With electric vehicle sales on the rise, Mahindra is gearing up to make its presence felt with an upcoming fleet of dynamic four-wheelers. From January to November 2023, India’s third-largest EV manufacturer accounted for a 4.7 percent market share in the passenger vehicle segment and intends to account for a 10 percent share by the year 2030. The automaker recently showcased its future e-SUV lineup underpinned by the all-new INGLO architecture.
Developed in collaboration with Volkswagen, the INGLO skateboard platform is specifically designed for Mahindra’s electric cars ranging between 4.3 metres to 5 metres in length and can house up to seven seats. By placing its battery pack on the flat floorboard, a roomier interior is achieved. Further, space versatility features like frunk and trunk storage are also made available. It is compatible with 60 kWh to 80 kWh blade and prismatic Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) batteries. The batteries can support 175 kW fast charging, taking less than 30 minutes to go from 0 to 80 percent.
This advanced cell chemistry results in an intelligent and efficient battery management system. The system contributes to improved range and an increased number of charge-discharge cycles. Also on offer are Level 2+ ADAS and Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality.
Along those lines, five EVs from Mahindra’s stable are expected to hit the roads under two identities - Electric Twin Peak branded XUV.e8 and XUV.e9, while the ‘BE’ monicker will go to BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09.
Electric XUVs
Based on the Mahindra XUV700, the XUV.e8 is its SUV cousin in the EV guise. Offering three rows of seating in a familiar form factor, it is slated for launch in December. It will get C-shaped LED DRLs, a closed-off front grille and aerodynamically designed alloy wheels finished in copper paint. Notably, it is going to have two infotainment screens each measuring 12.3 inches and an instrument cluster of the same size.
XUV.e9 is a 5-seater SUV with a coupe-like silhouette, offering a similar set of features. Riding on the INGLO architecture, it gets intelligent interiors and a panoramic sunroof (which the brand calls Sky Roof). In terms of length, width and height, the vehicle measures 4.7mm, 1.9mm and 1.6mm, respectively. It has a wheelbase of 2.7mm. Expected launch date would be in April 2025.
As for the powertrain, the duo may be equipped with a rear or dual-motor (all-wheel drive) setup with a power output of 335 bhp to 389 bhp and a range of around 450 kms.
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‘BE’ Range
Born Electric (BE) fleet will comprise ground-up new vehicles, concepts of which were showcased by Mahindra in 2023. Smallest of the lot, the BE.05 is a 4.3-metre Sports Electric Vehicle (SEV) carrying a racing-inspired design with a modern angular appearance characterised by cuts and folds across the bodyline. Additionally, it shall come equipped with a panoramic sunroof and a connected LED strip towards the rear for added visual appeal. A single charge range of nearly 450 kms is expected from the four-wheeler. Its launch is believed to be in October 2025.
As for the BE.07, its launch is expected in 2026 and it will be marketed as a family SUV. The exterior design draws inspiration from its predecessor but demonstrates subtler elements while maintaining an upright posture. Developed on the same platform as its siblings, the BE.07 gets an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and will be high on driving range and performance.
Out of the many, the BE.09 would be the last EV to break cover. Not much information has been revealed about this upcoming product. A camo-clad test mule of the Grand Tourer SUV was recently spotted in Mumbai, with internal spy shots revealing a new centre console, three-screen setup, two-spoke steering wheel and an XUV400-inspired drive mode selector.
Mahindra also plans to electrify its bestsellers like the Thar and Bolero alongside an electric pickup truck based on the Scorpio N in the years to come. The XUV400, its sole EV on sale currently, competes against the likes of the Tata Nexon EV in its segment.
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