2026 Audi SQ8 Short Review: What We Liked & What Needs To Improve
- May 24, 2026
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March 2026 has been a very busy month in the automotive sector with new car launches, which bring a mix of facelifted models, the return of iconic nameplates, a performance SUV, and a new EV debut. From the return of the Renault Duster to Skoda and Hyundai refreshing their lineup, and from Audi expanding its ‘S’ portfolio with the SQ8 and Lexus launching their new EV, the month delivered something for each kind of buyer.
Here’s a complete roundup of all the new cars launched in the market in March 2026.
Priced from Rs. 10.98 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Renault Duster was one of 2026’s most anticipated launches in the country. Duster was the car that started the mid-size SUV segment back in 2012, but was discontinued in 2022 as it could not hold its position in the increasing competition.

Four years later, the Duster is back with a boom. The new Duster has impressed everyone with its rugged exterior design and a feature-packed cabin with all the modern tech and equipment that you would need, leaving hardly any space for complaints. Even for driving enthusiasts, the ride and handling balance is the best in class, which they will appreciate. Renault has also done a great job in pricing the car and positioning the variants appropriately, making sure even the lower variants are very well equipped.

The 2026 Duster gets two turbo petrol engine options, while a hybrid powertrain will be launched by Diwali. No diesel or even an AWD system is in the pipeline right now. Here are the detailed engine specifications:
|
Engine |
1-litre turbo petrol |
1.3-litre mild-hybrid turbo petrol |
1.8-litre strong-hybrid turbo petrol |
|
Power (PS) |
100 PS |
163 PS |
160 PS |
|
Torque (Nm) |
160 Nm |
280 Nm |
TBA |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT automatic |
8-speed DHT |
MT- Manual Transmission, DCT- Dual Clutch Transmission (automatic)
Priced from Rs. 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom)
Skoda had revealed the facelifted Kushaq in January this year, but the official launch with the price reveal took place this month. The Kushaq has been a very important product for Skoda in India, and with the facelift in place, Skoda has made it clear that they are taking it very seriously. The new Kushaq gets sophisticated design revisions both at the front and rear, making it look even more elegant and upmarket.

On the inside, Skoda has made the equipment list better with the introduction of a panoramic sunroof and a massage function on the rear seats. The Kushaq continues to appeal to buyers who want a simply clever everyday practicality with a touch of sportiness and fun-to-drive character.

The Kushaq facelift continues to use the same set of engines as the older model. What’s new, though, is the introduction of a new 8-speed torque converter gearbox with the 1-litre TSI engine. Here are the detailed specifications:
|
Engine |
1-litre TSI turbo petrol |
1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol |
|
Power (PS) |
115 PS |
150 PS |
|
Torque (Nm) |
178 Nm |
250 Nm |
|
Transmission |
6-speed MT / 8-speed AT |
7-speed DCT |
MT- Manual Transmission, AT- Torque Converter Automatic, DCT- Dual Clutch Transmission (automatic)
Priced from Rs. 10.98 lakh (ex-showroom)
Hyundai gave a facelift to its best-selling sedan, the Verna, with refreshed styling and an updated feature list to remain competitive in the segment. The facelift brings a new front fascia and the addition of a new spoiler at the rear, along with a new design for the alloy wheels.

The interior also sees a new four-spoke steering wheel, 7 airbags, and some new features. The variants have also been jiggled, so as to offer more flexibility for customers to get exactly what they desire.

Powertrain options on the Verna facelift remain unchanged. Here are the detailed engine specifications:
|
Engine |
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol |
1.5-litre turbo-petrol |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual / CVT |
6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT |
|
Power (PS) |
115 PS |
160 PS |
|
Torque (Nm) |
144 Nm |
253 Nm |
MT- Manual Transmission, DCT- Dual Clutch Transmission (automatic), CVT- Continuously Variable Transmission (automatic)
Read more about the new Verna here.
Priced from Rs. 5.80 lakh (ex-showroom)
Hyundai also rolled out the first mid-life facelift of its micro-SUV, the Exter, in India. The facelifted Exter does not get a lot of changes, but it does come with a refreshed front profile and slight revisions at the rear as well. The design for the 15-inch diamond-cut alloys is also new.

On the inside, the overall interior layout is similar to the outgoing model, but keen observers will instantly notice the new four-spoke steering wheel. Hyundai has also smartly jiggled the variants, offering a decent amount of equipment even in the lower trims, making them value for money.

Powertrain options on the Exter facelift remain unchanged. Here are the detailed engine specifications:
|
Engine |
1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol |
1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol + CNG |
|
Power (PS) |
83 PS |
83 PS / 69 PS (CNG) |
|
Torque (Nm) |
114 Nm |
114 Nm / 95 Nm (CNG) |
|
Transmission |
5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT |
5-speed AMT |
MT- Manual Transmission, AMT- Automated Manual Transmission
Priced from Rs. 1.78 crore (ex-showroom)
The Audi SQ8 marks the German brand’s latest performance-oriented addition to its flagship coupe-SUV lineup, slotting between the standard Q8 and the more extreme RS Q8. What makes the SQ8 special is its blend of everyday luxury with serious performance credentials.

Visually, it gets subtle yet sporty enhancements over the regular Q8, but the real highlight is inside the cabin, which combines premium materials like leather and Alcantara with sporty ‘S’ badging, metal pedals, and a driver-focused layout. The dual touchscreen setup, along with Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit featuring S-specific graphics, ensures a tech-rich experience, while other features like park assist with 360-degree cameras, four-zone climate control, and a panoramic sky roof elevate comfort, perfectly balancing performance with luxury.

Under the hood, the Audi SQ8 gets its biggest change, which is a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which is capable of making the car sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 4.1 seconds. Here are the detailed engine specifications:
|
Engine |
4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol |
|
Transmission |
8-speed AT |
|
Power (PS) |
507 PS |
|
Torque (Nm) |
770 Nm |
|
Drivetrain |
All-wheel drive |
|
Claimed Acceleration (0-100 kmph) |
4.1 seconds |
Priced at Rs. 90 lakh (ex-showroom)
The 2026 Lexus ES feels like a shift in philosophy for the brand, blending its traditional comfort-first approach with a stronger push towards electrification and modern design. This iteration stands out primarily for introducing an all-electric variant, widening its appeal beyond the usual hybrid audience while still maintaining the smooth, refined driving experience the ES is known for. The exterior now carries a sharper and more contemporary look, but it's the cabin that reflects the bigger leap forward with its minimalistic design.

A large 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital driver’s display, and a more streamlined dashboard layout give it a cleaner and more tech-centric feel. Despite the added focus on technology, Lexus hasn’t moved away from its core strength, a plush rear seat experience. The rear seat on the ES offers a plush experience with boss-mode, three-zone climate control, and high-quality materials that reinforce its reputation as a comfort-oriented luxury sedan.

The Lexus ES is available with both strong-hybrid and fully-electric powertrain options. Here are the specifications of both of these powertrains:
|
Parameter |
ES350h* |
Parameter |
ES500e |
|
Engine |
2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol strong-hybrid |
Battery Size |
75 kWh |
|
Transmission |
e-CVT |
Claimed Range* |
580 Km |
|
Power (PS) |
247 PS |
Power (PS) |
343 PS |
|
Torque (Nm) |
TBA |
Torque (Nm) |
438 Nm |
|
Drivetrain |
Front-wheel drive/All-wheel drive |
Drivetrain |
All-wheel drive |
*Expected figures
Priced from Rs. 1.4 crore (ex-showroom)
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz V-Class marks the return of the brand's luxury MPV to India, catering to a niche audience that prioritises chauffeur-driven comfort over outright performance. What makes it special is its "luxury lounge on wheels" appeal, offering limousine-like comfort in a practical van format, and positioning itself as a premium alternative to large SUVs. The highlight of the V-Class is undoubtedly its rear-seat experience, with the top-spec six-seater layout featuring individual captain chairs that come with massage, ventilation, heating, and reclining functions, along with extendable footrests, making long journeys exceptionally comfortable.

On the inside, the cabin comes loaded with features such as dual 12.3-inch displays, a Burmester sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, and powered sliding doors, all wrapped in high-quality materials that elevate the sense of luxury. With its massive dimensions and focus on space, comfort, and tech, the V-Class stands out as one of the most opulent people movers currently on sale in India.

Powering the new V-Class are a 2-litre turbo-petrol or 2-litre diesel engines, which come mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Here are the detailed specifications:
|
Engine |
2-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid |
2-litre diesel |
|
Transmission |
9-speed AT |
|
|
Power (PS) |
231 PS (+20 PS)* |
237 PS |
|
Torque (Nm) |
370 Nm (+200 Nm)* |
500 Nm |
*Boost from mild-hybrid system; AT- Automatic transmission (torque converter)
March wrapped up with some of the most anticipated launches of the year, ranging from the all-electric Lexus ES to the long-awaited return of the Renault Duster. And the momentum isn’t slowing down.
April 2026 is shaping up to be just as action-packed, especially for buyers looking for premium EVs. The Volkswagen Taigun is confirmed to receive its first facelift, while the Urban Cruiser Ebella is set to be the first electric offering from Toyota. Tata is also expected to launch an EV iteration of the new Sierra, while Mercedes-Benz might launch the CLA electric as well. New carmakers like VinFast are also expected to expand their portfolio with the launch of the Limo Green EV. MG had revealed the Majestor some time back, and the price reveal is expected to take place in April.
The next month of 2026 promises an exciting start to the second quarter of the year.
Which launch this month was your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
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