Audi cars in India (13)

Autocar India

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If you're looking for performance first and foremost, check out the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol. Coming from the 1.5 petrol Creta, you will immediately notice how much stronger the XUV 7XO's 202hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol is. Overtakes need a light press on the pedal, hills feel effortless even with family and bags, and it cruises comfortably at highway speeds. Mahindra tunes its engines for performance first and fuel economy second. So, be prepared for poor mileage numbers.If you’re tempted by a used luxury SUV, a 2-3 year old BMW X3 30i or Audi Q5 with a valid extended warranty will be quick and feel special, but do factor in higher service and repair costs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Audi Q5

Autocar India

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For a good petrol SUV in the Rs 40-50 lakh range, check out the Skoda Kodiaq. It comes in 5 and 7-seat guises and features a premium, high-quality and practical interior. Quality has taken a step up in this new-gen model compared to the outgoing Kodiaq, and fit and finish are now on par with luxury cars. It may look large on the outside, but it's actually quite easy to manoeuvre, and moreover, its 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine is smooth and refined.Alternatively, you can check out the Audi Q3. It's not as large as the Skoda, but since you plan to use it primarily in the city, and if you don't have a need for the added space, it could be beneficial. It has better badge value too, which should help resale value compared to the Skoda, and though it uses the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, its smaller size means fuel efficiency should be a bit better, as well as performance.

Skoda Kodiaq

Audi Q3

Autocar India

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In this price range, you always have to choose badge versus value, as there are some exceptional executive sedans and SUVs available for the same price as entry-level cars with luxury badges on them. If you're after a luxury badge specifically, we recommend the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine, which is excellent value for money, or if you want an SUV, the Audi Q3, which is a little dated now. But offers the best overall package of performance, practicality and comfort. However, for the same money, the Toyota Camry offers far more space comfort and mileage thanks to its strong hybrid powertrain, for similar money. And similarly, the Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Tayron offer far greater space, practicality and power than a similarly priced luxury-branded SUV. However, these big, seven-seat SUVs with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines are quite thirsty and could burn a hole in your pocket at the fuel pumps. However, if you're accustomed to the running costs of an Innova Crysta 2.7 petrol, then these won't be too far off. Of all these, we recommend the Toyota Camry hybrid for its all-encompassing offering of comfort, luxury, space and mileage at this price.

Toyota Camry

Audi Q3

Skoda Kodiaq

Volkswagen Tayron

Autocar India

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As you've rightly said, the Porsche Cayenne is probably your best option. No other large SUV handles as well as it does, and you get the option of two powerful turbo petrol engines - a 340hp V6 and a 500hp V8. However, if you're not concerned with having the Porsche badge, you should consider the Audi Q8, which is mechanically similar to the Cayenne, but comes in three performance levels, is set up to be more comfortable and usable, and is far more affordable too.At one end, there is the base V6 version, with the same 340hp engine, and at the other extreme is the 650hp, V8-powered RS Q8 Performance. However, Audi is about to launch the SQ8 - with the 500hp V8 - in India, and this could be the sweet spot between price and performance for you.

Porsche Cayenne

Audi Q8

Autocar India

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All the cars you have shortlisted, being sedans, have similar ground clearance, and for all practical purposes, the Audi A4 is no worse off than the other two. In fact, in our testing, it was the Mercedes-Benz A-Class limousine that required the most care over speed breakers. If ground clearance is a high priority, consider an SUV like the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 or BMW X1. However, if you want to stick with a sedan, the Audi A4 is the most value for money. Not only is it larger and more spacious than the others, it also has the most comfortable suspension. What's more, its 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo petrol is larger and more powerful than the engines on offer in the 2 Series and A-Class, and the most refined among them too. Given your budget, however, you could even consider an Audi A6; check if your local Audi dealer is offering any discounts, and it could fit within the outer limits of your budget.

Audi Q3

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine

Audi A4

Audi A6

BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Autocar India

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The BMW 320d is a sporty sedan with a strong diesel engine and more engaging driving dynamics, but it sits in a segment below the Audi A6. The A6’s 2.0‑litre petrol engine is much smoother and more refined than the BMW’s diesel, which can feel a bit gruff in comparison. With your usage of just 500 to 800 km a month, a diesel really isn’t necessary, and you won’t fully benefit from its efficiency advantage.Where the BMW does score is in the cabin, which looks and feels more modern than the A6’s interior, which is now beginning to feel a bit dated. However, overall, the Audi A6 offers a more luxurious experience, a more refined powertrain and, with the attractive deals currently available in the market, becomes the better all-round choice despite not being as sporty to drive as the 320d.

Audi A6

BMW 3 Series LWB

Autocar India

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Yes, the Hyundai Verna facelift is coming in the second week of March, but it will get only cosmetic changes. There will be no changes in the engine, which means there is no hybrid coming anytime soon.As things stand, there isn’t an ICE car below Rs 40 lakh that is significantly quicker than the Verna, which does 0-100kph in a brisk 8.8 seconds. If outright performance is what you’re after, one car worth stretching for is the Audi Q3. While its list price is around Rs 50 lakh, attractive discounts are often available, bringing it much closer to your Rs 40 lakh budget.The Q3 uses a 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine producing a healthy 190hp, and that’s enough for a 0-100kph time of 7.3 seconds - comfortably quicker than the Verna. Beyond straight-line speed, the Q3, being a compact luxury SUV, plays in a different league altogether in terms of interior quality, badge value and overall experience. Perhaps it makes the best upgrade for you if you can extend your budget a bit.

Audi Q3

Autocar India

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At under Rs 1 crore, the best luxury car you can buy is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. With its long wheelbase, compliant suspension tuning and comfortable, reclining rear seats, it offers one of the best back-seat experiences on the market. And that aside, it's very well equipped and has a strong selection of petrol and diesel engines as well.If you'd prefer an SUV, the Range Rover Velar is also a good option, being stylish inside and out, with a cool, minimalist interior. If you want more space, the Audi Q7 offers three rows of seats and excellent value for money.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Audi Q7

Autocar India

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There are currently no electric options available at the Rs 1 crore on-road price point. In fact, there's a wide gap between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 1.2 crore. However, the gap will be filled over the next 18-20 months with new models such as the Audi Q6 E-tron, Mercedes GLC EV and BMW iX3. At present, the BMW iX1 LWB and Tesla Model Y are the best electric cars under Rs 70 lakh. The iX1 stands out in space and is actually a great value. The Tesla car, on the other hand, makes an impression by being very different from other EVs in terms of design, interior, and technology.Around the Rs 1.2 crore mark, the BMW iX is the best EV out there. A facelift is due in a few months, so you could push for big discounts on the outgoing model.

Tesla Model Y

BMW iX3

BMW iX1 LWB

Audi Q6 e-tron

Autocar India

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The Skoda Kodiaq is more spacious and feels more modern than the Audi Q3, and it comes with all the equipment a luxury car buyer would want, including wireless Apple and Android connectivity, which the Q3 doesn’t have.However, although the Q3 feels dated, especially on the inside, it has a certain old-school charm and superb cabin quality, with ride quality in particular being exceptional. The rear seats are quite cramped, but if you drive yourself, the compact dimensions of the Q3 will be a boon in Mumbai traffic. Yes, the Kodiaq gives you more car for the money, but the Audi Q3 has stronger badge value and is nicer to drive.

Skoda Kodiaq

Audi Q3