Indian Car Colour Trends 2026

White continued to be the most popular car colour in India in 2025, capturing around 48 % of new-car paint finishes according to the BASF Colour Report 2025. Despite this strong preference, emerging trends suggest that Indian buyers are becoming more adventurous with their choices — exploring a broader palette beyond traditional neutral tones.

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Why White Still Dominates

White’s dominance in the Indian market is rooted in both practicality and resale value. Its natural ability to reflect heat makes it ideal for India’s warm and varied climate, helping keep interiors cooler compared with darker colours — a key factor for many buyers. White also tends to mask minor scratches and dust better, offering a cleaner look over time and making it a “safe” choice for resale in the used-car market.

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Neutral Shades Continue to Rule

While white remains the clear favourite, neutral colours collectively dominate the market. Grey accounted for about 17 % of new car colours, with black and silver each holding around 10 % of popularity. These achromatic shades are often chosen for their understated, versatile appeal and alignment with broad buyer preferences.

Growing Interest in Expressive Colours

Beyond neutrals, buyers are increasingly showing interest in more expressive hues.

• Blue led the chromatic colours with roughly 7 % share among buyers who prefer colours with more personality.
• Red followed with about 5 %, appealing to those seeking a sportier or more vibrant look.
• Other shades like green, beige and orange are still niche but visible on certain body types, most notably SUVs where lifestyle and outdoorsy appeal influence colour decisions.

This shift, while gradual, reflects a broader trend where customers — especially younger and first-time buyers — want to personalise their vehicles beyond the default neutrals.

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Segment Preferences: SUVs and EVs

The data also shows segment-specific differences in colour choice:

• SUV buyers appear more willing to opt for green and even some unconventional shades, reflecting an adventurous lifestyle association.
• Electric vehicle (EV) buyers, on the other hand, tend to lean towards blue and silver, possibly due to their modern and tech-forward connotations.
• Additionally, dual-tone colour combinations and matte finishes are gaining traction, especially among urban buyers seeking distinctive looks.

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What This Means for the Industry

The continued popularity of white underscores its enduring practicality and broad appeal across price points and vehicle types. At the same time, the rising interest in expressive colours signals an evolving Indian car market where personalisation and style matter more than ever.

Manufacturers and dealers may increasingly offer a wider array of colours and finishes to cater to these changing tastes. For buyers, this means more choices and a chance to make a personal statement with their vehicle without sacrificing practicality or resale value.