JSW Motors is set to launch its debut offering, an SUV based on the Jetour T2, in 2026. According to our sources, this plug-in hybrid SUV will go on sale by September and is estimated to be priced in the Rs 38 lakh-40 lakh region.
- PHEV setup uses 26.7kWh battery, delivers over 1,000km combined range (claimed)
- JSW Motors SUV will be dimensionally comparable to Toyota Fortuner
- Fairly high level of creature comforts expected
JSW Motors Jetour T2-based SUV powertrain
1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, 26.7kWh battery, and dual motors
The JSW Motors SUV will borrow the Jetour T2 i-DM’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a 156hp 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine with a 26.7kWh battery pack and dual motors. However, these motors are placed in a P2+P2.5 layout, which means one of them sits between the engine and transmission on the front axle and can drive the wheels in pure EV mode. The other motor, meanwhile, is integrated into the gearbox to provide assistance during engine starting and torque fill during gear shifts.
The combined output stands at 381hp and 610Nm, which is funnelled solely to the front wheels via a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Compared to an e-CVT, which is widely used for hybrids, a DHT usually offers better acceleration and performance, albeit at the expense of some fuel efficiency.
Can travel up to 139km (NEDC) on electric power alone
The global-spec T2 i-DM has an NEDC-tested all-electric range of 139km and claims a combined driving range of over 1,000km. It remains to be seen if the India-spec JSW derivative of the T2 PHEV will achieve similar figures.
JSW Motors Jetour T2-based SUV exterior and interior
Squared-off, muscular proportions lend it a go-anywhere feel
On the outside, the T2 adopts a boxy and rugged design that appears to draw inspiration from the Defender. Per a Jetour T2 design patent filed in India last month, the JSW Motors SUV is expected to largely retain these styling elements but swap out the Jetour branding in favour of the carmaker’s own.
The global-spec T2 stretches the tape at 4,785mm long, 2,006mm wide and 1,880mm tall, which means the JSW Motors SUV will be largely comparable in size to the Toyota Fortuner. The boot space is pegged at a generous 580 litres.
Likely to offer an extensive feature list
Inside, JSW Motors is understood to be targeting a fairly high spec for its SUV. Specifics around the equipment list are currently unknown, but for reference, the global-spec T2 i-DM comes fitted with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital driver’s display, a 540-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), a panoramic sunroof, a Sony surround-sound system, configurable ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, a powered tailgate, and more.
JSW Motors Jetour T2-based SUV price and positioning
Could be JSW Motors’s flagship model
JSW Motors seems to be adopting a top-down approach to its model line-up. The T2-based SUV will likely be the carmaker’s flagship offering. Following the T2-based SUV, JSW Motors will launch another SUV that’s based on the Chery iCar V23.
The estimated Rs 38 lakh-40 lakh pricing will position the JSW Motors SUV against the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner. However, as far as ICE-powered cars go, the T2-based SUV will offer significantly higher power and torque figures than anything else in this price bracket.
In fact, there are no petrol SUVs priced below the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE that offer power outputs comparable to those of the JSW Motors SUV. Both the X5 and GLE are powered by 3.0-litre turbo straight-six engines and sit in the Rs 1 crore echelon, which goes on to show how powerful the T2 is compared to its estimated price.
With inputs from Hormazd Sorabjee
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
