KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maruti e Vitara launch delayed yet again
- With production kicked-off, global orders will be fulfilled first
- With two battery pack options, expected claimed range will near 500 km
Maruti Suzuki has hit the brakes on its much-anticipated electric SUV, the Maruti e Vitara, with the company confirming yet another delay in its India launch. While the first units have already rolled out of the brand's Hansalpur, Gujarat facility, Maruti has clarified that priority will first be given to fulfilling international demand before local deliveries commence. With global orders already facing setbacks due to external challenges, including the shortage of rare earth magnets, Indian buyers will now have to wait until March-April 2026 for the e Vitara to officially arrive in showrooms. Read on to find out more details on this development, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also Read- Mahindra Working On Flex-Fuel Engines For E30 Compatibility & More
Maruti e Vitara Launch Delay: Global Commitments Push Back Indian Timeline
Maruti Suzuki's decision to postpone the launch of Maruti e-Vitara stems from the need to meet overseas commitments before entering India. Executives revealed that global production has itself been slowed by supply chain bottlenecks, particularly the sourcing of critical raw materials like rare earth magnets, which are vital for EV motors. While Indian buyers will feel the pinch of this delay, Maruti has reassured that the e Vitara will be introduced before the end of the current financial year, albeit closer to FY2026. Styling plays a big role in the e-Vitara's appeal. It features three-point matrix LED DRLs integrated into sleek headlamps, a piano-black central panel, bold C-pillars, and 18-inch alloy wheels that add to its sporty SUV stance. At the rear, a connected LED taillight cluster and Nexa branding on the windshield further elevate its premium credentials. The design gives the e Vitara the butch yet modern look expected from an SUV in this segment.
Premium Interiors & Features
Inside, the Maruti e Vitara boasts a dual-tone Brown and Black theme with leatherette upholstery, complemented by a fixed panoramic glass roof. A new two-spoke steering wheel and a layered dashboard design integrate a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital driver's display. Tech and comfort features are plentiful, with ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, reclining rear seats, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and ride-by-wire controls. Safety is equally comprehensive, thanks to Level-2 ADAS, seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver aids, amongst many more.
Also Read- New Hyundai Venue Interior Spied With New Details- Curved Connected Display!
Powertrain & Range Options
The e Vitara will be offered in two battery configurations globally: a 49 kWh unit producing 144 PS and 189 Nm, and a 61 kWh unit delivering 174 PS and 189 Nm, with a claimed range of up to 500 km. Although international markets will get an AWD option with the larger pack, India will only see FWD versions, both powered by a single motor. Maruti believes this setup strikes a better balance between efficiency and affordability for Indian buyers.
While pricing will be revealed closer to launch, the e Vitara is expected to fall in the Rs. 16-20 lakh ex-showroom bracket, positioning it directly against the Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE 6, and even the MG ZS EV. With strong rivals already in the segment, Maruti will have to rely on its trusted Nexa premium brand positioning, competitive pricing, and wide service network to capture market share.
Verdict
The delay in the Maruti e Vitara's India launch may frustrate eager buyers, but it also highlights the challenges of scaling EV production for both domestic and global markets as it stands now. With its bold styling, dual battery options, premium features, and expected competitive pricing, the e Vitara still has the potential to become one of Maruti Suzuki's most important products in the coming years. If Maruti manages to deliver on its promises by early 2026, the e Vitara could be the SUV that finally puts the brand on the EV map in India, however, with the electric mobility space evolving on a much faster pace, it might lose out on the edge when more advanced rivals enter the fray with their subsequent updates if the delays are not contained.
