The festive season in India traditionally brings a wave of new vehicle launches as automakers aim to capitalise on increased buyer sentiment. For 2024, both mass-market and premium brands have lined up a diverse portfolio spanning SUVs, MPVs, sedans, and electric vehicles. This roundup covers the key launches announced or expected between September and October 2024, based on official information available as of late August 2024.
MG Hector Blackstorm and Snowstorm Editions
MG Motor India has reintroduced its special edition strategy for the Hector SUV. The Blackstorm Edition was first teased in April 2024 with a launch scheduled for April 10, 2024. It features an all-black exterior theme with dark chrome accents, blacked-out alloy wheels, and subtle red highlights. The interior continues the black-and-red colour scheme across upholstery and ambient lighting. Mechanically, it retains the standard Hector's 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with manual and CVT options, plus the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with manual transmission. The Blackstorm Edition carries a premium of approximately Rs 50,000 over the corresponding regular trim.
Later in the festive season, MG launched the Hector Snowstorm Edition alongside the Blackstorm. According to Team-BHP, the Hector Snowstorm is priced at Rs 21.53 lakh. Both editions target buyers seeking a more distinctive road presence without mechanical changes. The Hector range competes with the Kia Seltos X-Line, Hyundai Creta N Line, and Tata Harrier Dark Edition.
Tata Curvv ICE
Tata Motors expanded its Curvv range with an internal combustion engine version after the Curvv EV. The Curvv ICE was revealed ahead of its price announcement on September 2, 2024. It adopts the SUV-coupe silhouette of its electric sibling but with design cues to differentiate the powertrain. The cabin gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, ventilated front seats, powered driver's seat, and a panoramic sunroof. Three engine options are offered, including two turbo-petrol variants. Expected pricing starts around Rs 10.50 lakh.
Tata Nexon CNG
Unveiled at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo, the Nexon CNG uses Tata's dual-cylinder technology to preserve boot space. It is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine adapted for CNG, making it a unique offering in the compact SUV segment. Both manual and automatic transmissions are expected. Launch timing remains to be confirmed, with an estimated premium of Rs 1 lakh over equivalent petrol variants. Expected price is around Rs 9 lakh.
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift
Hyundai unveiled the facelifted Alcazar with bookings open ahead of its September 9, 2024 launch. Exterior updates include a redesigned grille, new all-LED lighting, and fresh alloy wheels. Inside, the dashboard mirrors the 2024 Creta layout, adding seat ventilation for second-row passengers in six-seater variants and dual-zone automatic climate control. The three-row SUV retains the existing petrol and diesel engine options across four trim levels. Expected price starts at Rs 17 lakh.
2024 Kia Carnival
After a brief hiatus, Kia's premium MPV returns in its new generation on October 3, 2024. Globally, the Carnival offers a 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered seats, and three-zone climate control. International engine choices include a 287 PS 3.5-litre V6 petrol and a 242 PS 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid. India-spec powertrain details are awaited. Expected price is around Rs 40 lakh.
MG Windsor EV
MG's third electric vehicle for India, the Windsor EV, launches on September 11, 2024. It is a rebadged version of the Wuling Cloud EV sold internationally. Confirmed features include a 15.6-inch touchscreen, digital driver's display, panoramic glass roof, and wireless phone charging. In Indonesia, the Windsor EV uses a 50.6 kWh battery with a single motor producing 136 PS and 200 Nm, delivering a CLTC-claimed range of 460 km. India-specific technical specifications are yet to be revealed. Expected price is around Rs 20 lakh.
Kia EV9
Launching alongside the Carnival on October 3, 2024, the EV9 becomes Kia's flagship electric SUV in India, positioned above the EV6. Globally, it offers 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh battery packs, with the larger pack delivering a WLTP range of up to 541 km. It targets the premium electric SUV space as an alternative to the BMW iX1 and Mercedes-Benz EQE. Expected price is around Rs 80 lakh.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 680 SUV
Mercedes-Benz's ultra-luxury electric SUV arrives on September 5, 2024. The global-spec EQS 680 uses dual motors producing 658 PS and 950 Nm, with a claimed range of up to 600 km and all-wheel drive. The cabin features three front screens, two 11.6-inch rear displays, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and advanced driver assistance systems. Expected price is Rs 3.5 crore.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB
The sixth-generation E-Class long-wheelbase was confirmed for India during the EQA facelift launch, though a date remains unconfirmed. It is expected with both petrol and diesel engines. Highlights include a 14.4-inch infotainment screen, dual 12.3-inch displays for driver and front passenger, ambient lighting, and a 21-speaker Burmester sound system. Expected price is around Rs 80 lakh.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Following the new-gen Swift, the Dzire sub-4-metre sedan is expected later in the year. Spied test mules suggest updates mirroring the Swift, including a larger touchscreen, sunroof, wireless charger, and six airbags as standard. It will use the new 82 PS 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with manual and automatic options. Expected price starts at Rs 7 lakh.
2024 Honda Amaze
The next-generation Amaze has been spotted testing and may launch by year-end. It will retain the sub-4-metre proportions and the current 90 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine. Feature upgrades over the outgoing model are anticipated. Expected price is around Rs 7.30 lakh.
The festive season 2024 lineup reflects a market transition where traditional ICE models coexist with a growing electric portfolio across price brackets. Buyers have choices ranging from updated volume sellers like the Dzire and Amaze to premium electric SUVs such as the EV9 and EQS 680. Special editions like the Hector Blackstorm and Snowstorm add variety without fragmenting the core range. As always, final specifications and prices at launch may differ from pre-launch estimates, so potential buyers should verify details with dealerships closer to the launch dates.
FAQs
When does the festive season 2024 launch window start?
The major launch window begins in early September 2024 with the Tata Curvv ICE on September 2, followed by the Mercedes-Benz EQS 680 SUV on September 5, Hyundai Alcazar facelift on September 9, and MG Windsor EV on September 11. Additional launches continue into October.
What are the MG Hector Blackstorm and Snowstorm editions?
These are cosmetic special editions of the Hector SUV. The Blackstorm features an all-black exterior with dark chrome and red accents, while the Snowstorm offers a contrasting white theme. Both retain the standard engine and transmission options and carry a premium over regular variants.
Which electric SUVs are launching in the premium segment?
The Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz EQS 680 SUV are the key premium electric SUVs launching in October and September 2024 respectively. The EV9 is expected around Rs 80 lakh, while the EQS 680 SUV is positioned at approximately Rs 3.5 crore.
Is the Tata Curvv ICE different from the Curvv EV?
Yes. The Curvv ICE shares the SUV-coupe body style but features distinct design elements to differentiate it from the electric version. It offers three engine options including two turbo-petrol units, whereas the Curvv EV is purely battery-electric.
Will the 2024 Kia Carnival be offered with a hybrid powertrain in India?
Kia has not confirmed the India-spec powertrain for the new Carnival. Globally, a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid is available alongside a 3.5-litre V6 petrol. The final engine lineup for India will be revealed at the October 3 launch.
