Nine new cars are scheduled to launch or debut in India in October 2026, including five SUVs, three sedans and one hatchback.
The list includes the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class facelift, Skoda Slavia facelift, Volvo ES90, Audi Q3, Renault Duster hybrid and Hyundai Bayon.
The festive season in India is traditionally the busiest window for the automotive industry, and October 2026 is no exception. Auto manufacturers are preparing a diverse mix of mid-cycle facelifts, brand-new generation models, and high-voltage electric vehicles to capture festive consumer demand.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class Facelift (Launch Date: October 5)
Following the mid-year arrival of the standard S-Class facelift, Mercedes-Benz introduces its ultra-luxury Maybach iteration. It retains the 180mm longer wheelbase of the Maybach version, along with its vertically slatted grille, revised bumpers, Maybach-specific wheels and two-tone exterior finish.
Inside, it gets the standard S-Class's Superscreen layout, comprising a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, 14.4-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch passenger display. New upholstery options include extended leather and a leather-free material. The rear seats offer up to 43 degrees of recline, along with heating, ventilation and massage functions.
Globally, the Maybach S-Class is available with V8 mild-hybrid, V8 plug-in hybrid and V12 powertrains. For India, Mercedes-Benz is likely to offer the S 580 or S 580e.
Honda Elevate Facelift (Launch Date: October 6)
Honda's midsize SUV will receive styling and feature updates, including revised headlamps, tail-lamps, bumpers, grille and wheels. The interior is expected to get a larger infotainment touchscreen and revised colour schemes, along with features such as ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and ambient lighting.
The facelift is likely to retain the 121hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 6-speed manual and CVT options. Honda may also introduce the 126 bhp 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain from the City e:HEV, although this has not been confirmed.
Skoda Slavia Facelift (Launch Date: October 6)
Skoda will officially announce prices for the refreshed Slavia sedan. The update brings revised DRLs, restyled bumpers, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and massaging outboard rear seats.
While engine options stay identical (1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI), the 1.0-litre variant replaces its older 6-speed torque converter with a more efficient 8-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.5 TSI also adds rear disc brakes.
Volvo ES90 & EX90 (Launch Date: October 12)
Volvo will launch the ES90 sedan and EX90 SUV in India on October 12. Both are based on the company's 800V SPA2 platform and are expected to use a 106 kWh battery with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
ES90: A sleek executive EV sedan boasting an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.25, a 106 kWh battery pack, dual-motor AWD producing 456 bhp, and a WLTP-certified driving range of up to 696 km.
EX90: The flagship 6-seater electric SUV counterpart sharing the same 106 kWh dual-motor powertrain, delivering up to 625 km of range with flexible second-row captain's seating.
Toyota Glanza Facelift (Debut Date: October 14)
Following the updated Maruti Baleno, Toyota will unveil the refreshed Glanza. Exterior updates include reprofiled bumpers and new alloy designs.
Under the hood, it transitions to the newer 83 hp 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E engine (paired with 5-speed MT/AMT and factory CNG options), while adding Level 2 ADAS and ventilated seats to its equipment list.
Third-Gen Audi Q3 (Launch Date: October 16)
Audi introduces the all-new third-generation Q3 in India. Larger in every dimension, it adopts split LED headlamps, an illuminated rear light bar, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch central display. It continues with a 204 hp 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro AWD.
Renault Duster Hybrid (Launch Date: October 17)
Renault will add the E-Tech 160 strong-hybrid powertrain to the Duster range on October 17. It combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery, producing 160hp and 172Nm.
The setup uses an 8-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) with fixed gear ratios. Renault claims that the system can enable up to 80 per cent of urban driving in all-electric mode.
Hyundai Bayon Launch Date: (Mid-to-Late October)
Hyundai's second midsize SUV for India, the Bayon, is expected to be fully revealed and launched in mid-to-late October. Bookings commenced on September 23. The Bayon will be positioned between the Venue and Creta and is expected to use the Creta's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine in petrol and CNG versions. Gearbox options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and CVT automatic.
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