India’s pre-owned luxury car market is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by increasing demand, improved transparency, and evolving customer expectations. As luxury vehicles become more accessible, buyers are increasingly turning to trusted dealerships that offer certified vehicles, documentation, and warranty-backed ownership experiences.
Autobest Emperio, a New Delhi-based premium automotive dealership, has been at the forefront of this transformation. Established in 2010 by automobile enthusiasts Avneet Singh Kohli (Sunny) and Jaspreet Singh Kohli (Hunny), the company focuses on curated pre-owned luxury vehicles with an emphasis on trust, transparency, and customer-centric service.
In this interaction, Avneet Singh Kohli, Founder of Autobest Emperio, shares his perspective on how India’s pre-owned luxury car market is evolving and the key trends shaping its growth.
How is the pre-owned luxury car market evolving in India, and what key trends are shaping its growth?
The pre-owned luxury car market in India has evolved significantly from an unorganized and trust-deficient space to a more structured and professional segment. Earlier, buyers viewed pre-owned luxury cars as risky purchases, but today, access to detailed vehicle histories, proper documentation, and inspection reports has improved confidence and decision-making.
Growth in this segment is largely driven by customers’ preference for trusted dealerships that offer transparency, complete paperwork, and warranty support. Additionally, demand is expanding as buyers seek luxury vehicles at more accessible price points without paying the full cost of a new car. At Autobest Emperio, we are proud to have contributed to building greater trust and transparency in this evolving market.
What is driving the shift in consumer mindset toward pre-owned luxury vehicles, especially among younger buyers?
Younger buyers today are increasingly prioritising experiences and lifestyle over long-term ownership. Rather than waiting years to purchase a new luxury car, many prefer buying 2–3-year-old models at a lower cost, using them for a few years, and then upgrading. This approach reflects a shift toward viewing cars as lifestyle assets rather than long-term possessions.
As a result, young professionals in their late 20s and early 30s are entering the luxury vehicle ownership segment much earlier than previous generations. By making luxury ownership more accessible and seamless under one roof, Autobest Emperio is helping accelerate this evolving consumer mindset.
Which segments or categories (SUVs, sedans, EVs) are witnessing the highest demand in the pre-owned luxury space?
SUVs are currently witnessing the highest demand in the pre-owned luxury car market, driven by their strong road presence, practicality, and suitability for Indian driving conditions. Models such as the Toyota Fortuner remain highly popular due to their reliability and strong resale value.
In the luxury segment, premium SUVs like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Range Rover continue to see strong demand. The Land Rover Defender, in particular, is currently generating significant buyer interest.
While SUVs dominate, luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class still maintain steady demand, especially among corporate buyers and professionals. At Autobest Emperio, SUVs account for nearly 60% of monthly sales, clearly reflecting the segment’s growing dominance in the pre-owned luxury space.
How are factors like pricing, depreciation, and value retention influencing purchase decisions in this segment?
One of the key advantages of buying a pre-owned luxury car is the slower rate of depreciation compared to a new vehicle. A brand-new luxury car can lose up to 20–30% of its value as soon as it leaves the showroom, and nearly 50% within the first three years.
Informed buyers understand this depreciation curve and often choose to purchase vehicles at the point where depreciation stabilizes — the “sweet spot.” This allows them to enjoy luxury ownership while minimizing further value loss and retaining better resale value in the future. This strong value proposition is a major factor driving demand in the pre-owned luxury car segment.
What role does digital adoption and online platforms play in transforming the pre-owned luxury car buying experience?
Digital platforms have become the first point of engagement for most pre-owned luxury car buyers. While customers may still prefer to finalize high-value purchases in person, their journey typically begins online. High-quality images, detailed videos, and transparent listings are now essential, and dealerships without a strong digital presence risk being overlooked altogether.
Digital adoption has also increased accountability, as customer reviews and social media feedback can quickly influence brand reputation. At Autobest Emperio, we have built a strong digital presence, particularly across social media, where our inventory is showcased with clarity and consistency, enabling customers to make informed decisions even before visiting the showroom.
Trust and transparency have historically been concerns in the used car market. How is the industry addressing these challenges today?
The pre-owned luxury car industry is increasingly focused on building customer trust through greater transparency and reliability. Buyers today have access to detailed vehicle information, condition reports, ownership history, and verified service records online. Many dealerships also offer warranties and buyback options, further strengthening confidence in the purchase process.
At Autobest Emperio, with over 15 years of market experience, we have built a strong reputation by consistently delivering transparent transactions and fostering long-term customer relationships. This commitment to trust and credibility continues to drive growth in the pre-owned luxury segment.
From your experience, how is your organization gearing up to cater to the growing demand and evolving customer expectations in this space?
At Autobest Emperio, we understand that customers are equally concerned about post-purchase ownership, including maintenance and service costs. To address this, we offer comprehensive support packages that include financing options, insurance solutions, and access to trusted service networks. Our goal is to ensure customer satisfaction extends beyond the purchase and continues throughout the entire ownership experience.
What is your outlook for the pre-owned luxury car market in India over the next 3 to 5 years?
The outlook for the pre-owned luxury car market remains highly promising. Rising new car prices, driven by higher taxation and advanced technology integration, are increasing the entry barrier to luxury ownership.
As a result, the pre-owned luxury segment is expected to grow at a significantly faster pace, potentially outpacing the new car market by a wide margin. What was once viewed as a “second-hand” market is now evolving into an aspirational segment, attracting a broader and younger customer base. With new luxury car prices continuing to rise, the shift toward pre-owned options is expected to accelerate further, making this one of the most dynamic and fast-growing segments in the automotive industry.
