India’s electric vehicle (EV) segment is heating up as Maruti Suzuki’s highly-anticipated e-Vitara has been spied testing on Indian roads. With Tata Nexon EV currently holding a strong position in the market, all eyes are on how the e-Vitara will stack up—especially in terms of road presence, features, and performance.
This sneak peek into the e-Vitara not only marks Maruti’s serious push into the EV space but also stirs the long-standing rivalry between India’s biggest carmakers—Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors. Let’s take a closer look at what the spy shots reveal, how it compares with the Tata Nexon EV, and what it means for India’s EV future.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara: What We Know So Far
The Maruti e-Vitara is expected to be Maruti’s first mass-market electric SUV, developed under Suzuki’s global EV strategy with inputs from Toyota. It’s built on a modified platform, likely the Global C or a specially engineered EV platform.
Key early highlights from the spied test mule include:
- Tall and upright SUV stance, similar to the ICE Grand Vitara.
- Closed-off grille design, which is common among EVs.
- Full LED headlamp units with DRLs (expected).
- Aerodynamic wheels, suggesting efficiency-oriented design.
- Rear styling with LED tail lamps, similar to modern EV cues.
The car was seen camouflaged, but the overall silhouette and proportions suggest a strong road presence, and a size that will rival or even slightly surpass the Tata Nexon EV.
Road Presence: e-Vitara vs Tata Nexon EV
Road presence is one of the most important factors in the SUV segment. Let’s compare both:
| Feature | Maruti e-Vitara (Expected) | Tata Nexon EV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~4300 mm | 3994 mm |
| Wheelbase | ~2600 mm | 2498 mm |
| Design Philosophy | Bold, upright SUV | Coupe-like, sporty |
| Headlights & DRLs | Full LED setup (likely) | Projector LED w/ Y-DRLs |
| Ground Clearance | 190-200 mm (est.) | 205 mm |
| Overall Impression | Urban SUV with modern tech | Urban SUV with sporty flair |
So far, the e-Vitara seems to have a slightly more commanding presence, with longer length and a squarer stance. Tata Nexon EV, on the other hand, excels in sporty styling and sharp details.
Interior and Features: What to Expect
While interiors haven’t been revealed yet, we can expect Maruti to load the e-Vitara with several first-in-segment and premium features to compete in this evolving space:
Expected Features in e-Vitara:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster
- Panoramic sunroof
- Connected car tech (Suzuki Connect)
- ADAS features (possibly Level 2)
- Premium leatherette upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Fast charging support (DC + AC)
- Range of 400–500 km (claimed)
In contrast, the Tata Nexon EV already offers:
- 10.25-inch infotainment system
- 360-degree camera
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charger
- OTA updates
- Range of up to 465 km (in Nexon EV Long Range variant)
The battle will likely come down to pricing and reliability, since feature sets are expected to be closely matched.
Performance: Battery and Range Comparisons
As per industry speculations, the e-Vitara is likely to come with a 40–50 kWh battery pack, supporting fast charging and a real-world range of around 400–450 km. It may offer front-wheel drive as standard, with a possible AWD variant later down the line.
Tata Nexon EV, depending on the variant (MR or LR), offers:
- Battery pack: 30 kWh (MR) and 40.5 kWh (LR)
- Power: 127 bhp (MR) / 143 bhp (LR)
- Range: 325–465 km
- 0-100 kmph: ~8.9 seconds (LR)
If Maruti can tune the e-Vitara for better drivability and higher range, it could give Tata a serious challenge.
Pricing Strategy and Expected Launch
Maruti Suzuki is known for aggressive pricing, which gives them an edge in the mass market. The e-Vitara is expected to be priced around:
- ₹18–22 lakh (ex-showroom)
It will directly compete with:
- Tata Nexon EV LR
- MG ZS EV
- Hyundai Kona Electric (old stock)
- Upcoming Mahindra BE.05
Launch Timeline: Late 2025 or early 2026, with production likely from Suzuki’s Gujarat plant, which is being readied for EV manufacturing.
Conclusion: Can e-Vitara Steal the EV Show?
The spied images of the Maruti e-Vitara confirm one thing—Maruti is taking EVs seriously. With bold design, potentially long range, and a well-established service network, the e-Vitara has the potential to shake up the compact EV SUV space.
However, Tata Nexon EV has already established dominance and built strong trust in the EV market. It will take more than just features—strong after-sales, real-world performance, and affordability—for Maruti to dethrone Tata’s king.
For now, the EV war is officially ON—and buyers can look forward to more choices, better tech, and competitive pricing in the coming months.