Maruti Suzuki has officially entered the electric SUV segment with its first all-electric model — the Suzuki eVitara. After months of anticipation, the SUV has finally hit European roads, offering a first look at what Indian buyers can expect when it launches here next month. The eVitara represents a major step for Maruti Suzuki as it prepares to compete directly with upcoming rivals like the Hyundai Creta Electric, redefining India’s mainstream EV market.
A Strategic Leap for Suzuki
For Maruti Suzuki, the eVitara is more than a product launch — it’s a strategic milestone. In Europe, the model helps Suzuki meet stringent emission targets, while in India it marks the beginning of the company’s long-awaited EV journey.
Built on the new Heartect-e platform, the eVitara will be manufactured exclusively in India and exported to global markets, positioning the country as Suzuki’s key EV production base.
Exterior Design and Engineering – 7/10
Muscular, Confident, and Modern
The Suzuki eVitara’s design combines familiar Suzuki cues with a clean, futuristic look. It’s a standalone product, not a converted ICE model, and it wears its electric identity confidently.
Up front, it features a sculpted bonnet, strong shoulder lines, and aero-optimized 19-inch alloy wheels. The rear design adopts sharp LED tail lamps connected by a transparent light strip, giving it a bold, distinctive finish.
Despite being based on a dedicated EV platform, Suzuki’s practical approach is evident in its efficient packaging and compact dimensions.
Key Dimensions:
- Length: 4,275mm
- Width: 1,800mm
- Height: 1,635mm
- Wheelbase: 2,700mm
- Ground Clearance: 180mm
- Boot Space: 238–306 litres
Interior Space and Comfort – 6/10
Premium Up Front, Tight in the Back
The eVitara’s cabin marks a clear step up in quality compared to Maruti’s existing lineup. The fit and finish feel premium, and the front seats are well-contoured, offering strong support and comfort for long drives.
Rear passengers benefit from sliding second-row seats, though headroom is limited due to the sloping roofline. Taller occupants will find the rear slightly cramped. Boot space is also modest but usable for everyday needs.
Practical touches include ample cubby spaces, cup holders, and a floating center console with an open storage compartment.
Features and Safety – 8/10
Tech-Rich, Modern, and Secure
Inside, the eVitara feels contemporary and well-equipped. The dashboard features an asymmetrical layout with a dual-display design housed under a single glass panel — unconventional yet functional.
Key Features:
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10-inch digital instrument cluster
- 360-degree camera system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless charging pad
- Powered driver’s seat
- Infinity sound system with subwoofer
- Sunroof and ambient lighting
On the safety front, the eVitara includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, and an extensive ADAS suite featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
Performance and Refinement – 7/10
Linear Power, Everyday Usability
The eVitara is offered in two battery configurations — a 49kWh unit with a 144hp motor and a 61kWh unit producing 174hp and 189Nm. An AWD variant with dual motors (184hp, 300Nm) is also available internationally, though the Indian version will likely be front-wheel-drive only.
Acceleration is smooth and progressive rather than aggressive. The 0–100 km/h sprint takes a claimed 8.7 seconds, emphasizing refinement and ease of use over raw speed.
Powertrain Highlights:
- Battery: 61kWh LFP
- Power: 174hp
- Torque: 189Nm
- Range: 428km (WLTP)
- Charging: 10–80% in 45 minutes (70kW DC)
While wind and tyre noise are noticeable at high speeds, the eVitara’s braking system and regenerative controls work effectively, though steering-mounted regen paddles would have improved usability.
Ride Comfort and Handling – 8/10
Balanced Dynamics with a European Feel
The Suzuki eVitara’s suspension tuning leans toward the firmer side, lending it impressive composure at highway speeds. The steering is light for city use yet progressively weighted on open roads, offering good driver confidence.
Although the ride may feel firm over uneven Indian roads, the SUV feels stable, predictable, and well-balanced, making it one of the more mature-handling EVs in its category.
Range, Efficiency, and Charging – 7/10
Realistic Range, Strong Charging Support
The eVitara’s LFP battery technology prioritizes safety and thermal stability. The larger 61kWh variant offers a WLTP-rated 428km range, while the smaller 49kWh version delivers about 344km.
For India, Maruti Suzuki is targeting a certified range of over 500km, though real-world figures should hover around 400–420km.
Charging times are reasonable — 5.5 hours via 11kW AC and 45 minutes (10–80%) via 70kW DC charging.
Verdict – 7/10
A Confident First Step Toward Electrification
The Suzuki eVitara is not a game-changing EV, but it is a well-rounded and confident debut for Maruti Suzuki in the electric space. It prioritizes usability, comfort, and efficiency over outright performance, which should resonate with family-oriented buyers.
The cabin quality, build, and equipment levels are impressive, while its refined powertrain and balanced dynamics make it easy to live with. Rear headroom and boot capacity remain weak points, but overall, the eVitara delivers on what matters most for a first-generation EV — reliability, comfort, and practicality.
Expected to be priced between Rs 17 lakh and Rs 24 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, the eVitara will go head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, and Tata Harrier EV, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in India’s electric SUV race.
checkout:Suzuki e Vitara Review: Powering Up
