7 upcoming sedans: New BYD Seal To Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid

Sedans are usually preferred by buyers seeking a smooth, comfortable ride and a roomy cabin. However, their popularity has been gradually declining as SUVs continue to dominate the market. Even so, a significant group of customers still values the strengths of a well-built sedan, and several manufacturers continue to offer models across mid-size, premium, and luxury segments. In this context, here is a list of seven upcoming sedans expected to launch in the Indian market in the near future.

Mercedes S-Class PHEV

One of India’s largest luxury car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz, is working on a facelift for their flagship sedan, the S-Class. For the first time, this luxury sedan will be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in India. The car is expected to be launched on June 15.

This PHEV version of the luxury limousine will be called the S 450e and will be offered with EQ Hybrid Technology. It is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six engine paired with an electric motor. It generates a combined 435 hp and 680 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 22 kWh battery that is claimed to deliver a 100 km driving range in pure-electric mode.

Skoda Slavia Facelift

Škoda is set to update the Slavia sedan after the Kushaq facelift. The refreshed model is expected to get connected LED DRLs, a redesigned grille, updated headlamps, revised bumpers, and new tail lamps. Inside, it may feature a larger driver display. It could also offer a rear-seat massage function for added comfort. Mechanically, the Slavia will continue with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. This engine will be paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.5-litre TSI variant will come with a 7-speed DSG transmission.

Volkswagen Virtus Facelift

Like Skoda, Volkswagen is also working on the Virtus facelift. It is expected to be offered with a revised grille, headlamps, and bumpers. The sedan is also likely to come with new alloy wheels and LED tail lamps connected by an LED light bar.

The Virtus facelift sedan will come with a revised cabin along with a larger driver display, among other features. It will continue to be offered with the same 1.0-litre TSI engine with manual and 8-speed automatic transmission options and a 1.5-litre TSI engine with a 7-speed DSG transmission.

New BYD Seal

BYD had showcased the next-generation model of its popular sedan, the BYD Seal, internationally. The same is expected to come to India too. The next-generation Seal sedan looks similar to the current model. The front gets sleek and sharp-looking headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The bumper gets a sporty design with a large trapezoidal-shaped lower air dam and a slim body-coloured lip.

The next-generation BYD Seal continues to position itself as a premium electric sedan with key features such as a digital driver display, floating infotainment screen, large electric sunroof, multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, ABS, and LiDAR-based sensors enabling advanced driver assistance systems. It is expected to upgrade from the current 61 kWh battery to a new 69.07 kWh pack, offering an estimated range of up to 705 km, with improved efficiency over the outgoing version.

Skoda Octavia RS

The Skoda Octavia RS received strong demand in India, with all 100 units sold out before the official price announcement. It is a performance-focused sedan equipped with premium features such as an electric sunroof, a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12-speaker Canton audio system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a gesture-controlled powered tailgate. Powering the sedan is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 265 hp and 370 Nm of torque.

Skoda Superb Diesel 4×4

Skoda had confirmed last year that it has plans to reintroduce diesel engines in India. The Skoda Superb is one of the sedans expected to receive a diesel engine. The Superb diesel has already been spotted on Indian roads and is expected to launch later this year. The diesel Superb will be expensive as the company plans to sell it as a CBU, and only limited numbers will be brought in.

It will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine paired with a DSG transmission. Power will be sent to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system.

Honda Accord Hybrid

Honda has announced a new strategy for the Indian market, under which it plans to introduce six new products, including the likely return of the Accord Hybrid. The Accord is a premium four-door sedan expected to feature a strong list of comfort and technology features, and it will most likely be offered as a hybrid model. While official details are yet to be revealed, the Accord Hybrid is expected to be imported into India as either a CBU or CKD unit.