India’s Six Most Aerodynamic Cars

Snapshot – Aerodynamics may not play a big part at speeds under 80 Kph but above these speeds, aerodynamics not only aid outright performance but also boost the fuel efficiency of the engine by allowing it to work lesser. While some car makers have gone gung ho on aerodynamics only to have cars that look like platypuses, yes, the Volkswagen XL1 is an abomination, aerodynamic or otherwise, others have managed to conjure up drop dead gorgeous designs, case in point being the Mercedes Benz CLA sedan. Like it or not, aerodynamics are here to stay, be it in the replacement of the bread box-like Land Rover Defender or the sleek and sexy BMW i8. CarToq profiles India’s six most aerodynamic cars. 

BMW i8 – Cd 0.26

The BMW i8 hybrid sportscar is weeks away from getting launched in India. Everything about the car reeks of efficiency, and aerodynamics naturally figures right at the top of the i8’s priorities. A slippery shape half dictated in the studio and the other in the wind tunnel means that the i8 emerges out with a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.26, making it one of India’s most aerodynamic cars.

Audi A6 Sedan – Cd 0.26

A large executive luxury saloon like the Audi A6 isn’t the most likely candidate to be fighting aerodynamic battles. However, the men in white coats at Ingolstadt have ensured that executive sedan cuts air extremely aerodynamically, what with a drag coefficient of 0.26. The Audi A6 sedan is due for a facelift in India in the months to come, even as international markets have already received the facelifted model. Rest assured that the facelifted version will continue flying the Cd flag high.

Mercedes Benz B-Class – Cd 0.26

A large hatchback that looks more at ease playing the role of the mini van is perhaps the most unlikely entry into this list. Yes, the Mercedes Benz B-Class is as slippery as a hatchback can get, with a drag coefficient of 0.26. Well, the Cd figure is even better than the sleeker looking A-Class, confirming that sleek and sexy does not equal pure aerodynamics. Ask the platypus. The hatchback is one of the most fuel efficient luxury cars in India, and here’s proof.

Toyota Prius Hybrid – Cd 0.25

The solitary purpose of hybrid cars is not to take you from point A to B, but to do so by expending the least amount of fuel/electricity and emitting the least amount of hydrocarbons. The Prius plug-in hybrid has its fair share of celebrity converts, from Leonardo Dicaprio to yummy mummy Jessica Alba, and not without sound reason. The Prius has a stunning Cd of 0.25, making it one of the world’s most aerodynamic cars.

Mercedes Benz S-Class – Cd 0.24

Right from the outset, everything about the W222 S-Class, Mercedes Benz’s flagship car, screamed special. The shapely luxury saloon is not just a powerhouse of technology including stuff that future driver-less cars will be made of, but is also a very efficient means of motoring. With a drag coefficient of 0.24, the slippery luxo-barge can return very impressive fuel efficiency numbers of driven sensibly.

Mercedes Benz CLA – Cd 0.22

The Mercedes Benz CLA’s high performance AMG variant already prowls Indian roads, even as the plain vanilla variants of the car are days away from hitting the launch button. While losing out on performance to the AMG variant, the regular versions of the petrol and diesel CLA manage to keep drag to a bare minimum. How does a Cd of 0.22 sound? Well, this drag coefficient figure makes the car the most slippery of any car sold in India. And the CLA looks a billion times better than a platypus.