5 Defender-Inspired SUVs Coming To India Soon
Rugged, boxy SUVs are slowly making a comeback in the global car market. While many modern SUVs are moving towards sleeker and more aerodynamic designs, some manufacturers are still embracing the classic upright styling made famous by off-road icons.
In India, the Land Rover Defender remains one of the most recognizable SUVs with this design language. Now, several upcoming models from different brands are adopting a similar rugged approach. Here are five Defender-inspired SUVs that could launch in India in the near future.
Jetour T2
The Jetour T2 is expected to be among the first new rugged SUVs to arrive in India. The model could be introduced through the partnership between JSW and Chinese automaker Chery as part of their plans to enter the Indian market.
The SUV features a very boxy exterior with an upright bonnet, chunky bumpers and squared-off LED headlamps. Internationally, the Jetour T2 is offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor.
This setup is expected to deliver an electric-only driving range of close to 100 km. In terms of size, the SUV is slightly larger than many mid-size SUVs sold in India today.
Chery iCar V23
Another rugged SUV that could arrive through the same partnership is the iCar V23. This model follows a similar boxy design theme with round headlamps, upright proportions and a strong off-road-inspired stance.
The iCar V23 is a fully electric SUV and has already been spotted testing in India. Globally, it is offered with battery packs of around 59.93 kWh and 81.76 kWh. The smaller battery version comes with rear-wheel drive, while the larger battery variant offers an all-wheel-drive setup.
The cabin is expected to feature a large touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials and modern driver assistance technology.
Renault Bridger
Renault has also previewed a new compact SUV concept called the Bridger. Unlike many other compact SUVs, this model adopts a more rugged and practical design with a boxy silhouette.
The Bridger is expected to be a sub-four-metre SUV developed specifically for markets like India. The concept shown earlier features a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, giving it a strong off-road-inspired look.
Multiple powertrain options are expected including petrol, turbo petrol, hybrid and even electric variants.
Nissan Version Of The Bridger
Nissan is also expected to launch its own version of the Bridger after Renault introduces the model. Both vehicles are likely to share the same platform and mechanical components.
However, Nissan’s version could feature a slightly different exterior design. Reports suggest that the styling could take inspiration from larger Nissan SUVs such as the Patrol.
Mahindra Vision S
Mahindra has been developing several new SUVs based on its next-generation architecture. One of the concepts previewed earlier is the Vision S.
The production version of this SUV has already been spotted testing on Indian roads. It features a muscular and boxy exterior design with strong character lines and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate.
The model is expected to be positioned in the sub-four-metre segment and could be offered with both petrol and diesel engine options when it launches in the coming years.
