10 Sedans Launching In 2018

We are not even a week into 2018 and the new year already looks promising. While Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the launch of a new car along with a high profile facelift, other carmakers are not far behind and are lining up updated versions of their sedans for the new year. Yesterday, we talked about the 10 upcoming hatchbacks that are set to be launched in the country. Today, we take a look at 10 sedans that will come to India in 2018.

1. Maruti Ciaz Facelift

Launched in 2014, the Ciaz has plodded on without any major update. The Ciaz is clearly due for a facelift as we have spotted test mules of the sedan sold through Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa chain of dealerships undergoing rigorous testing in the country. From the spy shots, it is quite evident that the facelift will be quite mild. Changes are expected to be limited to the grille, headlamps, tail lamps and wheels. However, there could be a massive surprise under the bonnet. We expect Maruti Suzuki to plonk its own 1.5-litre diesel engine instead of the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre motor in the updated Ciaz. That’s probably the reason why the sedan has been undergoing tests for so long. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is likely to be carried forward. Although the Ciaz hasn’t been updated for so long, it still commands a huge chunk of its segment. Except for a couple of months were the Honda City overtook the Ciaz in terms of sales numbers, the Maruti sedan has been the supreme leader in its segment. Along with classier looks and a new diesel motor, the updated Ciaz is likely to get even more features than before. Expect the homegrown carmaker to launch the sedan in mid-2018. Prices are likely to remain similar although we feel the top-end diesel variant could go up by half a lakh rupees.

2. Tata Electric Tigor

We already know that Tata has started building electrified versions of the Tigor for government-run agency Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). In fact, the first lot of these cars have already been delivered. It’s only a matter of time before Tata completes this order. Once that’s done, we expect the homegrown carmaker to launch the Electric Tigor for the public. However, the carmaker has been tight-lipped about the specifications of the sedan. We expect it to pack enough juice to be a daily driver with a range of 90-100 kilometres on a single charge. We like the petrol-powered Tigor quite a lot and can’t wait to get our hands on the all-electric one. The electric sedan is expected to be priced under Rs 6.5 lakh, which would make it good value-for-money.

3. Toyota Yaris Ativ

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In a recent interview, Shekar Viswanathan, the vice-chairman and whole time director of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, confirmed that Toyota will shift its focus towards more mass-market cars. This opens up a huge possibility for the launch of the Yaris Ativ sedan in India. If launched, the sedan will enter an already crowded space that comprises of the Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, the VW Vento and the Skoda Rapid among others. However, the Toyota sedan looks capable enough to take away a minor chunk of Honda’s and Maruti’s pie considering Toyota's popularity. Though the Etios duo is present in a similar space, they have failed to gain traction among the average car buyer, possibly due to the lack of premium features. The Yaris Ativ will fix this issue as it comes across as a complete package. The launch of the sedan will also pave the way for the introduction of the Yaris hatchback as well. The latter could compete against the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno in the Indian market. The engines could be borrowed from the Etios duo - a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel motor.

4. Ford Aspire Facelift

While we already know that Ford is set to launch a crossover version of the Figo hatchback likely to be called the Figo Cross, the company is also working on updating both the Figo and the Aspire sub-4 metre sedan. The Aspire facelift is expected to get a refreshed grille, headlamps, bumpers and wheels. The major update, however, will be reserved for the interiors. Both the updated sedan and the hatchback are set to receive the 6.5-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment from the lower variants of the EcoSport. The updated cars could also feature a downsized 1.2-litre version of the EcoSport’s 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Dragon series petrol engine instead of the current four-pot which is quite sluggish in terms of performance. The 1.5-litre diesel motor, on the other hand, is expected to be carried over. Expect the sedan to be launched in the first half of 2018 with a price hike of about Rs 50,000.

5. Audi A8

The new Audi A8 is quite a looker. But what’s even more impressive is the tech onboard. After making its debut in the latest Marvel movie, the Audi A8 is finally set to be launched in India. The feature list of the new luxury limousine is drool-worthy as it not only becomes the first production model to get ‘Level 3’ autonomous driving technology, which enables it to drive itself on the highway at speeds of up to 60kmph, but also gets ‘relaxation seats’ that comes with a footrest that is capable of massaging your feet! The car also takes on the role of an assistant with whom you can talk to and ask for directions, call your contacts and also control media and set the cabin temperature. There will be a host of other Audi services too. The A8 is also capable of identifying if the driver is approaching the vehicle through his/her smartphone and adjust the seat position, climate control and other driver options accordingly. The A8 gets a mild-hybrid system this time around as it gets a 48V belt alternator starter (BAS) and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 10Ah. This system is mated to a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engine that produces 286PS of max power. For power-crazy bosses, a V8 diesel engine capable of producing 436PS could join the lineup at a later stage as well.

6. Mercedes-Benz S 650

The S 650 Maybach, which is set to be launched at the 2018 Auto Expo, will replace the previous flagship, the S 600 Maybach. The new sedan is based on the S-Class facelift which was revealed last year. Hence, it gets a new grille along with new LED headlamps with ‘Ultra Range High Beam’ which can scan the road’s surface for curves or obstacles. Compared to the S 600, the S 650 is 1mm wider and gets 20-inch wheels in place of 19-inch units. In terms of the tech package, the new sedan gets a Burmester 3D surround sound system with a rear seat entertainment unit, a 64-colour ambient lighting system and an Energising Comfort Control system that can set the climate control, Air Balance fragrance, ambient lighting, audio system, massaging driver’s seat and heated armrests automatically. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Powering the S 650 Maybach is a massive 6.0-litre, V12 petrol engine that produces 629PS of power and 1,001Nm of torque making it the most powerful Merc on sale in India.

7. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift

Also lined up for 2018 is the S-Class facelift, which was revealed last year. The list of changes on the outside is quite limited. To count a few, it gets a new set of bumpers and a wider grille while the headlamps have been upgraded to Multibeam LED units with 'Ultra Range High Beam'. The tail lights also get the LED treatment like the one seen on the E-Class LWB in India. Like the S650, the regular S-Class will gets 20-inch alloy wheels. However, it’s doubtful if they will be available in India. When it comes to the engine lineup, the S-Class will get a revised list. The S 560 4MATIC and Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC will both get a 469PS/700Nm biturbo V8 petrol motor. The AMG S 63 4MATIC+ will get a 612PS, 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine which replaces the previous 5.5-litre V8. The diesel lineup includes an S 350 d 4MATIC which makes 286PS/600Nm while the S 400 d 4MATIC  produces 340PS/700Nm.

8. Lexus LS

Got crores in the bank but tired of the usual bunch of luxury limousines? Worry not! Lexus is all set to launch the LS luxury sedan on January 15. Like other products from Lexus, the LS will be available as a hybrid as well. However, as it will be launched as a CBU, expect it to cost an arm and a leg. Powering the LS will be a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors that produce a combined power output of 355PS. Transmission duties will be handled by an e-CVT (electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) unit. Also, it's likely to feature Lexus’ E-four electric all-wheel drive system as well. Since this is Lexus’ flagship, it will pack features like a 28-way electrically adjustable front seats with heating, cooling and massage functions; rear seats with a 48-degree recline function and adaptive variable air suspension system with rapid height adjustment. The 5.2-metre long sedan also features a 23-speaker, 2400W Mark Levinson sound system and a four-zone climate control.

9. BMW M5

Oh yes, the quickest M car ever is coming to India. Just how fast is it? Let’s put it this way, it'll hold its own against a Porsche 911 GT3! This is because under the bonnet of the new M is a V8. Confused? Allow us to explain. The 4.4-litre motor develops 600PS of power and a whopping 750Nm of torque. This is made possible via new turbochargers, indirect charge air cooling and increased fuel injection pressure. it even has an advanced map-controlled variable oil pump which ensures that the motor has ample amount of oil every time it needs it. The 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to all  four wheels, a first in an M car. All this results in a 0-100kmph time of 3.4 seconds. It breaches the 200kmph barrier in a matter of 11.1 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph. But, you can go faster by opting for an M Driver's Package which sets the speed limit to 305kmph! Want to know more, click here.

10 BMW 6 Series GT

After making its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 6GT is set to give the 3GT sme company in India. It will rival the likes of the E-Class LWB and the Volvo S90 and will fill the void (if there ever was one) between the 5-Series and the 7-Series. Engine options include a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol motor that produces 260PS and 400Nm and a 3.0-litre, twin turbo petrol engine that produces 342PS and 450Nm. The latter gets the car from 0-100kmph in 5.4 seconds. Diesel options include a 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder motor with all-wheel drive. Transmission duties will be handled by an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. When launched, expect it to be priced at around Rs 60 lakh.

These are the top 10 sedans that are coming to India in 2018. Expected to see more sedans make its way to India? If yes, let us know on our social media platforms.