The bi annual mega carnival of Indian automobile landscape is ready to start at Delhi in another two weeks' time and this year, it is touted as the biggest one ever. This is the 13th iteration of the expo and almost 60 to 80 new launches will be witnessed during the mega show. All of the major manufactures of India have confirmed their participation and is readying their line ups to woo the spectators.
While there are many launches and new model displays, there are few cars which will stand out from the rest – here is our guide to the show stoppers of Auto Expo 2016
Mercedes
One of the star attractions of this year's show will undoubtedly be Mercedes stall. Mercedes will be displaying the newly launched GLE 450 AMG coupe, the S class drop top and the GLC-Class SUV during the show. The GLC–Class, which is positioned between GLA-Class and GLE-Class will be replacing the GLK-Class in the current lineup, and will be launched soon in India. The GLE 450 AMG was recently launched in India and will be an integral part of the Mercedes stall. The S class cabriolet also will be unveiled during the show – this gorgeous drop top will be one of the promised 12 model launch by Mercedes for the year 2016. Other than these models, there will be more eye candies from AMG and Mercedes international portfolio. We also suspect that the newly launched E class may make an appearance.
Jaguar
The British will be out there with full force – the suspects include the gorgeous F pace SUV, the new XE and XF. The XE is the new entry level offering from Jaguar and is poised to take the fight to the BMW 3 series and Mercedes C class in India. The XE is currently the most technologically advanced product from Jaguar, and comes with aluminum structure which helps to save weight and increase fuel economy.
The XJ is already undergoing tests in India and the camouflaged test mules have been spotted across the country. The car locks horns with the BMW 5 series and Mercedes E class and offers the users a credible alternate choice to the German trio. The car is loaded with tech like forward collision warning and is draped in the timeless clean design lines, which retains aggression, without being quirky.
Other than these two, Jaguar will also showcase the F pace, which will be launched most probably in the second half of 2016.
BMW
BMW will be displaying the new X1 and the 3 series facelift and likely will launch the new 7 series at the expo. The latest X1 have been undergoing testing in India and BMW will be soon launching this SUV in India to replace the aging existing X1 to aid its fight with the Mercedes GLA. The new S class have been giving headache to BMW lately and they are planning to remedy it with the launch of the new 7 series, sooner than later. The 3 series midlife face lift also share the lime light and will make an India entry soon.
BMW sales have been slipping in India while Mercedes is posting positive growth for the third consecutive year and with the trio of new launches, BMW is hoping to regain some of the lost sales.
AUDI
The new A4 and the new R8 will be leading the blitz at Audi stall at the expo. The A4 follows Audi's latest design language and will share the family look with the R8 and Q7.This will bring a fresh air to the sedan and will be able to fend off the rivals from other manufactures far more effectively. Audi is planning to woo the audience with the introduction of the latest avatar of its super car, the R8. The new R8 gains more pronounced design cues, while managing to retain the signature silhouette and looking modern at the same time. The car is more powerful and lighter than the model it replaced. The recently launched Q7 will also makes its presence felt at the Audi pavilion. The Q7 was launched recently in India at a price of INT 72 lakhs.
Jeep
After dillydallying for long, FIAT is finally bringing the iconic JEEP brand to India. The models on display will be the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. The Jeeps comes with enviable pedigree and have a loyal fan following around the world. The legendary Wrangler is aimed at the off road enthusiasts and have proven off road prowess under its name and comes armed with four wheel drive, serious ground clearance, double live axles and a proven suspension package. The Grand Cherokee is a full sized luxury SUV and will be fighting it out with the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. The SUV combines the finest of luxury with serious power under the hood, and comes with an awe inspiring 6.4 liter 8 cylinder HEMI engine. The interior sports premium Laguna leather upholstery and a 19 speaker high end audio system to pamper the occupants.
Nissan
Nissan will be powering out the stall with an army of offerings from the latest X trail to the Patrol SUVs, but make no doubt – the star of the stall will be the Nissan GTR, the iconic sports car offering from Nissan. We are betting on the fact that Nissan will not only tease us with a glimpse of the car, but will launch the car in India soon. When launched, it is expected to come via CBU and will be priced upwards of 1.5Cr INR.
The new X-Trail is another launch which will be exciting to watch. The latest X-Trail looks good and sheds its boxy image from the previous models and will compete with the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavor. Given the track record of Nissan, they are desperately in need of a halo model to increase foot falls to their showrooms and the company is hoping that the X-Trail might just prove to be that model.
Ford
Ford will be displaying the king of muscle cars, the famed Mustang at their stall. The mustang retains the original muscle car traits albeit in a modern package and enjoys immense popularity around the world. A household name among the enthusiast around the world, the new mustang with its stance and classic looks and with explosive engines under the hood, retains the legacy of Muscle car culture of USA. The Mustang will be launched most probably in the first quarter of 2016 in India as a halo product and will come to India as CBU. The car will be priced above 50 Lakhs and will be available with only few selected dealers.
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