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India’s sedan segment is set for fresh activity in 2026, with several manufacturers planning updates and new launches to regain ground lost to SUVs. Facelifts of mid-size models such as the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are expected, along with other entries across segments. The upcoming sedans are likely to receive design changes, revised interiors, additional safety features and powertrain updates. The renewed push comes as some buyers continue to prefer sedans for ride comfort and style over larger SUVs. In this article, let’s take a look at the top five sedans expected to be launched in 2026. Mercedes-Benz CLA electricThe first sedan on the list is the new Mercedes-Benz CLA electric, which will be launched in the Indian market in April 2026. The new CLA will take the place of the A-Class sedan and will also replace the EQA and EQB EVs in the brand’s entry-level portfolio. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is expected to be priced somewhere between 55 and 60 lakh (ex-showroom).
the The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV, like the older models, places a strong focus on aerodynamics and has a low drag coefficient of 0.21. The sedan features a low stance, a longer wheelbase and short overhangs, giving it balanced proportions. At the front, the model gets a closed grille panel in gloss black with illuminated star-pattern elements and a central Mercedes emblem. Slim LED headlamps are linked by a light bar that runs across the fascia. The bumper has been redesigned with functional air inlets to support cooling and airflow.The Mercedes-Benz CLA will be offered in a single CLA 250 plus variant. It gets an 85 kWh battery pack paired with a single electric motor, which sends power to the rear wheels and produces 268hp and 335Nm of torque. It also gets a two-speed gearbox and has a claimed range of up to 792 km (WLTP). The new CLA features an 800-volt electrical architecture that supports DC fast charging at speeds of up to 320 kW. Mercedes-Benz claims this can add close to 300 km of driving range in around 10 minutes under ideal conditions.Skoda Slavia facelift Next sedan on the list is Skoda Slavia facelift. The sedan, which made its debut in 2021, is now due for its first mid-cycle update. Design-wise, it is expected to feature a redesigned fascia with sharper headlamps, a revised grille incorporating a connected light strip, similar to the Kushaq facelift and a new bumper design. Along the sides, the sedan could get newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, updates are likely to include a reworked boot lid, slimmer tail-lamps, and other subtle styling enhancements.
Moving inside, changes are expected to be minimal, limited largely to updated upholstery. On the features front, it is likely to gain a fully digital instrument cluster, a redesigned steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a host of additional upgrades. Mechanically, it is expected to continue unchanged, retaining the same set of engine options. Just like the Taigun, Volkswagen is expected to introduce a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, replacing the earlier 6-speed unit. Another engine is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol.Volkswagen Virtus facelift The Volkswagen Virtus was launched in 2022 and is now due for a mid-cycle facelift. The overall silhouette is expected to remain unchanged, but the Virtus is likely to receive a significant design refresh at the front and rear. Updates are expected to include a redesigned front fascia with sleeker headlamps, along with a revised grille and new bumper design. Along the sides, it is expected to feature newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels, while the rear is likely to receive a redesigned boot lid, slimmer tail-lamps and other subtle styling updates.Moving inside, changes are expected to be minimal, limited largely to updated upholstery. On the features front, it is likely to gain a fully digital instrument cluster, a redesigned steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a host of additional upgrades. Mechanically, it is expected to continue unchanged, retaining the same set of engine options. Just like the Taigun, Volkswagen is expected to introduce a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, replacing the earlier 6-speed unit. Another engine is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol.Hyundai Verna facelift Next on the list is the Hyundai Verna facelift. The current-generation model was launched in 2023 and is now due for a mid-cycle update. The sedan was recently spied testing with heavy camouflage. The overall silhouette remains the same, but covered sections point to exterior revisions.At the front, the bumper and grille are concealed, suggesting changes to the fascia. The split headlamp setup appears to be retained, though minor updates to the LED signature are likely. The bumper seems to feature revised air intakes, and the test car was seen with a new alloy wheel design. At the rear, camouflage on the boot lid and bumper indicates possible styling changes, including updated tail-lamp internals. The connected tail-lamp layout is expected to continue, with sharper lighting elements in line with Hyundai’s latest design approach.Inside, the dashboard was partially covered, hinting at updates to trim or layout. While the seats and door pads appear unchanged, additional features, new upholstery options, and upgrades to infotainment and safety systems may be introduced. The facelift is expected to retain the current petrol engine options, including the turbo-petrol unit, with manual and automatic transmissions. No major mechanical changes are anticipated. The updated model is likely to debut in Hyundai’s home market before arriving in India, where it will continue to compete with the Honda City, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus.Honda City faceliftHonda is expected to update the fifth-generation City in 2026 as the model nears its sixth year in the market. The current version was introduced in 2020 and received a facelift in 2023. It remains unclear whether the company will launch a new-generation model or introduce another update to the existing version. A generational change would typically involve revisions to design, interior, platform and powertrains, while a minor refresh would likely focus on cosmetic and feature upgrades. Honda is expected to take market conditions and regulatory requirements into account before finalising its plans. Further details are likely to emerge closer to 2026.
Source: Times of India
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