While the sedan segment in India has been largely overshadowed by the influx of SUVs, the story is a little different in the premium space where carmakers are not shying away from updating their luxury limousines. The latest addition to this list is the updated Audi A8 L, which received its 2022 makeover yesterday. Priced between Rs 1.29 crore to Rs 1.57 crore, the 2022 Audi A8L is now one of the most expensive sedans in India. Which begs the question, what are some other entrants on the list? We find out.
7) 2022 Audi A8 L (Rs 1.29 crore)
Starting with the most recent addition, the 2022 Audi A8 L now sports a similar design silhouette akin to Audi’s other modern offerings. This includes a new larger front grill with L-shaped inserts, flanked by sleeker-looking LED headlamps and DRLs.
Other changes include sportier air dams, a new set of alloys and more. Powering it is a petrol-only 3-litre, six-cylinder motor which makes 340PS of power. Features here include 4-zone climate control, heads-up display, a digital driver’s display, massaging seats and more.
6) BMW 745 Le xDrive (Rs 1.75 crore)
The first non-fossil fuel-powered sedan to make the list is BMW’s 7-Series 745Le xDrive. Now in its sixth generation, the biggest selling point here is its hybrid motor, which pairs the company’s 290PS 3.0-litre, straight-six petrol with a 114PS electric motor.
This helps the flagship sedan in achieving a combined output of a whopping 401PS of power and 600Nm of torque. Pair that with 7-series features like the company’s 8K 31-inch panoramic screen, luxury seats and an overall experience better than some 5-star hotels, and you have a four-wheeled suite in your garage.
5) Audi RS7 (Rs 2.24 crore)
While not purely a sedan, we had to include the Audi RS7 Sportback in our list. I mean, how could we not? Just look at it! Starting from Rs 1.94 crore, the top-shelf RS model gets all the goodies of the German marquee’s luxury models, along with a sporty DNA. This includes a 4.0-litre V8 petrol motor, which makes 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque, thanks to its 48v mild-hybrid system. Here, 0-100kmph is achieved in just 3.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph. So better hold on to your seats, folks!
4) Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 (Rs 3.20 crore)
It’ll be considered a sin if we didn’t include Mercedes in the list of luxury sedans. And what better car to include than the Maybach S-Class S680? Since we’ve already spoken extensively on this four-wheeler limo, we’ll keep things brief here. Along with an extended wheelbase, the Maybach S-Class also comes with powered rear seats, massage functionality, a 1,750-watt Burmester 4D sound system, gesture control and a whole lot of goodies.
Under the hood, the Maybach S-Class is offered in two variants – a locally produced S580 and the fully imported S680 (CBU). While the former packs a 510PS V8 motor, the latter packs a 620PS V12 mill.
3) Bentley Flying Spur (Rs 3.41 crore)
Leading Bentley’s charge in the Indian market is the W12-powered Flying Spur, which made its debut a while ago but has continued to get admiration from customers and critics alike. Recently, the company pushed the luxury envelope even further by introducing the Mulliner variant. This luxe variant comes with something called a “double diamond” grille inset, larger 22-inch alloy wheels, a plush interior and more.
Powering it is the same 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 engine that makes 635PS of power. Bentley also offers the Flying Spur with two more engine options – a V8 motor (550PS) and a V6 hybrid (544PS). The prices or availability of the Mulliner variant are still unknown. However, once they are out, we suspect that it might push the Flying Spur further up the ranking.
2) Rolls-Royce Ghost EWB (Rs 8.50 crore)
Breaking the Rs 5 crore benchmark is the first (yes, there is more than one) Rolls-Royce on our list. The Ghost EWB, which stands for ‘Extended Wheelbase’ is based on the Cullinan architecture.
From the outside, it still sports the same quintessential Rolls-Royce look, with rectangular headlamps and the signature front grille, along with the RR-design silhouette we’ve known for decades now. On the inside, things are as bougie as they get with luxury seats, retro-styled digital gauges, a heads-up display, 1300W bespoke audio system and 152 LEDs neatly integrated into the cabin space. Powering it is a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine churning out 571PS of power and 850Nm of torque.
1) Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB (Rs 12.70 crore)
Of course, the top spot had to go to the RR flagship, the Phantom EWB. Considered to be the crown jewel of luxury vehicles, the Phantom EWB is nearly 6 metres long! This makes it the longest production vehicle on sale. For a better perspective, you can fit the Hyundai Santro, just within its 3,774mm wheelbase.
Apart from all the goodies mentioned above, the Phantom also get private-jet-like seats, with connected car tech and a plethora of customisation options for the cabin. Powering it is a 6.75-litre, last of its kind, V12 motor which makes 571PS of power and 900Nm of torque.
Image credits: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Rolls-Royce
