The eVitara takes design cues from the eVX concept, sporting boxy wheelarches, a slim grille, and a kicked-up window line. It's built on Suzuki's new Heartect-e EV platform and measures 4,275mm (168.3 inches) in length with a 2,700mm (106.3 inches) wheelbase. Compared to the current Vitara, it's 100mm longer and has a 200mm bigger wheelbase, which should make it much roomier for passengers.
Suzuki will offer the eVitara with three powertrain options. The entry-level model comes with a 49 kWh battery and a front-wheel-drive motor producing 142 hp. A more powerful version uses a 61 kWh battery with a 172 hp front-wheel-drive motor. The top-of-the-line model features the same 61 kWh battery but adds a second motor at the rear, bringing the total output to 181 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque.
The all-wheel-drive version weighs in at 1,899 kg (4,190 lbs), which is 197 kg (434 lbs) heavier than the base model. It also comes with Suzuki's Allgrip-e system, including a Trail mode that uses the brakes to mimic a traditional limited-slip differential for off-road driving.
Inside, the eVitara sports a high-tech look with a slab of glass covering two-thirds of the upper dashboard. This houses a digital instrument pack and a center touchscreen. The interior design theme mixes high-tech elements with an adventurous spirit, using robust-looking coatings throughout.
Suzuki plans to start selling the eVitara in Europe, India, and Japan from summer 2025. It's worth noting that this new electric SUV will also serve as the basis for a upcoming Toyota bZ SUV, which will be built at the same plant in India.
Source: Suzuki