India’s SUV obsession is real. Walk into any housing society parking lot in metros, and you’ll count more Cretas and Safaris than sedans. So when a homegrown industrial giant like JSW, the same Sajjan Jindal-led group that makes the steel in half the buildings you’ve ever walked into, announces their entry into the Indian automobile market.
JSW Motors is entering the Indian passenger vehicle market in 2026 with its first product: a plug-in hybrid electric SUV based on the Jetour T2 i-DM, developed in partnership with China’s Chery Automobile. This isn’t just another badge-engineered attempt. JSW is betting big on manufacturing in Maharashtra, targeting 80% localization, and going after a segment that’s currently dominated by Mahindra, Tata, Hyundai, and KIA.
What Is the JSW SUV?
The SUV we are talking about is called the Jetour T2 i-DM in international markets. JSW will sell it under its own badge in India. Think of it as India’s first mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV, a category that, until now, has only existed in the luxury segment (Land Rover, Volvo, BMW).
JSW SUV Dimensions
Dimensionally, it’s big: 4,785 mm long, 2,006 mm wide, and 1,875 mm tall, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. For reference, that’s larger than the Tata Safari. Five seats, a monocoque platform, and a powertrain that’s genuinely interesting.
The i-DM plug-in hybrid setup uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 154 hp and 220 Nm, paired with electric motors. producing 221 hp and 390 Nm. The 26.7 kWh battery pack enables up to 139 km of pure electric driving under NEDC conditions. In real-world Indian driving, expect somewhere between 90 and 110 km on electric alone, which covers the daily commute of most urban families twice over.
Jetour T2 Price In India
This is where it gets complicated. Sajjan Jindal himself has stated the company wants to “play in the ₹15 to ₹30 lakh price point.” But multiple industry reports now estimate the launch price around ₹45 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s quite the gap. The most likely explanation: the ₹15–30 lakh range may refer to future models JSW has already confirmed a second vehicle in 2027, expected to drive higher volumes. The Jetour T2, given its size, technology, and PHEV powertrain, is almost certainly going to land at ₹40–50 lakh when it actually arrives.
New JSW T2 Interior
The T2 i-DM’s interior is centered around a dual-screen layout with a large central touchscreen and digital driver’s display. Expected features include ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system, ambient lighting, Level 2 ADAS (adaptive cruise control, lane assist, auto-park), wireless charging, and an electric tailgate. That’s a feature list that embarrasses vehicles at ₹30 lakh and competes with cars at ₹60 lakh. If JSW delivers this at ₹45 lakh with decent build quality, it’s genuinely a worthy offering.
Our Opinion
JSW entering the car market is genuinely exciting. India needs more homegrown automotive ambition. Tata proved it could be done. Mahindra proved it clearly. And JSW, with its steel-to-chassis integration, manufacturing expertise, and deep pockets, has the infrastructure to do it properly. The Jetour T2’s technology is real. The design is attractive. The PHEV credentials are the best in this price range. All of that is good.
What worries us is the classic new-entrant challenge: service network depth, spare parts availability, software reliability over time, and resale value support. MG Motor almost took three full years to build a service network Indians could trust. JSW will face the same journey.
