Maruti Suzuki XL6: Worth the premium over the Ertiga?

Why was there a need for the XL6 when we already have the Ertiga in the same price bracket? As much as they say it’s a premium alternative to the Ertiga, there is more to it than just an alternative offering. It’s Maruti Suzuki, after all, and its marketing geniuses are aware of how the Indian market works, which is why it still stands as the country’s undisputed carmaker.

The trick is to put different products in the same segment, to lure the consumer to the one that caters the most needs. In this case, the Ertiga is more affordable, has seven seats, comes with a diesel engine, and a CNG option. The XL6 is a bit more expensive, but it brings in some nifty features such as cruise control, leatherette seats, automatic LED headlamps, and aggressive styling to the mix. So, those who were willing to spend extra to purchase a premium MPV will definitely approach a Nexa showroom first. Marketing geniuses, right?

Now, that we’ve discussed why there is a need for an Maruti Suzuki XL6 with the Ertiga already in the picture, let’s have a look what makes it worth a premium over the MPV it’s based on.

The XL6 sure looks much premium and contemporary in front of the Ertiga. It’s much more rugged, gets a new front fascia, and blackened bits so that it properly distinguishes itself from its sibling. Let’s talk about the face first. The bonnet is raised now making the face look more upright giving it an SUV-like stance. LED headlamps with DRLs and LED fog lamps are also part of the equipment list here. Also helping the SUV-like stance are the new skid plates on both ends that sit above the black plastic cladding that runs throughout the whole body. The alloy wheels, ORVMs, and the rear plate flanked by the taillamps are black too.

But there are more blackened bits than the ones mentioned above. Step inside, and while the cabin layout remains the same as the Ertiga, it’s black now. The faux wood trim is now replaced with grey stone trim, making the cabin feel just a bit more upmarket. Also new to the interior is the Smartplay Studio infotainment system, with more features than your fingers can count. The steering wheel now gets additional buttons for cruise control too. Then there are the new leatherette seats, finished in black, which look exemplary. The middle-row now gets captain seats with individual armrests in place of the Ertiga’s bench seat.

Under the hood here is the company’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which is good for 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. It is compliant with BS-VI emission norms. It comes mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed torque converter automatic. Unsurprisingly, the XL6 drives the same as the petrol-powered Ertiga. Maruti Suzuki could have added a diesel engine to the mix too, making the XL6 a more versatile option. The dynamics are mostly the same too, with the suspension being supremely plush and absorbent. The handling, on the other hand, is a bit improved over the Ertiga.

Overall, the XL6, with a small premium over the Ertiga, is a great alternative for someone who needs an upmarket MPV. It brings all the strengths of the Ertiga, and then some. To know more about the Maruti Suzuki XL6, be sure to tune in to autoX.