Renault seems to be moving faster than many expected. The new Duster has already turned out to be a massive step for Renault India. The company is also all set to introduce the updated Kwid on July 3, and now it seems Renault is not stopping there. A 7-seater version of the Duster has been spotted testing on Indian roads, giving us another look at the brand’s future SUV plans.

Fresh spy shots show the larger SUV wearing heavy camouflage, but there is already enough to understand what Renault is preparing. The new model is expected to arrive in early 2027 and will sit above the standard five-seat Duster as the company’s flagship SUV.

Bigger Than The Standard Duster

The test vehicle looks similar to the regular Duster from the front, but the side profile tells a different story.

Some visible changes include:

Longer roofline

Extended rear overhang

Bigger rear quarter glass

Flat roof design

Roof rails

Higher ground clearance

Larger rear spoiler

These changes are expected to create enough room for a proper third row while keeping the rugged SUV styling.

Expected Dimensions

The upcoming SUV is likely to be close in size to the global Renault Boreal.

SpecificationExpected FigureLength4,556 mmWidth1,841 mmHeight1,650 mmWheelbase2,702 mmSeating7 Seats

It is expected to use Renault’s RGMP platform, which also underpins the new Duster. This architecture supports multiple body styles and different seating layouts.

Features Expected

Renault is likely to carry most of the equipment from the new Duster.

Expected highlights include:

Large touchscreen infotainment system

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Digital instrument cluster

Panoramic sunroof

Wireless charger

Ventilated front seats

Powered driver’s seat

Automatic climate control

Rear AC vents

Connected car technology

360-degree camera

Electronic parking brake

Level 2 ADAS

Multiple airbags

Engine Options Could Be Shared

The three-row SUV is expected to use the same engine options as the upcoming Duster.

The expected choices include:

1.3-litre turbo petrol engine

1.8-litre E-Tech strong hybrid

The hybrid version is expected to produce around 160 PS. Renault is likely to introduce this powertrain with the Duster around the 2026 festive season before offering it in the larger SUV.

There are also plans to localise hybrid technology in India, which could help make the hybrid models more affordable.

What It Means For Renault

This SUV will play an important role in Renault India’s new product plan. Along with the updated Kwid and the new seven seater SUV, the company is preparing one of its biggest model expansions in recent years.

The latest test mule also shows that development for the India-spec version is moving ahead steadily.

Expected Rivals

Once launched, the Renault 7-seater SUV will compete with:

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Hyundai Alcazar

MG Hector Plus

Upcoming MG Starlight

Spy image source – Rushlane