Leading global car manufacturers have been spied testing a slew of new models for the global markets. Amongst a wide range of cars which were spied on test in July, here is a list of the top seven cars which are expected to be introduced in India –
Hyundai QXI
Hyundai has been spotted testing its first sub-four metre SUV, the QXI which is due for its India launch in 2019. The compact SUV is based on the Carlino concept which was last showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo event. The test mule has been spotted in the US as it is being tested alongside the Kia Soul. The cabin is expected to borrow features and interior detailing from the Grand i10 and the Creta.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen T-Cross is based on the Polo hatchback and has been spied testing at the Nurburgring. Some of the design elements have been borrowed from its older sibling, the T-Roc. The India-spec T-Cross will adopt the MQB-A0-IN platform which was developed specially for the domestic market and will be offered in the sub-four metre segment. At the time of launch, the vehicle might be offered with dual-tone colour options. The vehicle will be showcased in production form at the Paris Motor Show in October.
BMW 7 Series facelift
BMW’s flagship model, the 7 Series sedan has been due for an upgrade for quite some time now. The test mule was spotted in Germany near the company’s headquarters in Munich. The new model is expected to get a daunting grille with a sleeker headlight design and revised LED styling. The revised LED tail lamps complement the newly redesigned bumper. The 7 Series facelift is expected to arrive in India only late next year, which is after Audi launches the A8 in the first quarter of 2019.
Audi Q3
Audi Q3, a popular name in the premium SUV space had been spotted with minimal camouflage last month. The new model is expected to be based on Volkswagen’s ubiquitous MQB platform. It is believed that the new model will offer improved length and width. Interestingly, the new model is also expected to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
The new-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA is expected to borrow design cues from the recently revealed A-Class sedan and CLS-Class. Based on the new MFA platform, the new model will get the wedge-shaped styling. The interior is expected to be borrowed from the A-Class as well along with the latest MBUX infotainment system. Besides the regular oil burner, the production version is expected to be offered with a four-cylinder petrol engine that generates anything between 150-250bhp.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Back in July, we also caught a glimpse of the interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. As seen in spy images, it borrows styling elements from the S-Class. The new MRA platform is expected to offer more space inside the cabin. Exterior styling might undergo significant changes with a more crossing design rather than the body shape of the current car. The new GLE is expected to break cover later this year and is slated for a market launch in 2019.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Another one from Mercedes, the new S-Class has been spotted on test in the city of Stuttgart in Germany. Based on reports, it is believed that the new model will get Level-two autonomy. In addition to improved performance and about 50kms of pure electric driving range, the new model will also offer new features and improved safety.
