October 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest months for new car launches in India. Automakers are lining up a diverse mix of mass-market models, luxury vehicles and electric SUVs for the festive season. Based on multiple industry sources, here is a detailed look at the 11 key vehicles expected to arrive in showrooms during October 2026.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Facelift – October 5
Mercedes-Benz kicks off the month with the updated Maybach S-Class on October 5. The flagship sedan receives a larger illuminated grille, redesigned headlights with the three-pointed-star signature, revised bumpers and new alloy wheels. Inside, the Superscreen layout adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 14.4-inch central touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch passenger screen. Rear passengers get individual reclining seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions. The outgoing Maybach S 580 starts at around Rs 2.87 crore ex-showroom, and the facelift is expected to command a premium.
Honda Elevate Facelift – Around October 6
Honda's first major update for the Elevate midsize SUV is widely expected in early October. Styling changes include a revised grille, bumpers, lighting elements and alloy wheels. The cabin may get a larger infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera and an upgraded ADAS package. The mechanical package should remain centered on the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 121 hp, offered with manual and CVT transmissions. No electrified powertrain has been confirmed for this update.
Skoda Slavia Facelift – October 6
The updated Skoda Slavia sedan is also slated for an early October arrival. The refreshed model brings a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, rear-seat massage function and updated infotainment. A key mechanical change is the new 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox for the 1.0-litre TSI variant, while the 1.5-litre TSI retains the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Skoda has opened pre-bookings with deliveries planned for the festive season. Expected prices range from Rs 10.25 lakh to Rs 18.75 lakh ex-showroom.
Volvo EX90 – October 12
Volvo's flagship electric SUV launches on October 12 alongside the ES90 sedan. Built on the SPA2 architecture, the India-spec EX90 is expected in a highly equipped dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration with a 106 kWh battery producing 456 hp and 670 Nm. WLTP range is rated up to 625 km. Standard features include a 14.5-inch touchscreen, 9-inch digital cluster, Bowers & Wilkins audio, four-zone climate control, air suspension, advanced driver assistance systems and 360-degree camera. Expected price is around Rs 1.20 crore.
Volvo ES90 – October 12
The ES90 marks Volvo's return to the luxury sedan segment in India after the S90 was discontinued. Sharing the SPA2 platform with the EX90, it will sit at the top of Volvo's EV range with similar battery and powertrain options. The twin launch significantly expands Volvo India's premium EV portfolio beyond its current compact electric SUVs. Expected price is around Rs 1.10 crore.
Toyota Glanza Facelift – October 14
Toyota's premium hatchback receives its update on October 14. As the Glanza shares underpinnings with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, many updates from the latest Baleno are expected to carry over. The biggest change could be under the bonnet, where the current 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine may give way to a newer 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit producing approximately 83 hp and 112 Nm. Possible equipment additions include ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging and additional driver-assistance features. Estimated price range is Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh.
Audi Q3 – October 16
The third-generation Audi Q3 arrives on October 16 and will be locally assembled, a key step for Audi's entry-level luxury SUV strategy. The India-spec model is expected to use a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 204 hp and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The new model is larger than its predecessor and features split headlights and Audi's latest interior architecture. Key equipment includes digital instrument cluster, large infotainment touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, wireless charging, 360-degree camera and ambient lighting. Expected starting price is Rs 55-60 lakh ex-showroom.
Hyundai Bayon-Based SUV – Late October (Tentative)
Hyundai's Bayon-based crossover, internally codenamed Bc4i, could debut in late October. Bookings have opened at Rs 11,000 ahead of the festive season. The compact SUV is expected to feature a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, with additional petrol and potentially electrified variants also reported. Hyundai has not yet confirmed the exact launch date or specifications, so details remain preliminary. Estimated price range is Rs 10-12.50 lakh.
Renault Duster Hybrid – October 2026
Multiple listings place a Renault Duster Hybrid in the October launch window. While specific details are limited in current reports, the model is expected to feature hybrid technology adapted for Indian conditions, likely combining a petrol engine with electric assistance for improved efficiency. Positioning would be in the compact SUV segment. Further specifications and pricing await official confirmation.
Tata Aeris EV – October 2026 (Reported)
Several automotive listings indicate a Tata Aeris EV could join the October calendar. This would be the electric version of the recently launched Aeris sub-4 metre sedan. The ICE Aeris launched in September 2026 at Rs 5.29 lakh with petrol and CNG options. An EV variant would expand Tata's electric portfolio below the Sierra EV. Launch timing is less consistently reported across sources, so this remains tentative.
JSW Jetour T2 – October 2026 (Reported)
The JSW Jetour T2 is another model placed in the October 2026 window by multiple listings. JSW MG Motor's new offering is expected to be a mid-size SUV with premium positioning. Estimated price range is Rs 20-25 lakh. As with the Tata Aeris EV, dates are less consistently reported and the launch calendar could change as manufacturers finalize festive-season plans.
Other Notable Models Mentioned in Recent Reports
The article title references Sierra EV, Thar OG, Aeris and Gravite. Research shows varying launch timelines for these models. The Tata Sierra EV was officially launched on June 30, 2026 at a starting price of Rs 18.79 lakh ex-showroom. The Mahindra Thar OG launched in September 2026 at Rs 10.32 lakh. The Tata Aeris ICE sedan launched in September 2026 at Rs 5.29 lakh. The Nissan Gravite is listed with an October 2026 expected launch at Rs 5.73-9.09 lakh. Only the Gravite aligns with an October 2026 debut among this group.
The October pipeline highlights the breadth of India's passenger vehicle market. Mainstream updates like the Honda Elevate, Toyota Glanza and Skoda Slavia target high-volume segments, while Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volvo strengthen luxury portfolios with new or substantially updated products. Electric vehicles command significant attention with Volvo's twin flagship launch. With several dates still tentative, the final calendar may evolve as manufacturers make official announcements ahead of the festive period.
FAQs
Which car launches are confirmed for specific dates in October 2026?
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Facelift on October 5, Honda Elevate Facelift and Skoda Slavia Facelift around October 6, Volvo EX90 and ES90 on October 12, Toyota Glanza Facelift on October 14, and Audi Q3 on October 16 have specific reported or confirmed dates.
Are the Tata Sierra EV and Mahindra Thar OG launching in October 2026?
No. Research shows the Tata Sierra EV launched on June 30, 2026, and the Mahindra Thar OG launched in September 2026. The Tata Aeris ICE sedan also launched in September 2026. Only the Nissan Gravite from that group has an October 2026 expected launch.
What is the expected price range for the new Audi Q3?
The third-generation Audi Q3 is expected to start in the region of Rs 55 lakh to Rs 60 lakh ex-showroom. Final pricing will be announced at the October 16 launch.
Will the Honda Elevate Facelift get any electrified powertrain?
The research indicates the mechanical package will remain centered on the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual and CVT options. Whether Honda introduces any additional electrified powertrain with the facelift remains to be confirmed.
Which electric vehicles are launching in October 2026?
The Volvo EX90 and ES90 are confirmed for October 12. The Tata Aeris EV and Hyundai Bayon-based SUV (which may have electrified variants) are reported as possible October launches. The MG IM6 and VinFast VF3 are also mentioned for October in some listings.
