Mahindra released a brief video from their testing facility in Chennai, India, showing a trio of completely electric SUVs completing high-speed testing on an oval track at a peak speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).
If the production cars are as quick as the prototypes shown, which the Indian carmaker didn't say, typically can mean that peak speeds on EVs will be electrically restricted in order to maximize economy and increase range.
These three versions go by the names XUV.e8, XUV.e9, and BE.05. All three were introduced one year ago together with Mahindra's new "heartcore" style language in concept form. Although some aspects have been toned down for manufacturing, the camouflaged prototypes nevertheless resemble the original designs. Wheels with a smaller diameter, thicker pillars, and bigger LED lighting units are among the modifications. The XUV e.9 and BE.05 have coupe-SUV designs with sloping rooflines, just as the concepts, although the XUV e.8 is more conventionally styled with an upright tail like the XUV 700.
The only interior feature shown in the new teaser film, which displays the stated 200 km/h (124 mph) speed in "Sport" driving mode, is the digital instrument cluster. According to designs from last year, the BE.05 will have two screens, whereas the XUV.e9 had three screens. In addition, Mahindra claimed OTA compatibility, 5G connection, Level 2+ ADAS, a semi-active suspension, and a head-up display with augmented reality. However, we don't know which of these technologies would be included as standard in the final products.
The SUVs will be built on Mahindra's brand-new Inglo modular and EV-focused architecture. Electric motors, either one or two, will provide the power. Volkswagen will supply the 107 horsepower (80 kW/108 PS) front-mounted engine, while Valeo and Volkswagen will supply the 228 horsepower (170 kW/231) and 282 horsepower (210 kW/286) rear-mounted engines, respectively. Due to possible supply concerns, Mahindra recently revised its intentions regarding the battery packs and chose the Chinese business BYD as a supplier in place of the previously announced VW.
The BE.05 will make its debut in October 2025, the XUV.e8 in April 2025, and the XUV.e9 in December 2024. Additionally, a BE.07 will be released in April 2026, and a BE.09 has not yet been given a release date. The same is true of the rugged-looking Mahindra Thar.e production model, which was unveiled last month. If the EVs will be offered outside of India is unclear.
