Maruti is all set to launch a new premium MPV, which is based on the Ertiga – India’s best selling MPV. Called XL6, launch will take place on the 21st August. Interestingly, even before XL6 is launched, Mahindra has opened bookings for Marazzo luxury edition by DC Design to take on XL6.
It’s expected to be a tight contest and the winner will be revealed in the coming months. As of now, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the bestselling MPV in the market. This may actually give XL6 a definitive advantage in this segment. Here we take a look at how different is the XL6 from Ertiga, and how it compares in size with Mahindra Marazzo.
More space and comfort: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is offered in 2+3+2 configuration, which may feel a bit crowded at times. Officially, this is the only seating arrangement offered with Ertiga. In comparison, Maruti XL6 comes in 2+2+2 config. The extra space has been alloted to the 2nd and 3rd row passengers – offering them not only more legroom, but also more shoulder room. Another key change is that XL6 will come with leather upholstery. This makes the interiors more premium than Ertiga that comes with fabric upholstery.
Stylish exteriors: As compared to Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6 will be a lot more attractive. It will get all LED headlamp and DRLs in the front. This is a key upgrade over Ertiga that comes with halogen headlamps. Even top-spec variants of Ertiga do not offer LED headlamps. XL6 will sport the distinctive Nexa Blue colour that can also be seen on other Nexa cars such as Ciaz, S-Cross, Baleno and Ignis. It also gets new alloys, body claddings all around – giving it a sporty look.
Premium interiors: As compared to Ertiga that has dual-tone black and beige colour scheme, XL6 will have an all-black theme. This enhances the car’s premiumness and boosts its sporty profile. Wooden panelling on the dashboard will be of a darker shade, as compared to that of Ertiga. \
Touchscreen infotainment system will be a 7-inch unit powered by Maruti Suzuki’s SmartPlay Studio. It will support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other key features include height adjustable driver’s seat and automatic climate control.
Longer, wider and taller: As Ertiga and XL6 share the same platform, their wheelbase is the same at 2,740 mm. However, in all other dimensional aspects, XL6 is bigger than Ertiga. XL6 measures 4,445 mm in length, 1,775 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height, while Ertiga measures 4,395 mm x 1,735 mm x 1,690 mm. This shows that XL6 is 50 mm longer, 40 mm wider and 10 mm taller than Ertiga. Turning radius of 5.2 metres is the same for both MPVs.
Nexa experience: As compared to Ertiga that is sold through the company’s Arena dealerships, XL6 will be sold via the premium Nexa dealerships. This will ensure a better buying experience for XL6 customers. XL6 will be the first MPV to be sold through Nexa dealerships.
Only petrol engine: Maruti XL6 will be offered only with a petrol 1.5 liter engine, which is also on offer with the Ertiga. On Ertiga, this engine has a rated fuel efficiency of 19.01 kmpl. Both manual and automatic transmission option will be on offer with XL6. Diesel engine will not be on offer with XL6.
Price: Ertiga petrol variants are priced in the range of Rs 7.55 lakh to Rs 10.06 lakh, ex-sh In comparison, XL6, with its new features and upgrades, is expected to be priced higher by Rs 50k – 70k depending on the variant. XL6 will be offered only in Zeta and Alpha trims only. This means the base variant of XL6 will cost in the range of Rs 9 lakhs, while top variant could go all the way to Rs 11 lakhs.
