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October 2026 Car Launches India: Maybach, Volvo, Honda

Mercedes-Benz launches the facelifted Maybach S-Class on October 5, leading a busy month of premium and mainstream model launches including the Volvo EX90

Mercedes-Benz launches the facelifted Maybach S-Class on October 5, leading a busy month of premium and mainstream model...

Mercedes-Benz will launch the facelifted Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in India on October 5, 2026. The ultra-luxury sedan arrives over six months after its international unveiling, featuring a larger illuminated grille, redesigned headlamps with a three-pointed-star lighting signature, and revised bumpers. Mercedes-Benz said: "The facelifted Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will arrive on October 5 with a larger illuminated grille, redesigned headlamps and star shaped DRLs." Inside, the cabin is dominated by a triple-screen Superscreen layout comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 14.4-inch central infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen. Rear-seat occupants get individual reclining seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The company has not confirmed the complete India powertrain line-up; the outgoing Maybach S 580 started at around Rs 2.87 crore ex-showroom.

Volvo confirms dual launch of EX90 SUV and ES90 sedan

Volvo will launch both the EX90 electric SUV and ES90 electric sedan in India on October 12, 2026. The dual launch marks Volvo's return to India's luxury sedan segment following the S90's discontinuation. Both models are built on Volvo's SPA2 architecture and are available internationally with 92 kWh rear-wheel-drive and 106 kWh dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations.

The flagship EX90 Ultra trim is expected with a 106 kWh battery, a dual-motor AWD system producing 456 hp and 670 Nm, and a claimed WLTP range of up to 625 km. Its cabin features a 14.5-inch touchscreen, a 9-inch driver display, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, four-zone climate control, and an extensive ADAS package. The ES90 sedan offers 92 kWh and 106 kWh battery options, with output ranging from 333 hp to 680 hp depending on the version. It features an 800V electrical system supporting up to 350 kW DC charging, with the longest-range derivative claiming up to 696 km on the WLTP cycle.

Honda Elevate facelift expected early October

Honda is expected to launch the facelifted Elevate in India on October 6, 2026. The updated SUV will receive exterior revisions to the grille, bumpers, lighting, and alloy wheels. Cabin upgrades are anticipated to include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and potential ADAS enhancements.

The mechanical package is expected to remain unchanged, centred around a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine rated at around 119 hp and 145 Nm. Transmission options will continue to be a six-speed manual and a CVT.

Other key updates: Hyundai Bayon, Skoda Slavia, Renault Duster, and more

October 2026 is described as one of the busiest months for India's passenger vehicle market, with several other key launches and updates confirmed.

ModelKey UpdateExpected/Confirmed Launch
Renault DusterNew generation with 1.8L hybrid petrol engine (160 hp, 172 Nm)October 17, 2026
Hyundai BayonGlobal reveal (European spec); India bookings open at Rs. 11,000Global reveal October 12, 2026
Skoda SlaviaFacelift with exterior/interior revisions, new features, 8-speed autoExpected October 2026
Volkswagen VirtusUpdate with exterior/cabin changes; 1.0L TSI may get 8-speed autoExpected October 2026
Audi Q3Third generation, locally assembled, 2.0L turbo petrol (204 hp)After October 2026
Toyota GlanzaStyling and equipment update; possible new 1.2L 3-cylinder engineExpected October 14, 2026
VinFast VF3Small two-door electric SUV addition to Indian portfolioPossibly October 2026

The new Renault Duster hybrid includes a 1.4 kWh battery pack and an eight-speed multi-mode automatic transmission, with its system designed to handle up to 80 per cent of city driving in EV-only mode. Hyundai has opened bookings for the Bayon at Rs. 11,000 ahead of its global reveal on October 12; it will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The Volkswagen Virtus update may also include a 360-degree camera and revised infotainment software, with its 1.5-litre TSI variant retaining a 7-speed DSG automatic. Audi will launch the third-generation Q3, which is 40 mm longer than its predecessor, after recently starting local assembly. Toyota's Glanza update will retain its close mechanical link with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The facelifted Skoda Slavia has already begun production in India ahead of its official price announcement and festive season deliveries.

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