Upcoming Cars in India 2026: Big Launches, Facelifts, EVs & Iconic Comebacks

Author: Babulal | BikeReviewIndia.com

The year 2025 proved to be a blockbuster for the Indian automobile industry, with more than 20 new car launches, major facelifts, and the return of performance-oriented global models. From award-winning SUVs to long-awaited EVs, Indian buyers had plenty to be excited about.

But the excitement is far from over.

Upcoming cars in India 2026

2026 is shaping up to be even bigger, with fresh-generation models, all-new EVs, premium brand entries, hybrid SUVs, and the comeback of iconic nameplates. Here’s a detailed look at the most important car launches expected in India in 2026, broken down by manufacturer.

Tata Motors: EV Push, Facelifts & a New Premium Brand

Tata Sierra EV 2026 launch showdown

Tata Sierra EV (Launch: 2026)

The iconic Tata Sierra is set to make a comeback in electric form. Officially confirmed for 2026, the Sierra EV will sit above the Curvv EV in Tata’s lineup.

Expected highlights:

  • Design inspired by the ICE Sierra concept

  • Pop-out door handles, signature lighting, large wheels

  • Triple-screen dashboard layout

  • Level 2 ADAS

  • Powertrain borrowed from the Curvv EV

Expected rivals: Hyundai Creta EV, Kia Carens EV, MG ZS EV

Tata Punch Facelift (ICE)

The Tata Punch, one of Tata’s highest-selling models, will receive its first major facelift since its 2021 debut.

Expected updates:

  • Revised exterior styling

  • Larger infotainment and digital cluster

  • 360-degree camera

  • Improved connected-car tech

Powertrain:
No changes expected – 1.2L petrol and CNG options continue.

Tata Punch EV Facelift

Following the ICE update, the Punch EV facelift will mirror design and feature upgrades.

Battery options remain unchanged:

  • 25 kWh

  • 35 kWh

Tata Avinya Brand Launch

Tata will spin off Avinya as a standalone premium EV brand, similar to its ICE–EV showroom separation strategy.

  • First model based on the Avinya X concept

  • Digital-first sales approach

  • Premium positioning

  • Direct competitor to Hyundai Genesis (India launch in 2027)

Tata Safari EV

Building on the Harrier EV platform, the Safari EV will offer:

  • Three-row seating

  • Enhanced rear-seat comfort

  • Shared powertrain and design language with Harrier EV

Key rival: Mahindra XUV.e9
This will be a crucial product in the premium electric SUV space.

Tata Nexon Facelift

Already feature-rich, the Nexon facelift will focus mainly on:

  • Updated front and rear styling

  • Minor interior enhancements

Powertrains remain unchanged:

  • Petrol

  • Diesel

  • Petrol + CNG

Hyundai: Facelifts, Hybrids & a Big Premium Return

Hyundai's upcoming car releases at twilight

Hyundai Verna Facelift

The Verna facelift is overdue and will bring:

  • Revised front and rear styling

  • Updated feature list

Engines remain unchanged: Petrol manual & automatic options.

New Hyundai Hybrid SUV

Hyundai is planning a new hybrid SUV positioned between Alcazar and Santa Fe.

  • Petrol and petrol-hybrid options

  • Made-in-India hybrid powertrain

  • Focus on features and efficiency

Hyundai Santa Fe (India Return)

After nearly a decade, Santa Fe returns to India as Hyundai’s flagship SUV.

Key highlights:

  • Petrol & hybrid options

  • 2-row and 3-row versions

  • AWD availability

Rivals: Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan

Nissan & Renault: Comebacks and Core Segment Focus

Nissan and Renault upcoming launches

Nissan Gravite MPV (Launch: Early 2026)

A rebadged version of the Renault Triber, the Gravite MPV will:

  • Share engines and features with Triber

  • Feature Nissan-specific styling

  • Target sub-₹10 lakh buyers

Launch timeline:
Reveal – January 2026 | Sales – March 2026

Nissan Compact SUV (Duster Rival)

Nissan’s most important launch of 2026 will be its new C-segment SUV, a sibling to the Renault Duster.

Rivals:
Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Grand Vitara

Renault Duster (All-New Generation)

The legendary Renault Duster returns after a 5-year gap.

Expected features:

  • Turbo petrol at launch

  • AWD option

  • Hybrid variant expected later

  • Premium interiors for Indian market

A three-row version is also expected around 2027.

Honda: Keeping the Sedan Alive

Honda City Facelift

Honda will refresh the City with:

  • Updated exterior styling

  • Revised interiors

  • New tech and safety features

This update is crucial as rivals like Verna, Slavia, and Virtus also receive updates.

Volkswagen: Facelifts, SUVs & Performance Cars

Volkswagen facelifts and performance highlights

Volkswagen Virtus & Taigun Facelifts

Both models will get:

  • New design aligned with global VW styling

  • Enhanced feature list

  • Level 2 ADAS retained

Volkswagen Tayron (India Launch)

A three-row SUV positioned above Tiguan, locally assembled in India.

  • Shared platform and engines with Tiguan

  • Higher pricing than Tiguan

Volkswagen Golf GTI (Second Batch)

Volkswagen is expected to open bookings for the next batch of Golf GTI, after it won Premium Car of the Year – ICOTY 2026.

Final Thoughts

2025 was wild — but 2026 looks even bigger.
From electric SUVs and hybrids to premium imports and long-awaited facelifts, the Indian car market is heading into one of its most exciting phases yet.

At BikeReviewIndia.com, we’ll be tracking every launch, reveal, and update closely.

👉 Which car are you most excited about in 2026?
Tell us in the comments and stay tuned for detailed reviews, comparisons, and launch coverage.

By Published On: January 5th, 2026Categories: News0 Comments on Upcoming Cars in India 2026: Big Launches, Facelifts, EVs & Iconic Comebacks

Leave A Comment