Mahindra published a short video from its proving grounds in Chennai, India, showing a trio of fully electric SUVs reaching a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) during high-speed testing on the oval track.
The Indian automaker didn’t clarify if the production models will be as fast as the pictured prototypes. EVs usually get electronically limited top speeds in favor of greater efficiency and longer range.
The models identify as the XUV.e8, XUV.e9, and BE.05. All three were officially previewed in concept form one year ago introducing Mahindra’s new styling language called “heartcore”. The camouflaged prototypes look similar to the original renderings, although some features have been toned down for production. Changes include smaller-diameter wheels, thicker pillars and enlarged LED lighting units. Just like the concepts, the XUV e.9 and BE.05 feature coupe-SUV silhouettes with sloping rooflines, while the XUV.e8 is more traditionally shaped with an upright tail.
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The digital instrument cluster is the only visible interior component in the new teaser video, showing the advertised 200 km/h (124 mph) speed in a “Sport” driving mode. Judging from last year’s concepts, the BE.05 will come with two screens, while the XUV.e9 featured a trio of displays. Mahindra also promised a semi-active suspension, a head-up display with augmented reality, OTA compatibility, 5G connectivity, and Level 2+ ADAS, but we don’t know which of those features will come standard in the production models.
The SUVs will be based on Mahindra’s new EV-dedicated and modular platform called Inglo. Power will come from single or dual electric motors. The front-mounted unit producing 107 hp (80 kW / 108 PS) will be sourced from Volkswagen, while the rear-mounted units producing either 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) or 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) will be sourced from Valeo and Volkswagen respectively. Mahindra recently changed plans about the battery packs, choosing Chinese company BYD as a supplier instead of the originally announced VW, likely due to supply issues.
As reported by Rushlane, the XUV.e8 will be the first to debut in December 2024, followed by the XUV.e9 in April 2025, the BE.05 in October 2025. There will also be a BE.07 coming in April 2026, and a BE.09 that has yet to receive a debut date. The same applies to the production version of the rugged-looking Mahindra Thar.e concept shown last month. It is not clear if the EVs will be sold outside India.
