Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Review: Playing To Win?

Toyota's maiden electric offering in India, the Urban Cruiser Ebella, is around the corner. This marks India's leading hybrid player's significant leap towards full electrification. Does the Ebella deliver an engaging and convincing driving experience? Read the first drive review.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Battery And Range

The Ebella comes in two battery options - 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The claimed range is between 440 km and 543 km, and the real-world figure should be around 350-450 km. Developed alongside Maruti's e Vitara as a badge-engineered pair, both models are expected in showrooms before the end of FY26. 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Design And Dimension

The stance is modern despite Ebella's compact footprint. Measuring 4,285 mm x 1,800 mm x 1,640 mm, Ebella stands smaller than rivals like the Tata Curvv EV,  MG Windsor EV, VinFast VF6 and Hyundai Creta EV. 

The Ebella stands tall with a sharp face and LED lighting at both ends, mirroring Toyota's global design language. The Ebella appears noticeably more modern than the eVitara. The 18-inch alloys enhance the stance, but 185 mm of ground clearance is not class leading. The prominent black side cladding interrupts the otherwise clean surfaces. The top-mounted C-pillar door handles perhaps fail to match the Ebella's modern intent.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Features And Space

Features offered in Ebella are appointed keeping tech-savvy and modern customers in mind. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella feature includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver display, connected tech, LED lighting, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control and rear AC vents. The dashboard feels modern for a Toyota but is visually busy. There are noticeable panel gaps, piano-black surfaces on the central console and thick bezels around the infotainment screen. Visibility for the driver is commanding, and the tactile AC switches operate with a solid click.

The Ebella makes effective use of its new EV platform, offering impressive cabin space. Thanks to its 2,700-mm wheelbase, there is ample knee room to stretch legs. However, rear passengers sit in a slightly knees-up position, and the limited seat width may feel restrictive. The all-black cabin, fixed type sunroof and small windows can seem claustrophobic. The 310-litre boot is enough for urban commutes but families setting out for weekenders may find it merely average.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Drive Experience

The motor is tuned differently, based on the battery pack you choose. The 49 kWh variant is tuned to deliver 144 hp and the 61 kWh version produces 174 hp. Both generate 189 Nm of peak torque. India will not get the global all-wheel-drive setup at launch.

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Power is sent to the front axle. The Ebella accelerates from 0-100 kmph in under 10 seconds, feeling brisk but not aggressive, and remains planted at 80-100 kmph. Three drive modes are available. Eco maximises range but dulls responses, while Sport sharpens steering and throttle feel. Handling is neutral with noticeable body roll, and the firm ride transmits bumps, expansion joints and broken surfaces. NVH levels at highway speeds are intrusive, with noticeable tyre and buffeting wind noise. Turning up the stereo helps, and these issues are far less prominent during city commutes.

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Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Safety Features

The Urban Cruiser Ebella's motor tuning feels subdued, and I hope it compensates with a healthy real-world driving range. Toyota offers an 8-year battery warranty, which is standard for the segment. Safety equipment includes seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring system, hill-hold assist and stability control. With the eVitara securing a Bharat NCAP 5-star rating, the Ebella is expected to perform similarly.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Expected Price And Verdict

Grounds-up EVs are fast, exciting, spacious and complete. It's difficult to rate the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in the same frequency. However, Toyota's strong 60 per cent buyback promise after three years, a massive nation-wise public charging network and the brand's reliability should help it gain quick traction. Prices will be announced in the coming weeks, with expectations ranging between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom). It will also be offered with Battery-as-a-Service, lowering the entry price to around Rs 13.5 lakh (expected, ex-showroom) and allowing users to pay per usage.