The month of October 2026 seems to be an important period for the Indian automobile industry.
With the festive season in the country, almost all car manufacturers are giving it their best shot to capture the attention of potential customers. From affordable hatchbacks to feature-laden SUVs, luxury electric cars to high-performance sedans – October 2026 has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed list of 10 most anticipated car launches for the festive season.
1. Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (facelift)
Expected Launch Date: October 5, 2026
Expected Price: ₹3.00 Crore+ (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Ultra-Luxury Sedan
Starting the list is the much-awaited facelift of Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The luxury sedan will enter the Indian market in early October 2026 with enhanced performance, a more sophisticated interior with the latest MBUX Superscreen and the best-in-class comfort. It is reported that the powerful S 580 (V8) and possibly the S 680 (V12) will dominate the sales chart in India, promising unparalleled comfort and chauffeur technology for the country’s elite.
2. Honda Elevate (facelift)
Expected Launch Date: October 6, 2026
Expected Price: ₹11.91 Lakh – ₹15.50 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Mid-Size SUV
Next on the list is another mid-size SUV that is expected to witness a facelift in early October 2026. While the exterior tweaks are speculated to be minimal, the interiors of the Honda Elevate are set to get a complete overhaul with a bigger infotainment screen and advanced connectivity features. The tried-and-tested 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine paired with a manual or CVT would continue to power the elevating SUV, targeting the competitive Creta/Seltos segment.
3. Skoda Slavia (facelift)
Expected Launch Date: October 6, 2026
Expected Price: ₹11.99 Lakh – ₹18.00 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Mid-Size Sedan
Also launching on October 6, 2026, is the much-anticipated facelift of Skoda’s best-selling sedan – the Slavia. Similar to its competitor, the interiors are set to receive a significant update, featuring a larger infotainment screen and connected car technology. The 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI petrol engines will continue to be the powerplants of choice, catering to the driving enthusiasts in the mid-size sedan segment.
4. Volvo EX90
Expected Launch Date: October 12, 2026
Expected Price: ₹1.20 Crore – ₹1.50 Crore (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Luxury Electric SUV
The much-awaited electric SUV from Volvo – the EX90 – is set to launch in early October 2026. Built on the company’s dedicated SEA platform, this three-row electric vehicle promises to deliver the latest safety technology and an ultra-modern yet minimalist Scandinavian interior. EX90 will directly take on the competition from Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Audi Q8 e-tron and challenge established luxury brands like Porsche and Tesla.
5. Volvo ES90
Expected Launch Date: October 12, 2026
Expected Price: ₹1.10 Crore+ (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Luxury Electric Sedan
The rival firm of Volvo has announced the launch of its luxury electric sedan ES90 in early October 2026. Offering the same advanced technology and safety features as its SUV counterpart, the ES90 will be the first-ever all-electric Volvo sedan to enter the Indian luxury segment.
6. Toyota Glanza (facelift)
Expected Launch Date: October 14, 2026
Expected Price: ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹9.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Premium Hatchback
The small but mighty Toyota Glanza is set to see its facelift in mid-October 2026. The updates are expected to include minor styling changes, new features addition (like 360-degree camera) and the updated infotainment system. The 1.2L K-Series petrol engine with Smart Hybrid would continue to power the vehicle, making it one of the most preferred compact cars in the budget segment.
7. Hyundai Bayon
Expected Launch Date: October 15, 2026
Expected Price: ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹12.50 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Mid-Size SUV
One of the most anticipated launches of October 2026 is Hyundai’s Bayon – an entry-level mid-size SUV that will rival the likes of Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon and Renault Kiger. The 4.2 m SUV will be based on the all-new Global K Platform and is expected to get a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. The 1.5L petrol engine (manual and IVT) would be the primary powerplant, with a possibility of a factory-fitted CNG option.
8. Audi Q3 (3rd generation)
Expected Launch Date: October 16, 2026
Expected Price: ₹48.00 Lakh – ₹52.00 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Premium Compact SUV
The most anticipated launch of Q3 is set to take place in mid-October 2026. The all-new, third-generation Q3 will be launched in India with enhanced performance and a fully-digital Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus. The 2.0L TFSI petrol engine will power the Q3, with quattro AWD as standard, taking on the competition from BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA.
9. VinFast VF3
Expected Launch Date: October 18, 2026
Expected Price: ₹10.00 Lakh (Ex-showroom, estimated)
Segment: Micro Electric SUV
The Vietnamese automaker VinFast has also entered the Indian automobile market with the VF3 – a micro-sized electric SUV. This vehicle is aimed at first-time EV buyers or those looking for a second vehicle for their daily commute.
10. Volkswagen Virtus (facelift)
Expected Launch Date: October 25, 2026
Expected Price: ₹11.99 Lakh – ₹18.00 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Mid-Size Sedan
To wrap up the list of 10 anticipated car launches, we have the facelift of Volkswagen’s Virtus – a mid-size sedan. Similar to its competitor Slavia, Virtus is set to receive some exterior tweaks and new features addition, including the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in top trims. The 1.0L and 1.5L TSI engines would continue to offer the best driving experience in the segment.
While there are several cars expected to launch in October 2026, those belonging to the mid and high ranges seem to have more updates to offer. From the feature-laden Audi Q3 and Volvo EX90/ES90 to the luxury Maybach S-Class – October 2026 has it all in terms of luxury cars. On the other hand, those on a budget can go for the Toyota Glanza, Hyundai Bayon and the affordable VinFast VF3.