Elroq could mark the Czech company’s entry into the electric vehicle space this year. It will likely be the RS version that has has two motors generating a total system output of 250kW and is equipped with all-wheel drive. The Elroq RS comes with an electric range of more than 550km on the WLTP cycle. It is also the fastest accelerating car in Skoda’s current model portfolio, sprinting from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the Kushaq, which has been around for a few years now, will get a midlife update with some soft design changes and added safety features.
TATA
The most interesting thing coming from Tata this year is the Avinya, which is planned to be spun out into a separate electric vehicle brand in the luxury vehicles space. While the details are still thin, we are looking forward to seeing this vehicle on the road towards the end of this year. However, we will soon have the petrol versions of the Tata Harrier and Safari SUVs. This is an interesting move from Tata with some regions swinging towards petrol cars even in the bigger SUV segment. Power for both is 168hp and torque is 350Nm.
