Maruti Suzuki XL6 review, first drive 

The new Maruti Suzuki XL6 is here, and it's got a lot to offer in terms of features and convenience in addition to an updated engine and a brand-new gearbox. 

Maruti Suzuki started the MPV craze with the Ertiga. As the demand grew, Maruti went back to the drawing board and created a more premium version of the MPV that could cater to the premium end of the spectrum, and the XL6 was born. Since then though the competition got smart, entering the market with even more premium vehicles, with newer engines and gearboxes that left the XL6 looking a little dated.

Maruti Suzuki is not one to take an offensive sitting down, and now their back with a newer generation that gets an updated engine, significant changes to the styling and a brand new automatic gearbox. We flew down to Bangalore to see just how much has changed.

The 2022 Maruti Suzuki XL6 still retains the form of the first generation but builds on it with some significant changes to the styling. The first major change is at the front with a redesigned grille that now features a chrome crossbar that connects the headlamps. The headlamps too have been reprofiled, now featuring quad LEDs with an inset DRL. At the flanks, you have new dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels which add fresh appeal although, I liked the gunmetal finished alloys of the previous generation. At the back, the taillights too have been revamped with a smoked clear lens with a new angular inset DRL. The spoiler too has been tweaked while it also gets a functional roof rail as opposed to the cosmetic ones on the previous generation.

It's on the inside where you can say Maruti Suzuki have focussed the bulk of their efforts. While the dash layout, including the stone finish, has been carried forward from the previous generation of the XL6 the new car gets the new generation of Maruti Suzuki’s Smart Play Pro infotainment system which comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play as standard, with a new UX and some significant new functions that can be accessed straight through the system including door lock/unlock, and even the tyre pressure management system.

That aside, the big gap-up vis-a-vis the competition are ventilated seats that feature for the first time on a Maruti Suzuki. The seats too have gotten bolstered with more cushioning on critical contact points, which should make the ride a whole lot more comfortable. Lastly, this new generation of the XL6 also gets connected tech that allows you to remotely switch on the car and even set the AC temperature before you get in. All put together, especially from inside the cabin, the XL6 now feels a lot more premium and feels like a much more complete product concerning the competition.