Maruti Launches A Luxury Car: Maruti Suzuki Marks Entry into India’s Luxury MPV Segment with the Invicto
In a bold and much‑anticipated move, Indian automotive leader Maruti Suzuki has entered the upscale, luxury MPV segment with the introduction of the Invicto, marking a significant shift in the company’s longstanding strategy focused on value and affordability.
A New Chapter in Maruti Suzuki’s Evolution
Unveiled in early July 2023, the Invicto is Maruti Suzuki’s most expensive vehicle ever offered in India, with ex‑showroom prices ranging from ₹24.8 lakh to ₹28.4 lakh depending on variant and seating configuration. The Invicto is essentially a rebadged variant of Toyota’s Innova Hycross, adapted with subtle styling distinctions and reviewed to suit the Indian premium‑segment clientele, and will be sold exclusively through NEXA dealerships
Powertrain, Performance & Efficiency
At the heart of the Invicto is a strongly hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with Toyota’s power-split strong hybrid system (e-CVT). This combination delivers exceptional fuel efficiency—around 23.24 km/l—while offering performance befitting its premium positioning. The hybrid system also ensures smooth city driving coupled with the robustness needed for long-distance travel.
Design & Comfort that Match Premium Expectations
Although sharing its core architecture with the Innova Hycross, the Invicto sports a unique front grille with split chrome detailing, redesigned bumpers and refined lighting clusters, giving it a distinct presence on the road. Inside, the cabin emphasizes a premium atmosphere tailored for comfort and luxury. It offers flexible seating configurations—both 7‑seat and 8‑seat layouts—with plush upholstery, refined finishes, and advanced convenience features tailored for upscale buyers.
Safety & Connectivity Features
The Invicto is equipped with an extensive array of safety features under the NEXA Safety Shield program, including six airbags (front, side, curtain), ABS with EBD, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, vehicle stability control with hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats. Connectivity is advanced, with telematics integration via Suzuki Connect enhanced by e‑Call functionality, expected to deliver over‑the‑air updates, voice assistance, navigation, and more.
Strategic Significance for Maruti Suzuki
The Invicto launch represents more than just a new model—it signals Maruti Suzuki’s deliberate entry into the ₹20 lakh‑plus premium segment, an area the company had largely avoided until now. This move builds on Maruti’s dominance in midsize segments (₹10–15 lakh) and out‑right market leadership with products like Ertiga, XL6, Fronx, and Jimny.
Maruti’s marketing leadership believes the premium three‑row vehicle consumer base is closely aligned—whether buyers choose MPV or SUV body style—so the Invicto slots into that demand niche effectively. Bookings opened on June 19, 2023, and within weeks, Maruti had already registered approximately 6,000 bookings, indicating strong anticipation.
Industry Context & Competitive Landscape
Maruti’s entry into this segment comes as India’s luxury and premium vehicle demand is rising, influenced by an expanding middle class, improved purchasing power, and increased appetite for well‑equipped and premium mobility across all segments. The overall premium three‑row vehicle segment is estimated at 300,000 units in FY 24.
The Invicto will compete not only with established MPVs like Toyota Innova Hycross and MG Motor’s offerings, but also with three‑row SUVs such as the Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Carens, and Skoda Kodiaq in the ₹24–30 lakh segment.
Market Reception & Future Outlook
Market analysts view the Invicto as Maruti Suzuki’s boldest step yet toward premiumisation. While the pricing is notably higher than its previous offerings, it represents Maruti’s intent to evolve its brand perception beyond mass-market vehicles, harnessing Toyota collaboration and hybrid technology to deliver fuel-efficient luxury.
This aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s broader ambition to diversify its portfolio with multiple powertrains, including hybrid, strong hybrid, CNG variants, flexible fuel models, and eventually, battery electric vehicles such as the e-Vitara.
What Lies Ahead: Electric Luxury and the Invicto Legacy
- Maruti Suzuki will also make waves in the EV space. Its first mass‑produced electric vehicle, the e‑Vitara, is slated to launch in March 2025, offering two LFP battery options (49 kWh and 61 kWh) with a claimed range of up to 500 km. The top variant features dual motor AWD with Suzuki’s e-AllGrip system—clearly signalling Maruti’s intention to extend its premium segment credentials into electrification.
- In parallel, Maruti has unveiled fast-charging installation plans in India’s top 100 cities and is exploring battery-rental solutions to address range anxiety and reduce EV adoption barriers.
- As the industry pivots toward cleaner, technology-rich mobility, the Invicto is a critical milestone. It embodies Maruti Suzuki’s strategic shift—to position itself not just as India’s value leader, but as a credible purveyor of premium, modern, and sustainable vehicles.
In summary:
The Invicto is Maruti Suzuki’s luxury MPV debut, offering strong hybrid fuel efficiency, elevated design, advanced safety, and premium comfort. It takes Maruti into higher retail price brackets and expands its appeal to discerning buyers. Positioned as a Toyota‑collaborative hybrid MPV between ₹24.8 lakh and ₹28.4 lakh, it’s a bold step toward modern premiumisation, complementing Maruti’s future electric and hybrid ambitions.
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