What is Complete Built Unit (CBU)?
CBU stands for Completely Built-up Unit (CBU). It refers to a car that is manufactured and assembled with complete, ready to drive unit built in another country and imported into India.
Brands offering CBU cars in India
Earlier, CBU cars in India were mostly launched by luxury brands. Now, even mainstream manufacturers like Volkswagen (VW) and MG have launched their CBU models here. However, most other car brands avoid bringing CBUs to India because the customs duties and taxes on these models imposed by the Indian Government are extremely high and sometimes equal to or even more than the car’s original price.
In the Indian market, CBU cars are priced much higher than the starting price of entry-level luxury cars, often, starting at over Rs. 50 lakhs However the Manufacturers also prioritize their most successful models for CBU imports. For example, BMW’s M series like M2 and M8 have been highly successful, making it easier for the brand to market and sell these CBU cars in India as well as in other countries.
Standard CBU car brands in India
The following brands have launched only CBU cars in India and do not have any manufacturing units in India.
- ROLLS -ROYCE
- BENTLEY
- PORSCHE
- LAMBORGHINI
- MASERATI
- ASTON MARTIN
- HUMMER
- BUGATTI
Other than the above brands like BMW, MERCEDES and AUDI have introduced only limited models of CBU cars in the Indian market.
Next category brands like Volkswagen, Skoda ,Toyota and MG brands have also started launching their CBU cars in Indian market.
Recently, Volkswagen launched “Volkswagen Golf Polo GT” in India. This model stands out for its unique design and exclusivity, as it is sold only through pre-bookings and limited to just 150 to 250 units in India.
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Key points why brands choose to offer CBU in the Indian market
- These brands usually introduce only their most successful models, making it easier for customers to connect with and desire these vehicles.
- Existing models are launched with premium upgrades and features, which helps boost sales by appealing to buyers looking for exclusively.
- Existing Brands and model will be repeated market as CBU segment, which is create the trust and Reliability in customer circle.
Why are they manufacturing only a limited number of cars?
- To analyze how the sales will perform
- To understand how people respond to the models
- To evaluate the potential future market for CBU model.
LIST OF CBU CARS LAUNCHED IN INDIA IN 2025
Following are the List of COMPLE BUILT UNIT car launched in India in 2025. Most standard CBU brands are well known, but the following brands are considered tier 3 brands and are not among the top luxury names.
1.TOYOTA
Toyota is a Japanese brand that has earned strong trust among Indian customers due to its value for money offerings and long lasting engines. The reliability has made Toyota cars highly trusted. Currently, two CBU models of Toyota are available in the India market.
- TOYOTA VELLFIRE
- LAND CRUSER(300LS)
TOYOTA VELLFIRE
The Toyota vellfire is a COMPLETELY BUILT UNIT newly launched in the Indian market. It has become a popular model because of Toyota’s advanced hybrid technology. The Vellfire priced at Rs. 1.25 crore, has been well received by Indian customers and is used by Celebrities and business professionals. The car offers a luxurious, business class experience, with all seats designed to provide comfort comparable to airline business class seating.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER(LC 300)
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER is a COMPLETE BUILT UNIT car. In 1951, Toyota introduced the land cruiser first model in India. In 2025, It launched Land cruiser (LC 300) which is the 10TH GENERTION completely built unit car in India. This is a flagship variant and there are many land cruiser lovers in India. This is KING of SUVs used for the purpose of adventure and Desert ride. Toyota LAND CRUISER Priced at Rs. 2.5 crores in India comes with 3.3Liter power full engine and priced for its reliability and resale value.
2.MG(MORRIS CARAGES)
In 2017 MG (MORRIS CARAGES ) brand was launched in India market. Their first model is MG Hector. Now, it is one of the best car seller brand in India. The brand is now introducing their own Premium segment Electric car in Indian market.
MG CYBERSTER
MG CYBERSTER is a COMPLETE BULIT UNIT (ELECTRCI CAR). MG brand is launching its CBU in the premium segment of the Indian market for the first time. It offers a driving range of 500KM. It was designed scissor doors like Lamborghini. MG CYBERSTER AWD MODE has DUAL MOTOR SETUP which produces 725NM torque. MG priced it around Rs. 70 lakhs to Rs. 80 lakh. It comes with premium design and ADAS features with quick charging support.
3.VOLKSWAGEN(VW)
VOLKSWAGE is one of the best selling brands in India and Number one selling brand around the world. Volkswagen owned many brands in the market. It has also introduced their CUB car in India market. There are 2 models available in India.
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GT POLO
- VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN R-LINE
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GT POLO
THE VOLKSWEGAN GOLF GT is a CBU launched in the Indian market. GOLF GT is a premium HATCHBACK segment in Volkswagen. It comes with 2.0 Litter Petrol engine with smart ADAS and advanced added feature. Only 150 to 200 units are made available in the market and priced around Rs. 55 lakhs to Rs. 60 lakhs.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN R-LINE
The VOLKSWEGAN TIGUAN R-LINE is a CBU and one of the premium SUVs in the Volkswagen(CBU- CARS) segments. It comes with 2.0 liter TSI engine(TURBO STARTIFIED ENGINE).Only 300 units are launched and it priced around Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 60 lakhs.
TESLA
Finally TESLA has opened their first showroom at Mumbai in July 25, 2025 and in Aug 11, 2025 opened an another showroom at DELHI in India. Tesla has launched their brand new SEDAN VARIANT Electric car in the Indian market. Tesla cars model price will be very high due to high import duties imposed by the Indian government.
TESLA Y MODEL
The TESLA Y MODEL is a COMPLTE BUILT UNIT car. In India, the first model of Electric car is TESLA Y model. This is one of the premium SEDAN ELECTRIC CAR in India. It provides a driving range of 450KM to 500 KM on a single charge. Tesla priced it around Rs. 60Lakh t0 Rs. 70Lakhs on Road cost. The same model price in USA will be around Rs. 30Lakh to Rs. 35 lakh due to its high import cost.