Mahindra previews five new electric SUVs

Mahindra has unveiled five new all-electric SUV concepts that preview production models it will launch in the next few years – and all of them will be built using components from Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture.

Announced at an event overnight in the UK, the Indian car-making giant confirmed four of the five SUVs will be introduced globally between 2024 and 2025 as part of its new ‘Born Electric’ strategy.

As well as featuring technology sourced from Volkswagen, all five concepts carry Mahindra’s new ‘Heartcore’ design language.

In future, Mahindra will split its SUVs into two sub-brands – BE and the more familiar XUV.

Out of the five concepts shown, the BE models look more futuristic, while it’s thought the XUV models are closer to production.

Within the cabin, the BE 05 concept comes equipped with twin screens while the BE 07 comes with a higher-end full-width Mercedes-Benz-like Hyperscreen that also incorporates a pair of rear-view camera displays.

The MEB platform underpins a variety of models across the VW Group, including the incoming Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs that are due in Australia next year.

At the announcement, Volkswagen and Mahindra said the agreement would see VW supply MEB components for Mahinda’s new EV platform known as INGLO.

It’s not yet known if batteries and electric motors will be sourced from the German car-maker, but the battery packs will range from 60-80kWh and will be compatible with charging up to 170kW.

A rear-mounted 170kW electric motor will be offered on base models, while more expensive all-wheel drive versions will get dual motors producing up to 250kW combined.

The fastest SUVs should be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint of less than 6.0 seconds, but are likely to be limited to a 160km/h top speed.

Other new tech for Mahindra to be introduced with the new wave of EVs include Level 2+ autonomous driving and adaptive suspension, plus brake-by wire tech.

During the presentation, Mahindra confirmed the XUV E08, XUV E09, BE 05 and BE 07 will be launched from 2024, starting in the Indian market.

All five have been designed in the car-maker’s new design studio in Oxfordshire, England.

Mahindra execs said they hope to produce more than one million SUVs a year based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture, but admitted the supply agreement was still to be finalised.

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