2027 Renault Duster 7-Seater Spied In Chennai Ahead Of India Launch

Renault’s upcoming three-row SUV based on the new-generation Duster has been spotted testing in India yet again. The latest test mule was caught on camera by automotive enthusiast Mr.Shakthi in Chennai, suggesting development for the India-spec model is progressing steadily. With the 5 seater already on sale, the larger SUV is likely to arrive in early 2027.

2027 Renault Duster 7-Seater Spied

Unlike the earlier sightings that captured the SUV from multiple angles, this latest image offers a clear side profile. The extended rear overhang, longer roofline and larger rear quarter glass immediately reveal that this is the three-row version rather than the standard Duster.

The SUV retains an upright stance with a flat roof, chunky wheel arch cladding and roof rails, maintaining the rugged SUV styling seen on Renault’s latest global products. Door handles are also visible beneath the camouflage, while the rear quarter window appears significantly larger than the 5-seater model, helping maximise third-row space.

The rear spoiler extends further backwards, and the overall proportions look closer to the international Renault Boreal / Dacia Bigster than the standard Duster. The test vehicle was wearing temporary registration plates from Tamil Nadu, indicating local testing is now well underway.

Bigger SUV With More Space

The upcoming SUV is expected to share its RGMP architecture with the new Duster while offering increased overall length to accommodate three rows of seating. When launched, it will become Renault India’s flagship SUV and compete against vehicles such as Mahindra XUV7XO, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus (upcoming MG Starlight) and Hyundai Alcazar.

Expected equipment includes a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, fully digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat, connected car technology, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, Level 2 ADAS, multiple airbags, 360-degree camera and electronic parking brake.

Hybrid Powertrain Planned

Renault has already confirmed that India will receive strong hybrid technology. The company is expected to introduce the 1.8-litre E-Tech strong hybrid powertrain with the new Duster around Diwali 2026, and the same setup is likely to be offered on the larger three-row SUV as well.

In addition, Renault and Nissan are preparing to localise hybrid powertrains in India through Horse Powertrain, which has plans to invest around $370 million (approx. Rs 3,500 crore) in the country. Local manufacturing should help make hybrid variants more competitively priced while reducing dependence on imports.

With Renault planning an aggressive product offensive over the next 18 months —including the new Duster 7 seater and Bridger sub 4m SUV, the French carmaker is preparing for a major comeback in the Indian SUV market. The latest Chennai sighting indicates that the development programme is gathering pace ahead of its expected launch in 2027.