From being a piece of science fiction, electric vehicles are finally becoming ‘normal’. Here are some models you can expect to set your sights on in India this year
By: Somnath Chatterjee
Posted on: January 20, 2022
Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors, championed the electric car and believed in its potential, which is now finally becoming real nearly 100 years after his death. Electric cars are not science fiction or a pipe dream but very much an integral part of our automotive landscape.
The dependence on fossil fuel is slowly writing its own epitaph, but the rise of EVs is fundamentally due to them being a capable enough alternative to conventional cars. Modern day EVs are now getting upgraded battery technology, are faster and also more accessible. However, like all technologies, they are trickled down so the luxury car buyer of today has more choice in terms of EVs rather than a mass market hatchback buyer. Hence, we have narrowed down the best luxury EVs set to hit the Indian roads soon.
1. Mercedes-Benz EQS
When one of the biggest names in luxury throw in their collective might and scramble their brains in developing a new car, then it should be very good. In case of the Mercedes EQS, it's a whole new level of luxury along with being an electric car. Till now, EVs have been fast, but the EQS is all about luxury with copious amounts of technology being thrown towards its hi-tech powertrain and the various facets of this car including its 'Hyper screen'. It's luxury motoring re-imagined. And to top it, Mercedes will assemble the car in India – which further boosts the electric luxury segment.
2. BMW i4
BMW has long flown the flag for the driver's car, but its new line-up of electrified models has covered lost ground in this fiercely competitive EV space. The i4 is a luxury saloon with typical BMW driving dynamics albeit with an EV powertrain. The i4 is still a premium product being positioned above the 5 Series but still more accessible over the larger iX EV SUV. The car claims to be a spacious sedan with a sporty nature while providing good enough range with one charge. The i4 would also be one of the few sporty electric luxury sedans to be offered here.
3. Tesla Model 3
The poster child of the EV revolution, and the catalyst in making the world turn towards it, is still the biggest player in this space. In a matter of few years, Tesla has managed to upset the apple cart of various legacy luxury car-makers while changing the market place with its range and supercharger network. Today, the Model 3 is still one of the best luxury EVs and it's finally coming to India. While the ongoing saga of Tesla's entry is fodder for the rumour mills, they will soon set up shop with their Model 3 and Y leading the charge. Expect it to be priced competitively along with packing the highest range for a sedan of its class.
4. Audi Q4 e-tron
Audis are mostly tech-laden and its EV portfolio fits right in the scheme of things. The German luxury car-maker has three EVs on sale already while the Q4 e-tron would be its fourth one. The Q4 e-tron is a mid-size EV SUV with all the features and the size of a Q5, but with a smoother electric powertrain. The coupe like styling blends in well with those rakish lines as the Q4 e-tron aims to plug the gap below the bigger e-tron.
5. Volvo XC40 Recharge
Volvo is betting big on EVs and is expecting a majority of its sales to come from EVs in the coming years. Its EV onslaught will start with the XC40 Recharge. The XC40 Recharge will most likely be one of the most accessible EVs in the luxury space along with being a compact SUV. Yet, despite its compact silhouette, it will still pack in a large battery for a good amount of range. The all-electric version of the XC40 also looks different in some subtle ways with EV special design touches scattered all over the car.
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