Distinctive Car Designs Gain Momentum in India’s Rs 5–20 Lakh Segment

The Indian car market in the Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh range is seeing a shift in buyer preferences. While features, space, and powertrain options remain important, more buyers now seek cars that reflect individuality and stand out on the road. This trend is prompting manufacturers to explore new design directions and move away from conventional templates.

Key Highlights

• Indian buyers in Rs 5–20 lakh segment now value distinctive car designs
• Coupe-style SUVs like Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt offer unique alternatives
• Mahindra and MG introduce bold designs in electric vehicle space
• Lifestyle SUVs such as Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny drive demand for unconventional styles
• Manufacturers plan more boxy and rugged SUVs to meet changing preferences

Changing Buyer Priorities

In recent years, Indian car buyers have started valuing design and road presence alongside practicality and value. Younger customers, in particular, view cars as an extension of their personality and social status. As a result, brands are moving beyond safe silhouettes and are experimenting with bold styling choices.

Coupe-style SUVs are a clear example of this shift. The Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt offer visually distinct alternatives in the crowded mid-size SUV segment. The Tata Curvv, competing with models like the Hyundai Creta, features a sloping roofline and coupe-inspired profile. This design helps it stand out from traditional upright SUVs. The Citroen Basalt also introduces a unique silhouette in its segment.

Emergence of Bold Designs

Electric vehicles are another area where manufacturers are adopting bold designs. Mahindra’s new-generation EVs, including the Mahindra BE 6 and Mahindra XEV 9e, showcase futuristic styling. These models feature sharp surfaces, unique lighting, and unconventional proportions, setting them apart from traditional SUVs and signaling a shift toward electric mobility.

MG Motor India’s Comet EV and Windsor EV also bring unique styling to their respective segments. VinFast, a newer entrant, offers models like the VF7 and VF3 with sharp, modern designs. The VF3, when launched in India, could introduce a fresh look to its segment.

Distinctive Styling in SUVs

The new Tata Sierra demonstrates the growing emphasis on design-led differentiation. Its unique greenhouse design and retro-inspired cues set it apart from other SUVs in the price bracket. Tata aims to attract buyers looking for something different from conventional SUV designs.

Lifestyle SUVs are also driving this trend. The Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny show that buyers are open to unconventional body styles if they offer a strong personality. Manufacturers are responding by planning more boxy and rugged SUVs across various price points. Upcoming examples include the Jetour T2, a new compact SUV from Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra’s Vision S concept-based SUV, and the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.

Renault has introduced the Bridger concept, a boxy SUV based on the Duster platform. Positioned below the Duster, it targets buyers seeking greater variety in design.

Design as a Key Differentiator

As features and technology become standard across segments, design is emerging as a major differentiator in the Indian car market. Manufacturers now recognize that buyers want vehicles that reflect their individuality. This shift is likely to result in a wider variety of body styles and bold designs on Indian roads in the coming years.