Maruti XL6 BS6 Review: Another Version Of the Maruti Ertiga?

Maruti XL6 BS6 Overview: Top models

The Maruti XL6 BS6 is offered with four variants

The Indian automobile industry has recently experienced a serious slump with almost all mainstream automakers reporting a remarkable decrease in sales number. Fortunately enough, the manufacturers have not given in to a difficult time and made every endeavour to recover their performance by introducing new models to the market, especially potential segments like MPV.

The Indian largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki has introduced the Maruti XL6, a crossover-ish MPV based on the Maruti Ertiga, to the Indian auto market. The XL6 is retailed through the Nexa dealerships and is expected to become the best seller there soon. A quick glance at the new vehicle will mislead you that it is much similar to its donor model; however, a more careful look will help you realize many differences between the two vehicles from inside out. This Maruti XL6 review will provide you with all the information you need to know about this new MPV.

Also read - Maruti XL6 Vs Honda BR-V – Prices, Specs, Exterior, Interior Comparison

Maruti XL6 BS6 360 View - Exterior Review

Just like other models retailed through Nexa premium showrooms, the Maruti XL6 will get the Nexa blue paint scheme and will have its own identity with many different features from the Maruti Ertiga.

Front View

Looking at the front, the Maruti XL6 appears to be an enhanced version of the Ertiga with a more aggressive nose. However, a closer look will disclose some unique features which help set it apart from the donor vehicle. The most outstanding alterations include a more upright grille, polishing quad-LED headlights, a brand-new bumper and a quintessential faux skid plate.

The Maruti XL6 front has quite a few differences from the Ertiga.

Side View

Like the front, the side profile comes with a handful of updates. These include a black plastic-cladding in the lower body section, wide silver roof rails, black ORVMs, faux scuff plates mounted on the side skirts and bigger black-painted alloy wheels.

The side profile of the XL6 also experiences plenty of updates

Rear View

The rear looks almost the same as the Ertiga except for some different features which include a more rugged bumper with a faux skid plate, the tailgate getting black trim and new badges.

The rear of the new XL6 bears a strong resemblance to the Ertiga.

All of these alterations are successful in making the XL6 become more robust and masculine than the Ertiga. Actually, viewed from certain angles, the XL6 will bear a strong resemblance to the second-gen Subaru Forester, particularly when the two vehicles getting the same Nexa Blue exterior paint scheme together.

Also read - Maruti XL6 Vs Toyota Innova Crysta - Design, Specifications And Prices Comparison

Maruti XL6 Dimensions - Length, Width, Height & More

The Maruti XL6 dimensions have experienced an improvement over the Maruti Ertiga in terms of almost all aspects. To be more specific, the XL6 measures 50 mm, 40 mm and 10 mm greater than the Ertiga in length, width and height, respectively while the wheelbase remains unchanged, measuring 2,740 mm.

Maruti XL6 BS6 - Interior Review

Like the exterior, the cabin of the XL6 has many things in common with the Ertiga but again, the former has unique characteristics which help distinguish itself from its donor vehicle.

Seating capacity

The most prominent interior feature of the XL6 is its six-seat layout (it is also worth noting that the Eritga is a full 7-seat MPV) which translates into a 2+2+2 seating configuration. The two captain seats will replace the bench seats on the Maruti Ertiga in the second seat row. This seat row is greatly supportive and is sure to keep the passengers comfortable throughout the drive. The XL6 also gets more high-quality leather seat coverings with a view to providing the passengers with a more pleasant journey than the Ertiga.

Instead of the beige cabin with some faux wood elements on the dashboard on the higher-spec variants on the Ertiga, the new XL6 comes with all-black interior on the base variant and a dual-tone paint scheme on the top variant.

The second seat row of the XL6 can provide the occupants with an extremely comfortable journey.

Comfort features           

Due to the presence of a coloured TFT MID, the instrument console looks slightly different. This MID provides plenty of important information including the operation of the SHVS mil-hybrid system. The Maruti XL6 is offered in Zeta and Alpha trims, which are equal to the ZXI and ZXI+ variants of the Ertiga, respectively but the formers come with quite a few new features. Both of the two variants are equipped with Maruti’s SmartPlay Studio infotainment system which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, telephony and Bluetooth connectivity. The unit has even doubled in size as it also accommodates the display for the reverse camera which provides the driver with a slightly pixelated image.

Other outstanding interior features of the Maruti XL6 include automatic temperature control, start/stop push button, cooled cup holders, passive keyless entry and speed control.

The Maruti XL6 is equipped with a more premium interior feature package than the Ertiga.

Safety and security features

The standard safety package includes twin front airbags, ABS with EBD, speed alert, rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminders for the driver and the front passengers. The automatic variants also offer ESP and hill start assist.

Read comparisons between the Maruti XL6 and its competitors to discover how this MPV fares against its rivals in the Indian auto market in terms of the interior features, please pay a visit to IndianAuto.

Maruti XL6 BS6 Performance - Engine Review

Engine and transmission

The Maruti XL6 receives its power from a 1.5-litre K15B naturally aspirated gasoline burner which was debuted on the Maruti Ciaz and is also offered on the Ertiga. This motor is paired with Maruti’s SHVS mild-hybrid system and can generate a maximum power of 105 PS and a peak torque of 138 Nm. The transmission duties are undertaken by a 5-speed MT and a 4-speed AT unit. The motor feels decently refined. It comes into its elements at around 2,000 RPM and provides a decent performance until about 5,000 RPM, after which, the power starts to suddenly taper off. 

Test Drive Review

Like most other Maruti cars, the gear ratios of the MT are quite well-defined and offer an excellent riding and handling quality. The four-speed automatic gearbox, on the other hand, seems outdated, but still delivers slick shifts. An overdrive off button is available for keeping the car in the first three gears. Moreover, an ‘L’ mode is also offered to keep the gearbox in the lowest gear as possible. These modes are greatly useful when the driver is in a hurry or when the car is building momentum on an inclined surface.

Like the Maruti Ertiga, the XL6 offers relatively light steering, which is not too engaging but will help you a lot in addressing the heavy traffic on congested roads. It is a simple task to handle this MPV through a city road with carelessly parked vehicles and disorderly two-wheelers which repeatedly penetrate into your lanes. The steering is neither sporty nor lifeless and responds well to even the slightest inputs.

The passengers might feel some body roll, particularly when the car does quick lane changes. However, it is inevitable for an MPV with such height, so there is nothing to complain here. Moreover, the Maruti XL6 can so effortlessly go through broken roads that even the rear occupants will not feel any discomfort.

With an excellent riding and handling quality, the Maruti XL6 can offer a comfortable journey for even the rear passengers.

>>> Also watch

New Maruti XL6 | First Look | More Luxury & More Style From Nexa

Maruti XL6 Mileage - Is it fuel efficient?

Fuel mileage is one of the top priorities when customers choosing their cars since a fuel-efficient car can help the owners save more money in the long run.

The Maruti XL6 mileage in comparisons with the petrol versions of the Maruti Ertiga has witnessed a slight decrease. 

Maruti XL6 BS6 Colours: How many options?

The Maruti XL6 is offered in six different colours: Nexa Blue, Pearl Brave Khaki, Prime Auburn Red, Metallic Magma Gray, Metallic Premium Silver and Pearl Arctic White.

Maruti XL6 BS6 Cost - Is it affordable?

The Maruti XL6 is priced from INR 9.8 lakh for the base Zeta MT variant to INR 11.46 lakh for the top Alpha AT variant.

This price range is higher than that of the Maruti Ertiga, which is no surprise for the premium feature kit that the new MPV offers. The XL6 competes against the facelifted Renault Duster (Rs 7.99 lakh - Rs 10.00 lakh), which has just been launched recently, the Maruti S-Cross (Rs 8.86 lakh - Rs 11.49 lakh) and even the Hyundai Creta (Rs 10.00 lakh - Rs 14.16 lakh). You can also buy a second-hand Maruti XL6 at a cheaper price with our used car section in IndianAuto. 

Verdict: Is Maruti XL6 BS6 worth buying?

While the Maruti XL6 bears a strong resemblance to the Ertiga, the former has its own identity with a more premium feature package. Some of the not-to-forget things when mentioning the XL6 include the highly supportive captain seats in the second seat row, the excellent riding and handling quality which can provide all the passengers with a comfortable journey. This MPV proves to be a perfect option for families who are looking for an amber, well-equipped and fuel-efficient people mover.

Launched on August 21, the vehicle is expected to help India’s largest auto manufacturer attain more market share in the highly potential MPV segment and give the Nexa dealerships an impetus in the aspect where they are not present. With all the good qualities along with the wide service network and low service costs that Maruti Suzuki is well-known for, the Maruti XL6 is likely to be the best-selling vehicle in the Nexa dealerships and help these outlets improve its sales. To read more reviews of Maruti Suzuki cars, please pay a visit to IndianAuto.