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Maruti Suzuki e Vitara First Drive Review: A New Era For The King?
The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara marks the the entry of India's largest carmaker into the electric vehicle segment. The new Maruti Suzuki e Vitara was first revealed at Auto Expo 2025 and it aims to combine modern features with Maruti Suzuki's reputation for reliability and value for money.
We drove the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in Gurugram in the National Capital Region to see how Maruti's first EV performs on the road. Here are our thoughts after a fw hours in the driver's seat.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara First Drive Review – Exterior Highlights
The e Vitara features a design that projects a confident stance. At the front, it showcases a full LED headlamp setup with Y-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). These DRLs also double as LED indicators. LED fog lights are present, and the grille features an active design. This grille can open or close automatically to manage airflow for cooling. A large Suzuki logo is positioned on the gloss black strip connecting the headlights. The charging ports, including one for DC fast charging, are located on the fender.
Along the side, the e Vitara is fitted with 18-inch aerodynamic wheels. These wheels are designed to reduce drag, which helps increase the driving range. The SUV features plastic cladding around its body. Body-coloured Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) include integrated indicators and a camera, part of the 360-degree camera system. The body lines are subtle yet defined. A fixed glass roof is installed, though it does not open. The rear door handles are placed unconventionally on the C-pillar.
The rear design includes connected matrix LED tail lights housed in a glass casing. The "e Vitara" badging is prominently displayed. A rear wiper with washer function and defoggers are also present. Like the front, the lower section of the rear bumper is finished in matte black. The boot opens via a request sensor. Boot space ranges from 236 litres to 306 litres with the rear seats in use, and expands to 562 litres when the seats are folded down.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara First Drive Review – Interior Highlights
Inside the cabin, the e Vitara offers a distinct experience compared to other Maruti models. The second row includes three adjustable headrests, but no dedicated armrest. Rear AC vents are provided, along with seat pockets and UV-cut glass. The doors mostly use plastic, but soft-touch material is present on the armrests.
The front cabin features a floating centre console, providing storage space underneath. Charging options and cup holders are positioned here, alongside a premium gear shifter and electronic parking brake. The driver’s seat offers 10-way electrical adjustment, including lumbar support. The passenger seat is manually adjustable. An auto-dimming Inside Rear View Mirror (IRVM) reduces glare.
The e Vitara comes with dual digital screens. There is a 10.1-inch integrated digital display and a 10.25-inch multi-information digital instrument cluster. These screens provide comprehensive information and controls. Wireless smartphone connectivity is supported. The car also features an Infinity sound system.
The dashboard has a dual-tone finish, combining soft-touch materials in a brown shade with good quality plastic. The steering wheel is a two-spoke, flat-bottom (D-cut) unit with premium controls. It can be adjusted for both tilt and telescopic reach.
The fixed glass roof has a shade that can be opened or closed, but the glass itself does not open. Additionally, UV-cut glasses on the side windows offer protection from the sun. The rear seats can recline and slide, offering flexibility for passenger comfort or boot space. Rear legroom is decent, though headroom is limited for taller passengers.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara First Drive Review – Specifications & Dimensions
The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is built on an all-new dedicated EV platform known as HEARTECT-e. This platform aims for high structural rigidity and advanced high-voltage protection. The e Vitara is 4,275 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,640 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm and a ground clearance of 180 mm.
Two battery pack options are available: a 49 kWh and a 61 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. Both are imported from BYD. The 49 kWh battery is paired with a front-mounted electric motor, producing 144 bhp (106 kW) and 193 Nm of torque. This variant has a claimed WLTP range of 344-346 km. The 61 kWh battery, also with a front-mounted motor, delivers 174 bhp (128 kW) and 193 Nm of torque. This version offers a WLTP range of 428 km, and an ARAI-certified range of 543 km.
| Specification | 49 kWh Variant | 61 kWh Variant (FWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 49 kWh | 61 kWh |
| Max Power | 144 bhp (106 kW) | 174 bhp (128 kW) |
| Max Torque | 193 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Claimed Range (WLTP) | 344 km | 428 km |
| Claimed Range (ARAI) | 426 km | 543 km |
Safety features include multiple airbags as standard. The e Vitara is equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This system incorporates features such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with braking. It has achieved a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. The Suzuki Connect app allows remote access to various safety and car functionalities.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara First Drive Review – Driving Impressions
Driving the e Vitara offers a refined experience, however those looking for lively performance should look elswhere as maruti Suzuki has tuned the output to make it feel more like an everyday family SUV. However, with a 0-100km/h time of 8.7 seconds, the Maruti e Vitara is no slouch either.
The steering is light, making it easy to use for city traffic and while parking. However, get up to speed or put the e Vitara in Sport mode and it does weigh up quite nicely. Braking is via discs all around and is more than adequate. There are adjustable levels of regen but you have to acess them using the touchscreen, which is a pain.
The suspension setup is balanced, providing comfort without being overly soft or firm. It effectively absorbs bumps and potholes from the road, contributing to a smooth ride. When cornering, the car handles competently. The low centre of gravity, due to the underfloor battery pack, enhances stability and grip.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara First Drive Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts
The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara positions itself as a compelling family EV with its feature-rich offering and premium cabin. It provides a comfortable and stable driving experience, well-suited for varied road conditions. The availability of two battery pack options and a respectable claimed range enhances its appeal for different customer needs. The strong safety suite, including Level 2 ADAS and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, adds to its value proposition.
Considering its design, technology, safety, and driving dynamics, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara presents a strong case in the electric SUV segment. Its overall package makes the Maruti e Vitara an electric SUV worth shortlisting for those seeking a modern, reliable, and capable electric SUV in India, especially with prices still not being revealed.
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