Recently, a test mule of the Dacia Duster 4X4 with a rear axle-mounted electric motor was caught testing on foreign land. It is the third-generation Renault Dusterfeaturing e-4WD system co-developed with Valeo – a renowned French automotive supplier. While its official details are yet to be revealed, the model is likely to feature a 1.2L turbo petrol 48V mild hybrid powertrain, paired to an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. It is also likely to come with an automatic gearbox.
In the existing model, the 1.2L petrol engine with mild hybrid powertrain delivers a maximum power of 130bhp. This version comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and both FWD and 4X4 drivetrain systems. The performance figures of the Renault Duster e-4X4 will be different from the regular mild hybrid version. The 4X4 drivetrain can also be selected manually, depending on the variant. For instance, the globally sold Duster is available with an off-road mode.
In global markets, the new Renault Duster comes with two powertrain options – a 1.0L turbo petrol with LPG fuel support and a 1.6L petrol engine with two electric motors. While the former delivers a maximum power of 100bhp, the latter with a 49bhp traction motor and a high-voltage starter generator offers a combined power of 140bhp. This version of the SUV comes with the FWD setup only.
The new Duster e-4X4 is expected to make global debut towards the end of this year, followed by a global release in the second quarter of CY2026. The SUV’s LPV version might also be official revealed in late 2025.
India Launch & Competition
The third-generation Renault Duster is set to hit Indian roads in 2026. The SUV will enter into series production near around September. As of now, there is no clarity whether the India-spec version will come with the 4X4 drivetrain system or not. Here, the new Renault Duster will be positioned against the segment-leader Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Tata Curvv, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Honda Elevate.
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