In an interview with AutoEV Times, Avneet Singh Kohli (Sunny), Founder of Autobest Emperio, speaks about the rapid evolution of India’s pre-owned luxury car market, the growing potential of luxury electric vehicles, changing consumer preferences, and the importance of transparency, certified vehicles, and digital-first customer experiences. He also shares Autobest Emperio’s expansion plans and vision for building a trusted, customer-centric luxury mobility ecosystem.
Read the full interview here:
AET: How is the pre-owned luxury car market evolving in India, and what key consumer trends are shaping its growth today?
Avneet: The pre-owned luxury car market in India has become far more organized over the past few years. Buyers today are looking beyond affordability—they want quality, transparency, certified vehicles, and a hassle-free ownership experience. Organized dealerships have played a significant role in building confidence by offering verified vehicle histories, financing options, and after-sales support.
One noticeable trend is that more customers are opting for relatively new vehicles, typically around three to four years old, where they can enjoy modern features while avoiding the steep depreciation associated with a brand-new purchase. We’re also seeing younger professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners entering this segment. For them, buying a pre-owned luxury car is a financially sensible decision rather than just an aspirational purchase. They understand the value proposition and are increasingly prioritizing smart ownership over simply buying new. As awareness grows and financing becomes easier, we expect this market to continue expanding across customer segments.
AET: Do you see pre-owned electric vehicles becoming the next major growth driver for India’s luxury automobile market? What is fueling this shift?
Avneet: We believe the pre-owned luxury EV segment has significant potential over the next few years. Luxury electric vehicles experience relatively higher depreciation in their initial years, making them much more accessible in the secondary market. This creates an excellent opportunity for buyers who want to experience premium electric mobility without paying the cost of a brand-new vehicle.
At the same time, awareness around electric mobility is increasing, charging infrastructure continues to improve, and buyers are becoming more comfortable with EV ownership. Many customers are now willing to consider a pre-owned luxury EV because they can experience advanced technology, premium performance, and lower running costs at a much more attractive price point. As battery technology matures and confidence around long-term ownership improves, we believe the segment will witness steady and sustainable growth.
AET: Battery health, warranty, and vehicle history are major concerns for EV buyers. How can the industry build greater trust in the pre-owned EV ecosystem?
Avneet: Trust will be the biggest factor in driving adoption of pre-owned EVs. Buyers need complete transparency, especially when it comes to battery health, vehicle history, and service records. Unlike conventional vehicles, the battery is one of the most valuable components of an EV, making accurate information essential before making a purchase.
The industry should focus on standardized battery health reports, detailed inspection processes, and transparent ownership history. Manufacturer warranties that continue with the second owner also provide additional confidence and help reduce buyer hesitation. As diagnostic technologies become more advanced, customers will have greater visibility into battery performance and charging history. Together, these measures will create a more transparent ecosystem and encourage more buyers to confidently enter the pre-owned EV market.
AET: Luxury SUVs continue to dominate buyer preferences. What is driving this demand, and how are consumer expectations changing across different vehicle segments?
Avneet: Luxury SUVs continue to lead the market because they combine practicality with premium appeal. Indian road conditions make higher ground clearance an important advantage, while SUVs also offer more space, comfort, versatility, and a commanding driving position. These factors make them suitable for both city driving and long-distance travel.
Customer expectations have also evolved significantly. Today’s buyers expect premium technology, connected features, advanced safety systems, and refined interiors regardless of the vehicle segment. They are looking for vehicles that deliver both performance and everyday usability. While luxury sedans continue to have a loyal customer base, SUVs have emerged as the preferred choice for many buyers because they offer the best balance between luxury, comfort, and practicality.
AET: Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are emerging as important markets for premium vehicles. What opportunities do you see beyond the metros, and how is Autobest Emperio addressing this demand?
Avneet: Demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has grown considerably in recent years. Rising incomes, expanding business opportunities, and greater digital access have created a much larger customer base outside the major metropolitan cities. Customers today are well-informed and have access to the same automotive content, reviews, and product information regardless of where they are located.
At Autobest Emperio, our strong digital presence enables customers across India to explore our inventory with confidence before making a purchase. We regularly engage with buyers from different parts of the country who are comfortable completing much of their buying journey online before visiting us. Our upcoming expansion in Gurgaon will further strengthen our operations, improve logistics, and enable us to serve customers from neighbouring states more efficiently while maintaining the premium experience that defines our brand.
AET: Many buyers now see pre-owned luxury cars as a smarter financial decision due to lower depreciation. How has this changed purchasing behaviour in recent years?
Avneet: Customers today are making far more informed financial decisions than they did a few years ago. Rather than absorbing the heavy depreciation that comes with a brand-new luxury vehicle, many buyers prefer a well-maintained pre-owned model that offers almost the same ownership experience at a significantly better value.
We’ve seen increasing interest from entrepreneurs, business owners, senior professionals, and even first-time luxury buyers who carefully evaluate the total cost of ownership before making a decision. They appreciate the opportunity to own a premium vehicle while allocating the savings towards investments, business expansion, or other financial goals. This shift reflects a more mature approach to luxury consumption, where value and long-term financial planning are becoming just as important as brand aspiration.
AET: With increasing competition from online marketplaces and organized dealerships, how does Autobest Emperio differentiate itself in terms of quality, transparency, and customer experience?
Avneet: Our focus has always been on quality over volume. Every vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection before it becomes part of our inventory, and we place significant emphasis on transparency throughout the buying process. Customers receive detailed information about the vehicle, allowing them to make informed decisions with complete confidence.
We also believe that purchasing a luxury car should be a premium experience from start to finish. Beyond offering carefully curated vehicles, we focus on personalized customer service and long-term relationships rather than transactional sales. We are also expanding our offerings by introducing our own line of premium automotive accessories to further enhance the ownership experience. Our objective is to ensure that every customer feels they are receiving not just a car, but a complete luxury ownership journey.
AET: Looking ahead, how do you envision the pre-owned luxury and EV markets evolving over the next five years, and what role will Autobest Emperio play in shaping this transformation?
Avneet: We expect both the pre-owned luxury and luxury EV markets to continue growing steadily over the next five years. As buyers become more informed, organized dealerships that offer transparency, certified vehicles, and end-to-end customer support will continue gaining market share. Technology will also play an increasingly important role in enhancing trust and improving the overall buying experience.
At Autobest Emperio, we are continuously investing in both digital capabilities and physical infrastructure to meet these evolving customer expectations. From strengthening our inventory management systems to expanding our presence and enhancing customer engagement, our focus remains on delivering a seamless luxury buying experience. We aim to contribute to the growth of an organized, transparent, and customer-centric pre-owned luxury automobile market in India.
, Founder of Autobest Emperio speaks about the rapid evolution of India’s pre-owned luxury car.){kind=link}