Top 10 Car Launches In 2026 You Need To Know About

It is going to be an action-packed new year with over 30 new cars set to grace the Indian market across a variety of segments. From entry-level EVs to luxury cars, the choices will be aplenty for you to explore. While the list is certainly a long way, we've compiled the top 10 most-awaited car launches of 2026 that you must watch out for. Read on to know more. 

1. Renault Duster

Renault India is coming back in action and reviving its most popular nameplate in 2026. The Duster compact SUV is all set to make a comeback this January in an all-new avatar. The SUV will witness a complete revamp right from a more upmarket yet rugged design, and a premium interior that will be big on the feature front too. The original Renault Duster kicked off the compact SUV space over a decade ago, known for its butch looks, a torque-friendly diesel engine, and the option of AWD. While rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the new Tata Sierra have certainly set new standards in the same space, the new-generation Duster has an opportunity to win back some love from the masses. That said, the diesel powertrain will be missing this time with petrol-only engines lined up for the Indian market. The new-gen Renault Duster is slated for debut on January 26, 2026.

2. Nissan Tekton & Gravite

Nissan India has two new offerings lined up for launch next year. The brand will kick off the year with the Gravite, its subcompact MPV slated to arrive earlier in the year. The Nissan Gravite will be a rival to the Renault Triber bringing its own twist to the seven-seater configuration packaged in limited proportions. However, the automaker will expand its presence to the compact SUV space as well with the Tekton SUV. The Nissan Tekton will be sharing its underpinnings with the upcoming Renault Duster but will get a distinctly different exterior, inspired by Nissan’s flagship Patrol. The Gravite is expected to get a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, whereas Tekton is likely to offer a turbo petrol engine option.

3. Tata Sierra EV

The Sierra hype was real in 2025 with the iconic nameplate making a grand comeback. Tata stuck to the concept, reimagining the original Sierra for a new-age customer. Come 2026, and we will get the all-electric iteration of the compact SUV. Expect the Tata Sierra EV to arrive in the first half of the year, likely with Rear-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive configurations. It will also carry over all the features and then some on the electric version, setting it apart from the competition. Expect prices to start around the Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom) mark for the Sierra EV.

4. Skoda Kushaq Facelift

The Skoda Kushaq kicked off the automaker’s India 2.0 strategy and the SUV is all set to get its first comprehensive update in 2026. Expect the Kushaq facelift to arrive with changes to the front and rear exterior taking cues from the design language seen on the new Kylaq. The cabin is expected to get new upholstery, a revised dashboard, and more features than before. Expect the same 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines to continue on the Kushaq facelift with manual and automatic transmission choices. It will be interesting to see if Skoda introduces advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) among other tech upgrades on the Kushaq facelift, to keep up with the rivals.

5. Kia Syros EV

Having introduced its maiden locally built electric offering in India this year, Kia will expand its electric lineup with the Syros EV in 2026. The Kia Syros EV has been spotted testing on multiple occasions and is expected to arrive with a 42 kWh or 49 kWh battery pack promising a range of 350 km on a single charge. The Kia Syros EV will hold on to most of the styling elements and features from its ICE sibling, but should get a few extra creature comforts much like the Carens Clavis EV. The upcoming electric SUV will take on the MG Windsor, Tata Nexon EV, and Mahindra BE 6 in the segment.

6. Mercedes-Benz CLA EV

The Mercedes-Benz CLA nameplate will make a comeback in 2026 in an all-new electric iteration. The automaker showcased the CLA concept at the 2025 Auto Expo, and the production version stays identical to the same with its coupe roofline, and elongated front. The new CLA EV will be based on the MMA architecture optimised to support ICE, hybrid and electric powertrains. It will also get a tech-laden cabin sporting the new MB.OS infotainment system, while the overall proportions of the model have grown to make the cabin roomier over the predecessor. Power is expected to come from the 85 kWh battery pack and the range will be a talking point on the electric sedan, with a claim of 792 km (WLTP cycle) on a single charge. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is expected to arrive by early 2026 and is likely to be priced around Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom).

7. Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi is expected to get multiple major offerings to India in 2026, including the Q6 e-tron SUV and Sportback. The Audi Q6 e-tron is based on the new PPE platform, which brings the 800V architecture allowing for faster charging. The SUV bridges the gap between the ICE Audi Q5 (also slated for launch next year) and Q8 e-tron, and is only marginally smaller than the latter. The new Q6 e-tron is likely to be locally assembled in India and will draw power from the 100 kWh battery pack paired with a single motor sending power to the rear wheels. Expect a tech-focused cabin and a range of about 641 km (WLTP cycle) on a single charge.

8. Tata Punch Facelift

The Tata Punch is one of the biggest success stories for the automaker and the model is being readied for a comprehensive upgrade in 2026. Expect to see a restyled front and rear, new alloy wheels, and an improved cabin with a revamped dashboard, new upholstery, a bigger 10.25-inch screen, dual-spoke steering wheel, 360-degree camera, and more. Tata is expected to continue with the engine options on the Punch facelift with petrol and CNG options available, while prices are likely to remain identical too. The Punch facelift is slated to arrive in the first half of next year.

9. VinFast VF3 & Limo Green

Having made its India debut this year, Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is planning to introduce two models in India in 2026. The automaker has previously spoken about bringing the Limo Green and VF3 models to India. The VinFast Limo Green is about the same size as the Mahindra XUV700 and will pack a 60 kWh battery with a claimed range of 450 km. The upcoming model will be a seven-seater MPV, and will take on the Kia Carens Clavis EV and Mahindra XEV 9S, making it the brand’s most expensive model in India yet. On the other hand, the VinFast VF3 will be positioned as an MG Comet rival and as the most accessible offering from the carmaker. The SUV stance and butch looks certainly got a lot of attention at the 2025 Auto Expo, and should excite more buyers looking for a small yet butch urban runabout, especially with features like a 42 bhp electric motor, 18.64 kWh battery and a claimed range of 215 km. The VF3 also supports DC fast charging.

10. Tata Avinya

Tata Motors recently confirmed that it plans to bring the new Avinya brand to the market by the end of next year. This will be Tata’s foray into the luxury segment with ‘Avinya’ bridging the gap between its mass market models and uber luxurious JLR range. The Avinya sub-brand will compete in the Rs 40 lakh and above market, and will be based on JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA). We saw a prototype of the Avinya Series at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo, and a production-ready example will be available towards the end of next year. The upcoming Avinya range will be sold through different showrooms, and will take on offerings like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, as well as entry luxury models like the BMW iX1 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA EV.