Seven new cars set to launch in October 2026, from Honda Elevate to Audi Q3

With festive season demand for vehicles in mind, October 2026 is set to be a busy month for the Indian automobile market. Major companies including Honda, Audi, Volvo, Hyundai and Toyota are ready to launch long-awaited models in India. The list includes all-new generation models, mid-cycle facelifts and flagship luxury segment cars.

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz will officially launch its flagship sedan, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, in India on October 5. Its exterior design gets a 20 percent larger illuminated grille, the Maybach illuminated wordmark, new headlight design, updated LED tail lamps, and 20 and 21 inch forged alloy wheels. The cabin gets a Superscreen setup with a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, 14.4 inch central display and 12.3 inch passenger screen, along with rear seats that recline up to 43 degrees with heating, ventilation and massage functions. The current model is priced at Rs 2.87 crore (ex-showroom), and the updated version is expected to cost more.

Honda will launch the facelift of its popular mid-size SUV, the Elevate, on October 6, 2026. The update focuses mainly on the cabin and features, including ventilated front seats like the Honda City, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument dials, new premium upholstery, a 360 degree camera and an advanced ADAS safety package. The engine remains unchanged, the same 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 119bhp and 145Nm of torque. Due to the additional features, the SUV's price will be slightly higher than the current starting price of Rs 11.81 lakh (ex-showroom).

Swedish carmaker Volvo will launch its two new electric flagship models, the EX90 SUV and ES90 sedan, together in India on October 12. Both cars are built on the brand's advanced 800V SPA2 architecture and come globally with 92kWh or 106kWh battery options. Features include a head-up display, a 14.5 inch portrait touchscreen, a 360 degree camera, a panoramic glass roof, a digital key, auto-park assist, 4-zone climate control and Level 3 ADAS. In India, the EX90 SUV is expected to be priced between Rs 1.40 crore and Rs 1.50 crore, while the ES90 sedan is expected to cost between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.20 crore.

Toyota will launch the facelifted version of its popular hatchback, the Glanza, on October 14. The new model gets a new front bumper and an improved grille. There is a major engine change too, with the old 4-cylinder engine replaced by a new 1.2 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 83hp and 112Nm of torque, along with 5-speed manual, AMT and CNG options. The cabin is expected to get ventilated front seats, wireless charging and Level 2 ADAS. Its price is expected to be slightly higher than the current starting price of Rs 6.73 lakh (ex-showroom).

Luxury carmaker Audi will officially launch the third-generation Q3 SUV in India on October 16. It will get a 2.0 litre turbo-petrol engine producing 204hp and 320Nm of torque, along with a 7-speed DCT gearbox and Audi's well-known Quattro AWD system as standard. The cabin will feature a 12.8 inch touchscreen, an 11.9 inch digital driver display and a 360 degree view camera. The luxury SUV, which will be assembled in India, is expected to be priced between Rs 55 lakh and Rs 60 lakh, and will compete directly with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

South Korean carmaker Hyundai is preparing to launch its new crossover SUV, the Hyundai Bayon, in India during the festive season. The car will slot in between Hyundai's Venue and Creta models. Its design is muscular and sporty, with a sculpted bonnet, flared fenders and the brand's signature H-Edge lighting system. It is expected to be powered by a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, offered with manual and CVT gearbox options, along with a possible company-fitted CNG version. Its estimated ex-showroom price is expected to be between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 14 lakh.