Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is set to expand its footprint in the competitive SUV market with the introduction of two new premium SUVs, reinforcing its commitment to cater to India’s evolving automotive preferences. The company, which recently unveiled the Maruti Suzuki Victoris as its flagship Arena model, is reportedly planning to roll out a premium SUV and the much-anticipated e-Vitara electric SUV to bolster its market leadership in the SUV segment.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Redefining Premium SUVs
On September 3, 2025, Maruti Suzuki launched the Victoris, a mid-size SUV positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in its lineup. The Victoris is designed to compete with heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It is packed with premium features, advanced safety technologies, and versatile powertrains, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
Key Highlights of the Victoris:
Design: The Victoris boasts a futuristic and sleek design with LED projector headlamps, connected LED tail-lamps, roof rails, and 17-inch aero-cut alloy wheels. It is available in 10 exterior color options, including two new shades—Mystic Green and Eternal Blue—and offers a Raffin Package for additional exterior and interior customization.
Interior and Features: The cabin features a 26.03 cm fully digital instrument cluster, a 25.65 cm SmartPlay Pro X touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Auto Voice AI. A segment-first Infinity by Harman 8-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound delivers a “Theatre on Wheels” experience. Other premium touches include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, an 8-way powered driver’s seat, and a smart powered tailgate with gesture control.
Powertrains: The Victoris offers three engine options: a 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol (103 hp), a 1.5L strong-hybrid petrol (116 hp), and a 1.5L petrol-CNG (89 hp) with a segment-first underbody CNG tank design for uncompromised boot space. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic, and e-CVT for the hybrid variant. The ALLGRIP Select 4x4 system is available with the automatic petrol variant.
Safety: The SUV has earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, featuring Level 2 ADAS (automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring), six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Market Positioning: Priced competitively (estimated between ₹9.75 lakh and ₹19 lakh ex-showroom, pending official announcement due to GST clarity), the Victoris is sold through Maruti’s Arena dealerships and is expected to appeal to young, tech-savvy buyers.
The Victoris is manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Kharkhoda plant in Haryana and will also be exported to over 100 countries, showcasing India’s manufacturing prowess under the “Make in India” initiative.
e-Vitara: Maruti Suzuki’s First Electric SUV
The second premium SUV in Maruti Suzuki’s pipeline is the e-Vitara, the company’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). On August 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the start of production for the e-Vitara at Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited, marking a historic milestone for Maruti Suzuki. The e-Vitara is designed to cater to both domestic and global markets, with exports planned to over 100 countries, including 12 European nations where over 2,900 units have already been shipped.
What to Expect from the e-Vitara:
Platform and Design: The e-Vitara shares design cues with the Victoris, featuring a modern and bold aesthetic inspired by Suzuki’s global design language. It is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, ensuring optimized performance and range.
Powertrain: While specific details about the powertrain are yet to be disclosed, the e-Vitara is expected to offer competitive range and performance, leveraging lithium-ion batteries produced by TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited, a joint venture between Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso.
Features and Technology: The e-Vitara is likely to incorporate advanced connected car technologies, similar to the Victoris, including Suzuki Connect with over 60 features, a premium infotainment system, and a comprehensive safety suite. It is expected to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers seeking a premium electric SUV.
Market Impact: Positioned as a premium offering, the e-Vitara will compete with electric SUVs like the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, and upcoming models from Hyundai and Kia. Its launch aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s strategy to tap into the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles in India and abroad.
Strategic Move to Capture the Premium SUV Market
Maruti Suzuki’s focus on premium SUVs comes at a time when SUVs account for approximately 60% of passenger car sales in India. The company has seen its SUV contribution to total sales rise from 8.9% in FY 2020-21 to nearly 28% in FY 2024-25, driven by models like Brezza, Fronx, Jimny, and Grand Vitara. The Victoris and e-Vitara are pivotal to Maruti Suzuki’s goal of regaining market leadership in the SUV segment, which is currently dominated by rivals like Hyundai and Tata.
Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, emphasized the importance of SUVs in the company’s growth strategy, stating, “India has the largest youth population in the world, who will drive growth and become our current and future customers. The Victoris and our upcoming electric SUV, the e-Vitara, are designed to meet the aspirations of this dynamic generation.”
The company has invested approximately ₹1,240 crore in the development of the Victoris and is reportedly planning a ₹70,000 crore investment over the next 5–6 years to expand its SUV and electric vehicle portfolio.
Competitive Landscape and Challenges
The Victoris and e-Vitara will face stiff competition in the premium SUV segment. The Victoris directly challenges the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder, which have established strong brand loyalty. Meanwhile, the e-Vitara will enter a burgeoning electric SUV market, where Tata Motors currently leads with models like the Nexon EV and Curvv EV. Maruti Suzuki’s ability to offer competitive pricing, advanced features, and reliable after-sales service through its extensive Arena and Nexa dealership networks will be crucial to its success.
Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is awaiting clarity on GST rates for hybrid and electric vehicles, which could impact the pricing strategy for both the Victoris and e-Vitara. The GST Council meeting scheduled for September 3–4, 2025, is expected to provide further details.
Unique Angle: Maruti Suzuki’s Vision for a Connected and Sustainable Future
Maruti Suzuki’s launch of the Victoris and the upcoming e-Vitara reflects its vision to blend hyper-connected technology with sustainable mobility. The Victoris, with its Level 2 ADAS, Dolby Atmos audio, and eco-friendly CNG and hybrid options, caters to young, tech-savvy buyers who prioritize both performance and environmental responsibility. The e-Vitara, on the other hand, marks Maruti Suzuki’s bold entry into the electric vehicle space, aligning with India’s push for greener transportation and the global shift toward electrification.
The company’s focus on exporting both models to over 100 countries underscores its ambition to position India as a global hub for automotive manufacturing. The “Make in India” initiative, highlighted by PM Modi during the e-Vitara production flag-off, is a testament to Maruti Suzuki’s role in elevating India’s automotive industry on the world stage.
Conclusion
Maruti Suzuki’s launch of the Victoris and the forthcoming e-Vitara signals a transformative phase for the automaker as it seeks to dominate the premium SUV segment. With cutting-edge features, versatile powertrains, and a focus on safety and sustainability, these SUVs are poised to resonate with India’s young and dynamic consumers. While pricing details for the Victoris are yet to be announced, and the e-Vitara’s launch timeline remains under wraps, Maruti Suzuki’s strategic investments and global export plans position it as a formidable player in the Indian and international SUV markets.
Stay tuned for further updates on pricing, variants, and the official launch of the e-Vitara as Maruti Suzuki continues to redefine mobility in India and beyond.
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Note: The information about the e-Vitara’s features and launch timeline is based on available insights and may be subject to change. Always verify with official Maruti Suzuki announcements for the latest updates.
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