Every V6 car on sale in India

When it comes to V-engined cars, i.e. where the cylinders are evenly split across two banks and arranged in a 45-degree angle from each other, V6s rank at the bottom of the numerical hierarchy. Make no mistake, though, V6 engines often deliver exhilarating driving experiences thanks to the butter-smooth way they dole out power and the raspy note that accompanies it.

And if you just want to potter around the city, V6s can be quite docile, predictable, and surprisingly fuel-efficient. Not to mention, V6-powered cars also cost less than equivalent V8-equipped models, so you get nearly as many thrills with greater daily usability at a lower price. Given the numerous merits of this engine, we’ve put together a list of every V6 car in India you can currently buy.

It should be noted that cars from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover aren’t part of these rankings since those carmakers use straight-six engines instead of V6 units.

1. Audi S5 Sportback

Price: Rs 77.77 lakh

One of the best-looking Audis on sale, the S5 Sportback, also happens to be the the most affordable V6 car in India right now. Audi sells the S5 Sportback with a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 developing 354hp and 500Nm. This V6 is paired with an 8-speed torque converter auto gearbox that channels power to all four wheels via the Quattro system.

Our S5 Sportback review details how the sports sedan’s drive modes instantly switch the V6’s character. In Dynamic mode, the S5 Sportback roars across the rev band and delivers power ruthlessly, and Comfort mode turns it into a refined and smooth machine you can use everyday. 0-100kph for the S5 Sportback creeps up in a claimed 4.8 seconds, onwards to a rated top speed of 250kph.

2. Audi Q7

Price: Rs 92.29 lakh to Rs 1 crore

Audi’s venerable Q7 three-row SUV has been on sale in the Indian market for several years, and the current-gen model is powered by the same 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 as the S5, though its power output is slightly lower at 340hp. When we reviewed the 2024 Q7 facelift, we were impressed by the V6’s refinement and the way it makes this heavy luxury SUV feel brisk and enjoyable to drive.

The Q7 gets an 8-speed torque converter gearbox and Quattro AWD, and despite the full-sized SUV’s heft, Audi claims a 0-100kph time of just 5.6 seconds and an electronically-limited 250kph top speed.

3. Audi Q8

Price: Rs 1.18 crore

The final Audi on this list is the Q8, the German carmaker’s flagship SUV in India. Under the hood, the Q8 uses a 340hp, 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic with Quattro AWD.

As our review of the 2024 Q8 facelift points out, this V6 engine is an effortlessly smooth unit in regular operation, but shows its true might when you mash the right pedal. The Q8 can dispatch the 0-100kph run in a claimed 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph.

4. Porsche Cayenne / Cayenne Coupe

Price: Rs 1.49 crore / Rs 1.55 crore

Porsche’s flagship SUV line-up comprises the Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe, both of which are powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 generating 353hp and 500Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with AWD.

In our Cayenne review, we noted that its V6 isn’t the most thrilling engine, but it likes to stay in the upper bounds of the rev range and power delivery is strong and responsive. Both the Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe are claimed to reach 100kph from rest in a claimed 6 seconds, and if you opt for the Rs 2.14 lakh Sport Chrono Package, that drops to 5.7 seconds. Top speed stands at a claimed 248kph.

5. Porsche Panamera

Price: Rs 1.80 crore

The Panamera is Porsche’s sole ICE-powered sedan, and the most expensive one on this list too. It comes equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 churning out 353hp and 500Nm, hooked up to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that funnels the grunt to the rear wheels.

The Panamera has a claimed top speed here of 272kph, and 0-100kph comes up in 5.3 seconds (5.7 seconds with Sport Chrono Package).

6. Maserati Grecale Trofeo

Price: Rs 2.13 crore

The Grecale is Maserati’s entry-level model for India, and in its hotter Trofeo guise, the SUV is powered by the Italian marque’s ‘Nettuno’ 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, which makes 530hp and 620Nm. This powerplant is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.

From a standstill, the Grecale Trofeo reaches the 100kph mark in a claimed 3.8 seconds, which makes it the quickest SUV on this list by a wide margin. Maserati also claims a top speed of 285kph for the Grecale Trofeo.

7. Toyota Land Cruiser 300

Price: Rs 2.31-2.41 crore

Arguably the ultimate go-anywhere luxury SUV this side of a Range Rover, the Land Cruiser 300 rightfully sits as the flagship model of Toyota’s India line-up. Interestingly, the Land Cruiser 300 is one of only two cars on this list to feature body-on-frame construction and sport a diesel engine, with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 doing duty under the SUV’s bonnet.

Power output is on the lower side (relatively) at 309hp, but being a twin-turbo diesel, the Land Cruiser 300’s V6 develops a titanic 700Nm. In our review of the Land Cruiser 300, we remarked that though the diesel V6 is a bit grumbly and loud at higher speeds, it pulls quite strongly, and the 10-speed automatic gearbox does well to keep the engine on the boil. 0-100kph comes up in a claimed 8 seconds for the LC300.

8. Maserati GranTurismo

Price: Rs 2.68-2.87 crore

The GranTurismo is currently the range-topper of Maserati India’s model portfolio, with the Nettuno V6 version of the sportscar offered in two states of tune: Modena and Trofeo. In the former guise, the GranTurismo puts out 490hp and 600Nm, whereas the latter bumps it up to 550hp and 650Nm. Both variants get an 8-speed automatic gearbox and AWD.

Of the two, we’ve reviewed the GranTurismo Trofeo and found that its V6 is a firecracker of an engine. Power delivery is rapid, the transmission goes about its business smoothly, and the aural experience is quite nice. Coming to claimed 0-100kph times, the GranTurismo Modena and Trofeo stand at 3.9 seconds and 3.5 seconds, respectively, and top speeds are similarly rated at 302kph and 320kph.

9. Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo

Price: Rs 2.98 crore

As expected, the GranCabrio is the convertible derivative of the GranTurismo. Maserati sells the GranCabrio here in Trofeo form, so you get the same 550hp, Nettuno twin-turbo V6 as the GranTurismo Trofeo, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD.

Being a drop-top, the GranCabrio Trofeo’s claimed performance figures are slightly lower than those of the GranTurismo Trofeo, with 0-100kph coming up in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 316kph.

10. Lexus LX 500d

Price: Rs 3.00-3.12 crore

The LX is Lexus’ interpretation of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, so beneath the imposing and edgy design, both full-sized SUVs are identical. That makes the LX 500d the only other body-on-frame diesel car on this list, and the SUV shares its 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6, 10-speed automatic gearbox, and AWD setup with the LC300.

As our LX 500d review notes, the driving experiences aren’t all that dissimilar between it and the LC300 either. The diesel V6 pulls like a freight train and feels perfect for highway cruising, though it can get audible as you speed up. It has the same 8sec claimed 0-100kph time as well.

11. McLaren Artura

Price: Rs 5.10 crore

Kicking things off for the mid-engined top three is the Artura – McLaren’s sole hybrid offering. The Artura comes with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, which is married to a 7.4kWh battery powering a rear-mounted electric motor. Combined powertrain output stands at 680hp and 720Nm, channeled solely to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In our review of the Artura, we remarked that the hybrid powertrain provides a stellar driving experience thanks to instantaneous and strong power delivery, an urgent bark from the V6 up until its 8,500rpm redline, and the smoothness of the dual-clutch automatic. Claimed performance figures for the Artura are bonkers too, with 0-100kph coming up in 3 seconds dead, 0-200kph in 8.3 seconds, and a top speed of 330kph.

12. Ferrari 296 GTB

Price: Rs 5.40 crore

Though the 296 GTB is technically the entry-level mid-engined Ferrari, it’s easily the fastest and most powerful car on this list. At the heart of the 296 GTB is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, 7.45kWh battery, rear-mounted electric motor, and an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission – identical to the Artura. However, the 296 GTB outputs a colossal 830hp and 740Nm (combined).

Astoundingly, the 296 GTB’s power-to-weight ratio of 565hp per tonne is higher than that of the 1,001hp Bugatti Veyron. As our 296 GTB review points out, the Ferrari’s performance is mind-numbing, with its manic acceleration effortlessly making straight roads pass by in a blur, all while the V6 howls to its 8,500rpm redline. It takes the 296 GTB just 2.9 seconds (claimed) to complete the 0-100kph run, and 0-200kph comes up in 7.3 seconds.

13. Ferrari 296 GTS

Price: Rs 6.24 crore

The priciest entry on this list is the Ferrari 296 GTS, the convertible version of the 296 GTB. Both 296 form factors are mechanically identical, so the hard-top GTS has the same 830hp, V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.

We took the 296 GTS on a drive through the Himalayas and were just as staggered with its performance as the GTB. Acceleration is nothing short of savage, pinning you to the headrest and not letting go until you ease up on the throttle. Folding the top down also allows you to enjoy the V6’s roar and intensity of the speed better than the 296 GTB. Notably, the 296 GTS is just as fast as the GTB from 0-100kph, but its claimed 0-200kph time is 0.3 seconds slower at 7.6 seconds.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

Also see:

Top 5 most affordable 7 seater diesel SUVs in India

5 most affordable cars with cruise control