In the fiercely competitive Indian EV market, Mahindra is gearing up to challenge the dominance of Tata Motors with a strategic rollout plan in 2024. The company is set to introduce the updated XUV400 and the new XUV300 EV, but the real game-changer is the upcoming XUV700 EV, also known as the XUV.e8 in its concept form, along with other models riding on the INGLO platform.
A recent spy shot reveals the XUV.e8 in a close-to-production state within the factory premises, providing a glimpse of what’s to come in late 2024. The XUV.e8 shares several exterior panels with the XUV700, evident in the familiar bonnet, doors, and a roofline with a similar flow. The design, including the distinctive kink near the C-pillar, aligns with Mahindra’s earlier filed design patent.
However, what sets the XUV.e8 apart is its unique fascia, featuring a full-width LED light bar that dominates the front end, seamlessly dropping down into the bumper. The hallmark sealed-off grille, typical of EVs, is present, with triangular headlamp housings integrated into the bumper. The rear design, though not visible in the spy shot, is expected to mirror the XUV700’s sleek and stylish appeal.
Design spy shots of the XUV.e8’s interior reveal a technologically advanced cabin, sporting three horizontally oriented screens. The digital driver’s display, positioned behind the steering wheel, is complemented by a central infotainment screen and a third screen for the passenger, providing comprehensive vehicle details. The interior also boasts a new touch-based climate control panel and a flat-bottomed, two-spoke steering wheel, reminiscent of Tata SUVs.
To maintain competitiveness, Mahindra will incorporate some parts sharing with the conventional XUV700. Expect shared components such as switchgear, door panels, and seats, ensuring a balance between innovation and cost-effectiveness.
Despite sharing the body with the XUV700, the XUV.e8 stands as a unique offering based on Mahindra’s INGLO skateboard platform. Promising an all-wheel-drive system and battery options up to 80kWh, power outputs will range from 230hp to over 350hp. This EV powerhouse is set to hit the market by December 2024, marking Mahindra’s entry into the electric vehicle segment.
Mahindra’s XUV.e8 signals a significant step towards a sustainable and competitive EV lineup. Stay tuned for its debut in late 2024, with the promise of cutting-edge design, innovative features, and a powerful performance that sets it apart in the evolving Indian electric vehicle landscape. The XUV.E8 will be Mahindra’s first high-performance electric SUV that’s also spacious enough for full family travel.
Via ACI