Luxury carmakers join the EV bandwagon

INTRO: Witnessing the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVS) across the country, luxury carmakers have also forayed into the segment. Despite the high prices of luxury EVs (starting at Rs 1 crore), most manufacturers have introduced their EV models seeing the market potential. Today, top brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche all have their high-end EV offerings for the Indian consumer.    

• Starting at a price of Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom), the Mercedes EQC is powered by two electric motors that produce a combined power of 402 BHP and 760 nm of torque
• The Audi e-tron GT is powered by two electric motors located on the car’s front and rear axles. The e-tron GT has a combined power output of 523 BHP and torque of 630 nm
• German auto major BMW launched its flagship electric vehicle, the iX xDrive 40, in India recently. The iX is powered by two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, one each on front and rear axle
• Porsche Taycan is powered by two electric motors placed at front and rear axle which generate a combined output of 625 BHP and an unbelievable 1,050 Nm of torque

The luxury car segment, which has been expanding in the county in recent years, has now extended to the EV segment as well. There was a time when luxury cars were considered a niche product as their prices were considered prohibitive, but that is no longer the case. The price range of luxury EVs starts around Rs 1 crore and goes all the way up to Rs 3 crore. Despite such high prices, many luxury car manufacturers have launched their flagship EVs in India since they find the market in India has the potential for these products.  

The Mercedes-Benz EQC was the first electric vehicle to break into the Indian luxury EV market. Starting at a price of Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom), the Mercedes EQC is powered by two electric motors that produce a combined power of 402 BHP and 760 nm of torque. The EV has a driving range of approximately 450 kilometres and is equipped with an 80 kWh lithium-Ion battery pack.

The success of Mercedes EQC paved the way for the other luxury car manufacturers in India. Audi launched its flagship Audi e-tron GT for Rs 1.65 crore (ex-showroom). The Audi e-tron GT is powered by two electric motors located on the car’s front and rear axles. The e-tron GT has a combined power output of 523 BHP and torque of 630 nm. The EV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The e-tron GT has an 84 kWh battery pack that provides a driving range of more than 500 kilometres. The Audi e-tron is available in three variants in India: sedan, SUV, and sports crossover.

German auto major BMW launched its flagship electric vehicle, the iX xDrive 40, in India recently. The iX is powered by two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, one each on front and rear axle. The battery is a 76.6 kWh lithium Ion pack installed beneath the floor, with a range of approximately 500 kilometres. The combined power output of the BMW iX is 326 BHP and torque is 630 nm. BMW has also released the EV i4 eDrive40, which costs Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom). The BMW i4 sedan EV is powered by two electric motors that produce 335 BHP and 430 nm of torque. It has a driving range of over 500 kms.

The luxury sports brand Porsche has also entered the EV segment with its flagship Porsche Taycan and Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. The price of Tycan starts from Rs 1.53 crore and goes up to Rs 2.34 crore. The Taycan is powered by two electric motors placed at front and rear axle which generate a combined output of 625 BHP and an unbelievable 1,050 Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100 in just 2.8 seconds. The Taycan has a lithium Ion battery pack of 93.4 kWh which gives a driving range of 325 km. 

Advertisement

Source: EVCD

Advertisements