Top India-bound cars spotted testing in August

The testing season at the ‘Ring continues way past the summer season. Meanwhile, manufacturers are scurrying around in their backyards to test the upcoming products before they are released to the world before the end of the calendar year. Here are the top five vehicles we spotted testing last month which will surely make their way to India soon. 

Jaguar XE    

The facelift of the Jaguar XE is already in works. Although the design appears similar, the test mule was hiding significant updates underneath. The revised headlamps, tinkered air dams, reworked nose and sportier tail lamps are all evident. Under the skin, Jaguar is expected to soldier on with the current crop of engines for the sedan albeit with a revised state of tune for better performance and improved efficiency.

Renault Kadjar

A mid-life update for the Euro-spec Renault Kadjar is expected to come as a 2020 model year. With its updates, we can expect the same changes on the India-spec Captur. The Kadjar’s mid-life update is expected to get a new face as well as a revised rear. The signature grille will be retained with some upgrades in the cabin. The India-spec Captur is expected to receive these updates in late 2019 or early 2020 as a mid-life refresh. 

BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe

BMW resurrected the 8 Series moniker with the M850i Coupe. However, given how the BMW’s line-up works, there will be a convertible and a four-door variant of the 8 Series as well before the fully-blown M variants arrive. The four-door version will be called the Gran Coupe, akin to the 6 Series Gran Coupe before it. When it arrives, the 8 Series Gran Coupe will target the aficionados who usually buy the Porsche Panamera as a sporty sedan. 

Volkswagen T-Cross

The T-Cross is the new baby SUV in VW line-up. It will rival the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza when it arrives as a sub-4 metre crossover in India. It will retain the styling of its elder siblings – the T-Roc and Tiguan – with more funky updates to the interior, akin to the new-gen Polo. In India, it will be based on the MQB-A0-IN and will be part of the German carmaker’s India 2.0 strategy. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The entire Mercedes-Benz line-up is undergoing a major overhaul. So obviously, the flagship GLS SUV will spearhead the rejigged line-up with S-Class inspired updates. The new-gen GLS is based on the new MHA platform and will retain its humongous dimensions. The exterior styling will be undergoing a major change while the hood will house a new range of inline-six motors with options of V8s.