Mahindra has begun road-testing its first mainstream electric SUV that could see a market launch by 2024. This new electric SUV will be based on the Mahindra XUV300 and is likely to be called XUV400 upon launch.
- XUV300-based EV could come by 2024
- Will rival Nexon EV, MG ZS EV
- Likely to be christened XUV400 upon launch
Mahindra XUV300-based EV: What do the spy shots reveal?
A first glance at the test mule confirms that it’s based on the XUV300. Going by the way the car has been camouflaged, it seems the body is most likely production-spec with no dummy parts attached. A close look reveals a charging socket placed on the front left fender, confirming that this isn’t a standard internal combustion engine vehicle. What can also be noticed in these spy shots is that the mule sits much lower than the standard XUV300 and has standard steel wheels instead of alloys.
While the front of this test-mule is not visible, we expect the electric SUV to come with a closed off grille and unique design elements like blue accents, to distinguish from the combustion engine model, similar to the concept eXUV300 shown at the last Auto Expo.
While not much is known about the future electric SUV’s powertrain, the eXUV300 concept shown at the Auto Expo was touted to come with two battery pack options – 350V and 380V. The smaller will take on regular Nexon EV. The larger will take on long-range Nexon EV, Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV. The Nexon EV is also getting an upgrade in terms of battery capacity and range sometime this year. Do note that Mahindra had announced details on the eXUV300’s powertrain two years ago and there could be differences in the model that will go into production by 2024.
Mahindra's future EV plan
The brand had announced a few months ago that it will launch eight electric vehicles by 2027. Four of these will be derived from the company’s range of petrol and diesel products. Then, beginning 2025, Mahindra will launch four new SUVs that will be underpinned by a “born-electric” platform designed for electrification from the ground up. The company has also said that it’s planning a separate sub-brand for its range of electric vehicles.
Would you choose the XUV400 EV over a petrol or diesel XUV300? Let us know in the comments below.
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