Mahindra has partnered with Volkswagen to make global electric SUVs a reality by sourcing EV components
You might have figured that Mahindra has performance in its DNA. We have seen it in the 1,900 bhp electric hypercar Pininfarina Battista, and also Formula e. It has a pedigree and now wants to be the disruptor in performance and sporty electric SUVs like they have been disrupting the D-segment SUV segment with Scorpio N with its immense popularity.
In today’s event, Mahindra has introduced two different electric brands. One is XUV and the other is BE. These brands are unique on their own terms. Both come under the same umbrella with Twin Peaks logo. Mahindra calls this new electric platform INGLO which is modular and is also scalable to accommodate various top hats, wheelbase, and also overhangs.
The company claims one of the lightest skateboards in electric SUV space. Owing to safe and robust LFP cells sourced from VW. Mahindra promises 170 kW (228 bhp) in RWD and 250 KW (335 bhp) in AWD layout. This performance along with EV’s instant throttle response, claims a zero to hundred km/h speed in just under 5-6 seconds which is very quick by Mahindra’s standards.
Mahindra Inglo Platform
All five vehicles that were showcased, are based on INGLO platform. This cutting-edge INGLO platform will underpin all the Mahindra EVs going forward. The purpose-built platform will pack intuitive, intelligent and immersive innovations that will serve as the backbone of Mahindra’s EV architecture. And is at the heart of its ultimate human-machine interface.
Mahindra has also introduced a brake-by-wire system to replace old hydraulic systems. In terms of tech, this new platform boasts 5G connectivity and OTA updates. With thrust mode, Mahindra wants to bring Sport back to sporty SUVs. Design language is called Heartcore Design. Mahindra has pulled off a range of concept designs. Both BE and XUV brands have boxy design elements and are expected to take Mahindra’s global design to new heights.
INGLO offers class-leading safety standards, exhilarating performance, excellent range and efficiency, exemplary driving dynamics, versatility and intelligent HMI. It promises a futuristic augmented reality-enabled heads-up display, edge-to-edge screen, and more.
Mahindra XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 Electric Cars
XUV.e8 is 4740mm long, 1900 mm wide, 1760mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2762 mm. It promises a combination of sheer performance, best-in-class technology and safety. It also gets AWD system along with a sophisticated cabin. This vehicle will mostly be similar to ICE-powered XUV700 in terms of its basic construction.
XUV e9 on the other hand, is 4790mm long, 1905mm wide, 1690mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2775mm. This coupe SUV promises a fearlessly modern design with the strengths of an authentic SUV combined with the aerodynamic silhouette of a coupe. Main strengths of XUV e9 are its intelligent interiors, and a panoramic sky roof too.
Mahindra BE.05, BE.07 & BE.09
After XUV Electric range, a new BE range of electric SUVs might be launched starting from December 2024. First of the bunch is BE.05 which is 4370mm long, 1900mm wide, 1635mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2775mm. It is the smallest of the BE range and is the most important too. We expect it to compete against MG ZS EV that we have in India. BE.05 is a Sports Electric Vehicle (SEV) in the truest sense, making it a category in itself. It also has a racing-inspired bold design.
Next is BE.07 which stresses family use. It is 4565m long, 1900 wide, 1660mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2775mm. It promises family space and a first-class experience, with versatility, configurable profiles and curated multi-sensory experiences.
Lastly, we have BE.09 Coupe electric SUV which is the flag bearer for all Mahindra electric SUVs under BE range. Its dimensions are not yet revealed. But we can expect low height and large dimensions. Mahindra has promised its new INGLO platform to have a battery capacity ranging from 60 kWh to 80 kWh and we can expect BE.05 to get 60 kWh battery pack and range-topping XUV.e9 and BE.09 to get 80 kWh battery packs.
