Audi’s new era in Hyderabad from Kuttukaran Group
The unveiling of the Audi SQ8 in Hyderabad marked a pivotal moment not just for Audi’s product portfolio, but also for the growing influence of the Kuttukaran Group in the region’s luxury automotive space. Hosted at the Madhapur showroom and led by its dealership arm Imperion Cars Pvt. Ltd., the event doubled as a statement of intent from both the new operators and Audi’s regional leadership.
The event also introduced a new leadership direction under Vinod Sethumadhwan, CEO, Audi Hyderabad, who outlined a vision centred on 'energetic luxury', a blend of performance, personalisation, and immersive customer engagement. “We aim to deliver ‘energetic luxury’ through personalised engagement and immersive experiences,” he said, signalling a shift toward relationship-driven brand building in a market like Hyderabad that is rapidly maturing in its luxury consumption patterns.
This leadership shift comes alongside a broader structural transition, with Imperion Cars taking over Audi’s operations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Backed by the scale and legacy of the Kuttukaran Group, the move reflects a strategic push into high-growth southern markets. “The addition of Audi aligns with our strategy of expanding into new geographies while strengthening our core markets,” said Naveen Philip, Promoter and Managing Director, Popular Vehicles and Services Limited (PVSL), the Group’s listed flagship. With the operational strength of PVSL, the group is well-positioned to deliver both reach and consistency, reinforcing Audi’s premium positioning while expanding its customer base.
At the core of the evening was the SQ8 itself, a vehicle engineered to blur the boundaries between a full-size luxury SUV and a performance machine. Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 507 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, the SQ8 accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.1 seconds. Advanced systems such as quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and all-wheel steering enhance both agility and ride comfort, while features like HD Matrix LED lighting and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system elevate the in-cabin experience. Positioned against rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupé and Porsche Cayenne GTS, the SQ8 enters the Indian market at ₹1.77 crore (ex-showroom), targeting buyers who seek both commanding presence and supercar-like performance. The evening concluded with live music and a curated dining experience, reinforcing Audi’s emphasis on lifestyle-driven brand engagement.
