New Maruti three-row EV spied testing

A new 3-row electric vehicle has recently been spied testing on roads, which we expect to be Maruti’s upcoming electric MPV. Codenamed YMC, this upcoming 3-row EV will share its underpinnings with the e Vitara and could debut towards the end of this year. Autocar India had exclusively reported on the development of the YMC MPV in February 2024. 

1. Upcoming YMC MPV will share its underpinnings with e Vitara 
2. Production model is expected to debut towards the end of 2026 
3. It will spawn a Toyota derivative as well 

New Maruti YMC 3-row EV spied 

Several key details point to it being an EV, and the prime one is the clear absence of an exhaust pipe. It also appears to be riding on large aero-optimised alloy wheels, and the air intakes on the front bumper are very similar to those of the e Vitara, perhaps even featuring the active aero flaps that the latter gets. A distinctly large rear quarter area suggests that this is indeed a 3-row vehicle.

The Maruti YMC MPV seems to have an SUV-like appearance with very upright front and rear ends, along with an overall boxy silhouette. The large headlamps have a drop-down element, while the vertical tail-lamps wrapping around the windscreen bear some resemblance to the Ertiga’s design and appear to be connected by a band. Like the e Vitara, this one doesn’t get flush door handles, using regular pull-type ones instead. The vehicle also seems to sport smoother body panels as opposed to the e Vitara’s well-contoured surfaces. 

New Maruti YMC to share platform, batteries with e Vitara

Our sources have indicated that the YMC MPV will use the same skateboard platform as the e Vitara and will likely come with the same 49kWh and 61kWh battery pack options. However, owing to its larger size, it is likely to have a lower range figure than the e Vitara, which has a maximum claimed range of 543km. The electric motor and other powertrain components will also be shared between both models. 

The YMC is expected to debut towards the end of 2026 and could go on sale sometime in 2027. It will be the carmaker’s first three-row EV, adding to its MPV line-up that comprises the Ertiga, XL6 and Invicto. 

However, considering that the e Vitara hasn’t quite taken off as Maruti would have liked, the reception of its upcoming 3-row EV remains to be seen. Maruti Suzuki is reportedly looking at an annual volume potential of over 50,000 units to 1 lakh units, including exports. Like the e Vitara and the upcoming Ebella, the Maruti YMC MPV will also spawn a Toyota derivative at a later date.

Image Credit: CarIndiaNews