It looks like Suzuki Auto Philippines isn’t done electrifying its lineup.

An anonymous source from the Japanese carmaker initmated at the Jan. 16, 2023 launch of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid that the company is evaluating plans to bring in a mild-hybrid version of the Suzuki XL7.

However, it did not mention a launch date or final specifications.

The Ertiga and the XL7 are almost identical, with the latter sporting a more off-roader aesthetic.

The XL7 gets a massive front grill and generous amounts of black-plastic trim on the bumpers and the wheel arches. It also has unique 16-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and prominent roof rails.

In addition, the XL7 provides 200 mm of ground clearance, which is 20 mm more than the Ertiga. This puts the Suzuki on par with rivals like the Honda BR-V.

Suzuki's mild-hybrid setup

In other markets, the XL7 Hybrid (also known as the XL6 Hybrid in India) is powered by the same 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine found in the Ertiga Hybrid. 

This is connected to an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 12-volt lithium-ion battery pack.

The ISG replaces the alternator and functions like a generator that charges the battery. It also doubles as an electric motor that provides assistance to the vehicle when accelerating from a standing start.

Meanwhile, the battery pack is in charge of supplying power to the ISG and other electrical components of the vehicle. It likewise stores electrical energy generated by the ISG and provides regenerative braking for added fuel efficiency.

This mild-hybrid setup pumps out 103 PS and 138 Nm of torque. Unlike the Ertiga Hybrid, the XL7 Hybrid will likely get the same 6-speed automatic gearbox as the XL6 Hybrid.

There’s also an auto start-stop feature to help you save more fuel.

Up to 22 km/L

Suzuki Auto Philippines claimed the Ertiga Hybrid gets 12.54 km/L in the city.

Meanwhile, our colleagues at AutoFun Indonesia were able to get 22.5 km/L on the highway from the automatic Ertiga Hybrid.

Do you think a mild-hybrid Suzuki XL7 can take down the non-hybrid Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross?