Platform and component sharing isn’t new in the automotive world. It’s one of the most efficient ways for carmakers to develop multiple models without starting from scratch each time. In the mass-market space, this often takes the form of badge engineering, where two near-identical cars are sold under different brand names, some examples of which we have already detailed earlier. 

However, when you move up the price ladder, the idea of sharing becomes more refined and complex. Unlike mass-market models that often rely on badge swaps or mild cosmetic changes, luxury carmakers use the same underlying platform to craft vehicles that differ significantly in design, purpose, and personality. Here are some examples of luxury car duos that share their foundations yet offer entirely different experiences.

Audi RS Q8, Lamborghini Urus

Audi RS Q8 vs Lamborghini Urus SE

Mockingly called the poor man’s Urus, the Audi RS Q8 is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, which is the same foundation used by the Lamborghini Urus SUV. Both high-performance SUVs share the core 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, but the Lamborghini integrates a plug-in hybrid system.

The Urus not only extracts significantly more combined power and torque due to its hybrid system but is also slightly quicker to 100 kph, despite the added weight of the battery pack. The Urus SE also offers a pure electric driving mode.

The dimensions of both the RS Q8 and Urus are similar, though the Urus features a slightly longer and wider body than the Audi SUV. The Urus also benefits from a sportier exterior design and a more premium feel than the Audi model. 

Talking about the prices, the Audi RS Q8, while fairly pricey at Rs 2.32 crore, is still substantially more affordable than the Lamborghini Urus, which starts at Rs 4.57 crore (ex-showroom), representing a price difference of over Rs 2 crore.

BMW iX1 LWB, Mini Countryman Electric

BMW iX1 vs Mini Countryman Electric

The BMW iX1 LWB and Mini Countryman Electric serve as the entry points into their respective brands’ EV lineups. BMW acquired Mini in 1994, and since 2001, the German manufacturer has been responsible for designing and producing the modern Mini range.

The iX1 and Countryman Electric are among the latest examples of BMW’s shared engineering approach. Both are built on the FAAR (Frontantriebsarchitektur) platform, which is an FWD architecture derived from the UKL2 framework that underpins BMW’s entry-level ICE and hybrid models. Not surprisingly, the two e-SUVs share near-identical technical specifications.

BMW iX1 LWB and Mini Countryman Electric specifications
	BMW iX1 LWB	Mini Countryman EV
Battery pack	66.4kWh	66.4kWh
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Power	204hp	204hp
Torque	250Nm	250Nm
Claimed range	531km (MIDC)	462km (WLTP)

The key difference lies in their dimensions. The Countryman Electric is smaller overall, 171mm shorter in length and 108mm shorter in wheelbase, yet it is 224mm wider than the iX1, giving it a chunkier stance. 

Priced at Rs 54.90 lakh, ex-showroom, the Mini Countryman EV’s entry-level variant is priced Rs 5 lakh higher than the BMW iX1, which costs Rs 49.90 lakh, ex-showroom.

Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne

Audi Q7 vs Porshce Cayenne

The Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne also share the same MLB Evo platform, but are targeted towards different sets of buyers. The Q7 comes in a 7-seater layout that can be used to travel long distances with family, while the Cayenne is a SUV with the sportiness that is expected from Porsche. Not only do the driving dynamics differ, but the design differences also scream the purpose of both SUVs. While the Q7 packs in Audi’s understated charm, the Cayenne looks sporty from every angle.

That being said, both cars get the same engine options, with almost identical specifications:

Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne powertrain
Model	Audi Q7	Porsche Cayenne
Engine	3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol	3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
Power	340hp	353hp
Torque	500Nm	500Nm
0-100kph	5.6 seconds	5.7 seconds

Not only are the powertrain options similar, but both German SUVs have similar dimensions, too. 

The pricing of the Q7 and Cayenne also differ by a huge margin. The Q7 is priced from Rs 86.14 lakh, which makes it a whopping Rs 52.86 lakh more affordable than the base-spec Porsche Cayenne.

Toyota Vellfire, Lexus LM

Lexus LM vs Toyota Vellfire

The Toyota Vellfire is the Japanese manufacturer’s flagship MPV in India, which shares its underpinnings with the Lexus LM. Both MPVs are built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform and share the same powertrain options.

Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM powertrain
Model	Toyota Vellfire	Lexus LM
Engine	2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid engine	2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid engine
Power	250hp	250hp
Transmission	eCVT	eCVT

The two Japanese MPVs are similar in size, but the difference lies in the level of luxury they offer. The Vellfire comes with a 7-seater configuration that focuses on comfort and practicality, while the Lexus LM offers 6- and 4-seater layouts that create a more spacious and lounge-like cabin. The LM also elevates the experience with even finer materials, better insulation, and a more advanced features list.

All of this accounts for the Lexus LM being priced at a premium of Rs 95 lakh over the Toyota Vellfire, which has a starting price of Rs 1.20 crore, ex-showroom.

Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX

Toyota Land Cruiser vs Lexus LX

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX are another combination in this list that shares the same platform. Both SUVs are built on the same TNGA-K platform and also the same powertrain, like the Vellfire and LM.

Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX powertrain
Model	Toyota Land Cruiser 300	Lexus LX
Engine	3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine	3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine
Power	309hp	309hp
Torque	700Nm	700Nm
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD

The dimensions of both SUVs are also nearly identical, but their character differs in purpose and execution. The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 focuses on rugged off-road performance with its functional and durable interior, while the Lexus LX 500d builds on the same strengths with an added layer of opulence. The LX offers a more luxurious cabin finished in higher-grade materials and a more advanced features list.

With the added differences, none of which is technical, the Lexus LX commands a price premium of Rs 64 lakh over the entry-level version of the Toyota counterpart, which costs between Rs 2.16 crore and Rs 2.25 crore, ex-showroom.

Toyota Camry, Lexus ES

Toyota Camry vs Lexus ES

The Toyota Camry and Lexus ES sedans also share their platforms and a lot of technicalities with each other. Both Japanese models are built on the TNGA-K architecture and also share the same hybrid powertrain.

Toyota Camry and Lexus ES powertrain
Model	Toyota Camry	Lexus ES
Engine	2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid engine	2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid engine
Power	218hp	218hp
Transmission	eCVT	eCVT

While both sedans are mechanically identical and offer a long list of similar features, including ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a comfortable rear seat experience, their appeal lies in how they interpret the same formula. The Toyota Camry delivers a practical blend of comfort, performance, and value, making it an ideal choice for those who want luxury without the badge premium. The Lexus ES, on the other hand, takes things up a notch with richer cabin materials, finer detailing, and superior noise insulation.

Talking about the prices, the Camry is priced at Rs 47.48 lakh, ex-showroom, while the Lexus ES has a price tag between Rs 62.65 lakh and Rs 68.23 lakh, ex-showroom.

All prices are ex-showroom India

Also See:

Toyota to launch 15 new or updated models in India by 2030 

Most expensive electric SUVs on sale in India