Audi rolls out Q3 S in India priced at Rs 24.99 lakh

New Delhi: German luxury car maker Audi launched its latest Audi ‘Q3 S Edition’ sports utility vehicle in India, priced at Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). Audi India Head Michael Perschke said the new sports utility vehicle (SUV) has been launched by keeping right balance between power and fuel efficiency, delivering an average of 17.33 km per litre.

“The Audi Q3 S Edition is our answer to ever-increasing demand for luxury mobility with the thrill of self-controlled driving. We are confident that the Audi Q3 S Edition will be yet another successful addition to our success story in India,” Audi India Head Michael Perschke told reporters here.

The company also launched online booking of its vehicles through, which the company claimed as first of its kind initiative in India. The company today inaugurated a new dealership in the city. Audi has currently a dealership network of 27 in the country and plans to expand it to 34 by the end of this year.

Moreover, the company also launched Audi Club India, a dedicated forum of Audi owners by inducting three honorary members - former Indian soccer captain Baichung Bhutia, leading lady golfer Sharmila Nicollet and Audi race talent Aditya Patel.

[caption id=“attachment_1044947” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Bhaichung Bhutia with Aditya Patel and Michael Perschke at the Q3 S launch. Image via Overdrive.in[/caption]

Perschke also rejected reports that its German rival Mercedes has grabbed number one slot in the country’s luxury car market.

“Since last nine months we have been number one. we are maintaining a growth of 19 percent. All our core competitors are growing at a lower speed than we are. We have a lead ahead over our closest competitor from January to July of nearly 1,000 cars. I think we are strongly overstating their capabilities,” he said.

Audi sold 5,511 cars during January-July this year. The company plans to sell 10,500-10,800 vehicles in 2013.

On depreciation of rupee against major currencies, Perschke said it was a challenge for the industry and it cannot escape from that. Audi had hiked price between 2-4 percent in July this year to offset rupee fall.

“Upto now, it has not effected us seriously… we counter attacked the last price increase with attractive financing offers,” he added.

In a separate statement, the German luxury car maker said it has received 125 bookings for the Audi Q3 S Edition on the very first day of its launch. “We are not surprised with the response that we have received. Audi has been a leader in the luxury SUV segment in India. The response today further reinforces our leadership position in this segment,” Perschke said in a statement.

The innovative online booking process introduced by the company contributed to the spectacular debut by giving Audi enthusiasts across the country an opportunity to book their favorite SUV online, Audi said.

PTI