Mahindra & Mahindra has started road testing of its much-awaited electric SUV, the eXUV300 on the Indian roads. The new model is expected to be called the Mahindra XUV400. The electric SUV will be offered with multiple battery packs and will rival the Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and the Hyundai Kona EV.
Mahindra XUV400 Launch Timeline
The new Mahindra eXUV300 concept was first unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. It was speculated to be launched in 2021-22; however, the launch has been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to be launched sometime in 2023-24; however, launch timeline is yet to be announced.
New MESMA Platform
It is basically the electric derivative of the XUV300. However, the company has developed an independent electric platform for its future electric SUV. The new Mahindra XUV400 will be the first model based on Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MESMA) platform. This platform based models will also go on sale in select international markets.
Mahindra XUV400 Powertrain
The eXUV300 concept was equipped with two battery pack options – 350V and 380V. While the lower-spec model will rival the Nexon EV, the higher variant will be on par with the MG ZS EV and the Hyundai Kona EV. It will be the first electric vehicle to feature the battery cells developed by LG Chem exclusively for India application.
Design Highlights
The recent spy images clear that the new electric SUV is based on the XUV300. The spotted model was fully camouflaged; however, it was equipped with production-spec body parts without any dummy parts. The charging socket is placed on the front left fender. The spotted models sits lower than the XUV300. It has standard steel wheels.
The vehicle is likely to share design with the concept model with features like closed front grille, differently styled bumpers and new alloy wheels. The spotted model has differently styled rear profile. It looks slightly longer than the regular petrol or diesel variants.
