October 2026 is set to be a busy month for the Indian automobile market, with several new and updated cars scheduled to launch or make their debut. From luxury models and electric vehicles to popular SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks, buyers can expect a wide range of new products during the festive season.

The festive season traditionally brings increased activity in India's automobile market, and October 2026 is no different. Several manufacturers are preparing to introduce new models, facelifts and powertrain updates during the month.

The lineup includes premium luxury cars, electric vehicles, midsize SUVs, a new-generation SUV, a facelifted hatchback and hybrid technology.

Here is a look at the major car launches and debuts expected in India during October 2026.

October 2026 New Car Launches: At a Glance
 

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class Facelift

Launch Date: 5 October 2026

Mercedes-Benz is scheduled to introduce the facelifted Maybach S-Class in India on October 5.

The updated model will continue to offer a longer and more luxurious alternative to the standard S-Class. The Maybach version remains around 180mm longer than the regular model and gets several styling elements that distinguish it from the standard sedan.

These include a vertically slatted grille with Maybach branding, revised bumpers, bespoke wheels and the signature dual-tone exterior finish.

Interior and Features

The cabin continues with the premium S-Class layout, including the large Superscreen setup.

The equipment package includes:

• 12.3-inch digital driver's display

• 14.4-inch central touchscreen

• 12.3-inch passenger display

• Premium leather upholstery options

• Vegan interior material option

• Heated rear seats

• Ventilated rear seats

• Rear massage function

• Up to 43-degree rear-seat recline

The global Maybach range is available with multiple engine options, although the exact India-specification powertrain lineup will depend on the final announcement.

Honda Elevate Facelift

Launch Date: 6 October 2026

Honda is preparing to introduce an updated version of the Elevate SUV on October 6.

The facelift is expected to receive several exterior changes, including revised headlamps, tail-lamps, bumpers, grille and alloy wheels.

The cabin is also expected to receive feature upgrades and changes to the interior colour scheme.

Expected Features

The updated Elevate could receive:

• Larger infotainment screen

• Ventilated front seats

• 360-degree camera

• Ambient lighting

• Updated interior finishes

• Additional convenience features

The existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is expected to continue, producing around 121hp.

Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and CVT automatic.

One major possibility is the introduction of a strong-hybrid powertrain. If offered, the hybrid Elevate could compete with other hybrid midsize SUVs in the Indian market.

Skoda Slavia Facelift

Launch Date: 6 October 2026

The facelifted Skoda Slavia is scheduled to receive its pricing announcement in October following its earlier debut.

The updated sedan gets subtle exterior revisions, including:

• New DRL signatures

• Revised grille

• Redesigned bumpers

• New alloy wheel designs

• Updated colour options

The interior changes are relatively limited, but Skoda has added several new features.

New Features

The Slavia facelift is expected to offer:

• 360-degree camera

• Massage function for outer rear seats

• Larger 10.25-inch digital driver's display

• Google-based AI assistant

• Front parking sensors

• Updated air-conditioning hardware

Engine and Transmission

The Slavia facelift continues with two turbo-petrol engines.

The biggest transmission update is the replacement of the earlier 6-speed torque-converter automatic with an 8-speed automatic for the 1.0-litre engine.

The 1.5-litre version continues with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and also gains rear disc brakes.

Volvo ES90 Electric Sedan

Launch Date: 12 October 2026

Volvo is set to expand its electric vehicle portfolio with the launch of the ES90.

The electric sedan is based on Volvo's 800V SPA2 platform and is expected to be offered in India with a 106kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.

The powertrain is expected to produce approximately:

• 456hp

• 670Nm

• 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds

The claimed WLTP range is around 696km.

The ES90 can support DC charging at up to 350kW, with a 10-80 percent charging session claimed to take approximately 22 minutes under suitable charging conditions.

ES90 Design and Interior

The ES90 gets a sleek electric-sedan design with:

• T-shaped LED headlamps

• Vertical front lighting elements

• Clean body surfaces

• C-shaped rear lamps

• Panoramic glass roof

Inside, the car features:

• 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen

• 9-inch digital driver's display

• Head-up display

• Google-based infotainment

• Four-zone climate control

• Powered front seats

• Advanced driver-assistance technology

• Premium audio system

Volvo EX90 Electric SUV

Launch Date: 12 October 2026

Alongside the ES90, Volvo is also expected to launch the EX90 electric SUV.

The SUV shares the SPA2 platform and is expected to use a 106kWh battery with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive.

The expected output is similar to the ES90, while the claimed 0-100kph acceleration time is also around 5.3 seconds.

The SUV's claimed WLTP range is approximately 625km, which is lower than the ES90 because of its larger and taller SUV body.

Six-Seat Configuration

One of the major differences between the EX90 and ES90 is the interior layout.

The EX90 can accommodate up to six occupants and is expected to be available with second-row captain's chairs.

This gives it a more premium, family-oriented cabin layout.

Toyota Glanza Facelift

Debut Date: 14 October 2026

Toyota is expected to reveal the facelifted Glanza on October 14.

The updated hatchback is expected to receive styling changes inspired by the latest Baleno facelift.

Expected exterior changes include:

• Larger grille

• Redesigned bumpers

• New alloy wheels

• Revised detailing

The cabin is expected to retain its existing dashboard layout while gaining updated seat upholstery and additional equipment.

New Features

Potential additions include:

• Level 2 ADAS

• Wireless charging

• Ventilated front seats

• Updated convenience features

New Engine

The facelifted Glanza is expected to move away from the current 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Instead, it could receive a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing around 83hp.

Transmission options are expected to include:

• 5-speed manual

• 5-speed AMT

• CNG option

The CNG version is expected to produce approximately 70hp.

Third-Generation Audi Q3

Launch Date: 16 October 2026

Audi India will introduce the latest-generation Q3 in October.

The new Q3 is larger than the outgoing model and gets a significantly revised design.

Exterior highlights include:

• Split LED headlamps

• Wide front grille

• 18-inch alloy wheels

• Sharper body design

• Full-width rear light bar

• Illuminated Audi emblem

Interior

The new Q3 gets a more technology-focused cabin.

Key features include:

• 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen

• 11.9-inch digital driver's display

• Four-spoke steering wheel

• Ambient lighting

• Sonos sound system

• Panoramic sunroof

• 360-degree camera

• Dual-zone climate control

Engine

The India-spec Q3 is expected to continue with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Expected specifications include:

• 204hp

• 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

• Quattro all-wheel drive

• 0-100kph in approximately 7.1 seconds

• Claimed top speed of 229kph

The new Q3 will continue to compete in the premium compact SUV segment.

Renault Duster Hybrid

Launch Date: 17 October 2026

Renault is expected to expand the Duster range with a strong-hybrid powertrain in October.

The new hybrid version is expected to use Renault's E-Tech 160 system.

The setup combines:

• 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine

• Two electric motors

• 1.4kWh battery

• Dedicated hybrid transmission

The combined output is expected to be around 160hp and 172Nm.

Dedicated Hybrid Transmission

One of the interesting aspects of the Duster hybrid is its dedicated 8-speed hybrid transmission.

Unlike the e-CVT systems used by several hybrid SUVs in India, the Duster's hybrid system uses fixed gear ratios.

The battery system is also expected to allow the vehicle to complete a significant portion of urban driving using electric power alone.

This could make the Duster hybrid particularly relevant for buyers who regularly drive in congested cities.

Hyundai Bayon

Launch Date: Mid-to-Late October 2026

Hyundai is also expected to introduce the Bayon in India during the second half of October.

The new SUV will reportedly slot between the Venue and Creta in Hyundai's Indian portfolio.

Bookings for the model have already commenced, with the official launch expected later in the month.

Engine Options

The Bayon is expected to use the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in both petrol and CNG configurations.

Expected transmission options include:

• 6-speed manual

• CVT automatic

The model is also expected to feature an underbody CNG tank, potentially making it a practical option for buyers seeking lower running costs.

Exterior Design

The Bayon is expected to feature Hyundai's newer design direction, including:

• L-shaped LED lighting

• Sloping window line

• Modern front-end design

• Distinctive rear lighting

• Compact SUV proportions

Interior

The cabin is expected to feature a curved dual-screen arrangement along with a three-spoke steering wheel and vertically oriented centre console.

The overall dashboard design is expected to share elements with Hyundai's latest-generation interior themes.

October 2026 Car Launches: Key Highlights
 

What Makes October 2026 Important for Car Buyers?

October could be an important month for Indian car buyers because manufacturers are bringing products across several price segments.

The month will see updates to established models such as the Honda Elevate, Skoda Slavia and Toyota Glanza, while completely new products such as the Volvo ES90, Volvo EX90, Audi Q3 and Hyundai Bayon are also expected.

The increasing availability of hybrid and electric powertrains is another major theme. The Renault Duster hybrid and potentially hybrid-equipped Honda Elevate could give consumers more choices beyond conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.