Mahindra & Mahindra has already revealed its product strategy for the Indian market. The indigenous SUV manufacturer had announced that it will not launch any new products this year. The 5-door Thar will be the next major release under Mahindra’s umbrella, scheduled for 2024. Furthermore, the company has multiple electric SUVs in the pipeline, all of which will be based on the brand’s new INGLO platform.
The plan outlines five born electric SUVs, categorized into two sub-brands: XUV.e and BE. The former will include two models – XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 – while the latter will consist of three models – BE.05, BE.07, and BE.09. All upcoming Mahindra electric SUVs will share the same platform and battery module. However, power outputs and range will vary.
The Mahindra XUV.e8 will be the first model to enter production and is expected to arrive in December 2024. It is essentially the electric version of Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the XUV700. Recently, one of its prototypes was captured on camera during testing in the country. The model was heavily camouflaged, concealing most of its design details. However, the spy images suggest that the production version will feature some noticeable cosmetic changes, especially at the front end.
The final version of the Mahindra XUV700 electric is likely to abandon the concept’s radical closed grille and headlamp design in favor of a conventional closed grille with vertical slats and C-shaped LED headlamps. In fact, its front bumper and fog lamp assembly will also be borrowed from its internal combustion engine (ICE) version. The copper-colored accents on its front grille, wheel caps, fog lamp housings, and rear section will highlight its electric nature, similar to the Mahindra XUV400.
Interior details of the Mahindra XUV.e8 are not available at the moment, but it’s expected to bear a strong resemblance to the XUV700. In terms of dimensions, the new Mahindra electric SUV (in its concept avatar) measures 4740mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1760mm in height, making it larger than its ICE counterpart. The powertrain setup of the SUV will include a larger capacity battery pack, possibly around 60-80kWh, with an expected range of approximately 400km or 450km.
The final version of the Mahindra XUV700 electric SUV will compete against the electric Tata Harrier. The latter was showcased in concept form at the 2023 Auto Expo, with its market launch planned for 2024.
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