India's mid-size SUV segment will see five new launches between late November and early December 2025. Tata Motors leads with three models, while Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki bring electric options to the crowded segment.
Key Details
Tata Motors plans to launch the Sierra on November 25, marking the return of its iconic nameplate. The company will offer both ICE and electric versions, with the latter arriving in January 2026. The ICE lineup includes a new 1.5-liter tGDi petrol, a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol, and a 1.5-liter turbo diesel. Transmission options include manual and automatic variants, though specific details remain undisclosed.
On December 9, Tata will launch petrol versions of the Harrier and Safari. Both SUVs will use the same 1.5-liter tGDi motor from the Hyperion series, first shown at the 2023 Auto Expo. The engine produces 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Apart from the new powertrain, no other updates are planned for these models.
Mahindra launches the XEV 9S on November 27, an electric seven-seater based on the XUV700. Built on the INGLO platform, it will offer 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery packs shared with the BE 6 and XEV 9e. The SUV comes standard with rear-wheel drive and features a triple-screen setup with sliding middle-row seats.
Maruti Suzuki enters the electric segment on December 2 with the e Vitara. Production has already started at the Hansalpur facility in Gujarat. The e Vitara offers 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options, with the larger pack claiming a 500-kilometer range. The India-spec model will use a single motor front-wheel drive setup.
Market Context
The mid-size SUV segment generates strong demand in India, accounting for approximately 15% of total passenger vehicle sales. Tata's move to add petrol options to the Harrier and Safari addresses buyer preference shifts, as petrol variants now outsell diesel in most segments.
The electric push from Mahindra and Maruti reflects India's growing EV infrastructure and government incentives. Mahindra's XEV 9S competes directly with upcoming electric three-row SUVs, while Maruti targets first-time EV buyers with a more accessible price point. The e Vitara will be the first electric offering from India's largest carmaker by volume.
Tata's Sierra revival taps into nostalgia while offering modern powertrains. The triple-screen setup positions it above current segment standards.
Comparison
Our Analysis
This launch cluster shows automakers racing to fill gaps before year-end sales close. Tata's petrol additions respond to diesel's declining share, while the Sierra aims to capture premium buyers willing to pay for nostalgia and tech. Mahindra and Maruti bet on India's EV transition gaining momentum, though charging infrastructure remains a constraint outside major cities.
The timing suggests aggressive Q4 positioning. Buyers benefit from more choices, but overlapping launches may split attention and delay purchase decisions until full pricing clarity emerges.
Conclusion
Five launches in two weeks will reshape India's mid-size SUV segment before 2025 ends. Electric options from Mahindra and Maruti signal confidence in EV adoption rates, while Tata's expanded ICE lineup acknowledges ongoing fuel preference diversity. Pricing announcements in coming days will determine which models gain traction. For more car and bike updates and analysis, visit Tech Auto Hub.
