Maruti eVX production version announced as Suzuki e Vitara

Maruti eVX concept, unveiled last year in January, will go as Suzuki e Vitara moniker for the production version, the company announced at an event in Milan, Italy. The company's first midsize electric SUV, e Vitara, will be a global model for Suzuki, but will be produced at its Gujarat plant and go on sale in India before global markets, such as Japan and Europe.

The India launch may take place at the Bharat Mobility Show in January 2025, followed by launches in different European markets sometime in June next year. While the entire production of the Suzuki e Vitara will happen at the brand's Gujarat plant, 50 per cent of the production has been earmarked for export to Europe and Japan, the company said.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara design

The production version of the Maruti eVX, now called Suzuki e Vitara, stays in line with the design the company unveiled on the concept last year. But there are changes still. For instance, the sharp angles and cuts have been curved and sanded. However, its body looks nearly identical to the concept, retaining the muscular look with the use of dark cladding around the base. Known for being conservative in its approach to design, Suzuki has opted for a two-box design, which might work just as well on an ICE counterpart.

Also matching with the concept are Suzuki e Vitara's tri-slash LED daytime running lights (DRLs) on the front and back, charging ports on the front flanks, and a visible bulge on the rear wheel arch. However, its rear door handle is in the C-pillar, much like the old Swift model. Its ground clearance is about 180mm, while the kerb weight is between 1702kg to 1899kg -- spacious enough to accomodate a large battery.

Its interiors include a floating dual-screen infotainment system and instrumentation console, a horizontally-stacked dashboard, and a floating centre console in gloss black.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara battery

Maruti Suzuki said it has used a new skateboard platform called Heartect-c that can combine "the advanced feel of a BEV and the robust nature of an SUV." The platform, which has been co-built by Toyota, will be used in a spinoff from Suzuki, likely to be revealed next year. It has two battery options—49kWh and 61kWh—with the latter having an optional dual-motor AWD, called AllGrip-e. These are LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) 'blade' batteries made by China's BYD.

While the company has not officially revealed the batteries' range, it previously hinted the it could deliver over 500km on a single charge on global test cycles. While the 49kWh battery can produce 144hp, the larger 61kWh can generate up to 174hp, both offering 189Nm of torque. That is less than what rivals like Tata Curvv EV (215Nm) offer.