Defender price will be less by 50% ? Because India cut down the taxes from 100% to 10%?

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UK Luxury Car Prices Drop in India

UK Luxury Car Prices Drop in India

In a big move for the Indian auto industry, the Indian government has finalized a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom in 2025. This trade deal is expected to change the luxury car segment in India forever. One of the biggest highlights? Huge import duty cuts on UK-made luxury cars like the Land Rover Defender, Range Rover, and Jaguar.

Thanks to this deal, owning a luxury British car in India is no longer a far-off dream. Prices have dropped significantly, and the market is buzzing with excitement.

What’s Changing with the India-UK Trade Deal?

The new trade deal includes several game-changing benefits for car lovers in India:

  • Import Duty Slashed by 90%: Earlier, imported cars from the UK attracted duties as high as 100–110%. Under the new deal, these duties are cut by up to 90% in a phased manner.
  • Luxury Cars to Get Cheaper: With lower import costs, British luxury brands can now offer their vehicles at reduced prices.
  • Boost to Local Production: Jaguar Land Rover (owned by Tata Motors) has started locally assembling some high-end models like the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, which has led to immediate price drops.

Which Cars Are Getting Cheaper?

Here’s a look at the UK-made luxury cars becoming more affordable in India:

1. Range Rover Price Drop

  • New Price: ₹2.36 crore (was ₹2.80 crore+)
  • Savings: Over ₹44 lakh!
  • Highlights: A true symbol of class and off-road power. Now assembled in India, it’s priced more competitively than ever before.

2. Range Rover Sport Price Drop

  • New Price: ₹1.40 crore (down from ₹1.69 crore+)
  • Savings: ₹29 lakh
  • Highlights: Sporty, powerful, and luxurious — now easier to own with local assembly and duty cuts.

3. Land Rover Defender Price Drop

  • The price of the Defender is not expected to decrease, as it is manufactured in Slovakia; only vehicles produced in the UK will benefit from the reduced import duties.
  • Defender is already popular for its rugged looks and strong off-road capabilities.

4. Jaguar XF, F-Pace, I-Pace Price Drop

  • These models will likely see gradual price reductions as well.
  • With duty relief and potential local production, Jaguar may regain its competitive edge.

Why This Matters for Indian Buyers

This isn’t just news for rich car buyers — this move opens up exciting possibilities for many upper-middle-class and aspirational consumers. Here’s why:

  • Lower EMIs: Reduced car prices mean smaller loan amounts and more affordable monthly EMIs.
  • More Value: You get the same global-quality product, at a better price.
  • Faster Deliveries: Local assembly cuts down the long waiting times for luxury models.

Pros & Cons of the UK-India Auto Deal

ProsCons
Luxury cars become more affordablePressure on local premium manufacturers like Toyota & Skoda
More choices in the ₹1–2 crore segmentStill high prices for entry-level buyers
Boost to India’s premium car market and job creation in assembly plantsLimited local service centers for some British models
Shorter delivery times due to local productionInitial focus is on select models only

How Local Assembly Helps Reduce Prices

Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to start local assembly of flagship models in India has had a huge impact:

  • Saves on import costs
  • Encourages use of local components
  • Improves service turnaround
  • Generates local jobs and boosts manufacturing

The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are now the most expensive cars ever to be assembled in India, breaking the luxury ceiling and showing what’s possible with the right policies.

What’s Next?

Now that the trade doors are open, we can expect:

  • More UK-based manufacturers exploring Indian markets
  • Possibility of other luxury carmakers requesting similar duty cuts
  • Improved service infrastructure for premium car owners

Who Should Buy Now?

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a luxury SUV like a Range Rover or Defender, 2025 is the best time. Prices are down, and availability is up. It’s a win-win for early buyers.

These cars won’t stay this affordable forever. Once the introductory pricing or limited stock ends, the prices might climb again. Plus, as demand increases, waiting periods could grow.

Conclusion

While India’s new trade agreement with the UK promises significant benefits for car buyers, it’s important to note that not all British brands will see immediate price cuts. For instance, the Land Rover Defender, which is manufactured in Slovakia, will not qualify for the reduced import duties.

Only models assembled in the UK, such as certain variants of the Range Rover and Jaguar, are expected to become more affordable. Nevertheless, this development marks a positive step in strengthening India’s position in the global automotive supply chain and paves the way for a more accessible luxury car market in the country.

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Also read:  Defender Honest Review