Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Ertiga: Which MPV To Go For?

Recently, Maruti Suzuki lauunched its first premium MPV, the XL6, in the country. Even though the XL6 features more premium kit both inside and out, it is essentially an Ertiga underneath. Also, considering the fact that you need to shell out Rs 70,000 to Rs 84,000 more for the XL6 Alpha manual variant vis-a-vis the Ertiga’s ZXi+ variant, is it worth taking the plunge or are you better off saving the cash. Let’s find out.

Seating Layout:

This is where the main difference lies between both the MPVs. As its name suggests, the XL6 is a six-seater MPV and has captain seats with individual armrests for the middle row occupants. On the other hand, the Ertiga can only be had with a bench seat for the middle row, which qualifies it as a seven seater. 

While both models are capable of carrying six to seven occupants, the XL6 will fare slightly better for upto six people as individual captain seats equate to additional comfort for the middle row occupants. Also, the reclining option means you can really stretch out in the premium MPV. But if your MPV always caters to more than six people, then the Ertiga is the only way to go. 

Any Extra Features For The Money?

Yes, the XL6 comes with a handful of premium features to distance itself from the Ertiga. Have a look at the table below:

The XL6 comes with features like LED headlamps with DRLs, cruise control, auto headlamp on with follow-me-home function and leather upholstery to keep up with the premium tag.

 

Apart from that, the XL6 comes with features similar to the Ertiga like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, push button start with keyless entry, multi-info display, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs and tilt-adjustable steering wheel. 

Both models also share the same safety features as well. Have a look at the table:

*only in Automatic variants. 

While the XL6 comes with a decent amount of kit, considering the fact that it is a premium MPV, we expected it to pack side and curtain airbags too. The presence of side and curtain airbags could serve as an additional curtain of protection for the rear occupants. It might also prove useful in case of an unfortunate event as the rear occupants only have the seatbelts to rely on for their safety.

Which MPV Looks Premium?

Looks are subjective. But we must admit that Maruti has done a good job of distinguishing both the MPVs apart. 

The Ertiga is a good looking MPV to start off with. The front grille with its chrome accents and dual-barrel projector headlamps give it the impression of a smaller Innova Crysta, which is no bad thing in our opinion. In profile, the stylish 15-inch alloy wheels and a sharp crease on the body panel give it character. At the rear, the Ertiga comes with a stylish set of split LED tail lamps. 

On the other hand, the XL6 comes with a restyled front fascia with a new hexagonal grille. Its split by a subtle chrome strip that connects the LED headlamps and merges into the DRLs. Maruti has also tossed in body cladding and roof rails, upping the premium ante. The alloys in the XL6 are similar to the Ertiga, albeit in an all-black shade. At the rear, the XL6 and Ertiga share the same split LED tail lamps. There is also a black plastic strip on the boot to reduce the visual bulk. 

Which MPV Is Premium Inside?

Both MPVs come with a similar dashboard layout, albeit in different colours and trims. The Ertiga makes do with a black-beige colour combo while the XL6 opts for a sportier all-black colour scheme. The darker shade also helps in keeping the interior clean in the long run. The light wood trim on the Ertiga has also been replaced by a darker ‘Stone’ trim with a silver insert to up the premium quotient. Topping things up in favour of the XL6 is leather upholstery, which is not present in the Ertiga. 

Engines And Transmission Options:

Both the XL6 and Ertiga come with the same BS6-compliant 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that develops 105PS and 138Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. They also comes with Suzuki’s Smart-Hybrid tech which provides torque boost during hard acceleration to reduce the strain on the engine and improve fuel efficiency. 

But if you want a diesel engine, you have no other option but to go for the Ertiga as the XL6 is a petrol-only offering. The Ertiga comes with a 1.5-litre DDIS 225 engine that develops 95PS of power and 225Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Prices And Verdict:

Time to sum up then. As mentioned above, the XL6 costs around Rs 70,000 to Rs 84,000 more than the Ertiga vis-a-vis their respective variants. For the additional premium, the XL6 packs in a handful of extras, looks upmarket both inside-out, and comes with those comfy captain seats. 

But bring a seventh person into the equation and you have no other choice but to go for the Ertiga as the XL6 is a strict six seater. Another major factor that tilts towards the Ertiga is the availability of a diesel engine, which is a major omission in the XL6. And while the Ertiga might not feel as premium, the fact that you get to save Rs 75,000 makes it a good deal.

If captains seats for the middle row aren’t your top priority, we suggest you walk towards Maruti Suzuki’s Arena showroom and save your hard earned money with the Ertiga. But if you want a premium petrol MPV with comfortable seating for six people and the option of a fully-loaded automatic, then the XL6 is a no-brainer.