JSW Motors To Launch Jetour T2 PHEV In 2026; Maharashtra Plant To Build Defender-Style SUV

Bidkin facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to assemble rugged hybrid SUV during festive season

JSW Motors is preparing to enter the Indian passenger vehicle market with its own independent car brand, and its first product will be the Chery Jetour T2 i-DM plug-in hybrid SUV. The model has already been patented in India and is expected to launch during the 2026 festive season.

The Jetour T2 stands out for its strong, boxy design inspired by rugged off-roaders. With its upright stance, squared wheel arches, flat bonnet and vertically stacked tail lamps, the SUV carries a bold road presence. The front features rectangular headlamps, LED light strips, a black grille with studded elements and a large, prominent bumper. At the rear, the flat tailgate houses a fully enclosed spare wheel, reinforcing its tough, off-road-ready character.

Maharashtra Manufacturing Push

In a significant Maharashtra connection, the Jetour T2 will be locally assembled at JSW Motors’ upcoming manufacturing facility in Bidkin, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The greenfield plant is spread across 630 acres and is expected to have an annual production capacity of around five lakh vehicles.

Despite JSW’s collaboration with Chinese automaker Chery for the Jetour brand, the vehicle will be assembled in India. The move is part of JSW Motors’ strategy to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing electric and hybrid vehicle segment.

Powertrain And Performance

For India, the Jetour T2 will be offered only in its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) avatar, known as the T2 i-DM. It will feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 154–156 PS and 220 Nm of torque, paired with a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

The SUV is equipped with a 26.7 kWh battery pack, offering an electric-only driving range of up to 139 km on a full charge. With a fast charger, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes, while a standard charger is expected to take around four hours for a full charge. Both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options are likely to be offered.

Features And Interior

Inside, the Jetour T2 will be a five-seater SUV equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital driver display. Premium features are expected to include a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, Sony 12-speaker audio system, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, and automatic climate control.

On the safety and tech front, the SUV is likely to come with a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, hill start assist and hill descent control.

Expected Price And Rivals

Reports suggest that the Jetour T2 could be priced around ₹15 lakh, positioning it as one of the more affordable plug-in hybrid SUVs in the country. However, the company has not yet officially announced pricing.

Once launched, the Jetour T2 is expected to compete with SUVs such as the Tata Sierra (upcoming), Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV700 and Thar, particularly targeting buyers looking for a rugged yet feature-rich SUV with hybrid capability.

With local assembly in Maharashtra and a strong focus on hybrid technology, JSW Motors’ Jetour T2 marks a significant step in the company’s entry into India’s evolving SUV market.