Here are the five vehicles that auto enthusiasts must look forward to in this year.
CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI
The automobile sector is working hard to make up for the losses it saw in 2020, and sales in the last few months have been encouraging, even though the road to recovery is a long one. Keeping its best foot forward, the sector is all set to launch some of the best cars this year. Here are the top five cars that auto enthusiasts must look forward to in 2021.
NEW ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST
Rolls-Royce is ushering the second-generation Ghost, eleven years after the original made its debut. Although the design is an evolved variation of the older model, the only things carried over from the previous Ghost are the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament and the umbrellas in the doors. The 6.75-litre, twin-turbo V12, 571hp engine replaces the original’s old-generation 6.6-litre V12 in another major change. Additionally, the standard-wheelbase Ghost will be accompanied by the long-wheelbase Extended version, which will be 170mm longer with more room for rear passengers.
The new Ghost will have an estimated price of Rs 6.95 crore to Rs 7.95 crore.
NEW MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
The S-Class has created a niche for itself as a king among luxury cars. And it is set to go through a makeover with the all-new next-generation model which is taller, wider and longer than its 2014 edition. Besides its rear-axle steering, the new S-Class also offers more legroom and frontal airbags to passengers in the rear seats. Its second-generation MBUX infotainment system is also making heads turn, as is the 12.8-inch tablet-style touchscreen, 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument display and three rear screens on the dashboard.
The new model, which will be available in petrol and diesel options, is due for launch in the second half of 2021 and is estimated to cost between Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 3 crore. Mercedes is also expected to bring in the plug-in hybrid edition and the extravagant Maybach S-Class later this year.
FORD MUSTANG 2021
Succeeding the 2016 version, the new version Ford Mustang will have a new chin with airflow-shaping vanes, new LED lights, and sculpted bonnets. The car—considered among the most successful sports vehicles—will also boast of a powerful 450hp 5 litre V8 engine and a 10-speed gearbox.
The new Mustang is expected to launch in February 2021 and cost around Rs 75 lakh.
VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE
The first all-electric SUV by the Swedish car manufacturer will be launched in India in April after the launch of S60. The car, which saw its global launch last year, will have a 78kWh battery powering two electric motors and will jointly produce 402hp and 660Nm torque and a range of 418 km.
The electric SUV, joining the same league as the Tesla Model Y, is expected to be priced at Rs 50 lakh to Rs 55 lakh.
BMW 3 SERIES GRAN LIMOUSINE
Competing with the likes of Jaguar XE and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine will see its launch in India around January 21. India will be the first to get the right-hand drive version of the car.
The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine will be a long-wheelbase variant of the sedan, with an additional 110 mm as compared to the standard version. The engine is expected to be a 258bhp, 2 litre turbo petrol or 190bhp 2 litre turbo diesel like the standard one.
The car is likely to be priced between Rs 42 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.