Remember the Suzuki Vitara? It’s getting a fully electric makeover and will be called the Suzuki e Vitara. Production for the new compact battery electric (BEV) crossover will kick off at Suzuki’s Motor Gujarat plant in spring 2025, with sales expected to start in summer 2025 in various countries, including Europe, India, and Japan.
If the e Vitara looks a little familiar to you, that’s because it was based around the Suzuki eVX concept that was reportedly co-developed with Toyota. While the e Vitara was not announced as a collaborative model, the companies have previously said that their new EV SUV will be produced in Suzuki’s Gujarat sometime in Q2 of 2025, coincidentally lining up with the all-new e Vitara’s plans.
And if that is indeed true, we will be seeing a Toyota-badged version of the e Vitara too!
The Suzuki e Vitara is built on an entirely new platform dubbed “HEARTECT-e”, designed specifically for BEVs. Suzuki says this platform offers a lightweight structure and a spacious interior thanks to its short overhangs. The SUV measures 4,275 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. To put that into perspective, it’s 310 mm longer and 155 mm wider than the Suzuki Jimny 5-door.
The design of the e Vitara is based on the “High-tech & adventure” theme, which Suzuki says combines the feel of a BEV and the rugged nature of an SUV. The exterior features 18-inch to 19-inch large-diameter tyres and a long wheelbase, while the interior boasts an integrated driver and centre infotainment display with a rugged design.
Powertrain options for the Suzuki e Vitara come in three options. The range kicks off with a single front-mounted motor producing 144 hp (106 kW) and 189 Nm. A more powerful front-motor option delivers 174 hp (128 kW) with the same amount of torque.
For those who need extra grip, the 4WD variant features Suzuki’s ALLGRIP-e electric 4WD system. This system includes a “Trail mode” that mimics a limited-slip differential for improved off-road performance. This 4WD version uses two electric motors, one on each axle, producing a total output of 184 hp (135 kW) and 300 Nm.
RELATED: Suzuki further cosies up with Toyota by supplying them a new EV SUV
Battery options for the e Vitara come in two sizes: a 49 kWh pack for the base 2WD variant and a 61 kWh pack for the higher-output 2WD and 4WD variants. While Suzuki hasn’t provided official range figures, based on the eVX concept (which featured a 60 kWh battery), we anticipate a range of around 500 km.
“The e Vitara is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers. In order to realize a carbon-neutral society, we will provide a variety of options, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles, and CNG vehicles, tailored to specific regions. Introduction of the e Vitara represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality,” says Suzuki Motors President, Toshihiro Suzuki.
“Following the launch of the e Vitara, we will continue to expand our BEV line-up and propose mobility solutions tailored to the needs of specific countries and regions,” Suzuki adds.
ALSO READ: Suzuki Jimny 5-door: How different from the 3-door Jimny?
GALLERY
