Quick Highlights:
- JSW Motors to launch its first passenger vehicle in India in Q3 2026.
- SUV based on Jetour T2, sold under the JSW brand.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain confirmed for India.
- Locally assembled at JSW’s new Maharashtra facility.
JSW Motors Prepares Its First Passenger Vehicle Launch
JSW Motors Limited, the independent passenger vehicle arm of the JSW Group, is gearing up to make its long-awaited entry into the Indian car market. The company’s first model will be a mid-to-large-size SUV based on the Jetour T2, developed through a strategic tie-up with Chinese automaker Chery.
What stands out to me here is JSW’s clear intent to build a distinct identity. This model will sit separately from JSW MG Motor India, underlining that JSW wants its own space in the passenger vehicle segment rather than relying solely on partnerships.
India Launch Timeline and Local Assembly
The upcoming JSW SUV is expected to be introduced in the third quarter of 2026. It will be assembled in India at JSW’s upcoming greenfield manufacturing facility in Chhattrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. Local assembly should help JSW control costs, although final pricing will still depend heavily on localisation levels and battery sourcing.
Plug-in Hybrid Focus for the Indian Market
While the Jetour T2 is sold globally with conventional petrol engines, India will receive the plug-in hybrid Jetour T2 i-DM version. This aligns with JSW’s stated focus on sustainable mobility solutions, and in my view, it is a smart way to stand out in a market that is still short on affordable PHEVs.
The plug-in hybrid system combines:
- 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 154 BHP and 220 Nm
- Two front-mounted electric motors with a combined output of 221 BHP and 390 Nm
Power is delivered via a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), designed for smooth switching between electric, hybrid and engine-only modes.
Battery, Range and Charging
The Jetour T2 i-DM uses a 26.7 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed 139 km pure electric range (NEDC cycle). For urban buyers, this means daily commutes could be handled almost entirely on electric power.
Fast charging support allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in around 30 minutes, which is impressive for a PHEV and could be a key selling point if charging infrastructure continues to improve.
Size, Platform and Design Highlights
Built on a monocoque chassis, the Jetour T2 i-DM is a large SUV with a strong road presence. Dimensionally, it measures:
- Length: 4,785 mm
- Width: 2,006 mm
- Height: 1,875 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,800 mm
This makes it larger than the Tata Safari, and the five-seat layout is expected to prioritise comfort and space. A seven-seat version exists globally, but JSW has not confirmed plans for India.
Design-wise, the SUV adopts a boxy, upright stance, drawing comparisons with the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Expect square LED headlamps, chunky bumpers, flared wheel arches and an off-road-inspired silhouette, even though it’s based on a monocoque platform.
Drivetrain Options and Market Positioning
Internationally, the Jetour T2 i-DM is offered with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. JSW has yet to confirm which version will be introduced in India.
Pricing is also unannounced. For reference, the five-seat FWD PHEV version retails at around ₹35 lakh in the UAE. If JSW manages to price it anywhere close to this in India, it could become India’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV, and possibly the only one in this price band.
About Jetour and the JSW Strategy
Jetour was launched in 2018 as a premium SUV-focused brand under Chery Automobile. It operates across China, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
For JSW, this first launch will play a key role in shaping its new car brand. Choosing a PHEV over a pure ICE model is clearly a strategic move, helping JSW differentiate itself while keeping one foot firmly in electrification without going fully EV from day one.
It’s also worth noting that JSW is in talks with SAIC for a majority stake in JSW MG Motor India, signalling broader ambitions in the Indian automotive space.
What to Expect Next
More details on features, final specifications, pricing and dealer network are expected closer to launch. As someone watching India’s evolving hybrid space closely, I see this as a potentially important step in normalising PHEVs for mainstream buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Q. When will the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV launch in India?
- The SUV is expected to launch in Q3 2026.
Q. Will the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV be sold under the Jetour brand in India?
- No, it will be sold under the JSW brand, not as a Jetour.
Q. What powertrain will JSW offer in India?
- JSW will introduce the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Jetour T2 i-DM, not the petrol-only version.
Q. What is the electric-only range of the Jetour T2 i-DM?
- The claimed electric range is 139 km (NEDC cycle).
Q. Will there be a 7-seat version of the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV in India?
- A seven-seat version exists globally, but JSW has not confirmed it for India yet.
Q. Where will the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV be manufactured?
- It will be assembled in India at JSW’s new facility in Maharashtra.
Q. Is this SUV related to MG Motor India?
- No, this product will be positioned separately from the JSW MG Motor India joint venture.
