New SUV launches in January: Creta, GLS, Sonet, XUV400

SUVs continue to be a phenomenon in both international and Indian markets. The new year is kick-starting with a slew of SUV launches in both luxury and mass market segments. The following launches include both internal combustion engines and EV SUVs. So if you’re in the market for an SUV then you’re in luck and read on. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Launch date: January 8

The facelift Mercedes-Benz GLS was globally unveiled in 2023 along with its Maybach and AMG avatars. Being an updated version, the 2024 will receive a tweaked exterior design. The front grille sports four horizontal slats in silver finish. Mercedes-Benz is more aggressively designed with larger air inlets with a glossy black finish and a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels. Moving to the rear, the light cluster sports three pod LEDs.

The revised cabin is available in two leather colours, Catalana beige and Bahia brown. It comes standard with a glossy brown lime wood finish and a bigger infotainment system. The GLS is expected to be available in both 3-litre petrol and 3-litre diesel engine options. 

Hyundai Creta

Launch date: January 16

After tasting runaway success with both the first and the second generation of the Creta, Hyundai is gearing up to launch the 2024 facelift version on January 16th. The South Korean manufacturer has recently opened the bookings at Rs 25,000. The Creta gets a new parametric front grille, connected H-shaped LED DRLs and a new rectangle LED headlamps. The rear gets connected lights set up similar to the front with revised bumpers.

The interiors are completely new with large horizontal AC vents merged on the upper part of the dashboard. Hyundai has replaced the vertical touchscreen with a landscape one and HVAC controls are now touch buttons. The biggest update is that the Creta will now come equipped with ADAS suite and the petrol turbo engine makes a return. Speaking of powertrains, the SUV will retain the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and the new 1.5-litre turbo petrol. 

Kia Sonet

Launch date: To be announced 

The 2024 Kia Sonet broke cover in December 2023 and is expected to make its official debut this month. The bookings were also open last month. The Sonet receives minor design updates like a rear LED light bar, and new 16-inch alloy wheels, and now gets a long list of new features like Level 1 ADAS, six airbags as standard, a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, new air conditions vents, digital instrument panel and front ventilated seats.

The Sonet will be available in three powertrains — 1.2 NA petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and 1-litre turbo petrol. The 2024 Sonet will take on the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. 

Mahindra XUV400

Launch date: To be announced 

Mahindra has decided to revamp the XUV400 even though the company has been introducing minor updates since its launch. The all-electric SUV’s Achilles heel is its cabin design that the Indian SUV maker has decided to change completely. The 2024 XUV400 will sport dual 10.25-inch screens for both the infotainment system and the instrument console.

The centre console will be equipped with wireless connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging. The dashboard has also been rejigged with dual-zone climate control getting new AC vents. In terms of external design, it will remain more or less the same as the current model and there won’t be any mechanical changes.