Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i3 Plus XL Highlights

Ashok Leyland continues to expand its footprint in India’s small commercial vehicle (SCV) segment with the Bada Dost i3 Plus XL, a model designed to meet the evolving needs of logistics companies and owner-operators. Positioned as a business-focused solution, the Bada Dost i3 Plus XL targets operators seeking higher uptime, strong load-carrying ability, and long-term reliability in 2026.

Powering the Bada Dost i3 Plus XL is a 1,478 cc, 3-cylinder diesel engine that is turbocharged and intercooled, a setup already proven across the Bada Dost range. This engine is paired with a 5-speed synchromesh manual gearbox engineered for smooth and efficient torque delivery. On the performance front, the truck delivers 80 hp at 3,300 rpm and produces 190 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. These figures make it suitable for high-torque applications, particularly for long-lead operations and demanding cargo transport tasks. The turbocharger and intercooler work together to improve air intake efficiency, supporting consistent performance during extended operations.

To support heavy payload requirements, Ashok Leyland has equipped the Bada Dost i3 Plus XL with a robust suspension setup. The front features parabolic leaf springs with five leaves, while the rear uses semi-elliptical leaf springs with eight leaves. An anti-roll bar at the front further enhances stability, especially under load. This suspension configuration is tuned to handle rough road conditions and high payload stress, offering dependable performance across urban and rural routes, even though the ride can feel firm when the vehicle is unladen.

Braking performance has also been prioritised. The mini truck comes with ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Additionally, a load-sensing proportional valve (LSPV) ensures optimal brake pressure distribution based on axle load. This setup improves stopping efficiency while reducing brake wear, particularly during heavy-load operations.

Payload capability is one of the key strengths of the Bada Dost i3 Plus XL. The vehicle is fitted with a fixed side deck load body measuring 3,250 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, and 490 mm in height. With a rated payload capacity of 1,296 kg, it can handle a wide range of cargo applications, making it suitable for last-mile delivery as well as medium-distance logistics operations.

Safety is addressed through the use of high-strength materials in the chassis and cabin construction. Reinforced structural elements are designed to protect occupants and cargo during minor impacts, enhancing overall operational confidence.

In terms of pricing, the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i3 Plus XL starts at Rs 9.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Backed by a 5-year or 2 lakh km standard warranty, it emerges as a strong contender in India’s SCV segment, appealing to small, medium, and large logistics businesses looking for durability, performance, and long-term value.