Road rulers
The year 2019 will be a landmark one in the Indian automotive industry as it will see the launch of not one but multiple global standard electric cars as well as cars with the next level autonomous driving capabilities. While the Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai will be the first to launch an electric or rather battery operated SUV (BOV) in the market, there are many players waiting in the wings to launch BOVs in India as soon as they see some action on that front. Hyundai will be followed by Kia while the likes of BMW, Jaguar and Audi wait in the wings. The next generation of premium vehicles can virtually drive by themselves and we will have examples of those in the BMWs, Volvo and the Mercedes that we have previewed. Autonomous features combined with the next level of comfort, convenience and driver-assistance features means that the car can do a lot for you apart from just driving you. You can say, Hey BMW, I am feeling tired, and the car will switch on an energising massage combined with interior light and fragrance themes. Or a car can keep you steady even while negotiating a corner so that you can concentrate on your work while being chauffeured.
Yogendra Pratap
GLE 400d ENGINE 6-cyl inline 2925 cc POWER 330 bhp 0-100KMPH 5.8 s TOP SPEED 240 kmph ESTIMATED PRICE Rs 1 cr
