Diesel Isn’t Dead Yet: Exciting Upcoming Models in 2026-2027

Diesel cars are pretty much banned in the EU and are treated as alien technology in the USA, barring a few Cummins-powered units.

Here, though, diesel is still pretty much revered thanks to an incredibly strong diesel-loving community and easy availability.

Despite the DPF problems, diesel cars still make up about 19 percent of 2025 sales, which may not sound like much but is almost 700,000 units as per FADA and SIAM.

Here are some upcoming diesel cars which have a pretty high probability of launching in the next few months.

Thar Facelift

Quite honestly this is one of the most confusing and clickbaity of all updates. The Thar was only “updated last year.” And these so-called updates were pretty hard to spot considering how trivial they were. 

Now there is another test mule doing rounds and being speculated as another facelift, but this time with design inspired by Thar ROXX, which means standard LED lights with different patterns and perhaps new exterior colors.

Also Read- Common Thar Problems We Would Like To See Fixed In Its Upcoming Facelift

What matters here is the near certain continued availability of Mahindra mHawk series diesel engines, which currently come in two flavours: 1.5 and 2.2 L with similar 300 Nm of torque.

BMW 7 Series Diesel

This was launched recently. BMW has confirmed the availability of diesel engines in the new 2027 BMW 7 Series. It will have an option for a 3.0L inline-6 diesel engine with 313 hp, 670 Nm. 

The new facelift has, as you would expect, screens everywhere but better implemented with a dashboard-wide curved display as opposed to Mercedes who just slap them on as afterthoughts.

You also get new 22-inch wheel choices, slimmer LED headlights and stretched-out rear lights. Expect the new 7 Series in India by 2026 end or 2027 Q1.

Mercedes S-Class Facelift

Another one of these super sleek and opulent sedans is heading our shores. The new S-Class looks like a more agreeable update compared to what Mercedes did to the Maybach line with pretentious badges all over the grille. 

The new facelift has a bit more of what outgoing S-Class had, without messing with its already majestic road presence, like bigger grille, new lights and a better infotainment system. It is all screen too, but it does not matter as the buyers for this kind of cars are usually seated in the back.

The new upcoming S-Class has two diesel variants: Mercedes-Benz S 350 d and S 450 d. Both have AWD and inline-6 diesel engines, difference being that 350 d has about 280 hp and 600 Nm of torque and 450 d has 330 hp with 750 Nm of torque. We expect only the 350 d model to land in India sometime in early 2027.

Scorpio N Facelift

We have all seen the recent craze of Napoli Black Scorpio N peaking. Everybody suddenly wants one and Mahindra has no problem restyling it for even more sales. A facelift was spotted in camo disguise, and all I could make out was that a newly redesigned grille and headlights are in order along with revamped rear light signatures.

Also Read- Upcoming Cars in 2026 Under ₹10 Lakh

Just like the XUV7X0 upgrade, expect new interior colours and exterior paint options on sale, with better infotainment system and possible upgrades in form of Dolby Atmos, larger panoramic roof, ventilated seats etc.

The so-called “big daddy” will most likely continue with diesel engines similar to what we find currently: a 2.2 litre mHawk with 132 and 175 PS of power depending on the variant.

Toyota Fortuner Facelift

This one was spied pretty clearly in Indonesia or Thailand, I am not sure.

Toyota has kept things fresh for Fortuner by introducing ladder and legender models and it is about time every MLA’s dream ride gets an update. Judging by the spy shots, expect more angular and edgy aesthetics with new slimmer lights both front and rear.

Also Read- Upcoming CNG Cars in 2026

Toyota is expected to continue with its diesel engine on the Fortuner facelift. The current Fortuner has a 2.8 litre diesel engine with 200 hp and 500 Nm. I think Toyota will implement some sort of mild hybrid system like in the Neo Fortuner sold here, and the 6-speed AT could be upgraded to an 8-speed AT unit.

We will see more details come to light. I expected this one to launch at the end of this year. It will compete with China born cars like Majestor and Jetour T2.

Creta Facelift

This one is especially hard to decode and only photos are covered with super thick camouflage. 

The only thing confirmed here is that given Hyundai’s history of ditching their entire design philosophy every 2 years, this thing will have a very new body panel redesign in a way that will only appeal to loyal customers.

This Creta facelift will be wider, taller, longer and will have a complete overhaul in terms of features, infotainment system etc. It has to be, as Creta is what is pulling in the money for Hyundai in India with around 500 units sold daily on average last year.

Also Read- Every Upcoming EV in 2026 

Abandoning their diesel fans in the mid-size segment will be the end for Koreans, so expect the diesel to be very much alive here. The current Creta for reference has a 1.5 CRDi engine with 116 hp and 250 Nm. I expect the 6-speed auto to be replaced by an 8-speed.

As with most of the upcoming diesel cars on our list, expect this one to be a year-end launch affair. 

There are not many diesel cars on sale and many models from Mahindra, Kia and Tata are already refreshed. 

The only oddity is Curvv which is suspected will be axed soon considering it is a good looking but a total flop in terms of sales.