Discover Toyota’s first Indian electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser Ebella – a budget-friendly model built on the Maruti Suzuki e‑Vitara platform. Learn more now.
Toyota has officially launched its first pure‑electric vehicle for India: the Urban Cruiser Ebella. While the name may be new, the underlying architecture is borrowed from the Maruti Suzuki e‑Vitara, produced at Suzuki’s plant in the country. The collaboration lets Toyota offer an affordable EV without the need for an all‑new platform.
Powertrain and Range
The Ebella will be sold in three trim levels – E1, E2 and E3. The entry‑level E1 is equipped with a single electric motor delivering 142 hp and 189 Nm of torque, paired with a 49 kWh battery pack. The higher trims receive a more powerful 61 kW motor and a larger battery, pushing the estimated driving range to around 543 km per charge under ideal conditions.
Exterior Design
Externally, the Urban Cruiser Ebella adopts a modern SUV silhouette with several eye‑catching details:
- Daytime running LED light bar and projector headlamps.
- Front‑facing charging port on the left fender.
- Newly styled LED taillights and a shark‑fin antenna.
- 18‑inch alloy wheels with a sleek black‑filled wheel arch and protective underbody panels.
- Integrated rear‑reflectors on the bumper and concealed rear‑door handles for a cleaner look.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the cabin mirrors the e‑Vitara’s layout with a two‑tone brown‑and‑black theme. The centerpiece is a dual‑screen setup:
- A 10.25‑inch digital instrument cluster.
- A 10.1‑inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Additional comfort and convenience features include a two‑spoke multifunction steering wheel, silver‑finished air‑vent trims, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, auto‑dimming rear‑view mirror, and an EV‑specific acoustic alert system (AVAS). The climate‑control system filters particles down to PM 2.5, ensuring cleaner cabin air.
Seating and Cargo Flexibility
The driver’s seat is height‑adjustable, while the rear bench slides and reclines, and can be folded in a 40:20:40 ratio to maximise cargo space. This flexibility makes the Ebella practical for both city commutes and weekend getaways.
Driver‑Assist and EV‑Specific Features
Standard equipment includes regenerative braking with multiple levels and a one‑pedal driving mode, giving the driver control over energy recovery. Safety suites feature seven airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill‑hold assist, tyre‑pressure monitoring, and an anti‑theft system.
Pricing and Competition
While exact pricing will be announced shortly, industry sources such as CarWale estimate the Ebella will start around ₹1.7‑2 million (approximately $485‑$570 USD), aligning closely with the price of the Maruti Suzuki e‑Vitara.
Key rivals in the Indian electric‑SUV segment include the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV.
What’s Next?
Toyota plans to roll out the Urban Cruiser Ebella across its Indian dealership network later this year, positioning it as a gateway model for drivers seeking an affordable, zero‑emission SUV. Keep an eye on official announcements for test‑drive events and detailed specifications.