Maruti Suzuki has officially unveiled its first all-electric SUV, the Maruti e Vitara, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Scheduled for launch by March 2025, the e Vitara represents the carmaker’s bold entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market. With a sleek design, advanced features, and a range exceeding 500 km, it’s set to challenge established players like Tata, Hyundai, and MG.

Powertrain & Performance

The Maruti e Vitara is built on a skateboard platform (codename: 40PL), co-developed with Toyota. It comes with two battery options:

• 49 kWh: Powers a 144hp motor with 189Nm torque, offering a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout.
• 61 kWh: Paired with a 174hp motor, also FWD. The AWD variant adds a rear-mounted 65hp motor, combining for 184hp and 300Nm torque.

Both versions boast a claimed range of over 500 km, using advanced LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) blade cells from BYD.

Design: Rugged Meets Futuristic

True to its concept form, the e Vitara features an aggressive and muscular design. Key exterior elements include:

• Y-shaped LED DRLs with sleek LED headlights.
• Rugged front bumper with fog lamps and an ADAS radar sensor.
• 19-inch aerodynamic black alloy wheels (AWD-only).
• C-pillar-integrated rear door handles.
• Connected tri-slash LED taillights.

At 4,275mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,635mm tall, the e Vitara offers an imposing road presence with a ground clearance of 180mm.

Interior: A Leap in Cabin Design

Maruti has revamped its design philosophy for the e Vitara. The interior flaunts a modern two-tone black and tan theme with premium touches. Highlights include:

• Dual floating screens: A 10.1-inch driver’s display and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
• Two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.
• Semi-leatherette upholstery with reclining rear seats (60:40 split).
• Panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and wireless phone charging.
• Rotary dial for terrain and drive modes.

Safety and Technology

The e Vitara is Maruti’s first car to feature Level-2 ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. Other safety features include:

• 7 airbags (standard).
• 360-degree camera.
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Maruti’s EV Ecosystem

Under the new "e for Me" initiative, Maruti plans to set up fast chargers across the top 100 cities, supported by a dedicated EV app and 1,500 service centers in over 1,000 locations.

Expected Price and Competition

The Maruti e Vitara is expected to start at Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, and Mahindra BE 6. Production will take place at Suzuki’s Gujarat facility, with 50% of units earmarked for export.

First Impressions

With its modern design, extensive range, and competitive features, the Maruti e Vitara marks a turning point for India’s EV market. The inclusion of AWD and Level-2 ADAS sets it apart, making it a serious contender in the burgeoning electric SUV segment.

Launch Date: March 2025
Expected Price Range: Rs 17-25 lakh (ex-showroom).