Suzuki’s long-awaited first mass-produced battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e VITARA, was unveiled to the public for the first time as an Indian-spec mass-produced model at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, which is being held in New Delhi, India from January 17, 2025.
The e VITARA, Suzuki’s first BEV global strategic vehicle, attracted great attention when it made its world debut in Milan, Italy in November 2024. Production will begin at Suzuki’s subsidiary Maruti Suzuki India’s Gujarat plant in the spring of 2025, with the car scheduled to be released in India, Europe, Japan and other countries around the world from around the summer of the same year.
Main features of e VITARA
- Suzuki’s first mass-produced battery electric vehicle (BEV)
- Production will begin in India in the spring of 2025, with sales to follow in Europe, India, Japan and other countries from the summer of the same year.
- The concept is “Emotional Versatile Cruiser”
- A design that combines a cutting-edge feel with strength
- Highly efficient eAxle and lithium iron phosphate battery
- Equipped with the electric 4WD system “ALLGRIP-e” (4WD model)
- Adopts BEV-specific platform “HEARTECT-e”
- Developed as the base model for Toyota’s new SUV “bZ”
- Two battery capacities are available: 49kWh and 61kWh
- Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive available
- With an overall length of 4,275mm and a wheelbase of 2,700mm, it is larger than the current Vitara.
- Advanced interior with digital instrument pack and touchscreen
Initiatives to popularize BEVs in India
To coincide with the public unveiling in India, Suzuki announced its efforts to popularize BEVs in India. Utilizing Maruti Suzuki’s domestic sales and service network, the company will work to create an environment where customers can use BEVs with peace of mind, including by providing charging facilities.
At the press conference, Suzuki’s President stated that the e-VITARA is the first step towards minimizing energy consumption, as outlined in the recently announced “Technology Strategy Looking 10 Years Ahead,” and stated that the company will continue to move forward toward a sustainable future in India and around the world.
e VITARA Features
Based on the concept of an “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” the e VITARA combines a sophisticated design that looks great both in the city and outdoors with the strength and power of an SUV.
Suzuki e VITARA exterior
The exterior is impressive, with its large-diameter tires and long wheelbase creating a dignified appearance. Sharp headlights and distinctive LED combination lamps at the rear emphasize its cutting-edge image.
The interior is a blend of cutting-edge equipment such as an integrated display and tough-looking panels and center console, creating a sophisticated yet powerful SUV feel. The spacious interior space promises a comfortable drive.
Suzuki e VITARA interior
The e VITARA is equipped with a BEV powertrain that employs a highly efficient eAxle and a lithium-ion iron phosphate battery, providing the brisk driving experience that only an EV can provide, including powerful acceleration when starting off or overtaking.
Furthermore, it is equipped with the electric 4WD system “ALLGRIP-e” that brings together Suzuki’s four-wheel drive technology. By independently controlling the two front and rear eAxles, it achieves both powerful driving and precise control. It also has excellent off-road performance, and even on roads where one tire lifts off the ground, the LSD function applies the brakes to the spinning tire and distributes drive torque to the other tire, allowing you to escape smoothly.
The e VITARA is built on the newly developed HEARTECT-e platform, specifically developed for BEVs. It combines a lightweight structure with high-voltage protection performance, achieving the quietness and comfortable ride that only an EV can offer. The short overhang design ensures a spacious interior. By eliminating the under-floor member in the main floor, battery capacity is maximized, contributing to an extended driving range.
Collaboration with Toyota
The e VITARA was also developed as the base model for Toyota’s new SUV, the bZ. Born from a collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota, the e VITARA is scheduled to be exported to markets around the world.
Suzuki e VITARA front view
Battery capacity and drive system
The e VITARA is available with two battery capacities, 49kWh and 61kWh, and in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Front-wheel drive models are equipped with a 142hp motor with a 49kWh battery and a 172hp motor with a 61kWh battery, with larger batteries available for longer range.
The four-wheel drive model is equipped with a 61kWh battery and front and rear motors, delivering a total system output of 181hp for powerful driving.
Advanced interior
The interior of the e VITARA is dominated by a large glass panel at the top of the dashboard, which houses the digital instrument pack and a central touchscreen, giving the car a modern look.
Suzuki e VITARA interior
According to Suzuki, the cabin has a “high-tech and adventure” theme and is finished with a heavy-duty coating.
Suzuki’s electrification strategy
The e VITARA will accelerate Suzuki’s electrification strategy and be an important model that will contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. Starting with the launch of the e VITARA, Suzuki will continue to expand its BEV lineup and propose mobility that is right for the right place in each country and region.
Suzuki e VITARA specs
| item | Suzuki e VITARA 2WD (49kWh) |
Suzuki e VITARA 2WD (61kWh) |
Suzuki e VITARA 4WD (61kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,275mm | 4,275mm | 4,275mm |
| Overall width | 1,800mm | 1,800mm | 1,800mm |
| Overall height | 1,635mm | 1,635mm | 1,635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm | 2,700mm | 2,700mm |
| Tread – Front | 1,540mm | 1,540mm | 1,540mm |
| Tread – Rear | 1,545mm | 1,545mm | 1,545mm |
| ground clearance | 180mm | 180mm | 180mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.2m | 5.2m | 5.2m |
| Battery capacity | 49kWh | 61kWh | 61kWh |
| Motor maximum output – front | 106kW | 128kW | 128kW |
| Motor Maximum Output – Rear | – | – | 48kW |
| Motor Maximum Power – Total | 106kW | 128kW | 135kW |
| Maximum torque | 189Nm | 189Nm | 300Nm |
| Drive system | 2WD | 2WD | 4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
| transmission | 1-speed electric drive | 1-speed electric drive | 1-speed electric drive |
| Brakes – Front | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| Brake – Rear | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| tire | 225/55 R18 | 225/55 R18, 225/50 R19 | 225/55 R18, 225/50 R19 |
| Vehicle weight | 1,702 kg | 1,760kg – 1,799kg | 1,860kg – 1,899kg |
summary
Suzuki’s first mass-produced EV, the e-VITARA, is an attractive model that combines cutting-edge design, the brisk driving performance of an EV, and the powerful feel of an SUV. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the e-VITARA is sure to make its presence known in the global market.
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