Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Electric SUV Set for Indian Launch with Global Ambitions
Maruti Suzuki India is poised to introduce the new Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara electric SUV to the Indian market, marking a significant milestone as the company's first electric vehicle offering in the country. The e-Vitara will be produced at Maruti Suzuki's manufacturing facility in Gujarat, with plans to export it to more than 100 international markets, including key regions such as Europe and Japan. This strategic move underscores Maruti Suzuki's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle portfolio and competing in the global EV landscape.
Design and Exterior Features of the e-Vitara
The Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara boasts a design that closely mirrors the eVX concept, featuring a robust and muscular aesthetic. At the front, it is equipped with tri-LED daytime running lights and a closed-off grille, while the lower bumper draws inspiration from the Brezza model, incorporating a small fog lamp and skid plates. A distinctive charging port is positioned on the front flanks, accompanied by a prominent bulge over the rear wheel arch.
On the sides, the e-Vitara showcases aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels, likely measuring 18 inches, and a rear door handle integrated into the C-pillar. The rear design includes connecting taillights with an integrated spoiler, along with e-Vitara lettering centrally placed, a high-mounted stop lamp, a skid plate, and a small squarish fog lamp at the lower bumper section.
In terms of dimensions, the e-Vitara measures 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height, with a generous wheelbase of 2,700 mm. It offers 180 mm of ground clearance and has a kerb weight of up to 1,900 kg, ensuring a sturdy and capable SUV profile.
Interior Layout and Comfort Features
Stepping inside, the interior of the e-Vitara presents a completely fresh design that distinguishes it from other Suzuki models worldwide. It features floating dual screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, along with a floating centre console finished in gloss black. This console houses controls for gear selection, electronic parking brake, and drive mode selection, as well as a wireless charging pad.
Additional interior highlights include a two-spoke steering wheel, rectangular air conditioning vents with brushed silver surrounds, a rotary drive state selector, and leatherette upholstery, all contributing to a modern and comfortable cabin environment.
Advanced Features and Safety Systems
The e-Vitara is packed with an array of advanced features, including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also offers cloud-based navigation, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting with 12 color options, and ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort.
Other notable features include wireless charging, a JBL sound system, automatic climate control, multiple USB ports, and an in-cabin air purifier. On the safety front, the e-Vitara comes standard with seven airbags, along with systems such as ABS, EBD, ESP, and a 360-degree camera. It also incorporates Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring functions like Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Battery Technology and Platform
The new Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara is built on an all-new Heartect-e platform, specifically designed for electric vehicles. This platform aims to blend the characteristics of a battery electric vehicle with the durability expected from an SUV. The e-Vitara utilizes eAxles, which integrate the motor and inverter into a single unit for improved efficiency.
The SUV will be available with two battery options: a 49 kWh version and a 61 kWh version. Both batteries employ Lithium Iron-phosphate (LFP) 'blade' cells sourced from BYD, known for their safety and longevity in electric vehicle applications.
Motor Specifications and Driving Range
The 49 kWh battery is paired with a single motor on the front axle, delivering 144 horsepower, while the larger 61 kWh battery also uses a single motor but produces 174 horsepower. Both configurations generate an identical torque output of 189 Nm.
In terms of range, the e-Vitara offers a claimed 440 km on a single charge with the 49 kWh battery pack, and an impressive 543 km with the 61 kWh version, making it a competitive option in the electric SUV segment for both city driving and longer journeys.
