Audi e-tron
The German carmaker’s first fully electric model is a sporty SUV, which is a perfect blend of sports car, family car and everyday leisure car. The electric all-wheel drive promises an impressive 400km on a full charge, thanks to the high-voltage battery under its hood. The e-tron delivers utmost agility and performance thanks to its engine, which delivers a whopping 300kW of power and 664Nm of torque. The car promises a 0-100km/ph sprint in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200km/ph. The car is part of Audi’s new quattro generation, the electric all-wheel drive, which is designed to maximise performance and to enhance the drive experience. The driver can choose from different drive modes, depending on the road condition, which optimise engine performance as well. Other perks of the car will include Audi’s virtual cockpit packed with high-resolution graphics across different screens. The interiors are designed to reflect the contemporary direction in which Audi is taking its aesthetics and are packed with amenities and functions that could make any car geek rave. Both on the outside and the inside, the Audi e-tron is a perfect example of the next generation SUV.
BMW i3s
Consumers in the premium segment have got their eyes on the German carmaker’s hugely popular electric car, the BMW i3s, which has consistently been breaking sales records in this segment, across the globe. In terms of aesthetic appeal, the BMW i3s is instantly recognisable with its shape and unmistakably sporty, curved design. Under the hood, the car is powered by an in-house developed high-voltage battery, which packs in a capacity of 33kWh and emission-free mobility. Performance being a strongpoint of BMW cars, this one is no exception with a promised maximum output of 125kW and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. It delivers a 0-100km/ph sprint in just over seven seconds and can go up to a top speed of 150 km/ph. The car comes with the signature BMW i Wallbox, which provides enough energy for 180km, charged in under three hours. Owners can even control the charging process through a smartphone app. The i3s comes with a suite of driver assistance technologies, which enhance the overall experience. These range from parking assistance and collision warnings, active cruise control and even a city braking function, which is why it lends itself so perfectly to city driving.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Korean carmaker giant has launched the Kona as its first all-electric offering in India. For starters, Hyundai’s design team seems to have got the Kona’s aesthetics and lines on point, and this is visible in its distinct stance, which commands a road presence like no other in its segment. This compact SUV is available to the Indian market in a 39.2kWh battery pack. Under the hood, this battery promises to put out 136 PS and 395 Nm of torque. It promises to achieve a top speed of 150km/ph and can sprint from 0 to 100km/ph in 9.7 seconds, which is pretty impressive. The car also comes with a noteworthy 452km driving range on a full charge and even has different driving modes to optimise engine performance and drive experience. On the central panel, there are buttons to change gear modes, as opposed to a lever. We absolutely love the interiors of the Kona, with its refined lines and highly intuitive, and interactive format. The central touchscreen panel packs in all the standard information, navigation and communication perks. The central panel has handy stowage and coffee cup holders. The Kona comes with a box charger and a portable charger.
Jaguar I-Pace Concept
This is Jaguar’s first electric sports car, which stands out, most importantly with its resolutely avant-garde design and sharp lines. This concept car is the British carmaker’s attempt to create battery-powered cars that still retain the DNA and power of a sports car. The I-Pace is an all-wheel drive that comes fitted with a 90kWH battery that promises a range of 470km on a full charge, a maximum speed of 200km/ph and a 0-100 km/ph acceleration in 4.8 seconds. In terms of road presence, this car is particularly noteworthy thanks to its futuristic design and modern sports car appeal. As with every Jaguar model, the cabin is extremely luxurious, with a focus on high-technology. The car comes with Jaguar’s standard 10-inch and 5-inch touchscreens, Touch Pro Duo, which allows for multitasking. Drivers can enjoy an interactive driver display and a heads up display to enhance the overall driving experience. The highlight of the entertainment system is the sound system by Meridian, Jaguar’s audio partner. Safety and security features include emergency braking, speed limiter, cruise control, lane keep assist, adaptive speed limited and a read camera, as part of the parking assist system.
Volvo XC90
With a strong commitment to making its entire fleet electric, the Swedish carmaker’s luxury SUV the XC90 is known for its meticulous attention to detail, chic Scandinavian design and its suite of technological advancements and convenience options. We absolutely love the XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, which pegs itself as India’s first plug-in hybrid. It boasts an impressive power of 400hp, of which 312hp from petrol engine and 88hp from the electric component. This explains how this beast can sprint from one to 100km/ph in 5.8 seconds and can attain a top speed of 230 km/ph. This four-seater luxury SUV has been designed to resemble a “Swedish lounge” and the front seats have been replicated in the back as well. The cabin is an example of Swedish functionality and elegance with trims in leather and wood. Pegging itself as a serious luxury SUV, the XC90 comes fitted with Volvo’s Sensus connectivity and information-entertainment system with a suite of frills like Apple CarPlay and Android integration, in-built apps and an intuitive touchscreen.
What’s more, a high-end sound system powered by Bowers and Wilkins enhances the drive experience. Being a global leader in car safety, Volvo has packed its car with a range of functions like automatic braking, collision avoidance and technology to detect pedestrians, animals and cyclists.
