Audi India planning major product onslaught in 2020-21

With the BSVI norms coming into effect, Audi India currently sells only three models in the country, the Audi A6 sedan, the Audi A8 limousine and the Audi Q8 coupe-SUV. But OVERDRIVE has learnt that this is likely to change very soon, with the German carmaker planning a slew of launches across segments. This follows the company's strategy of bringing in entirely new-generation products to replace it's BSIV range.

The 2020 Audi RSQ8 is the German car maker's most powerful SUV yet

In keeping with the brand's efforts to further its image as a premium brand, the RS performance models could be given special focus during this expansion. The firm is looking to launch its flagship SUV, the RS Q8, to spearhead this. Alongside this, the company may even be looking at bringing back the Audi RS5 that it sold here in limited numbers in 2018/19. The second generation of the RS7 four-door-coupe is also expected to make it way here, to compete with the likes of the soon-to-be-launched BMW M8. Further, the Audi is thought to be considering the RS Q3, the smallest SUV in the RS line. This will go up against the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 that will most likely be sold here soon in its newest iteration.

To complement this, Audi India is also set to bolster its presence in the volume segments of the luxury car market. It is expected  to reintroduce Audi A3 sedan later this year, this will be an all-new version that was recently showcased globally. This means that it should  cometo market alongside its two main rivals, the BMW 2 Series and the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine. Also on the cards this year should be the next-generation Audi Q3 SUV. This version debuted globally in 2018 and is based on the MQB architecture, like with all new VW Group FWD cars. The Q3 and A3 are set to feature new powertrains, styling and features, many derived from larger Audi cars.

In 2021, Audi India may look at bringing in the facelifted Audi Q5. The SUV is expected to be revealed globally later this year, following which it should make its way here. Finally, Audi could also look at bringing in the Q2 crossover. This car has long been rumoured for an Indian launch and will fit into a new niche, below the Q3 and Mercedes GLA, but priced above cars like the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Audi India is focusing on petrol and electrified powertrains for India, so all these cars are expected to be powered by petrol engines ranging from the 1.5-litre petrol with 150PS/250 Nm up to a 2.0-litre petrol with around 245PS/370 Nm. The company is expected to also bring in electrified models with 48V mild-hybrid powertrains as well as the e-tron EV SUV. This is meant to go hand in hand with a strong focus on digitising the customer sales and service, where many interactions between owners, prospective buyers and Audi India will happen online.