Audi’s India range underwent a significant revamp with the transition to BS6, earlier this year. Diesels were gone, and so was most of the model line-up, with the company deciding to introduce BS6 powertrains with only new generation or facelifted products. And though the German marque has been keeping busy, bringing in six models over the course of the past year, regulatory hurdles and the pandemic have delayed more than a few of its launches. For the moment, the only models the company has that can hope to sell in decent volumes is the Audi A6 and recently launched, Q2.
However, Audi’s top brass claims that the company’s product plans are now back on track and a bevy of models are waiting in the wings for a market debut in the coming months.
- Audi to launch a new product every other month
- All major models will be back by next year
- Audi to stick to a petrol-only line-up for now
Speaking to Autocar India, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head, Audi India, mentioned that the firm will be bringing in a steady stream of updated products “at least on an alternate month basis, if not every month.” He added, “You will see all the products coming back on track by sometime next year.”
Here's a quick rundown of the launches Audi India has lined up for the coming months.
Audi S5 Sportback facelift
Arriving hot on the heels of the recently launched Audi Q2, will be a member from the A5 Sportback family, most likely the S5 Sportback. The four-door coupé will make a comeback to the Indian market in its facelifted avatar that gets updated styling, in addition to Audi’s latest tech.
Though not the full-blown RS version, the S5 is set to offer a considerable dose of performance from its 354hp, 3.0-litre V6 TFSI motor that provides enough oomph to cover the 0-100kph dash in 4.7sec. An 8-speed auto gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system will be standard fitments.
Audi e-tron
Audi’s electrification strategy will see the e-tron launch in India in the near future, with Dhillon confirming that the company will announce the launch timeline “in the next couple of days, weeks or months”. After missing its original target of an early 2020 market debut for the model that was showcased in the country last year, the automaker is now in the final stages of preparations and is setting up a suitable charging infrastructure across its network.
The all-electric SUV is available in multiple variants globally. The entry-level e-tron 50 gets a 313hp drivetrain with a claimed 336km range, while the more powerful e-tron 55 puts out 360hp (408hp in Boost mode) and promises a 436km range as per the WLTP cycle. The range-topping e-tron S, ups the ante with its 503hp output (in Boost Mode), though the driving range falls to a claimed 364km.
Expect one of the two standard models to be introduced to our market at a price tag north of a crore.
Audi A4 facelift
Audi revealed a facelift to the fifth-gen A4 last year, and the updated model is headed for India in the coming months. Marked by a sharper design on the outside, the refreshed A4 also gets significant upgrades in the cabin in the form of a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, among other elements.
While the outgoing model came with a 150hp, 1.4-litre (35 TFSI) petrol engine in our market, the new A4 is globally available with a standard 2.0-litre petrol mill in three states of tune (output varying from 150-265hp) and a 12V mild-hybrid setup. Expect transmission duties to be handled by a 7-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox.
New Audi Q3
The long overdue, second-gen Q3 is finally queued up for an India launch. With the Q2 now on sale in our market, the upcoming model will no longer be the entry-level SUV in Audi’s portfolio. Sitting on a modified version of the MQB platform, the new Q3 has grown in dimensions and also features styling cues derived from the company’s high-end SUVs.
In the powertrain department, the updated Q3 gets 150hp, 1.5-litre (35 TFSI), 190hp, 2.0-litre (40 TFSI) and 230hp, 2.0-litre (45 TFSI) petrol engines abroad, in addition to a range of oil burners. With the company’s decision to drop diesels from its line-up for now, expect one of the lower-powered petrols to make it to our country.
Audi Q7 facelift
The updated Q7 SUV, is another product being lined up by Audi India. The mid-cycle facelift was revealed last year with major changes that brought it in line with the company’s latest design language. On the outside, the model can be identified by its bolder grille and edgier headlamps. The cabin has been thoroughly revamped as well, with the dual-screen infotainment setup being a key highlight.
Despite being a full-size, three-row SUV, the upcoming Q7 will initially be a petrol-only model for India. Globally, the refreshed Q7’s petrol line-up includes a 251hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (45 TFSI) and a 340hp, 3.0-litre V6 mill (55 TFSI). An 8-speed torque converter automatic and all-wheel drive setup are standard offerings.
Audi Q5 facelift
The Q5 that was discontinued in our market, earlier this year will be replaced by the recently revealed, facelifted model. The 2020 Q5 gets sportier styling all around and boasts of new tech inside the cabin. Under the hood, expect the refreshed Q5 to feature a 245hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor (45 TFSI) with a 48V mild-hybrid setup, same as the Audi A6. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, along with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, will be a part of the standard package.
New Audi A3
Audi’s entry-level sedan will return to the automaker’s India portfolio late next year in a thoroughly updated guise. The second-gen A3 will be powered by a 150hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine (35 TFSI) paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.
Unveiled earlier this year, the new A3 wears the typical new-age Audi look, with a sharp and edgy styling. On the inside too, it is a considerable step forward compared to the outgoing model and features a thoroughly redesigned cabin. Though its dimensions haven’t changed all that much, the automaker does claim better space and comfort for front-seat occupants.
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