Unveiled on August 15, 2022, Mahindra’s revolutionary XUV.e and BE range of electric SUVs are poised to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market.
Targeting both the domestic Indian market and several global markets, Mahindra is gearing up to launch its first electric SUV, the XUV.e8, which is an electrified iteration of India’s beloved mid-size SUV, the XUV700.
Spotted: Testing of Mahindra’s New XUV700 Electric
Recent sightings of test mules in India provide a glimpse of the XUV.e8’s front fascia, indicating that the company is making strides toward its electric SUV ambitions.
The XUV700, a stalwart in the Indian SUV segment with consistent sales and high demand, serves as the foundation for Mahindra’s foray into the electric SUV arena. The INGLO platform, representing India and Global ambitions, underscores Mahindra’s commitment to global expansion.
The recently spotted XUV.e8 test mules in Chennai showcase a production-ready design, mirroring the aesthetics demonstrated in a working prototype unveiled in the UK. The front fascia boasts a distinctive LED light bar at its center, flanked by captivating C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that extend vertically. The LED signature elements seamlessly integrate with vertically arranged LED headlights, presenting a cohesive and finalized design.
Design and Powertrain
The rear design of the XUV.e8 retains the familiarity of the internal combustion engine (ICE) XUV700 model, with identical tail lights. However, it is expected that the production version will feature distinct tail lights. Inside the vehicle, Mahindra introduces a cutting-edge triple-display setup dominating the dashboard, with screens dedicated to the instrument cluster, infotainment, and the front passenger. The center console resembles that of the XUV700, housing a conventional gear selector and a circular drive mode dial. The steering wheel has been redesigned to complement the electric SUV’s interior.
Underneath the hood, Mahindra employs BYD’s prismatic Blade cells, replacing Volkswagen’s MEB cells for its INGLO platform. The battery capacity ranges from 60 kWh to 80 kWh, with the possibility of single motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) dual motor configurations. The primary rear motor in AWD models delivers substantial power, with a total output potential of up to 350 bhp. Mahindra has demonstrated a top speed of 200 km/h, a feat likely to be achieved by the Coupe models, such as the XUV.e9 and BE.09. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Mahindra’s venture into the electric SUV market positions it as a key player in the global shift towards sustainable mobility.
