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      Mahindra Volkswagen Eye Electric Future with New 50:50 Joint Venture

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      Mahindra Volkswagen 50:50 Partnership Confirmed?Strategic Collaboration to Focus on Electric SUVs for Indian and Global Markets, Excluding Current Volkswagen and Skoda Models
      There have been rumours about a strategic joint venture between Mahindra Auto and Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL). Now, a new Economic Times report claims that SAVWIPL has reached advanced stages of negotiations to consolidate a 50:50 partnership with Mahindra Auto. Let’s take a look.
      Mahindra Volkswagen Group – 50:50 Partnership
      A wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group Germany, SAVWIPL was reportedly looking forward to sell around 50% of its stake in India business. While the speculation was not officially confirmed, new report reveals a potential 50:50 partnership with Mahindra Auto. This potential joint venture from both these car manufacturers is supposedly in advanced stages of negotiations. This JV seems to have progressed across multiple rounds of virtual and in-person engagements from both companies.
      This comes a couple of months after Skoda Auto Global CEO, Klaus Zellmer, revealed in Prague, that the company has made great progress in looking for a potential partnership with an Indian auto manufacturer. On record, both Mahindra and Volkswagen have refrained from commenting on this development officially. The report further elaborates that this joint venture between VW and Mahindra will prioritize the development and manufacturing of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and to some extent, ICE vehicles, for Indian market and exports.
      SAVWIPL’s current portfolio including the mainstream offerings from Skoda and VW along with luxury offerings from other brands in the structure will not be a part of this joint venture. There might be an official announcement regarding the same from Skoda and Mahindra by the end of this calendar year.
      Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
      What does this JV allow?
      This is not the first time Mahindra has partnered with global brands. Mahindra has had associations with Renault, SsangYong (now KG Mobility), Ford and recently, Volkswagen. Mahindra and Volkswagen partnered up for a supply agreement where VW supplied the former with electric vehicle powertrain components for the INGLO platform underpinning the upcoming XUV.e and BE range of EVs.
      For SAVWIPL, this partnership could help them achieve a firm footing in world’s 3rd largest car market. Something the company has not managed to achieve on its own, despite being operational here for over two decades. The competition from rival brands along with their cost competitiveness seems to have cornered the brand into looking for a potential partner.
      With Mahindra, SAVWIPL will be able to share costs, technology, platforms and mainly, risks. For Mahindra, this JV can help them elevate their electric vehicle portfolio and meet their roadmap of achieving a 30% market share in India’s SUV segment. There will be a major boost in Mahindra’s Electric portfolio with this JV too.
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      Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV Glass Roof Spied – Looks Huge

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      Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUVUpcoming Mahindra BE.05 has a sporty profile and will be equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced features
      Even though Mahindra has several bestselling SUVs, there’s no dedicated offering in the compact SUV space. This gap will be filled soon with the upcoming BE.05 electric SUV. Test mules have been spotted frequently, revealing many details about the SUV.
      Mahindra BE.05 glassroof spied
      Snapped from a height, the spy shot reveals the sleek, modern design of BE.05. Aerodynamic properties are clearly evident, all across the curvy bonnet, heavily raked windshield and a coupe-like sloping roofline. Spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Viraj. The glass roof is huge and covers almost the entire length and width of the roof. It will probably be the largest in the segment at launch.
      Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
      In the compact SUV segment, Tata Curvv EV and Citroen Basalt are the only two SUVs with a coupe profile. However, Basalt does not get any sunroof options. Considering that most people prefer sunroofs, the sub-segment of coupe-styled compact SUVs will witness a fight between BE.05 and Tata Curvv EV. Other rivals for BE.05 include MG ZS EV and upcoming Maruti eVX and Hyundai Creta EV.
      Flamboyant exterior profile
      Most of the features seen with the BE.05 Concept have been carried forward in the production model. Mahindra BE.05 has sharp panelling all across and the eye-catching lighting setup seems like a premium aftermarket upgrade. The striking C-shaped LED DRLs are exactly the same as seen with the concept. The C-shaped lighting, with slight variations, will be seen with other INGLO based SUVs as well. It’s a signature feature present both at the front and rear as well.
      Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
      Side profile exudes sophistication and refinement, with features such as large aero wheels, low profile tyres and flush door handles. Other highlights include C-pillar mounted rear door handles and all-four-disc brakes. The charging socket is located on the rear left quarter panel. BE.05 has a sporty rear, featuring a prominent tail gate and race-styled twin spoiler. All these features ensure a dominating road presence for BE.05.
      Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV
      Fully loaded
      Mahindra BE.05 will have premium interiors and all the features that one would expect from a compact SUV. Test mules have revealed a hexagonal steering wheel with illuminated BE logo on the centre. The focus seems to be exclusively on the BE brand instead of the twin peaks logo seen with other Mahindra cars. BE.05 will be getting dual screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster. In comparison, the upcoming XUV.e8 (electric version of XUV700) will be getting three screens. The third screen will be for the front passenger.
      Mahindra BE.05 Top Model Spied
      Talking about BE.05, another key highlight is the clear separation between driver and passenger compartments. This enhances the overall cockpit experience, especially for the driver. BE.05 will have a long list of comfort and convenience features. Safety kit will include ADAS. In terms of performance, both single motor and dual motor configurations are likely. BE.05 is expected to have a 60-kWh battery pack and offer a range of around 500 km. More

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      BYD M6 Electric MPV Teased Ahead Of Launch – E6 Replacement

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      BYD M6 Electric MPV TeasedAhead of BYD M6 electric MPV launch, the company has officially de-listed their current electric MPV, E6, from the website
      India’s electric car landscape is slowly being populated with new vehicles. More brands are exploring electric powertrains today, than before. Apart from launching new vehicles, existing electric cars need to be updated too. We’re talking about BYD E6 update, which is confirmed to be launched in India soon.
      BYD M6 India Launch Confirmed
      There is very little light as to what it will be called. Said model is teased officially by BYD and will launch soon. As seen in the teaser, BYD has shown a glimpse of its upcoming electric vehicle. We can see penta-element LED headlights along with Atto 3 inspired front grill. These attributes point towards one vehicle, which is BYD M6.
      BYD M6 Electric MPV Teased
      This incoming electric vehicle is highly likely to be BYD M6 electric MPV which will replace the aging E6 on sale in India. BYD has went one step ahead and has de-listed E6 from its Indian lineup too. Further strengthening our speculation. The line “Transformation to new Generation” was followed by a “7”. The “7” in BYD India’s teaser might represent that it is a 7-seater as well.
      BYD M6
      BYD’s teaser on social media handle also mentioned the word “Max”. For context, BYD Song Max is another name for BYD M6. These easter eggs suggest that Indian model might get a new name – E7, E6 Max, E7 Max, M7, M6 Max, M7 Max are some of the possibilities. That said, name of this upcoming E6 replacing electric MPV is highly likely to be M6.
      BYD M6
      We say this because it was launched in Indonesia in July 2024 as BYD M6. Price ranges between IDR 379 million (Rs 20.6 lakh) and IDR 429 million (Rs 23.3 lakh). There are three trim levels in Indonesia – Standard 7 Seater, Superior 7 Seater and Superior Captain 6 Seater. There are four colours offered – Crystal White, Cosmos Black, Harbour Grey and Ink Stone Blue.
      BYD M6 7 Seater
      What does it get?
      Dimension-wise, BYD M6 measures 4,710 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,690 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 225/55 rubber and the ground clearance is 170 mm. Overall design looks like it is an evolution of BYD E6, which it is. BYD is flaunting the MPV design and is not selling it as a fake SUV with body cladding.
      BYD M6
      We already spoke about the LED headlights. BYD calls it “Diamond Starlight Levitation LED Headlights”. There is a neat kink in the window line that reminds me of a Tata Hexa, for some reason. On the inside, we will see a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment display, a well-laid-out dashboard, seating for 6 or 7 passengers, a large sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging pad, electric tailgate, ADAS and more.
      BYD M6 Dashboard
      Powertrain-wise, India will probably get a sole 71.8 kWh BYD Blade battery with a claimed range of 530 km on a single charge (NEDC certified). There might be a 200 bhp electric motor, powering the front wheels with 310 Nm of instant torque capable of propelling M6 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. There is a smaller 55 kWh version too, which is less likely to make it to our shores. Launch timeline was not revealed, but festive season is a lucrative proposition for any OEM. More

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      Tata Curvv EV Battery Pack Sourced From Chinese Company Octillion Under New Strategy

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      New Tata Curvv EV – Voyager AamirUp until now, Tata Motors used battery packs developed in-house by Tata AutoComp Systems with battery cells sourced from Gotion
      Ever since the company launched Nexon EV in 2020, Tata Motors has been using battery packs developed in-house by Tata AutoComp Systems. However, that lineage has been broken in favour of establishing a multi-sourcing strategy that mitigates dependency on a single supplier. The recently launched Curvv EV gets battery packs sourced from Chinese company Octillion Power Systems.
      Tata Curvv EV Battery Pack From Chinese Company
      This is not the first time Tata Motors has partnered up with Octillion Power Systems which has a manufacturing base in China. Tata Motors has been sourcing battery packs from Octillion for its Starbus EV commercial bus for the past two years. For the first time, Octillion-sourced battery packs have been used in a Tata PV.
      Up until now, all Tata Motors PVs came equipped with battery packs made in-house by Tata AutoComp Systems. These battery packs were populated by electric cells sourced from Chinese Lithium Ion battery giant, Gotion, as part of a joint venture between both companies.
      Now, the just launched Curvv EV has been equipped with Octillion-sourced battery packs. Interestingly, only the smaller 45 kWh battery pack in MR variants of Curvv EV get the Octillion-sourced battery packs populated by 15.2 Ah cylindrical cells sourced from another Chinese firm called EVE.
      While the larger 55 kWh battery pack in Curvv EV continues to be powered by battery packs sourced from Tata AutoComp Systems, populated by 105 Ah prismatic cells sourced from Gotion. Octillion Power Systems has been supplying Tata Motors with its battery pack facility in India with up to 2 GWh capacity.
      These developments have been revealed by LiveMint and marks a significant shift from Tata Motors’ practices of sourcing battery packs only from Tata AutoComp Systems. As of now, only the 45 kWh MR variants of Curvv EV seems to be the one with externally sourced battery packs. Economic Times states that these new battery packs from Chinese company will also help Tata Motors address performance issues in their EVs.
      Multi-Sourcing Strategy
      Tata Motors has revealed that this step is to keep up with the growth momentum that the company is currently on. As per Tata Motors, having a multi-source strategy will prove fruitful for the brand as it hedges supply chain risks, improves competitiveness, strengthens seamless supply of parts and eradicates dependency on a single supplier.
      With advent of electric vehicle technology and evolving customer buying trends, there has been a major boost to EV sales in the recent past. Tata Motors seems to be fortifying its supply chain for a seamless manufacturing operation in the future. These measures should prove fruitful when Tata launches more EVs in the coming years.
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      Mahindra BE.05 Top Model Interiors, Exteriors Spied – Detailed Walkaround Video

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      Mahindra BE.05 Top Model SpiedWhen launched, Mahindra BE.05 will directly take on the just-launched Tata Curvv EV coupe SUV and we can expect similar pricing as well
      If there is one car brand in India that is known to radicalise new products, it has to be Mahindra. With a new global ambition, Mahindra is spawning a new born-electric range of vehicles. One of these vehicles is BE.05, which has been spied in a detailed walkaround video ahead of launch. Let’s take a look.
      Mahindra BE.05 Top Model
      Previous spy shots have already established that Mahindra BE.05 will get two distinct faces. One less premium, but more appealing, face for base model and then a striking fascia for top model with all the bells and whistles. Base model gets a circular LED projector headlight along with an eyebrow-like LED DRL above.
      Mahindra BE.05 Top Model
      Higher-spec models, on the other hand, get a more pronounced fascia with massive C-shaped LED DRLs and a sleeker LED headlight setup. The new spy video by Automobile With Bruce shows the top-spec model in all its glory. In this detailed walkaround video, we can see this car’s exteriors and a bit of its interiors.
      For starters, we have to get the size quotient out of the equation. Previous spy shots of BE.05 showed it alongside a Maruti Suzuki Dzire and it appeared to be a smaller sub 4m vehicle. Even the height looked like it was in line with Dzire. But in the new spy video, BE.05 appears to be taller than Hyundai Ioniq 5, charging beside it.
      Mahindra BE.05 Top Model
      Speculations point out that Mahindra BE.05 could be a compact-sized SUV with around 4.3m to 4.4m in length. It has an exaggerated and edgy version of a coupe roofline, ending in a radical-looking twin spoiler. Overall silhouette is extremely edgy and wild, something which will attract a lot of eyeballs.
      Notable exterior highlights include flush door handles at the front, C-pillar mounted door handles for rear, large aero wheels, low-profile tyres, all-four disc brakes, charging socket on rear left quarter panel, massive C-shaped LED DRLs and tail light signatures, Mahindra BE.05 has a lot of road presence too.
      Mahindra BE.05 Top Model Interiors
      Interiors spied
      The recent spy video also reveals a glimpse of the interiors. On the inside, Mahindra BE.05 packs a pronounced split between the two front occupants. This creates a sense of sportiness and lends a cockpit-like feel to drivers. Unlike the triple screens seen on XUV.e8 and XUV.e9, BE.05 only gets two screens.
      [embedded content]
      We can see both those screens operational in the video. These screens seem to be running an EV-specific UI. There is a new steering wheel too, which gets a backlit BE logo. Future iterations of test mules might get a HUD as well. Powertrains-wise, up to 60 kWh battery pack, single or dual motor layouts and up to 500 km of claimed range can be expected. It will rival the just launched Tata Curvv EV. More

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      MG Windsor EV Largest In Segment Touchscreen Teased – Grandview Display

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      MG Windsor EV Largest In Segment TouchscreenMG Windsor EV will go on sale in India on 11th Sep 2024 – Ahead of launch, its largest in segment touchscreen has been officially revealed
      JSW MG Motor India has revealed a teaser for its highly anticipated MG Windsor, marking India’s first Intelligent Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV). The teaser highlights the vehicle’s standout feature—an impressive 15.6-inch ‘GRANDVIEW Touch Display,’ the largest in its segment, setting a new standard for in-car infotainment.
      Largest In Segment Touchscreen
      The expansive ‘GRANDVIEW Touch Display’ is designed to elevate the driving experience, allowing occupants to seamlessly navigate, control entertainment, and adjust vehicle settings with ease. This innovative touchscreen transforms the MG Windsor into an entertainment, gaming, and learning hub whenever the vehicle is stationary, redefining in-car luxury and functionality.
      [embedded content]
      The 15.6-inch display not only enhances the technological appeal but also adds a touch of elegance to the cabin, perfectly complementing the Windsor’s sophisticated design. The MG Windsor is inspired by the iconic Windsor Castle in the UK, known for its royal heritage and architectural grandeur. The vehicle mirrors this inspiration with meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, offering Indian consumers a unique blend of luxury, style, and comfort.
      As India’s first Intelligent CUV, the MG Windsor is designed to meet the demands of modern Indian roads and infrastructure. Its aerodynamic design, spacious interiors, and higher ground clearance make it an ideal choice for both daily commutes and weekend getaways. MG Windsor E promises versatility, ensuring that families can travel in comfort across varied terrains, from urban potholes to rural speed bumps.

      Upcoming MG Windsor arrives at the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, ready to take on the tough terrain in extreme heat.
      Watch how India’s first #IntelligentCUV proves its strength when tested to the max.
      Stay tuned for the launch of #NextFromMG pic.twitter.com/bUtZ0DKSbe
      — RushLane (@rushlane) August 26, 2024

      MG Windsor EV Highlights
      Windsor EV is essentially a rebadged version of the Wuling Cloud EV which will be launched in Indian markets as the first product under the new MG JSW joint venture. It will be MG Motor’s third electric vehicle after the ZS EV and Comet. MG Windsor will bridge the gap between MG Comet EV and the ZS EV which is the company’s flagship model. Positioned in the crossover segment, the new Windsor EV will boast of a distinct profile with dimensions at 4,295mm length, 1,850mm width and 1,625mm height. It will be positioned on an extended wheelbase of 2,700mm relating to plenty of interior space as a 5-seater with two rows of seating.
      MG Windsor EV panoramic glass roof
      It boasts of LED projector headlamps and connected LED DRLs along with aerodynamically designed ORVMs. It also sports a large glass roof, flush door handles, electrically operated tailgate, while it rides on 18 inch machine cut alloy wheels. The interiors boast of some premium features. It get Italian bubble styled seating, plenty of storage spaces and an expansive dashboard that shows off a large 15.6 inch floating touchscreen, 8.8 inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets a leather wrapped two spoke flat bottom steering wheel, automatic AC, wireless phone charger, and multi ambient lighting. Boot space can be extended upto 1,707 liters when second and third row seats are folded down.
      Where safety is concerned, the new Windsor EV could receive 6 airbags, electronic stability control along with ABS and EBD as standard. It will also sport electronic parking brake, hill hold assist, hill descent control, 360 degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and TPMS along with a long list of ADAS features such as emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control.
      Battery Packs and Range
      The battery pack and motor details expected to make their way onto the new Windsor EV in India have not yet been detailed. It is currently offered with two battery pack options in the international market – that include a 37.9 kWh and 50.6 kWh. However, the India spec model could receive the larger 50.6 kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 460 km. More

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      Tata Curvv EV First Batch Owners Start Taking Deliveries

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      Tata Curvv Delivery – Devendra Kumar GuptaTata Curvv EV version has been launched first – Will be followed by its internal combustion engine (ICE) variant set to launch on 2nd September 2024
      Tata Motors, currently with the largest portfolio of electric offerings that include the Nexon, Punch, Tiago and Tigor, have expanded this lineup to also include the Curvv EV. Launched on 7th August 2024, the company opened order books for this electric SUV coupe on 12th August. While test drives of the coupe SUV began from 14 August, deliveries of the Curvv EV have now commenced from 26th August 2024.
      Tata Curvv EV Deliveries Start
      Piyush Nashine has shared video on social media, taking delivery of the first batch of Tata Curvv EV. It is being presented in three variants of Creative, Accomplished and Empowered+ variants across two battery packs of 45kWh and 55kWh. It is priced from Rs. 17.49 Lakh and goes upto Rs. 21.99 Lakh (Introductory, ex-showroom prices). It is presented in five colour options of Virtual Sunrise, Pure Grey, Pristine White, Flame Red and Empowered Oxide.
      [embedded content]
      Boasting of a SUV-coupe body style, India’s first in this segment, the Tata Curvv EV shows off Tata’s latest design language. The new Curvv receives some outstanding features and on board equipment to the extent that many customers who were thinking of placing orders for Nexon EV have turned their attention to the Curvv EV.
      In terms of exterior features, the new Curvv EV gets a closed off front grille, split LED headlamps with LED light bars in the front and connected LED tail lamps. It also receives flush door handles, 18 inch dual tone alloy wheels and a sloping roofline. Its interiors feature some innovative features with ventilated leatherette seating, 10.25 inch fully digital instrument cluster, 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system, touch controls for AC vents, ambient lighting and automatic climate control.
      New Tata Curvv EV
      It also gets a 9 speaker JBL sound system with a 320W subwoofer, wireless phone charger, large panoramic sunroof and four spoke steering wheel along with a gesture enabled powered tailgate. In terms of safety, the new Tata Curvv EV boasts of Level 2 ADAS suite with 20 features. It also receives 6 airbags as standard, parking sensors at the front and rear, 360 degree camera and electronic parking brake.
      Powertrain Options, Range and Performance
      Tata Curvv EV receives two battery pack options. There is the 45 kWh battery pack along with an electric motor offering 150 hp power and 215 Nm torque while the 55 kWh pack with electric motor makes 167 hp power and 215 Nm torque. These two packs offer a claimed range of 502 km and 585 km respectively.
      Charging is via a fast 70 kW DC charger which takes around 40 minutes to charge the Curvv EV from 10% to 80% while a 70 kW AC charger could take 6.5 hours to charge the smaller 45kWh battery pack upto 100% and close to 8 hours for the 55 kWh battery pack. More

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      Mahindra BE.05 LED DRL In New Spy Shots – Their Smallest BEV SUV

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      Mahindra BE.05 LED DRLWhile Mahindra BE.05 might appear small, but it will still rival MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV and upcoming Maruti eVX and Hyundai Creta EV
      Among the five born electric vehicles showcased by Mahindra a couple of years back, three of them have been testing rigorously. The ones launching first are XUV.e8, XUV.e9 and BE.05. Recent spy shots from automotive enthusiast Yuvaraj shows production-spec lighting of top-spec BE.05 variant, fully lit-up. Let’s take a look.
      Mahindra BE.05 Production-Spec Lighting
      On the verge of introducing a global electric vehicle portfolio, Mahindra has formulated two new born-electric lineups – XUV.e and BE. There will be more lineups like this in the future like Thar.e, Scorpio.e and Bolero.e. Thar.e Concept was showcased recently in a recent Mahindra event in South Africa.
      Mahindra BE.05 LED DRL
      Sticking with BE.05, there have been two versions of it spied with unique design attributes. These are highly likely to be base and top models with equipment installed according to their respective price brackets. The one spied recently with its production-spec lighting on display, is the top model with outlandish LED signatures.
      As seen in the recent spy shots, Mahindra BE.05 gets large C-shaped LED DRLs at the front. These are so large that they cover almost all the vertical real estate of BE.05’s fascia. The design of BE.05 is flashy and futuristic and will feature an aerodynamic profile as well.
      Mahindra BE.05 LED DRL
      We can see a massive aero scoop in the bonnet which is likely to channel air efficiently. There are aerodynamic wheels too, which should reduce air drag. Side profile shows a stylish coupe-style roof line but with an edgy twist. This trend seems to be catching up in the Indian market.
      Mahindra BE.05 – Smallest BEV SUV from Mahindra
      From the rear, we can see a similar C-shaped LED signature around the tail lights which lends an aggressive appeal. Mahindra seems to be porting the twin roof spoiler design from concept to production as seen in these new spy shots.
      What to expect?
      On the inside, spy shots have confirmed that BE.05 will feature a similar interior layout as seen with its concept. There is a pronounced separation between the two front occupants, lending a cockpit-like feel to the driver. This ideology has never been implemented in a mainstream car in India. Ever! So, kudos to Mahindra.
      Mahindra BE.05 Charging Port?
      BE.05 will get just two 10.2-inch screens (one for infotainment and other for instrumentation), unlike the XUV.e8 and XUV.e9. Not that we need a third screen, anyway. Many of the interior elements will be shared with other Mahindra cars.
      Previous set of spy shots captured in front of a Maruti Suzuki Dzire suggests that BE.05 might be smaller than we expect it to be. More details will be revealed in the future. It will be positioned on the INGLO platform with around 60 kWh of battery. Launch might happen in 2025. More