5 Upcoming Premium 7 Seat Luxury SUVs: New Toyota Fortuner To Skoda Kodiaq RS
The premium seven-seater SUV segment in India is set to witness some major action. In the coming months, we will see several new launches, all targeting people who are looking for space, practicality, luxury and presence in their SUVs. The expected line of launches will include diesel, petrol and hybrid SUVs. Here’s a closer look.
MG Motor Indian will launch its new D+ segment SUV, the Majestor, in India in April. Revealed earlier this year, the Majestor is for people who want both luxury and off-road capabilities. It spans over five metres in length and can seat seven comfortably.
The Majestor will have a feature-loaded cabin. There will be a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered and ventilated front seats with massage function, level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, and more on offer.
This body-on-frame SUV will be powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 213 hp and 479 Nm. This is the same engine that powers the Gloster ( which the Majestor would eventually replace) Mated to it is an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The SUV also features a low-range transfer case, and capable 4x4 hardware. It comes with 10 terrain modes, three differential locks, and selectable crawl control. The Majestor also has a water wading capacity of 810 mm. Ex-showroom prices are likely to fall in the ballpark of 48 lakh rupees. This SUV will be sold through the regular MG showrooms, and not the ‘Select’ network.
The Fortuner has long been the benchmark in this segment. It is now set to get a generational update. Going by test mule sightings, the design is unlikely to get a complete overhaul. The front fascia will get significant reworks, most likely inspired strongly by the ninth generation Hilux’s design. We are likely to see a strong influence of the ‘Cybersumo’ face. The rear end is expected to get connected LED tail lamps and a revised bumper. The design of the side profile will likely remain close to that of the outgoing model. The carmaker hasn’t revealed the car officially yet.
The cabin experience is likely to improve significantly on the new model. It will get more features and trims and materials that feel much more premium and upmarket than those of the current SUV. Expect to see an all-digital instrument cluster and a larger infotainment system on the new model.
The new Fortuner will likely be underpinned by a heavily upgraded version of the IMV platform. Powertrain options are likely to remain unchanged on the India-spec- 2.7L petrol and 2.8L diesel with a 48V mild hybrid option available on the latter. Some speculations also suggest that a 2.4L turbo-petrol-based strong hybrid is also in the works. Details of the same are yet to surface. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered on the new model as well. The next-generation Fortuner will also be a capable off-roader and could launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
Volkswagen launched the much-awaited Tayron R-Line in February. It has an ex-showroom price of Rs 46.99 lakh in India. The company now has plans to launch a ‘less sporty’ non-R-Line variant of the SUV with a stronger focus on comfort. It will likely see some stripping down in terms of features, but will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine making 202hp and 320Nm.
It will also feature subtle design changes. Overall, the non-R-Line version will appeal to buyers who prefer to have a more value-packed Tayron, with little to no compromise in driving dynamics. The Tayron, in fact, delivers an engaging driving experience and has great dynamics.
Skoda is expected to launch two versions of the Kodiaq in the coming months- the sportier, performance-focussed RS and the diesel version. Clearly, these are two different approaches and appeal to two different sets of buyers. The diesel version will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI engine that makes 190hp and 400Nm. It will likely be offered with an AWD (all wheel drive) system and will likely be brought as CBU imports, in limited numbers.
The Kodiaq RS will be the performance-focussed version, powered by the familiar 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. It will, however, have 261hp and 400 Nm on offer. It will be able to do the 0-100kph sprint in just 6.3 seconds, and will have a top speed of 231 km/h. The Kodiaq is already an SUV that delivers European driving experience. The RS will be even more engaging to drive.
Additionally, it will have a sportier styling- more Blacked-out elements, larger 20-inch wheels and more. The interior too will have RS-specific detailing and a sporty colour scheme.