There is something truly special about owning European cars. From their cutting-edge engineering to sleek aesthetics and unmatched driving comfort, the automobiles are a perfect representation of the unique blend of performance, luxury, and prestige.
Over the past decade, you may have noticed that the Indian automobile market has experienced a surge in demand for premium vehicles. That’s why European car brands in India are more popular than ever before.
Brands like Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen have captured the essence of Indian car enthusiasts by offering vehicles that not only focus on advanced technology, safety, and superior performance but also embody the spirit of innovation.
Whether it’s about the comfort of a feature-rich luxury SUV or the thrill of driving a powerful sports SUV, most European automakers cater to buyers who want more than just a means of transportation; they aspire for an experience!
However, before you buy a European car, you must have an understanding of how these cars enter the Indian market, their key features, price range, and long-term maintenance aspects. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know before you purchase your dream car.
Looking for Luxury Cars in Delhi - Find Luxury Preowned Cars in Delhi, Preowned Rolls Royce Cars, Preowned Kia Cars, Preowned Jeep Cars, Preowned BMW Cars, Preowned Audi Cars
CBU and CKD are terms that you will constantly hear when talking about European car companies and their presence in India.These are the two key methods by which European cars in India are imported and sold.
Completely Built Unit (CBU) is defined as vehicles that are manufactured and put together in a foreign nation and imported into India as ready-to-drive cars. These cars are normally charged with high importation duties and taxes, thus adding a lot of cost to them. CBU vehicles are normally flagship or high-end luxurious cars, with many features, different trims, and new technologies.
Conversely, Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicles are imported in components and later assembled in India. This approach enables manufacturers to lower import taxes, and this makes the cars relatively cheaper to the Indian consumers. Most luxury brands incorporate CKD assembly to maintain a balance between competitive price and global quality.
It’s important to understand the difference between CBU and CKD to set your realistic expectations about cost, overall ownership experience, and availability of spare parts.
|
Country |
Major Brands |
|
Germany |
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche |
|
Italy |
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati |
|
United Kingdom |
Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin |
|
Slovakia |
Land Rover Defender & Discovery |
In the following table, we will discuss the best European car brands that are available in India because they combine style, performance, and safety with modern technological features.
|
Brand |
Popular Models |
Features |
Price Range (Ex-Showroom) |
Annual Maintenance (EST) |
|
BMW |
3 Series, X1, 5 Series |
iDrive Tech, Kidney grille, engaging driving dynamics |
₹ 45 lac- ₹ 2.5 cr |
₹ 35,000- ₹ 55,000 |
|
Mercedes- Benz |
E-Class, C-Class, GLC |
Unparalleled luxury, MBUX infotainment, plush ride |
₹ 60 lac - ₹ 3.8 Cr |
₹ 38,000 - ₹ 60,000 |
|
Audi |
Q3, Q7, A4 |
Virtual cockpit, Quattro All-Wheel Drive |
₹ 45 lac - ₹ 2 cr |
₹ 36,000 - ₹ 58,00 |
|
Volkswagen |
Tiguan, Virtus, Taigun |
TSI engines, solid build quality, 5-star safety |
₹ 11.5 lac - ₹ 35 lac |
₹ 12,000 - ₹ 20,000 |
|
Skoda |
Kodiaq, Slavia, Kushaq |
European aesthetics, clever features, powerful engines |
₹ 11 lac - ₹ 40 lac |
₹ 10,000 - ₹ 18,000 |
|
Volvo |
XC90, XC40, XC60 |
ADAS, world-class safety, minimalist Swedish design |
₹ 45 lac - ₹ 1 cr |
₹ 40,000 - ₹ 65,000 |
The possession of a luxury European vehicle is the dream of many car enthusiasts, but it also has some responsibilities.The vehicles of the European luxury car brands in India are made using advanced engineering and high-quality parts, which automatically increases the maintenance cost as compared to mass-market cars.
Availability of spare parts is one of the largest concerns that influences maintenance.Though automobile brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW have created service networks in key cities, some imported parts are also costly.The performance and longevity of the devices require regular servicing, special diagnostic equipment, and qualified personnel.
The other factor is the quality of fuel and driving conditions.European cars are made to suit the smoother roads and high-performance driving, and therefore, proper fuel standards and regular servicing become essential in Indian conditions.Choosing manufacturer-approved maintenance packages and longer-lasting warranties can be used to control expenses and enjoy a good night's sleep.
Many owners feel that the comfort, safety, and driving pleasure provided by the European cars justify the increased maintenance costs.
European vehicles still reshape the luxury, performance, and innovations in the Indian car industry.It could be the sophisticated engineering, the safety, or the classic design, but in any case, the driving experience with these vehicles is quite a different one.
In case you are intending to visit or buy a sophisticated European car, Autobest will be your reliable companion in making the right choice.Our team will assist you in finding a car that perfectly suits your lifestyle and expectations, whether it is through expert advice or comparing cars, features, prices, and costs of ownership.Discover your dream European car today with Autobest and drive home with unmatched excellence.
India's love for European cars is due to their high-quality construction, safety measures, luxurious interiors, and outstanding driving performance.They also have high brand value and status among automobile lovers.