Toyota Urban Cruiser BEV : Toyota is soon going to launch its first electric SUV, Urban Cruiser BEV, in India by the end of this year. This move is considered very important for the company in view of the increasing demand for electric cars. The first glimpse of Urban Cruiser BEV was seen in Brussels and it was also introduced in India at the India Mobility Global Expo, after which the curiosity about the car has increased a lot.
This electric SUV falls in the 5-seater mid-size category and Toyota has clarified that this car will come to the market in the second half of the year. Apart from this, the twin vehicle of this model, Maruti Suzuki E Vitara, is also expected to be launched by September, but the launch of Toyota Urban Cruiser BEV can happen a little earlier or at the same time.
The design of the car is very similar to Maruti E Vitara, but it is larger in size. Its length is 4,285 mm, width 1,800 mm and height 1,640 mm, while the wheelbase is up to 2,700 mm. It will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s factory located in Gujarat, from where it will be exported to India as well as abroad.
This electric SUV will have two types of battery options. The first battery has a capacity of 49 kWh, which gives 144 horsepower of power and comes only with front-wheel drive. The second battery will be of 61 kWh, in which both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options will be available. The front-wheel drive version will give 174 horsepower of power, while the all-wheel drive version will get 184 horsepower power as it will have an additional motor installed on the rear axle.
The most special thing about this car is its battery range, which can run more than 500 kilometers on a single charge. Apart from this, fast DC charging facility will also be provided in it, so that the battery can be charged in less time.
Toyota has included many modern and great features in the Urban Cruiser BEV. The car will get a 360-degree panoramic camera system, which will make driving even safer. The driver’s seat will be power adjustable and an auto hole feature will also be available along with electronic parking brake. A 10.1-inch touchscreen has been provided for infotainment, while the console also has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Apart from this, wireless charging pad, sliding and reclining seats, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and JBL’s premium sound system will also be part of this car.
This SUV will directly compete with Hyundai Kona EV, MG ZS EV and Tata’s upcoming Curve EV. But due to its long range of 500+ km and Toyota’s trusted brand name, this car can make a special place in the Indian electric vehicle market.
As far as the price is concerned, the company has not yet officially given any information, but according to experts’ estimates, its price can be between Rs 20 to 25 lakh. If this happens, it can prove to be a great option for those buying a mid-range electric SUV.
This first electric SUV model from Toyota will prove to be a new beginning for the company in India. Customers are very excited about this car and it is expected that it will be launched in the market in the last quarter of this year.