Renault is preparing to add three new hybrid SUVs to its Indian line-up by 2027, giving the French carmaker a much broader powertrain strategy in one of the world’s fastest-growing SUV markets. The first will be the Duster Hybrid, which is scheduled to get its price announcement on October 17, 2026. It will be followed by the larger three-row SUV, expected to be called Bigster or Boreal, and the sub-4-metre Bridger.
Renault’s India strategy is built around multi-energy platforms that can accommodate petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains. The company has said its future Indian portfolio will expand to seven vehicles by 2030, with the Duster, Bridger and three-row SUV forming a key part of that plan.
The Duster Hybrid will be Renault’s first hybrid model in India. The company has confirmed that its Hybrid E-Tech 160 powertrain will be introduced around Diwali 2026, with prices set to be announced on October 17. The system uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine and a 1.4 kWh battery pack, with Renault claiming that the powertrain can operate in electric mode for around 80% of typical driving conditions. The Duster will continue to be available with its existing turbo-petrol engines alongside the new hybrid.
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Renault’s next major launch will be a three-row SUV positioned above the Duster. While it is widely referred to as the Bigster, Renault’s international version of the model is also known as the Boreal, and the final Indian name has not been officially confirmed. The SUV is expected to arrive in early 2027 and will be available with a hybrid powertrain. Reports suggest it could use the same 1.8-litre Hybrid E-Tech system as the Duster, alongside the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. At around 4.6 metres long, the three-row SUV is expected to offer six- and seven-seat configurations. It will sit in the same broad territory as the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens Clavis.
The third SUV will be the Bridger, Renault’s upcoming sub-4-metre SUV previewed by the Bridger concept. It is expected to arrive in India in 2027 and will sit below the Duster. Renault has confirmed that its future compact SUV programme will follow a multi-energy approach, allowing petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains. Reports suggest the production Bridger could therefore be offered with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, turbo-petrol, hybrid and eventually an EV.
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Renault’s approach is interesting because it won’t rely on a single type of electrification. The company is preparing petrol, hybrid and electric options across different segments, while using India as a development and export hub.
