The Indian automotive industry has experienced numerous launches and reveals in the first half of 2023, and the second half of the year is expected to be just as eventful, with major automakers preparing to launch their products. In this article, we will focus on the anticipated car launches in August 2023.
1. Mercedes-Benz GLC
On August 9th, 2023, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the GLC, an SUV for which bookings have already been opened at Rs 1.5 lakh. The new GLC will offer two engine options – a 2.0-litre turbopetrol and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel. Both engines will feature a 48V integrated starter motor and a 4Matic AWD system. In terms of infotainment, the GLC will have two screens, including a 12.3-inch unit for the instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the new NT7 interface. The new GLC is expected to be larger than the outgoing model, providing more cabin and boot space.
2. Audi Q8 e-tron, Q8 e-tron Sportback
The Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback, electric SUVs that recently made their debut in India, are set to be launched on August 18th, 2023. The Q8 e-tron will feature a redesigned grille with a new mesh design and Audi’s new monochrome logo. It will also have a light bar that projects light downwards, matrix LED headlights, and a reprofiled front bumper with larger air intakes. The new Q8 e-tron will offer ample boot space, with a capacity of 569 litres that can be extended to 1,637 litres when the rear seats are folded. The interior will include features such as powered front seats, a Bang and Olufsen speaker system, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera. The Q8 e-tron will be powered by a 114kWh battery pack, providing a range of up to 600km, and will have two electric motors generating 408hp and 664Nm of torque.
3. Tata Punch CNG
Tata Motors, after launching the Tata Altroz CNG hatchback in the Indian market, is now preparing to launch the Tata Punch CNG. The Punch CNG, which was showcased at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo, is expected to be launched in August 2023. The design of the Punch CNG will be identical to the petrol variant, featuring projector headlamps, dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, and i-CNG badging on the tailgate. The Punch CNG will have a split tank setup, allowing the tanks to be fitted in the boot floor without compromising boot space. The car will be powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, NA engine with 86hp of power and 113Nm of torque in petrol mode, and 77hp of power and 97Nm of torque in CNG mode. It will be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
4. Volvo C4O Recharge
Volvo Cars India introduced the C4O Recharge electric SUV to the Indian market. With its sloping roofline and pixel technology headlights, the C40 Recharge shares a similar design to the XC40 Recharge. It features a frunk at the front and a spacious 413-litre boot at the rear, which can be extended to 1205 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior layout of the C40 Recharge is the same as the XC40 Recharge, but it is the first Volvo model to have a leather-free cabin. The C40 Recharge is equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Google Android OS-powered infotainment system, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. It is powered by a 78kWh battery pack, twin electric motors generating 402bhp of power and 660Nm of torque, and has a WLTP-claimed range of 530km. The EV also supports 150W fast charging and can charge from 10-80% in 27 minutes.