New car, SUV launches by Diwali

The festive season usually sees a bevy of launches, and 2024 one will be no different, with at least six carmakers introducing new models. As is the current trend, the majority of the upcoming cars are SUVs, though a sedan and an MPV are also in the mix. In addition, four of the upcoming launches will be all-electric vehicles. Read on to know which new cars will be arriving at a showroom near you by Diwali, listed in order of their expected starting price.

Tata Nexon CNG

Having showcased the Nexon iCNG at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January, Tata Motors will soon announce prices for the CNG-powered compact SUV. Not only will the Nexon become the first factory-fit CNG model to sport a turbocharged engine, but the brand will also introduce manual and AMT automatic gearbox options. Other than the dual-cylinder CNG kit, a few badges, and the unique blue finish, the Nexon CNG will be identical to the standard model. Like Tata’s other CNG models, the Nexon iCNG will be offered in multiple variants, and is likely to be priced about Rs 1 lakh more than the equivalent petrol trim. The Nexon petrol is currently priced between Rs 8 lakh and 13.35 lakh.

Tata Curvv

Prices for the Tata Curvv petrol and diesel will be announced on September 2, and we expect the coupe-SUV to be priced in the Rs 10 lakh to 22 lakh range. Tata will offer three engine options: two 1.2-litre turbo-petrols and one 1.5-litre diesel. All these will get a 7-speed dual-clutch gear option; a 6-speed manual will be standard. A CNG-powered model is under consideration and is likely to arrive a little later. In terms of features, top-spec Curvv variants are expected to get all the kit seen on the range-topping Curvv EV, other than the electric car-specific bits like the Arcade.ev app suite. While the Curvv will directly take on the only other coupe-SUV, Citroen’s Basalt, it’ll also compete against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.

Hyundai Alcazar facelift

Hyundai will announce prices for the Alcazar facelift on September 5, having already commenced bookings and revealed the exterior and interior. While the Alcazar definitely has elements that tie it to its smaller sibling, the Creta, it features some unique styling bits such as the H-patterned DRLs, the H-shaped tail-lights and light bar, and new 18-inch alloy wheels. Hyundai has confirmed more kit in the form of connected car tech and an ADAS suite. Mechanically, the Alcazar will be the same, retaining the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engines, along with their respective manual and automatic gearbox options. Prices will increase over the outgoing Alcazar, which costs between Rs 16.78 lakh and 21.28 lakh.

Also see: Hyundai Alcazar facelift image gallery

MG Windsor

MG Motor India’s next all-new model is the Windsor EV, and it will be revealed in full on September 11. The model has been teased and spied on test, showcasing this 4.3 metre-long electric car’s large glasshouse, and styling that is a cross between a high-riding hatchback and an MPV. The 5-seater will come with reclining rear seats, a minimalist dashboard with a floating infotainment touchscreen, digital dials, a panoramic sunroof, and rear AC vents. Abroad, where the MG Windsor is sold as the Wuling Cloud, the model comes with 37.9kWh and 50.6kWh battery packs, with claimed ranges of 360km and 460km, respectively. We expect the entry-level Windsor to be priced under Rs 20 lakh, which will see it directly take on the likes of the Tata Nexon EV, Curvv EV, and Mahindra’s XUV400.

Kia Carnival

Although Kia India had showcased the fourth-gen Carnival at Auto Expo 2023, the Korean brand will be launching the facelift for the MPV that made its global debut late last year. Apart with being larger than its predecessor, the Carnival also sports a more rugged look and gets a minimalistic interior, with two 12.3-inch displays being the highlights. In international markets, the MPV comes in 7, 9 and 11-seat configurations; though which one will be offered in India is yet to be confirmed. The new Carnival will be imported as a CBU and is expected to be priced at about Rs 50 lakh. Kia also plans to locally assemble the MPV, which is expected to begin next year. The same 2.2-litre diesel engine from the outgoing model is expected to continue.

Audi Q6 e-tron

The Q6 e-tron will not have direct rivals, considering its 4.7-metre length and expected Rs 85 lakh price tag. Part of the reason for the relatively aggressive price is that the Q6 e-tron will be locally assembled. It’ll slot between entry-level electric SUVs like the BMW iX1, Mercedes EQA, and Volvo XC40 Recharge, and larger EVs like the Mercedes EQE, Audi’s own Q8 e-tron, and the BMW iX. The Audi Q6 e-tron shares its PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture with the Porsche Macan EV and comes with a 100kWh battery pack in markets aboard. Along with a 388hp dual-motor AWD variant with 625km of WLTP-certified range, the EV also gets a single-motor 2WD variant with 326hp and up to 641km of range. For India, Audi is likely to bring the higher-spec 388hp Quattro variant early in September. The hotter SQ6 e-tron is expected to arrive early next year.

Mercedes E-Class

The sixth-gen long-wheelbase E-Class (V214) is expected to be priced upwards of Rs 85 lakh, and directly take on the recently launched BMW 5 Series LWB. Bookings for the all-new E-Class will begin next month, with series production having begun at Mercedes’ Chakan plant. The model for India will look a lot like the China-specific E-Class L, though there will be some changes made for our market. The interior has been updated significantly as well compared to its predecessor, and the luxury sedan’s cabin sports a multi-screen layout, which includes a 14.4-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 12.3-inch screen for the passenger (which could come on some higher variants), and a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster. Petrol and diesel engine options are expected.

Kia EV9

Likely to be priced in the same bandwidth as the BMW iX (Rs 1.21-1.40 crore), Mercedes EQE SUV (Rs 1.39 crore) and Audi Q8 e-tron (Rs 1.15-1.27 crore), the Kia EV9 is a large, boxily-designed all-electric SUV. Considering it is Kia’s flagship EV, the EV9 gets a tech-heavy, three-row cabin, with an expansive digital panel housing a trio of screens for use by the driver and passenger. The EV comes with a 99.8kWh, 800V battery with a WLTP range of up to 563km. For India, Kia is expected to bring both the 203hp RWD version and the 384hp AWD model.

Maybach EQS SUV

Scheduled to launch on September 5, the Maybach EQS SUV will arrive in India in ‘680’ form, which means it’ll have a dual-motor, AWD setup, with a combined output of 658hp and 950Nm. The motors are powered by a 108.4kWh, which is said to provide 600km of range. Merc claims a 0-100kph time of 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 210kph. Along with oodles more chrome, the Maybach EQS sports a new dual-tone paint and a variety of logos will also help to differentiate it from the standard model. Prices are expected to be in the Rs 4 crore region.

All prices, ex-showroom, India

Also see:

All cars, SUVs under Rs 10 lakh with a sunroof

10 most affordable cars, SUVs with ADAS