What if we tell you a Japanese 7-seater, priced around Rs 17 lakh, will get an engine developed with Mercedes-Benz? Yes, you read that right. The SUV has been spotted testing twice, and today we have the details on what’s under its bonnet and when it arrives.
New Japanese 7-Seater To Get Mercedes Engine
We are talking about Nissan’s upcoming three-row SUV for India, which will get a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This is the same unit that powers the Tekton and is a product of the Renault-Nissan-Mercedes-Benz alliance. The engine also powers several Mercedes models globally.
In the Tekton, this engine makes around 163 bhp and 280 Nm. The 7-seater is expected to use the same state of tune, with some reports quoting 161 bhp. Transmission options are likely to be a 6-speed manual and an automatic, with power going to the front wheels.
Interestingly, the Tekton’s smaller 1.0-litre turbo petrol will likely be skipped here, and the 1.3 will be the only engine on offer. Unlike its Renault sibling, which is expected to get a strong-hybrid option, the Nissan is not tipped to get a hybrid at launch.
What Else?
The 7-seater will sit above the Tekton in Nissan’s India line-up and is based on the same RGMP platform that underpins the new Renault Duster. Nissan has already confirmed it as a mid-size, three-row, seven-seat SUV, built locally in India. Since it is spied testing, expect the Patrol-inspired design cues seen on the Tekton, like the bold grille and upright stance, along with a longer wheelbase and a stretched rear to fit the third row.
Nissan hasn’t revealed the feature list yet. However, the Tekton already offers a big touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, six airbags, and ADAS on higher variants. We expect the 7-seater to pick these up and add practical touches like second-row captain seats and rear AC vents.
Upcoming Nissan 7-Seater: Expected Launch & Price
Nissan India’s MD has confirmed that the SUV will launch before the end of this financial year, which means we can expect it by early 2027, around February or March. Price-wise, the SUV is expected to start at around Rs 17 lakh and go up to Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.