In its investor presentation for FY25-26, Hyundai India has announced that it will launch two brand-new SUV nameplates, which will expand its presence in the ever-growing SUV category. "Of these new launches, one will strengthen our position in the mid-SUV segment, while the other will mark the debut of our localised dedicated EV in the compact SUV space," said Hyundai in an official statement. We now have exclusive details about what these models will be.
- Hyundai's upcoming mid-size SUV will be based on the Bayon and sell alongside the Creta.
- Localised electric compact SUV will rival the likes of the Tata Nexon EV.
Tarun Garg, CEO of Hyundai India, said, “We feel very excited to inform you that during this financial year, we shall be introducing two completely new nameplates which have been keenly awaited by all of you. Both these launches are expected to meaningfully boost our volumes and act as powerful catalysts for our next phase of growth.”
Hyundai ICE-powered mid-size SUV: What to expect?
People familiar with the matter indicated that the upcoming model will be based on the Bayon crossover's platform, which is sold in Europe. It will measure around 4.18 metres in length, suggesting that it will be positioned slightly below the Creta. While we previously reported that the Bayon-based SUV would be a crossover to rival the likes of the Fronx, we now understand that it will be a contender in the mid-size SUV segment.
It is internally codenamed the Bc4i, and our sources indicated that it is likely to get a naturally aspirated petrol engine along with a CNG powertrain with a dual cylinder setup. This then could be Hyundai's first CNG-powered SUV above 4 metres. The focus on CNG isn't a surprise, given the exponential growth CNG has witnessed over the last few years. The focus will be on fuel efficiency and lower running costs rather than outright performance.
Hyundai is also expected to differentiate the upcoming SUV with a tech-laden interior and driver assistance features, which have always been the company's stronghold.
The carmaker’s two-pronged approach here is similar to Maruti’s strategy with the Grand Vitara and Victoris for this segment. Hyundai’s decision here aims to gain back lost market share due to Tata and Mahindra gaining ground, and stiffer competition across the SUV segments.
Hyundai electric compact SUV: What to expect?
Back in October 2025, Hyundai had already confirmed the arrival of a localised electric compact SUV specially for the Indian market. President and CEO of Hyundai, Jose Munoz, mentioned that the SUV would be “designed, engineered and built in India for Indian customers.”
While early indicators suggested that the SUV would rival the Tata Punch EV, we now understand that it will instead have the Nexon EV in its crosshairs. The EV, internally codenamed HE1i, will sit on the E-GMP (K) platform, which is also shared with the Inster sold abroad. It will be manufactured at the company’s Sriperumbudur factory in Tamil Nadu with localised batteries from Exide. The carmaker has also confirmed that the electric compact SUV will offer standard range and long range versions. For instance, the Euro-spec Inster gets a 42kWh (Standard Range) and 49kWh (Long Range) options, with respective WLTP ranges of 300km and 355km.
Industry executives said carmakers are increasingly introducing multiple SUVs in overlapping price brackets with different designs, body styles and fuel options to attract a wider set of buyers. For Hyundai, the move is also aimed at strengthening its lineup around the Hyundai Creta, which continues to face growing competition in the mid-size SUV segment.
With inputs from Glenn Noronha
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
