Mahindra, Tata and Hyundai To Launch New 7-Seater SUVs

The rising demand for 3-row SUVs are clearly visible in the increase in sales of some of the products like Mahindra XUV700, Scorpio N, Tata Safari and others. In the next couple of years, we will witness the arrival of many new 3-row SUVs including electric vehicles as well as ICE models. In this article, we talk about the upcoming 3-row SUVs from Mahindra, Tata Motors and Hyundai in India -

Mahindra 7-Seater SUVs

Mahindra XUV.e8

Mahindra & Mahindra will introduce 2 new 7-seater SUVs in the country in the next couple of years. The company will launch an all-new electric SUV, based on the XUV.e8 concept in the end of 2024 or early next year. A possible debut at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show can't be ignored. The new model will also mark the debut of Mahindra's newly developed INGLO skateboard modular platform. It looks similar to the Mahindra XUV700; however, the SUV gets many EV-specific design changes and an upgraded cabin.

The new Mahindra XUV.e8 will come with Level 2 advanced driver assistance system or ADAS with features like autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, adaptive cruise control and others. The new electric SUV is likely to get 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack and dual-motor AWD system. It is likely to offer a range of over 500km on a single charge.

Next-gen Mahindra Bolero

The homegrown automaker is also working on the next-gen Bolero SUV, which is designed and developed on an all-new platform - internally codenamed U171. This internal combustion engine platform is likely to be used to develop around 6 different models including SUVs and pick-up trucks. The next Bolero will come in multiple seating layouts. The standard model is expected to receive a 7-seat layout with bench-type seats in the second & third-rows. It could also receive 9 and 11-seater variants with side-facing seats in third-row.

It is likely to receive the 1.5L turbo diesel engine that produces 117PS and 300Nm of torque. The SUV could also receive a petrol-powered variant, which could receive the new 2.0L mStallion turbo unit but in a lower state of tune.

Tata Safari EV

Tata Motors is preparing to launch 3 new electric SUVs including the Harrier EV, Safari EV and the Sierra EV in the country before the end of next financial year or by March 2026. The company will introduce the Safari electric in 2025. In fact, the SUV has been caught testing on camera several times. It will be based on the brand's new Acti.ev platform. It will receive several EV-specific design changes in the form of a closed-off grille, differently designed alloy wheels and EV badges.

The new electric SUV will have a strong resemblance with the regular Safari. It will come with a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, ventilated front and rear seats, dual-zone AC and a panoramic sunroof. For safety and security, the 3-row EV will have a 360-degree surround view camera with blind spot monitor, ADAS tech, ESC and 7 airbags. It is likely to feature a battery pack of around 60-80kWh with dual-motor AWD setup, and could offer a range of up to 500km on a single charge.

Hyundai 7-Seater Hybrid SUV

Hyundai is currently selling the Alcazar 5+2 SUV, which has recently received a mid-life update. The company is also working on an all-new 7-seater SUV, which will be positioned between the Alcazar and the Tucson. It will rival the likes of the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. The new 7-seater SUV will be the first Hyundai to feature a petrol-hybrid powertrain in India.

The upcoming model could use the Tucson LWB as a base to manufacture the new 3-row SUV. Available in China, the Tucson LWB is designed to offer a spacious cabin and a third-row seat. It is likely to feature the 1.6-litre petrol hybrid engine available in the international-spec Hyundai and Kia models. The Korean brand could construct a new petrol-hybrid unit using the existing 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine.

Also See - Honda Elevate – Expert Review