Despite a global pandemic, the year 2021 saw quite a few car releases that were not only luxurious but also functional. Right from Mercedes to Rolls-Royce, brands not only unveiled new variants of older models but also new and improved models of older versions.
LuxeBook explored crowd favourites from the top car releases of 2021.
1. Rolls-Royce Phantom
Photo Courtesy: Rolls-Royce
On the outside, the Phantom looks much like any other Rolls Royce car, with its vintage silhouette. The interior however is quite luxurious, designed with fine leather and Koa Wood from the Hawaiian Islands. A new Privacy Suite option adds an electrochromic-glass divider between the front and rear seats, transforming the back into a private ‘suite’. The car is powered by a V12 petrol engine that is powerful enough allowing you to accelerate the car from a standstill to 62mph in 5.3 seconds.
Price: Rs. 8.99 crore (ex-showroom India)
2. Rolls Royce Ghost
Photo Courtesy: Rolls-Royce
One of the most anticipated launches of 2021, the Rolls Royce Ghost is said to be the brand’s most technologically advanced model. The second-generation model is based on the 2009 Goodwood Ghost, with an aluminium space frame architecture similar to the Phantom. Packed with a 6.75-litre V12 engine, power now gets delivered to all four wheels sending the car from 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds. While the overall design of the Ghost echoes classic minimalism, a cluster of high tech equipment on the inside give the vehicle a technological push. Another impressive new addition is the optional illuminated dashboard panel of a glowing Ghost nameplate surrounded by around 850 stars.
Price: Rs 6.95 – 7.95 crore (ex-showroom India)
3. Bentley Flying Spur
Photo Courtesy: Bentley
Bentley’s Flying Spur is the brand’s first and only small four-door limousine, part of their ‘Continental’ series. Taking inspiration from their previous EXP 100 GT, the flying spur takes a sustainable approach with its interiors made of 100% British wool and open-pore Koa wood veneer. Adding sophistication to its cabin technology, the Flying Spur presents three drive modes (EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode) instead of the Start/Stop switch, which allows the driver to manage the battery usage during their journey. A 2.9-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine, paired to a 136hp electric motor, allows the driver to go from 0-100kph in just 4.1 seconds.
Price: Rs. 3.21 – 3.41 crore (ex-showroom India)
4. Mercedes Maybach GLS 600
Photo Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes’ first-ever SUV, the Maybach GLS 600 distinguishes itself from other Mercedes models with a new chrome grille with vertical bars. On the inside, the luxury SUV resembles a private jet with heavily-fitted reclining seats that come with an in-built spa-like menu of massages, and a fixed centre console that houses a refrigerator and folding tables, along with heated and cooled down cup holders. Despite its massive size, the Maybach is super fast with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that provides a smooth acceleration from 0-100kmph in a surprising 4.9 seconds.
Price: Rs. 2.43 crore (ex-showroom India)
5. Bentley Bentayga
Photo Courtesy: Bentley
A thoroughly modern and beautiful extension of the original 2016 Bentayga, the new Bentayga has a clean contemporary look that draws inspiration from the third-generation Continental GT and Flying Spur. The new model has some wonderfully plush interiors with an optional dark tint diamond brushed aluminium trim, two new straight-grained veneers, Koa and Crown Cut Walnut, and spacious ventilated seats. On the performance end, the 2021 Bentayga is equipped with a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol engine with a responsive feature that translates to impressive levels of acceleration. This means that the vehicle can easily speed from 0 to 100kmph in an impressive 3.9 seconds.
Price: Rs. 4.10 crore (ex-showroom India)
6. Porsche Panamera
Photo Courtesy: Porsche Panamera
One of the most well received cars on this list has to be the 2021 Porsche Panamera Facelift. It was launched in India in four variants – Panamera, Panamera GTS, Panamera Turbo S and the Panamera Turbo S E-hybrid, the latter having the biggest update in its range. With a much sportier look, the new Panamera had a completely new front end with larger side air intakes and a revamped light strip. Its most impressive feature, the engine, is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with a 136hp electric motor, integrated into an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With a top speed of 315kmph, the car can sprint from 0-100kph in a remarkable 3.1 seconds.
Price: Rs. 2.45 crore (ex-showroom India)
7. BMW 5 Series
Photo Courtesy: BMW
An updated version of the 5 series launched in May 2020, the 2021 BMW 5 Series Facelift gives BMW a new premium sense of luxury. Clear surfaces and precise contours lend the elegant exterior a modern vibe. The elegant interior is spacious and comfortable while keeping functionality in mind. Providing both petrol and diesel options both powered by a TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine powering 400Nm and 620Nm torque for the diesel options, and 350Nm torque for the petrol option.
Price: Rs. 56 lakhs onwards (ex-showroom India)
8. Rolls Royce Boat Tail
Photo Courtesy: Rolls-Royce
A nautical-themed design, the bespoke Rolls-Royce Boat Tail was inspired by the 2017 custom-built Sweptail creating a one-of-a-kind experience for buyers. As glamorous as it is on the outside, the inside is spectacular with dark leather seats and black Caleidolegno wood veneer. The most impressive feature however is the hosting suite. At the press of a button, the trunk of the car opens up into an impressive storage space that can house cutlery engraved with ‘Boat Tail’, a double refrigerator with the vintage Armand de Brignac champagne and sparkling glassware, to host your own private party anytime, anywhere.
Price: $28 million
9. Mercedes S-Class
Photo Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz
Modern luxury and first-class comfort reach a new level in the new S-Class. The new S Class was a much-awaited ordeal so much so that it was even voted the 2021 World Luxury Car of the Year. The inside of the new S Class has a more luxurious look and feel as compared to its predecessor. New high-tech features like an Augmented Reality heads-up display and the latest MBUX system transform this luxury ride into a functional one as well. The S-class boasts a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that can go from 0-100 km/h in a matter of 3.5 seconds.
Price: Rs. 2.17 – 2.19 crore (ex-showroom India)
10. Tesla S Plaid
Photo Courtesy: Tesla
While the look of the Model S remains similar to the other Tesla cars, the reason Tesla’s Model S Plaid is believed to be one of the best releases of 2021, is because of how fast the car is. With a top speed of 200mph and a range of 390 miles, the Model S is said to be the fastest accelerating car to be ever made, with the ability to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 1.99 seconds. With a focus on functionality, a new landscape centre display makes its way along with the newly added screen behind the centre console for rear-seated passengers. While nothing much has changed in terms of looks, the car is a pretty sleek drive and one of the better ones among most Tesla models.
