Autobest Emperio, a renowned player in India’s pre-owned luxury car market, has released findings from a survey conducted across metro cities and emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, and Ahmedabad.
Based on responses from over 3,000 participants, the study highlights a clear generational shift in India’s luxury car market, revealing that 60% of buyers fall within the 35–40 age group, underscoring how mid-career professionals are emerging as the dominant force in luxury resale consumption.
The study further indicates that young professionals in their late 20s and early 30s are entering the luxury vehicle ownership segment earlier than previous generations. A growing share of these buyers are also digital-first earners, with income driven by social media and content platforms.
Key Findings from the Survey
● 60% of buyers are aged 35–40, marking a strong shift toward younger ownership of luxury vehicles
● 40% of buyers fall below 35 years, highlighting significant early-career participation in the premium segment
● Around 10% of buyers in their late 20s view luxury car ownership as an important lifestyle milestone
● 70% cited affordability as the primary reason for opting for pre-owned luxury cars over new ones
● Luxury SUVs continue to dominate buyer preference in the pre-owned segment
● With an entry budget starting at ₹25 lakh, buyers can access premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, which remain otherwise inaccessible in the new-car segment
● Delhi-NCR accounts for 40–50% of total demand, reinforcing its position as a key luxury auto hub
● Nearly 40% demand comes from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities such as Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Indore, highlighting the rapid expansion of luxury aspirations beyond metros
Speaking on the same, Avneet Singh Kohli (Sunny), Founder of Autobest Emperio, said, “The pre-owned luxury car market in India is witnessing a notable demographic shift, with younger buyers entering the premium vehicle segment much earlier than before. Today’s young entrepreneurs, startup professionals, and digital creators are achieving financial milestones earlier in their careers, and luxury car ownership is increasingly becoming a reflection of their lifestyle aspirations. The pre-owned segment is playing a key role in making premium brands more accessible, allowing aspirational buyers to experience luxury mobility while making financially prudent decisions.”
The survey findings suggest that as entrepreneurial income streams and digital-first careers continue to expand, the pre-owned luxury car segment will remain a key gateway for young Indians entering the luxury automotive market.
