New Maruti XL6: The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the expansive Maruti Suzuki test track in Rohtak, Haryana, where a camouflaged prototype silently awaits its evaluation session.

Despite the disguise, the distinctive proportions unmistakably belong to the next iteration of Maruti’s premium people-mover – the new XL6.

This reimagined version of the brand’s six-seater represents far more than a mere mid-cycle refresh; it embodies Maruti Suzuki’s evolving understanding of how India’s upwardly mobile families define premium transportation in an increasingly sophisticated market.

Since its introduction as a more upmarket alternative to the immensely popular Ertiga, the XL6 has carved a unique niche by offering a more individualistic take on family mobility through distinctive styling, enhanced features, and captain’s chair comfort in the middle row.

The upcoming version aims to further differentiate this premium offering while addressing the few shortcomings that prevented the current model from achieving its full market potential against increasingly capable competitors.

New Maruti XL6: Design Direction: Confident Evolution

The new XL6’s exterior styling demonstrates Maruti’s growing confidence in establishing distinct visual identities across its diverse product portfolio.

Where the current model relies primarily on front-end modifications and cosmetic enhancements to distinguish itself from its Ertiga sibling, the new version adopts a more comprehensive approach to visual differentiation.

“We recognized that premium customers expect more than just equipment upgrades – they want genuine design distinction,” explains Harjeet Singh, Senior Design Manager at Maruti Suzuki.

“The challenge was creating something visually distinctive without compromising the fundamental packaging efficiency that makes these vehicles so practical for Indian families.”

This philosophy manifests in a front fascia that abandons the somewhat conservative approach of the current model in favor of a more assertive presence.

The hexagonal grille grows larger and more prominent, featuring an intricate mesh pattern rather than simple horizontal slats.

Flanking this centerpiece, sleeker LED headlamps incorporate distinctive light signatures that remain illuminated as daytime running lights, creating consistent brand recognition even at a distance.

Profile changes include more pronounced wheel arches housing larger 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16 inches) with a two-tone diamond-cut finish.

A stronger character line runs the vehicle’s length at a slightly higher position than before, visually lowering the vehicle despite maintaining its practical ground clearance.

The D-pillar receives a blacked-out treatment that creates a floating roof effect – a premium design touch that adds visual interest without compromising the essential three-row proportions.

Perhaps most distinctive is the redesigned rear section, which now features connected LED taillamps spanning the width of the tailgate with animated welcome and farewell lighting sequences. This contemporary touch significantly modernizes the rear view while enhancing nighttime visibility.

The bumper integrates more convincingly with the overall design, housing reflectors and parking sensors within a more sophisticated surround that reduces visual bulk.

Color options expand to include more expressive choices beyond the conservative palette currently offered. The signature Nexa Blue remains, joined by a striking Copper Sunrise and sophisticated Granite Gray – options that acknowledge the vehicle’s role as both practical transportation and personal expression for increasingly style-conscious Indian premium buyers.

Cabin Experience: Authentic Premiumness

Step inside the new XL6, and the most immediate impression comes from the completely redesigned dashboard.

Where the current model shares most of its interior architecture with the Ertiga, the new version establishes a distinct premium identity through both design and execution.

The layered dashboard adopts a more horizontal emphasis with contrasting materials creating visual interest without appearing busy. The central touchscreen grows to 10.25 inches (up from 7 inches) and integrates more seamlessly into the overall design rather than appearing as an afterthought.

Physical controls for climate functions retain their dedicated positions – a thoughtful acknowledgment that not all interactions benefit from touchscreen integration, particularly while driving.

Material quality takes a significant step forward throughout the cabin. Soft-touch surfaces now extend beyond the minimal areas found in the current model to cover most upper sections of the dashboard and door panels.

Genuine leather replaces leatherette on higher trims, while ambient lighting accentuates architectural elements with customizable color options. The overall effect suggests attention to detail rather than mere specification checking.

The defining captain’s chairs in the second row receive particular attention in this update. Beyond the expected adjustments for recline and position, they now feature power adjustment on higher trims along with ventilation – a welcome addition during India’s sweltering summers.

The seats themselves adopt more sophisticated contouring with varying density padding that improves support during longer journeys without compromising easy access to the third row.

“Our research indicated that second-row passengers in premium six-seaters are frequently the primary decision-makers – often senior family members or business associates,” notes Priya Sharma, Lead Engineer for interior development.

“This insight guided our focus on enhancing these positions specifically, elevating them from simply ‘better than a bench’ to genuinely premium seating experiences.”

The third row, often a compromise in vehicles of this footprint, benefits from slightly increased legroom through recontoured second-row seatbacks.

While still best suited for shorter journeys or younger occupants, thoughtful additions like dedicated USB-C charging ports, adjustable headrests, and improved padding make occasional use less punishing – an important consideration for the extended family journeys that define many Indian ownership experiences.

Technology Integration: Connected Convenience

The new XL6’s technology package acknowledges contemporary expectations while avoiding the overwhelming complexity that can alienate traditional premium buyers.

The enlarged central touchscreen runs Maruti’s latest SmartPlay Pro+ interface, which balances modern connectivity with intuitive operation through simplified menu structures and customizable shortcut functions.

Smartphone integration extends beyond the expected wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to include a dedicated Suzuki Connect application with expanded functionality.

Beyond remote climate control activation and vehicle location services, the system now offers predictive maintenance notifications, driver behavior monitoring for secondary users, and integration with home automation systems – allowing garage doors to open automatically upon arrival or interior lights to activate when approaching the owner’s residence.

The instrument cluster combines analog gauges with a larger 7-inch multi-information display that prioritizes essential information while allowing customization based on driver preferences.

Unlike some competitors that have transitioned entirely to digital displays, this hybrid approach balances modern capabilities with the readability and immediate comprehension that many drivers still prefer for critical information.

Driver assistance features expand considerably from the current model’s relatively basic offerings. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking join the existing blind spot monitoring system on higher trims.

These additions address growing safety consciousness among premium buyers while acknowledging the challenging driving conditions that characterize Indian roads.

The 360-degree camera system has been recalibrated with higher resolution displays and improved guidelines, proving particularly valuable during school drop-offs and shopping mall parking – scenarios that define typical XL6 usage patterns.

Powertrain Strategy: Performance with Responsibility

Under the hood, the new XL6 diversifies its powertrain offerings to address varying customer priorities and regulatory pressures.

The familiar 1.5-liter K-series naturally aspirated petrol engine continues as the entry point but now incorporates enhanced variable valve timing and improved thermal management.

These refinements increase output marginally to 107 horsepower while improving fuel efficiency by approximately 7-8% compared to the current generation.

More significant is the introduction of a strong hybrid system as the flagship powertrain option. This setup combines a retuned version of the 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to deliver a combined output of 116 horsepower with substantially improved torque characteristics.

The hybrid can operate in electric-only mode for limited distances in urban conditions, while the combustion engine handles highway cruising with electric assistance during acceleration.

Transmission options expand to include a proper 6-speed torque converter automatic alongside the existing 5-speed manual and somewhat divisive automated manual transmission (AMT).

This conventional automatic – smoother and more refined than the AMT – addresses one of the most frequent criticisms of the current model, particularly among premium buyers accustomed to seamless gear changes in competing vehicles.

“The diversity of powertrains reflects our understanding that premium means different things to different customers,” explains Rajesh Kumar, Head of Powertrain Development.

“For some, it’s about effortless performance and refinement. For others, it’s about responsible consumption and environmental consciousness. The new XL6 caters to both perspectives without compromise.”

Fuel efficiency – still a consideration even in premium segments – improves across all configurations. The standard petrol achieves approximately 19.5 km/l under mixed conditions, while the hybrid extends this to nearly 24 km/l – figures that significantly reduce operating costs without requiring the range-anxiety calculations that accompany full electric vehicles in markets with developing charging infrastructure.

Driving Experience: Composed Confidence

Behind the wheel, the new XL6 delivers a driving experience calibrated specifically for its premium positioning rather than simply carrying over the more utilitarian tuning of its platform-mate.

The basic suspension architecture remains – MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear – but with significant recalibration that emphasizes composed ride quality over absolute efficiency.

Primary ride comfort sees particular enhancement, with superior absorption of the sharp impacts and broken surfaces that characterize many Indian urban roads.

This improvement comes without introducing excessive body movement during directional changes – a balance that proves particularly valuable for a vehicle often carrying multiple passengers who may be working or relaxing during transit.

Steering response from the electric power-assisted system gains some additional weight and improved on-center feel, addressing feedback from current owners who occasionally found the existing setup too light for confident highway cruising.

While still prioritizing ease of use over sporting pretensions, the revised calibration provides more connection to the driving experience – an important consideration for owners who frequently drive themselves rather than employing chauffeurs.

NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) characteristics receive particular attention, with expanded sound insulation throughout the cabin and acoustic lamination in the windshield and front side windows.

Wind noise – often intrusive in vehicles with this upright profile – reduces noticeably at highway speeds, creating a more premium atmosphere that enhances conversation or media enjoyment during family journeys.

Market Positioning: Confident Ascension

The new XL6’s market positioning reflects Maruti Suzuki’s growing confidence in the premium segments, traditionally not the manufacturer’s primary territory.

While maintaining connection to the value-oriented foundations that built the brand’s dominant market position, this iteration pushes more convincingly upmarket in both perception and execution.

“We recognize that the premium MPV segment requires different thinking than the mass market,” notes Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales.

“These customers aren’t simply buying transportation; they’re making a statement about their priorities and position.

The new XL6 acknowledges this reality while maintaining the fundamental Maruti Suzuki promise of reliability and sensible ownership costs.”

Competition has intensified significantly since the original XL6’s introduction. The Kia Carens offers similar versatility with more overtly premium positioning, while the Toyota Innova Hycross has reset expectations at the higher end of the segment.

Against these capable competitors, the new XL6 positions itself as the balanced choice – more distinctive and feature-rich than mainstream offerings without the significant price premium commanded by some rivals.

New Maruti XL6: Authentic Elevation

The new Maruti XL6 represents something increasingly rare in contemporary product development – evolution driven by genuine understanding rather than specification escalation or design fashion.

By addressing the specific priorities of Indian premium family buyers while maintaining the fundamental virtues that established the model’s appeal, Maruti Suzuki has created a more complete and convincing proposition in an increasingly contested segment.

As the evening light fades at the Rohtak facility, the prototype XL6 completes another evaluation circuit. The engineers review data while discussing subjective impressions – a blend of scientific measurement and human experience that characterizes the best automotive development processes.

This balanced approach mirrors the vehicle itself – neither flashy nor utilitarian, but thoughtfully positioned at the intersection of aspiration and practicality where many Indian families increasingly find themselves.

In a market still finding its definition of premium, the new XL6 offers a distinctly Indian interpretation – emphasizing space, comfort, and meaningful technology rather than excessive power or ostentation.

This authentic understanding of local priorities, perhaps more than any specific feature or specification, may prove the vehicle’s most compelling attribute in a landscape increasingly populated by international interpretations of premium that don’t always translate effectively to Indian realities.