Mahindra, a pioneering player in the automotive industry, has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for the future of electric vehicles (EVs). During its ‘Futurescape’ event in Cape Town, South Africa, the company provided comprehensive insights into its upcoming electric SUV lineup, including specifications, features, and launch timelines. In addition, Mahindra introduced an electrifying new ‘infinity’ version of its logo, symbolizing its commitment to this range of cutting-edge electric SUVs.
Powertrain Innovations
The heart of Mahindra’s EV strategy lies in its innovative powertrain technology. The company revealed exciting details about the electric motors that will drive their forthcoming models. To start, the XUV.e series will utilize a rear-mounted motor sourced from Valeo, exclusively powering the rear axle. This configuration introduces a dynamic rear-wheel-drive experience, delivering an impressive 170 kW (231 hp) and 380 Nm of torque. This motor outpaces Mahindra’s current EV offering, the XUV400, by a significant margin.
Stepping up the performance ladder, the BE 05 and BE 07 models, set for later releases, will feature motors procured from Volkswagen. These motors will offer a potent punch, with 2WD variants equipped with a rear-mounted motor generating a robust 210 kW (286 hp) and 535 Nm of torque. The 4WD iterations will benefit from an additional front axle motor producing 80 kW (109 hp) and 135 Nm of torque. Although the combined system output is yet to be revealed, Mahindra assures that these powertrains are already undergoing rigorous testing, ensuring top-notch performance and reliability.
Battery Advancements
Mahindra’s EVs will also feature cutting-edge battery technology. Equipped with a battery pack boasting a capacity of up to 79 kWh, and utilizing LFP cells (in contrast to the XUV400’s NMC chemistry), these EVs promise remarkable advantages. These advantages include enhanced energy density, slower discharge rates, elimination of thermal propagation risks, and rapid charging times. Impressively, the vehicles can charge from 0 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, setting new standards for convenience and efficiency.
Technological Marvels
Mahindra’s commitment to innovation extends beyond powertrains and batteries. Collaborating with Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, the company has curated an exceptional auditory experience for its EVs. Furthermore, the audio experience is elevated by a premium Harman/Kardon 16-speaker sound system, complete with Dolby Atmos, 3D surround sound, and active noise cancellation.
Infotainment is elevated to new heights as well, with larger models featuring a trio of 12.3-inch, 720p screens seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. This advanced system, rebranded from AdrenoX to INGLO, showcases EV-specific menus and displays. Augmented reality (AR) visuals enhance the driving experience through a heads-up display (HUD) projected onto the windshield, encompassing driving, navigation, phone, and media functionalities.
Connected Car Capabilities
Mahindra’s EVs embrace the connected car revolution with onboard 5G connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and Vehicle-to-X (V2X) capabilities. Additionally, the vehicles incorporate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), achieving Level 2 Autonomous driving with a sophisticated array of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors.
Launch Timeline
The eagerly awaited electric SUV lineup is set to roll out in a carefully planned sequence. Leading the charge is the Mahindra XUV e8, poised for a December 2024 launch. This seven-seat SUV, based on the INGLO skateboard platform, retains the signature design of the ICE XUV700 while incorporating the revolutionary INGLO electronic architecture.
Following closely is the sportier Mahindra XUV e9, projected to debut in April 2025. This coupe-SUV variant of the XUV e8 presents a sleeker appearance, housing two rows of seats and sharing mechanicals and interiors with its sibling.
The upcoming BE range of born-electric SUVs promises an entirely new driving experience. The BE 05, a versatile 4.4-meter-long coupe SUV, is slated for launch in October 2025, accompanied by its rugged off-road version, the BE Rall.e.
Stepping into the luxury segment, the BE 07, a lavish 4.6-meter-long SUV, has seen its launch timeline advanced from October 2026 to April 2026. However, the BE 09, the largest SUV in this lineup, remains unmentioned in the launch schedule.
Expansion Beyond SUVs
Mahindra’s electrification journey extends beyond SUVs, encompassing its iconic ICE brands. Notably, the revered Thar, Scorpio, and Bolero models are set to embrace electric power. These models, designated with the ‘.e’ moniker, will share the INGLO skateboard platform, signaling a transformative shift away from their conventional ladder-frame chassis.
