Published on motoautiv.com | March 2026
India’s automotive landscape is about to welcome a new player. JSW Motors, the standalone automotive arm of the JSW Group, has officially set the stage for its market debut with an SUV based on the internationally sold Jetour T2 — a product born from a technology and supply partnership with China’s Chery Automobile. Here is a full breakdown of what is known so far.
JSW–Chery Partnership
JSW Group’s entry into the passenger vehicle space operates independently of its existing 35% stake in the JSW MG Motor India joint venture. Under a separate agreement signed with Chery Automobile, JSW Motors secured access to vehicle technology, platforms, and key components. The Jetour T2 — a model sold globally under Chery’s Jetour sub-brand — has been selected as the foundation for JSW’s first product in India.
The brand confirmed its entry publicly through a dealer recruitment advertisement published in The Economic Times, with interested partners asked to register their interest by 11 March 2026.
Official Teaser and Design
JSW Motors released an early teaser image as part of its dealer recruitment campaign. The silhouette reveals a boxy, upright stance with horizontal LED headlight strips set within a circular housing, pixel-shaped LED fog lamps, and prominent wheel arches. The overall design language of the international Jetour T2 draws comparisons to rugged off-road icons such as the Land Rover Defender and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, featuring flat surfaces, an upright bonnet, a squared-off bumper, and a rear-mounted spare wheel on a flat tailgate with vertically stacked LED tail lamps.
The India-spec model is expected to carry a JSW badge in place of the Jetour lettering seen on the global version. Outside rearview mirrors on the India-spec model appear slightly smaller compared to the international variant, based on teaser images.
Dimensions
The Jetour T2 is a five-seat monocoque SUV with the following global-spec dimensions:
– Length: 4,785 mm
– Width: 2,006 mm
– Height: 1,875 mm
– Wheelbase: 2,800 mm
– Ground Clearance: 205 mm (minimum)
Powertrain
The Jetour T2 is offered globally in petrol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and full-electric (EV) versions. For the Indian market, JSW is expected to introduce the i-DM plug-in hybrid powertrain.
PHEV Specifications (Expected India Variant):
– Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol
– Engine Output: 154 bhp / 220 Nm
– Transmission: Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT)
– Battery Pack: 26.7 kWh
– Combined System Output: 221 bhp / 390 Nm
– Pure Electric Range: Up to 139 km (NEDC cycle)
– Drivetrain Options: Single-motor FWD or Dual-motor AWD (India-spec configuration unconfirmed)
The full-electric version available internationally is not currently expected to be offered in India at launch.
Interior and Features
The Jetour T2’s cabin adopts a horizontal dashboard layout with a clean and open appearance. Key interior highlights on the international model include:
– 15.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system
– 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster
– 12-speaker Sony audio system
– Panoramic sunroof
– Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
– 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
– Sliding and reclining second row
– Dual-zone automatic climate control
– Wireless charging for front passengers
– Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
– Ambient lighting
– Air purifier
– Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Three interior colour themes are available globally: an all-black scheme with red stitching, a black-green combination, and a dual-tone black-brown layout. Which of these will be offered in India has not been confirmed. Upholstery on the international model uses fabric and PVC materials.
The steering wheel features a tri-spoke squircle (square-circle) shape with mounted controls, and the centre console uses brushed aluminium finishes. Chunky door handles with exposed screws are a design feature carried over from the global model.
Safety Equipment
Based on the global specification, the Jetour T2 is equipped with:
– Multiple airbags
– Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
– All-wheel disc brakes
– Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
– 360-degree surround-view camera
– Electronic parking brake with auto hold
– Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
– ISOFIX child seat mounts
Manufacturing
JSW Motors is establishing a greenfield manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra. The plant is reported to have an initial annual production capacity of 500,000 units. The Jetour T2-based SUV will be assembled at this facility. JSW has stated a target of 70–75% localisation at the time of launch, with plans to achieve 100% localisation over time.
Regulatory Hurdles
JSW Motors has acknowledged that its launch timeline is subject to government approval for importing Chinese-sourced components. In December 2025, the company formally requested India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries to expedite certification processes for Chinese suppliers of safety glass components, including windshields and sunroofs. Any delays in these approvals could push the launch beyond the targeted window.
Expected Price and Launch Timeline
JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal has publicly stated the company’s intent to position the SUV between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). Some industry estimates place the price closer to Rs 30 lakh or above, depending on variant and equipment level.
The launch is currently targeted for the festive season, ahead of Diwali in November 2026. Official bookings are reported to be expected around 10 March 2026, though this has not been formally confirmed by the company.
Competitors
Based on its dimensions, powertrain, and expected price range, the JSW Jetour T2 will enter a segment occupied by several established nameplates in India, including:
– Tata Safari
– Tata Harrier
– Mahindra XUV700 / XUV 7XO
– MG Hector
– Jeep Compass / Meridian
What’s Next
JSW Motors has indicated plans to introduce three to four models in 2026. Following the Jetour T2-based PHEV SUV, a pure electric model based on Chery’s iCar V23 platform is reportedly being considered for 2027. The company has also received ARAI certification for a 12-metre electric bus and is working on commercial vehicle offerings.
*All specifications referenced are based on the international Jetour T2. India-specific details remain subject to official confirmation by JSW Motors. Prices mentioned are indicative and ex-showroom figures.
Source: motoautiv.com | Stay updated on the latest automotive news at motoautiv.com*
