A new 3-row electric vehicle has recently been spied testing on roads, which we expect is Maruti’s upcoming electric MPV. Internally codenamed YMC, this upcoming 3-row EV will share its underpinnings with the e Vitara, and can be expected to debut towards the end of this year. Autocar India had exclusively reported about the YMC MPV’s development back in February 2024.
- Upcoming YMC MPV will share its underpinnings with e Vitara
- Production model is expected to debut towards the end of 2026
- Will spawn a Toyota derivative as well
New Maruti YMC 3-row EV spied
There are a few key details that give away that this is an EV, the prime one being the clear absence of an exhaust pipe when viewed from the back. It also seems to be riding on large aero-optimised alloy wheels, and the air intakes on the front bumper are very similar to the that of the e Vitara, perhaps even featuring the active aero flaps that the latter gets. A distinctly large rear quarter area suggests that is indeed a 3-row vehicle.
The Maruti YMC MPV seems to have an SUV-like appearance with very upright front and rear ends, and an overall boxy silhouette. The large headlamps have a drop-down element, while at the rear, the vertical tail lamps wrapping around the windscreen have some resemblance with the Ertiga, and seem to be connected by a band. Like the e Vitara, this one doesn’t get flush door handles, but regular pull type ones. It 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 electric platform as the e Vitara, and can be expected with the same 49kWh and 61kWh battery packs. However, owing to its larger size, it is likely to have lesser range than the e Vitara’s maximum claimed range of 543km. The electric motor and other powertrain components will also be shared between both models.
It’s expected to debut towards the end of 2026, and possibly could go on sale sometime in 2027. It will be the carmaker’s first three-row EV, adding to its MPV lineup that comprises the Ertiga, XL6 and the Invicto.
However, given the fact 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 a 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
