Maruti Suzuki XL6: The Maruti Suzuki XL6 has established itself as a distinctive presence in India’s competitive MPV segment since its introduction in 2019. As a premium offering from NEXA, Maruti’s upscale retail channel, the XL6 combines the practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle with sophisticated styling and features that appeal to modern Indian families.
This second-generation model builds upon the success of its predecessor, introducing refinements that enhance both comfort and capability.
Maruti Suzuki XL6: Design and Exterior
The XL6 carries a bold, imposing stance that immediately sets it apart from its sibling, the Ertiga. Its distinctive front fascia features a prominent chrome-studded grille that extends into sharp, quad-chamber LED headlamps. The aggressive front bumper houses LED fog lamps surrounded by C-shaped chrome accents, contributing to its premium appeal.
From the side profile, the XL6 maintains classic MPV proportions with a gently sloping roofline and large windows that ensure excellent visibility for all passengers.
The floating roof design, accentuated by blacked-out pillars, lends a contemporary touch. Standard roof rails not only enhance the vehicle’s visual appeal but also provide functional utility for additional luggage.
At the rear, split LED tail lamps connected by a chrome strip create a sense of width and sophistication.
The rear bumper incorporates reflectors and a silver skid plate that reinforces the vehicle’s SUV-inspired design language.
The XL6 stands 4,445 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, and 1,700 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,740 mm. These dimensions ensure generous interior space while maintaining manageable urban maneuverability. Ground clearance of 180 mm provides confidence when navigating rough roads or unexpected obstacles.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the XL6, and you’re greeted by a spacious, thoughtfully designed cabin that prioritizes comfort and convenience.
The dashboard features a clean, horizontal layout with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. Soft-touch materials and premium upholstery elevate the interior ambiance.
One of the XL6’s defining features is its captain seats in the second row, which provide individual armrests, recline functionality, and one-touch tumble operation for easy access to the third row.
This configuration offers a lounge-like experience for middle-row passengers while maintaining seating for six occupants.
The third row can accommodate two adults comfortably for shorter journeys and provides adequate space for children on longer trips. When not in use, these seats can be folded flat to expand the luggage compartment from 209 liters to an impressive 550 liters.
Climate control is managed through an automatic system with dedicated second-row air vents, ensuring all occupants remain comfortable regardless of exterior conditions. The thoughtful placement of storage compartments, including large door pockets, center console bins, and seat-back pockets, makes organizing small items effortless.
Technology and Features
The XL6 comes equipped with Maruti’s SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The interface is intuitive, responsive, and can be controlled via voice commands for safer operation while driving.
A semi-digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information, including fuel efficiency data, range estimates, and gear shift indicators. The multi-function steering wheel offers convenient control of audio, calling functions, and cruise control.
Additional tech features include:
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Keyless entry with push-button start
Cruise control
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Auto-folding outside mirrors
Rear parking camera with guidelines
Arkamys-tuned sound system
The higher variants offer Suzuki Connect telematics with over 40 features, including geofencing, vehicle status, and remote operations through a smartphone app.
Performance and Powertrain
The XL6 is powered by Maruti’s 1.5-liter K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine, which delivers a balanced mix of performance and efficiency.
This naturally aspirated four-cylinder motor produces 103 PS of maximum power and 137 Nm of peak torque.
The engine comes paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The Smart Hybrid system incorporates an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a lithium-ion battery to assist during acceleration, enable idle start-stop functionality, and recover energy during deceleration.
The XL6 also offers a factory-fitted CNG option with the S-CNG technology, which delivers impressive fuel efficiency while maintaining reasonable performance. However, the CNG variant is available only with the manual transmission.
| Specification | Petrol | S-CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid | 1.5L K15C S-CNG |
| Power | 103 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 88 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | 121.5 Nm @ 4,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5MT / 6AT | 5MT only |
| Fuel Efficiency (claimed) | 20.97 km/l (MT) / 20.27 km/l (AT) | 26.32 km/kg |
Ride and Handling
The XL6 is built on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, which offers a good balance of rigidity and weight optimization. The suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, tuned to prioritize ride comfort over sporty handling.
On smooth highways, the XL6 maintains composure and stability even at higher speeds. The well-calibrated suspension effectively absorbs most road imperfections, preventing them from intruding into the cabin.
While there is some body roll during cornering due to the vehicle’s height, it remains predictable and controlled.
The electric power steering is light at low speeds, making city maneuvers effortless, and weighs up progressively as velocity increases to inspire confidence during highway cruising.
The turning radius of 5.2 meters is impressive for a vehicle of this size, facilitating easy U-turns and parking in tight urban spaces.
Braking performance comes from ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. The setup provides adequate stopping power with a progressive pedal feel that makes it easy to modulate in various driving conditions.
Safety
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the XL6 with a comprehensive safety suite that includes:
Dual front airbags (standard across all variants)
Side and curtain airbags (in higher variants)
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill Hold Assist
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Seat belt reminders for all seats
Speed alert system
Reverse parking sensors and camera
The XL6’s body structure incorporates high-tensile steel in critical areas to enhance crash protection while optimizing weight. The vehicle complies with India’s latest safety regulations and has shown reasonable performance in crash assessments.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a significant consideration for family vehicle buyers, and the XL6 delivers competitive numbers:
Petrol Manual: 20.97 km/l (claimed)
Petrol Automatic: 20.27 km/l (claimed)
CNG: 26.32 km/kg (claimed)
Real-world efficiency typically ranges between 14-16 km/l for the petrol variants in mixed driving conditions, while the CNG version can deliver 22-24 km/kg, making it an economical choice for high-mileage users.
Key Highlights of Maruti Suzuki XL6
Premium Styling: Distinctive front fascia with quad-chamber LED headlamps and chrome-accented grille
Comfortable Seating: Second-row captain seats with individual armrests and one-touch tumble function
Versatile Space Management: Flexible third-row seating with flat-folding capability for expanded cargo area
Advanced Connectivity: SmartPlay Studio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Smart Hybrid Technology: Improved fuel efficiency with idle start-stop and torque assist
CNG Option: Factory-fitted S-CNG technology for economical running costs
Enhanced Safety: ESP, hill hold assist, and multiple airbags in higher variants
NEXA Premium Experience: Ownership benefits including personalized service and extended warranty options
Variants and Pricing
The XL6 is available in three primary trim levels:
Zeta: The entry-level variant that offers essential features including dual airbags, LED headlamps, automatic climate control, and the SmartPlay Studio infotainment system.
Alpha: The mid-tier option adds features like leather upholstery, cruise control, UV-cut glass, and the Suzuki Connect telematics system.
Alpha+: The top-end variant includes side and curtain airbags, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging.
Pricing ranges from approximately ₹11.29 lakh for the base Zeta MT variant to ₹14.89 lakh for the top-spec Alpha+ AT (ex-showroom, Delhi). The CNG variants command a premium of around ₹95,000 over their petrol counterparts.
Ownership Experience
Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network remains one of the XL6’s strongest selling points. With over 4,000 service centers across India, maintenance and repairs are convenient regardless of location. The company offers standard warranty coverage of 2 years/40,000 kilometers, which can be extended to up to 5 years/100,000 kilometers.
Service intervals are recommended at every 10,000 kilometers or one year, whichever comes first. The estimated maintenance cost for the XL6 averages ₹5,000-7,000 annually for regular services, which is competitive within its segment.
The NEXA ownership experience includes additional benefits such as:
Personalized relationship manager
NEXA Music experiences and events
Priority service appointments
24×7 roadside assistance
Service through the NEXA app
Competition Analysis
The XL6 competes in a segment that includes several established players:
Kia Carens: Offers more engine options, including a powerful diesel, but at a higher price point
Mahindra Marazzo: Provides more space but lacks the refinement and feature set of the XL6
Toyota Innova Crysta: Positioned significantly higher in price but offers better build quality and performance
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: The XL6’s more affordable sibling with similar mechanical components but fewer premium features
The XL6’s unique selling proposition lies in its balance of premium features, fuel efficiency, and the reliability of Maruti Suzuki’s service network, making it an attractive proposition for family buyers who seek a touch of luxury without stretching their budget too far.
Maruti Suzuki XL6:
The Maruti Suzuki XL6 successfully carves out its niche in the competitive MPV market by combining practicality with premium touches. Its distinctive styling, comfortable captain seats, feature-rich cabin, and efficient powertrain options make it a compelling choice for modern Indian families.
While it may not offer the outright space of larger MPVs or the driving dynamics of similarly priced crossovers, the XL6 excels at its intended purpose: providing comfortable, efficient, and reliable transportation for six passengers with a touch of sophistication.
For buyers prioritizing a premium experience, reliable after-sales support, and reasonable running costs in a practical family vehicle, the XL6 represents a well-rounded package that’s difficult to overlook.
As Maruti Suzuki continues to refine and update this model, it’s likely to remain a significant player in India’s growing premium MPV segment for years to come.