EV OFFENSIVE

Mahindra announces its mega-plan for electrification

- GAURAV DAVARE

Mahindra's going all-in on EVs with five electric SUVS under the Twin Peaks and the EV-only BE brands built under the INGLO platform. Twin Peaks includes the XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 while BE comprises the BE.05, BE.07, and BE.09. Mahindra debuted its Heartcore design philosophy that offers a high stance, snazzy illumination, and aggressive curves.

Straightforward and minimalist cabins get a wide touchscreen infotainment unit and instrumentation screen. 5G, ADAS, and OTA updates include cool tech. Mahindra targets a five-star Global NCAP safety rating. Powertrains range between 231PS (RWD) and 394PS (AWD) with 0-100kmph sprints between five to six seconds (claimed). There's also semi-active suspension, brake-by-wire, and drive modes. 60kWh to 80kWh battery packs include a 175 kW fast-charger giving a sub30 minute 0-80 percent charge. The SUVs can also act as a power bank. Launch timelines start with the XUV.e8 (December 2024) ending with the BE. 07 (October 2026). As for the BE.09, Mahindra is yet to disclose a launch timeline which should do so soon.

A BIRTHING HUB

Revealing five futuristic electric SUVs wasn't the only thing on Mahindra's plate on India's 75th Independence Day. Outside the limelight of these SUVs, the carmaker also silently inaugurated the Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (M.A.D.E) design studio in Banbury, Oxfordshire.