Upcoming Audi cars in India (5)

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.

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.

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.

Happy birthday! And if you like the Volvo XC60, we recommend you go for it. It is, as you said, the most understated of the lot, and a less common sight on our roads, which makes it a little bit more special. Both the interior and exterior design aren't too over the top, and with the recent update in August 2025, its tech is now on par with the rest too. An underrated feature is the 1,410W Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which is possibly the best you'll find in this segment. It's an excellent highway cruiser with superb refinement at speed, and though not the most exciting to drive, it is very relaxing. Cost of ownership is on par with Mercedes GLC 300 and the Audi Q5, the only caveat being a slightly smaller service network, although Volvo is present in most big cities. For a heart patient, more so than the body style, its a safe, smooth, comfortable and predictable driving experience that is beneficial, and with its refined and relaxed demeanour, the Volvo XC60 should be ideal for you.

The Toyota Camry is an excellent sedan that feels spacious and luxurious. Its hybrid powertrain makes it extremely efficient, and its ride comfort is second to none. Even though it doesn't feel sporty to drive, its performance and dynamics are quite impressive. If you like the Camry Hybrid, go for it.

Other sedans that you can consider in the same price point are BYD Seal, BMW 2-Series, Mercedes A-Class and Audi A4. Out of these, the Seal (EV) feels the sportiest, while the Audi A4 is the most rounded.