Here’s our pick of the top six cars in the Indian market perfect for a long road trip or a bit of off-roading.
India’s Best Cars for Road Trips
Audi Q8 e-tron
Last summer, we absolutely loved driving the ultra-luxe Audi Q8. This month, however, we’re thrilled that the plush SUV now comes in an e-tron version. After all, who would not want to drive around in ultimate luxury, while going completely electric?
Exteriors
The Q8 e-tron is the latest addition to the German carmaker’s portfolio and from what we can see, there are some futuristic design tweaks to the front grille and some silhouette enhancements.
Performance
In terms of performance, the electric vehicle packs in a lot of punch with its two battery pack versions (250 and 300 kW). There are significant improvements with respect to battery capacity and charging power. The latter, for instance, punches out a maximum electrical torque of
664 Nm and attains a top speed of 200 km. We’re impressed by the electrical range of 481-582 km promised by the manufacturer.
Why we love it
The Q8 e-tron is generous in its proportions making it perfect for long road trips, and Audi’s signature quattro offering makes off-roading a dream (try the different drive modes for an enhanced experience). While Audi has not yet announced the price of this SUV, we are sure it will have a line of takers in the Indian market.
Tata Harrier #Dark
We are huge fans of the Harrier’s good looks and striking road presence. On our radar this summer is the Tata Harrier #Dark limited edition, which presents itself as the ultimate road tripper.
Exteriors
Tata Motors is certainly stepping it up with the exteriors by making them as stylised and eye-catching as possible. We love panoramic sunroofs and this one doesn’t disappoint.
Performance
The SUV comes with a 2.0L diesel engine and features a six-speed automatic or manual transition. The drive modes—Eco, City, and Sport—may be put to test on the roads, but it’s the terrain modes that pique our interest. Depending on where you are driving—on or off the road—you can choose between normal, rough, and wet modes, and let the car do the rest. In terms of safety, the Harrier comes with 10 different ADAS—advanced driver assistance systems—like driver doze off alert, panic brake alert, and after impact braking.
Why we love it
The car comes packed with a host of tech features centred around an easy-to-operate 10.25-inch Harman touchscreen interface. The SUV’s build quality, tech features, and high safety rating make this a great buy for summer drives!
Maruti Suzuki JIMNY
When Maruti Suzuki unveiled the JIMNY at the recently concluded Auto Expo, the interest among Indian buyers was unparalleled and the crowds at the showcase stall were overwhelming.
Exteriors
This is the quintessential off-roader with its ladder frame chassis, geometric proportions, and the signature Suzuki ALLGRIP four-wheel drive.
Performance
We love how the carmakers refer to the last feature as ‘on-demand’ four-wheel drive as it shifts effortlessly from two-wheel to four-wheel. The 4H drive mode provides an enhanced driving experience in low traction conditions while drivers can switch on the 4L drive mode for extreme off-roading conditions.
Why we love it
The JIMNY screams utility with its five doors and overall focus on functionality and smart design. No surprise, then, that the JIMNY makes it to our favourites list. If you are considering a rugged and robust SUV to take you out into the countryside, look no further.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Maybach
When it comes to over-the-top, extravagant luxury, we just love a Maybach. And when it is coupled with the character of Mercedes-Benz’s top-end SUV—the GLS—
it really does not get any better.
Exteriors
The muscular yet refined silhouette of the GLS Maybach gives it an unbeatable road presence.
Performance
We’ve seen viral Instagram videos of the GLS Maybach doing its famous ‘jump’, which is the free driving mode or the bounce mode, which helps the SUV tackle tricky surfaces, sandy terrains, and even hilly surfaces. We test drove this car recently and the levels of luxury are unparalleled—perfect for road expeditions with the family.
Why we love it
With a retractable step, plush leather interiors, individual climate control, MBUX infotainment system, champagne chiller in the back seat, and a rear control tablet, the SUV lends itself well to long-haul highway runs.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Hilux
There’s no denying the rugged appeal of the iconic Toyota Hilux. After selling almost 20 million units across the globe, the Hilux is this summer’s 4X4 favourite and we can’t wait to take it on long, family road trips.
Exteriors
The unmistakable silhouette of the Hilux is recognisable from miles away. It has the identity of a utility vehicle with its robust, muscular structure.
Performance
In its latest iteration, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine is available in six-speed automatic and manual transition options. While the drive modes like Power and Eco lend themselves well to long drives, off-roaders will love the tyre angle monitor and the impressive water wading capability of 700 mm, pushing the limits of off-roading vehicles in India.
Why we love it
Auto enthusiasts will rejoice in the fact that the Hilux is built on the same platform as Toyota’s hugely successful Fortuner.
Land Rover Defender 130
The Defender really needs no introduction, and its cult status continues unabated in its latest avatar, the Defender 130.
Exteriors
The Defender 130 has an instantly recognisable silhouette. Measuring in at an impressive 5,358 mm from its nose to the spare wheel, it is impossible to miss. A sliding panoramic roof bathes the first two rows of seats in natural light while an additional glass roof, unique to Defender 130, ensures passengers in the third row have the same authentic Defender experience as anywhere else in the vehicle.
Performance
This super SUV blends utility with luxury. Under the hood—and through its beastly all wheel drive—it takes on all sorts of terrains with its different modes and torque settings. It features electronic air suspension, electronic traction control, low traction launch, and enhanced roll stability control to tackle all ground conditions.
Why we love it
The highlight is the trademark exterior design with a significant read overhang, while the LEDs have been redesigned to showcase the historic Defender’s unmistakable three lines.
Volvo XC40 B4 Ultimate
This summer, we’ve got our eyes on Volvo’s XC40, the mild-hybrid version. The Swedish carmaker’s compact luxury crossover SUV takes on Indian roads with effortless ease.
Exteriors
The silhouette lines and sporty design of this SUV make it strikingly good looking. We love the integrated roof rails, signature R-design front grille, and stylised LED headlights.
Performance
The Volvo XC40 is a performer with its B4 Ultimate engine variant. The car pushes out an impressive 197 hp of output and 300 Nm of maximum torque. The automatic 8-speed 4-wheel drive goes to a maximum speed of 180 kmph.
Why we love it
We are huge fans of the Swedish carmaker’s impeccable sense of design and commitment to safety. This Volvo SUV is packed with safety features like additional side airbags, belt minders, whiplash protection, as well as lane keeping assist, blind spot information, and anti-collision technology. The XC40 lends itself perfectly to city driving as well as for long road trips with its amenities and tech specs.
Related: Top Wheels: Best Electric Vehicles (EVs) For All Your Road Trips
