5 Most Powerful Cars Under 25 Lakh: Tata Harrier.EV To Hyundai Verna Turbo
A lot of people do not just want cars that have a lot of features. Rather, they want cars which can give an exhilarating driving experience with sheer power. Now, if you are one of those enthusiasts and have a budget of Rs 25 lakh, then you have come to the right spot. Here are five of the most powerful cars in various segments that you can buy today under Rs 25 lakh. Make sure to read till the end!
Starting off the list is the Hyundai Verna Turbo, which is currently the most powerful mid-size sedan in India. The Verna 1.5 turbo is perfect for those who want a balance of performance, comfort, and daily usability without stepping into the overhyped SUV territory.
Powering the Verna turbo is a 1.5-litre turbocharged GDi petrol engine, which is capable of producing an impressive 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. It comes paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox, which helps in executing fast gear shifts. The Verna can perform a sprint of 0 to 100 kmph in just around 8.1 to 8.8 seconds, which makes it quicker than most of its rivals in a straight line.
What makes the Verna a good driver’s car is its smooth and linear power delivery. Unlike aggressive turbo petrol engines, it does not feel intimidating and delivers power in a very controlled manner. The DCT gearbox adds to the fun driving experience by offering quick shifts. Meanwhile, the all-wheel disc brakes help stop the car. Overall, it is a refined yet quick sedan, which is perfect for both city and highway driving.
Next up on the list is the newly launched latest-generation Renault Duster. It is currently the most powerful mid-size SUV in the market and has already become extremely popular in India. This time around, Renault has managed to keep rugged SUV and performance SUV enthusiasts happy by offering the Duster with the most powerful turbo petrol engine in the segment.
Its main highlight is its new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, which surprisingly also powers the Mercedes-Benz GLA and A-Class petrol variants. This engine is capable of producing around 160 bhp and 280 Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed wet-clutch DCT gearbox. The 0 to 100 kmph sprint takes place in 9.5 to 10 seconds.
What makes the Duster stand out is its strong mid-range performance, which makes highway overtakes effortless. Its 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine is also rev-happy, which means it rewards enthusiastic driving. Apart from this, the SUV offers 212 mm of ground clearance and a well-sorted suspension setup. This means it can also handle rough roads with ease. Unlike many soft-roader SUVs in the market, the new-generation Duster feels mechanical and engaging and can be considered a proper driver’s SUV.
If you are someone who wants to go fast but has a family and needs extra seating space, then the Mahindra XUV700 petrol should be your pick. It is currently one of the most powerful SUVs you can buy under Rs 25 lakh. It comes equipped with the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine, which produces a massive 200 bhp and 380 Nm of torque.
Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The reason why the XUV700 is such a great driver’s car is because of its explosive performance. The petrol engine feels extremely quick and offers strong acceleration throughout the rev range.
At the same time, Mahindra has also diligently worked on the suspension and offers it with frequency selective damping, which improves both ride quality and handling. This massive 7-seater SUV remains stable even at high speeds. And in simple terms, the XUV 7XO offers a rare combination of power, comfort, and practicality, which makes it one of the best all-rounders in this price range.
Now, coming to the electric side of things, the Mahindra BE 6 is easily one of the most exciting performance-oriented EVs under Rs 25 lakh. The Pack Three Select variant comes with a 59 kWh battery pack paired with a rear-wheel-drive motor, which produces 228 bhp and 380 Nm of torque.
It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds, which makes it significantly quicker than most ICE cars in this segment. What truly makes this EV a driver’s car is its RWD layout. Unlike front-wheel-drive EVs, the BE 6 offers better balance and sharper handling. The front end feels light and eager to change direction, which increases driver confidence.
Additionally, Mahindra has tuned the power delivery in a progressive manner, which ensures that the car feels quick but not uncontrollable. However, it still has to be mentioned that those who are not habitual with the RWD setup should definitely learn to control it first.
It also gets multiple drive modes, including a Race mode and a Boost function, which provides the maximum performance. One of the few downsides of this performance SUV is its stiff suspension setup. You will feel bad on the roads more compared to other SUVs. But once again, for the enthusiasts, this is one of the most engaging EVs currently on sale.
Finally, topping the list is the Tata Harrier.ev, which is currently the most powerful car you can buy under Rs 25 lakh. This electric SUV comes with a 75 kWh battery pack and a rear-wheel-drive motor, which produces a whopping 235 bhp and 315 Nm of torque. It also offers a claimed range of 627 km, which makes it one of the most practical EVs as well.
In terms of driving experience, the Harrier.ev focuses more on refinement and stability rather than aggressive sportiness, unlike the BE 6. The power delivery is linear and very predictable, which makes it easy to drive even for beginners. The RWD setup improves front-end agility. Meanwhile, the multi-link rear suspension with frequency selective damping improves the ride quality.
However, due to its heavy weight of over 2.2 tonnes, it is not as sharp as smaller performance cars in corners. But it definitely is a very impressive, comfortable cruiser, which can effortlessly cover long distances while providing the EV driving fun.