Published : 30 September 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
October 2026 is set to be a busy month for the Indian car market, with several new SUVs, sedans, EVs and facelifts lined up around the festive season. The month will see cars ranging from the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class facelift to more mainstream models such as the Skoda Slavia and Honda Elevate facelifts.

The month will also bring 2 new Volvo EVs, the next-generation Audi Q3 and the strong-hybrid version of the new Renault Duster. Toyota and Volkswagen are also expected to introduce updates to the Virtus, while Hyundai are expected to launch the Bayon SUV.
Here’s a look at all the cars expected to launch or debut in India in October 2026.
Launch date: October 5, 2026

Mercedes-Benz will kick off October with the launch of the Maybach S-Class facelift on October 5. The updated luxury sedan gets styling and technology upgrades, along with more personalisation options.
The facelift brings a larger illuminated Maybach grille, redesigned headlamps with 3-pointed-star DRLs and an illuminated Maybach logo on the D-pillar. It will also be available with new 20- and 21-inch alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the Maybach S-Class gets the updated S-Class’ Superscreen setup, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.4-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch passenger display. The rear seats will continue to offer ventilation, heating and massage functions.
The international-spec model is available with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, although the exact India-spec engine lineup is yet to be confirmed. The updated Maybach S-Class is expected to command a premium over the current model, which is priced at around Rs 2.87 crore (ex-showroom).
Launch date: October 6, 2026 (tentative)

Skoda are expected to launch the updated Slavia in early October following its India debut in August. The facelift brings a series of styling, feature and powertrain upgrades.
The biggest mechanical change is the introduction of an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission with the 1L turbo petrol engine. The 1.5L turbo petrol will continue with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Also Read: 2026 Skoda Slavia – Top 8 Highlights
2026 Skoda Slavia Facelift Production Begins Ahead Of Festive Season Launch
The Slavia facelift also gets redesigned LED headlamps and tail lamps, new alloy wheels and refreshed bumpers. Inside, it gets a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 360-degree camera. Higher variants also feature rear-seat massage functionality, which is a segment-first feature. The updated Slavia will continue to rival the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus.
Also Read: 2026 Skoda Slavia – Variant-Wise Powertrain Options
2026 Skoda Slavia Variant-Wise Colours
Launch date: October 6, 2026 (reported)

Honda are expected to introduce the Elevate facelift in early October. The C-segment SUV was launched in India in 2023 and is now due for its first major update.
The facelift is expected to bring revised exterior styling, including updated lighting elements and a redesigned grille. The cabin could also receive feature additions such as ventilated front seats and other upgrades from the City.
The Elevate facelift will retain its existing 1.5L normal petrol engine. It will continue to rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.
Also Read: Honda Confirm New B2-Segment SUV For India To Rival Nexon, Brezza, Venue
Launch date: October 12, 2026

Volvo will introduce its flagship electric SUV, the EX90, in India on October 12. The 3-row electric SUV will sit above the EX40 and EC40 in Volvo’s India lineup and will serve as the brand’s flagship SUV. The EX90 will make its debut alongside the ES90 on October 12.
The EX90 is expected to feature a large battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. International versions offer a claimed range of up to around 600km.
The EX90 also brings Volvo’s latest safety and autonomous-driving technologies, along with a spacious 3-row cabin. It will target buyers looking for a premium electric SUV with 7-seat practicality.
Launch date: October 12, 2026

Volvo will also introduce the ES90 electric sedan in India on the same day as the EX90. The ES90 is the electric counterpart to Volvo’s large luxury sedans and shares its powertrain and technology with the EX90.
Internationally, the ES90 is available with different battery and motor configurations, with power outputs ranging from around 333PS to 680PS depending on the variant.
The ES90 will compete with other premium electric sedans and fastback-style EVs.
Launch date: October 14, 2026 (tentative)

Toyota are expected to launch the facelifted Glanza around the middle of October. The premium hatchback will receive similar updates as the recently-launched Maruti Baleno facelift, including ADAS.
The Glanza facelift is expected to get revised exterior styling, new lighting elements, updated bumpers and fresh alloy wheels. It could also be offered with Maruti’s 1L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. When launched, it will continue to rival the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz.
Also Read: 2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno Prices Start At Rs. 5.99 Lakh
Launch date: October 15, 2026
Mahindra have released a new teaser video hinting at an upcoming launch from the brand on October 15. The teaser video suggests it will be the much-awaited XUV 3XO CNG.
The XUV 3XO currently offers 4 powertrain options: a 1.2l turbo petrol, a more powerful 1.2L turbo petrol with direct injection, a 1.5L turbo diesel and EV. If Mahindra introduce a factou-fitted CNG version, it is likely to be based on the standard 1.2L turbo petrol engine. The XUV 3XO CNG could help reduce running costs for buyers who cover long distances regularly.
Also Read: XUV 3XO CNG Likely To Be Launched On October 15
8. Audi Q3
Launch date: October 16, 2026

Audi will bring the new-generation Q3 to India on October 16. The new Q3 was showcased for the Indian market recently and local production is now underway.
The new-generation Q3 gets a completely redesigned exterior and a larger footprint, while retaining the familiar compact luxury SUV positioning. The cabin gets a digital cockpit and a large central touchscreen, along with a more technology-focused dashboard.
The India-spec Q3 will use a 2L turbo petrol engine producing around 204PS and 320Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive will also be on offer. The new Q3 will continue to rival the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Also Read: New Audi Q3 Local Assembly Begins Ahead Of October 16 Launch
Launch date: October 17, 2026

Renault are expected to expand the new Duster lineup with its strong-hybrid powertrain in October. The turbo petrol version of the new-generation Duster has already entered the Indian market, while the hybrid is expected to follow around the festive season.
The Duster strong hybrid is expected to be offered as an alternative to diesel-powered C-segment SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. When launched, the Duster strong hybrid will continue to compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.
Launch date: October 2026 — Date TBA

Our sources within Hyundai have confirmed the Bayon will launch in October 2026, just ahead of Diwali. However, its exact India launch date has not been confirmed.
The Bayon will be positioned between the Venue and Creta in Hyundai’s SUV lineup. It will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor and similarly sized C-segment SUVs. Its India introduction would give Hyundai another product in the C-segment SUV space, which would then allow the brand to position the next-gen Creta, which is expected to launch in March 2027, further upmarket.
Also Read: Hyundai Bayon Bookings Open; To Be Offered With 1.5L Normal Petrol With Manual And CVT Options
Launch date: October-end or early November 2026

Volkswagen are expected to introduce the Virtus facelift around the end of October or early November. The sedan will follow the Taigun and Slavia updates as Volkswagen and Skoda continue to refresh their MQB-A0-IN range.
The Virtus facelift is expected to receive styling and feature upgrades, while its existing turbo petrol powertrain lineup will remain unchanged. More details about the updated sedan are expected closer to its launch. The Virtus will continue to compete with the Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna and Honda City.
Also Read: 2026 Volkswagen Virtus Facelift Spied Again; What Latest Spy Shots Reveal
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Content Writer
Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

























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