Indian Auto Industry Maintains Steady Momentum in Early 2026 with Key March Launches
The Indian automobile sector has demonstrated robust activity during the initial two months of 2026, with manufacturers actively announcing updates, introducing new models, and rolling out electric vehicle launches. Automakers are strategically responding to shifting consumer demands and increasingly stringent emission regulations, thereby setting a dynamic pace for the year ahead.
While March is anticipated to witness a slight reduction in launch frequency compared to the bustling opening months, several significant models are still poised to make their market debut. This lineup encompasses facelifts, entirely new vehicles, luxury cars, and innovative products. In this comprehensive overview, we delve into the upcoming cars and SUVs scheduled for launch in March 2026.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class: Luxury MPV Launch on March 3, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is set to launch on March 3, 2026, marking the first notable entry of the month. Design-wise, the V-Class showcases a clean, boxy profile complemented by a sculpted bonnet that seamlessly integrates into a prominent U-shaped front grille. A strong shoulder line accentuates the sides, while the rear design maintains an upright stance with a large glass area. Wheel designs and bumper styling vary across different variants.
Inside, the V-Class features a familiar Mercedes layout, incorporating twin 12.3-inch displays—one dedicated to infotainment and the other serving as the instrument cluster. The cabin is adorned with numerous physical buttons featuring soft-touch surfaces, brushed accents, and neatly integrated controls, contributing to a well-finished aesthetic.
Where the V-Class truly excels is in its rear cabin configuration. In the fully loaded six-seat setup, second-row passengers enjoy individual captain seats with an emphasis on supreme comfort. These seats offer powered adjustment with massage functions, heating and ventilation, a reclining backrest with an extendable footrest, and built-in storage spaces enhanced by ambient lighting.
Additional features include multi-zone climate control, multi-colour ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Nappa leather upholstery, and a Burmester sound system.
Globally, the V-Class is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel turbo engine available in two configurations: the 220d, delivering 163 horsepower and 380 Newton-meters of torque, and the more potent 300d, producing 237 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and offer rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. It remains uncertain whether Mercedes-Benz will introduce both engine variants in India or limit the lineup to a single option. Notably, the global market also includes an all-electric EQV variant, which Mercedes-Benz might consider for India based on future market demand.
Renault Duster: Price Reveal on March 17, 2026
The highly anticipated Renault Duster is scheduled for its price reveal on March 17, 2026, with pre-bookings already open through online platforms or dealership visits. Expected to be priced between 9 to 10 lakh rupees (ex-showroom), it will compete in the fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment against rivals like the Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Honda Elevate.
The new Renault Duster will be offered with three engine options: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine generating 100 PS power and 160 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox; a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 163 PS power and 280 Nm torque, available with a 6-speed DCT or 6-speed manual; and a larger 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol engine with 109 horsepower, combined with a 49-horsepower electric motor and a 20-horsepower hybrid starter generator (HSG), linked to a 1.4 kWh (280V) battery. This hybrid configuration delivers a combined system output of 160 horsepower and 172 Newton-meters.
Design-wise, Renault has implemented India-specific modifications to the new-generation Duster while preserving the overall silhouette of the third-generation global model. The India-spec SUV features redesigned headlamps with eyebrow-shaped LED daytime running lights that double as turn indicators, a revised grille with prominent Duster badging replacing the Renault logo, and a front bumper with a protruding silver surround and pixel-style fog lamps.
Key features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, 6-way powered and ventilated front seats, 48-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, and multiple drive modes.
Audi SQ8: Performance SUV Launch on March 17, 2026
The Audi SQ8 is set to launch on March 17, 2026, positioned between the standard Q8 and the range-topping RS Q8 in Audi's flagship SUV portfolio. It strikes a balance between daily usability and performance, bridging the gap between the comfort-oriented Q8 and the more powerful RS Q8.
The upcoming Audi SQ8 will be powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, shared with the RS Q8 but in a lower state of tune. In the SQ8, this engine produces 507 horsepower and 770 Newton-meters of torque, compared to 640 horsepower and 850 Newton-meters in the RS Q8. In contrast, the standard Q8 utilizes a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 340 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters. The SQ8 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that channels power to all four wheels, enabling a claimed acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.1 seconds.
The Audi SQ8 builds upon the coupe-SUV shape of the standard Q8, incorporating sport-oriented design enhancements. The front features a large single-frame grille with a honeycomb pattern and darkened elements, flanked by LED headlamps with distinct daytime running light signatures. The revised bumper includes larger air intakes and sharper detailing.
Feature highlights encompass twin 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, a B&O music system, a steering wheel with S-line badging, S-spec graphics in the instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car technology, multi-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift: Updated SUV with Enhanced Features
The Skoda Kushaq facelift is another key launch, with production already underway at the brand's manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. Pre-bookings are currently open through online channels or dealership visits.
Mechanically, the facelift retains the existing engine options: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 115 horsepower and 175 Newton-meters of torque, and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivering 150 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters. Gearbox options include a 7-speed DSG for the 1.5-litre engine, while the smaller 1.0-litre engine is paired with a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed torque converter automatic, replacing the previous 6-speed torque converter.
While the overall silhouette remains unchanged, the facelift introduces a completely reworked front and rear end. The front now boasts a redesigned grille with chrome accents, slimmer headlamps, and a new LED DRL signature that extends across the grille. The lower section features a fresh skid plate, and the bumper adopts a honeycomb-style design. Side changes are subtle, limited to newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels and thicker black cladding that enhances road presence. The rear showcases a redesigned tailgate with new connecting LED taillights and glowing 'SKODA' lettering. Additional highlights include a shark fin antenna, silver skid plate, rear wiper with washer, roof rails, and an integrated spoiler.
Inside, the overall layout remains similar with minor updates, retaining a capacitive climate control panel, a two-spoke steering wheel, and control panels. Features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch fully digital cluster, a six-speaker Skoda sound system with subwoofer and amplifier, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation, an AI companion powered by Google, and a segment-first rear massager.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Electric SUV Entry in March 2026
Toyota Kirloskar Motor is expected to launch the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella electric SUV in March 2026, marking Toyota's entry into India's mass-market EV segment. Based on the Suzuki e-Vitara, the Ebella EV shares most core components with its Maruti counterpart and will compete with models like the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara. Bookings are already open online or at dealerships, with the company offering an 8-year battery warranty, 60 percent buyback assurance, and a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) programme.
The Urban Cruiser Ebella is available in two battery pack options: a 49 kWh or a 61 kWh battery. The 49 kWh battery is paired with a single motor on the front axle, producing 144 horsepower, while the 61 kWh battery also uses a single motor but delivers 174 horsepower. Both motors generate an identical 189 Newton-meters of torque. In terms of range, the EV claims 440 kilometers with the 49 kWh battery pack and 543 kilometers with the 61 kWh version on a single charge. The Urban Cruiser Ebella is offered in three variants: E1, E2, and E3.
