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      New Electric Pickup Truck Spied Testing – Rivals Tata Ace EV, Mahindra Zeo EV

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      New Electric Pickup Truck SpiedThe long and flat load bay without wheel well intrusions might be the main strength of this new electric pickup truck from Montra
      The electric SCV (Small Commercial Vehicle) segment currently has fewer offerings. Notable among them are Tata Motors’ Ace EV and Mahindra’s just-launched ZEO EV with BaaS (Battery as a Service) program. There seems to be a new entrant into this segment, as suggested by the recent spy shots of an electric SCV, there seems to be a new player.
      Said spy shots look like they’re from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. From the looks of it, this particular test mule seems to be from Montra Electric by Murugappa Group, a subsidiary of TII (Tube Investments of India). This particular test mule from Montra Electric looks close to production as well. Let’s take a look.
      New Electric Pickup Truck
      New Electric Pickup Truck Spied
      India as an automotive market, is quite young. Electric vehicle penetration is still in the infant stages and most of the effort is reflected in electric 2W PV and CV segments. While electric 3W rickshaws and cargo trucks have caught on, there are fewer electric 4W PVs on sale in India. OEMs are taking notice of this.
      Montra Electric has commenced testing of their maiden electric SCV and it has quite a few likeable qualities about it. For starters, the design is boxy, which lends strong road presence. At the same time, it allows for better space optimisation for the cabin. Speaking of the cabin, we could not get a sneak peek through these spy shots.
      Montra Electric SCV
      Just like the exteriors, Montra has covered interiors with camouflage too. Notable elements on the outside include dual windshield wipers, manually adjustable IRVMs, low-set headlights, steel wheels, and a pronounced cavity near the bumper that acts as a step for the ingress and egress of occupants.
      What to expect?
      Behind this cabin, we have a rather long load bay. Considering the comercial applications, this is a flat load bay without any wheel well intrusions. Large load bay is likely to be the main strength of this un-named electric pickup truck from Montra. We can also see a sliding window in this cabin’s rear.
      Montra Electric SCV
      Montra Electric is among the electric mobility providers in India looking at the coveted eSCVs. The company already has an established electric 3W portfolio in the form of Super Auto. This electric auto rickshaw has an attractive design and spacious cabin. It boasts a ‘Super Range’ of up to 203 km (claimed).
      There’s a good probability that Montra’s upcoming electric SCV might share most of its powertrains and features from Super Auto. Features like fully digital instrument cluster and Super Drive Modes might make their way on this new electric pickup truck too. Launch could be in 2025.
      Montra Electric SCV More

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      Hyundai Set To Strengthen India’s Fast Charging Infra With 600 New EV Chargers

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      Hyundai India EV ChargersOut of these 600 planned EV chargers, 100 will be installed in Tamil Nadu state – 10 of which will, will be functional by 2024 end
      Electric vehicle penetration is becoming more and more evident in the mainstream segment. This encourages car manufacturers to invest in electric mobility and offer compelling EVs to the masses. However, launching EVs is only half the story. The other half is offering a robust fast charging infrastructure.
      Among India’s leading car manufacturers, HMIL (Hyundai Motor India Ltd), has recognised a need to establish a robust EV charging infra in the Asian subcontinent. The company is committing to empower Indian EV buyers by installing up to 600 electric vehicle fast chargers across the country in the next 7 years.
      Hyundai India EV Chargers
      Ahead of the launch of its maiden mass-market electric car, Hyundai India has announced the launch of 600 electric vehicle fast charging stations across the country. The company is set to install these EV chargers across major cities and highways through strategic partnerships with partners like ChargeZone, Statiq and Shell India.
      The goal is to empower Indian EV buyers (irrespective of car brand) to facilitate long-distance travelling with EVs. A hassle-free Kashmir to Kanyakumari drive is what the company aims as an example to illustrate their vision. HMIL’s myHyundai app will play a crucial role in this ambitious move of offering a robust 24X7 charging station network.
      Hyundai Ioniq 5
      Key locations for the charging stations include all major cities in India like Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. All major highways like Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Jaipur, Hyderabad-Vijayawada, Mumbai-Pune, Mumbai-Surat, Bengaluru-Pune, and Pune-Kolhapur will benefit from this move.
      Time Frame
      HMIL’s 600 charging stations planned for India will come equipped with multiple configurations like DC 150 kW + DC 60 kW + DC 30 kW or DC 150 kW + DC 30 kW + DC 60 kW. The company aims to install up to 600 EV charging stations across India within the next 7 years. By the end of this month, Hyundai promises to have 50 stations functional.
      Out of these 600 charging stations planned, Hyundai will install 100 within the Tamil Nadu state as part of an MoU signed between HMIL and Tamil Nadu Government. 10 of these 100 will be operational by the end of this month.
      Upcoming Hyundai Creta EV Spied
      Statement from HMIL
      Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Jae Wan Ryu, Function Head – Corporate Planning, HMIL said, “The EV market is expected to grow robustly by 2030. Studies conducted by HMIL have highlighted that customers are apprehensive about driving their EVs for long- distance commutes on highways due to a lack of charging infrastructure.
      Keeping this in mind, HMIL has taken the initiative of installing fast EV chargers on key highways, in addition to major cities. With access to HMC’s global EV and battery technology, HMIL is well-positioned to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem in India. We are actively investing in infrastructure to support the expected growth in demand for electric vehicles.” More

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      Maruti eVitara Electric SUV Spied Up Close Ahead Of Launch In 2025

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      New Maruti eVitara Electric SUVIn India, Maruti eVitara electric SUV will rival the likes of Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV and upcoming Hyundai Creta EV
      In the Indian market, Maruti Suzuki used to be known as the maker of small and budget cars. The company has successfully expanded its portfolio with many premium offerings. All of Maruti’s vehicles are either ICE or self-charging Hybrids. Now, the company is gearing up to launch its maiden electric vehicle.
      eVitara debuted recently in Milan, Italy. Testing of this electric vehicle is underway and makes periodic appearances. The most recent spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Ankit who spotted this test mule in Gurgaon, Haryana. Let’s take a closer look at Suzuki’s maiden electric vehicle for the world and India.
      Maruti Suzuki eVitara Spied
      Maruti eVitara Electric SUV Spied
      The strategic partnership between Suzuki and Toyota has proved fruitful for both brands with multiple badge-engineered products between them. Suzuki’s new EV, which has been under rigorous testing, will spawn a Toyota counterpart, as confirmed by the brand recently. Production will commence in Spring 2025 and launch will happen by Summer 2025.
      The recent spy shots show eVitara from up close. It was draped in camouflage like previous test mules. We can see that it has quite a bit of road presence, owing to its strong design elements. Design-wise, recently debuted eVitara shows a striking sporty fascia with a closed-off grill and some aggression.
      Maruti eVitara Electric SUV Spied
      Headlights with LED DRLs look muscular with a strong presence and bumper includes an opening in the shape of a bull bar along with fog lights. Charging port is positioned at the front left quarter panel. Suzuki seems to be aiming for a slightly sloping roofline, which is in-trend currently in India and major global markets.
      It will measure 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,635 mm in width and has a 2,700 mm long wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 180 mm and it has a kerb weight between 1,702 kg and 1,899 kg. There’s disc brakes on all four wheels. Wheel sizes will go up to 19-inches, but the one spotted in India had 18-inch wheels wrapped with 225/55 MRF Wanderer tyres.
      Maruti Suzuki eVitara Spied
      Specs & Features
      Suzuki eVitara and its Toyota counterpart will come equipped with either a 49 kWh or 61 kWh battery pack, with the latter offering dual-motor 4WD option. Based on a born-electric platform, eVitara is primarily a FWD vehicle packing up to a 172 bhp and 189 Nm motor. With 61 kWh variant, 4WD variant brings a rear electric motor with 64 bhp at the rear for a total system output of 181 bhp and 300 Nm.
      Interiors have been revealed too, featuring a floating centre console, vertically oriented AC vents, a 2-spoke steering wheel, dual free-standing screens with the latest connectivity suite and high-quality materials, as it is a global product. Speculations suggest Suzuki eVitara will launch in Europe and Japan first and then in markets like India, even though part of the production happens here. A similar strategy to Jimny lifestyle SUV. More

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      Mahindra Renames BE 6e to BE 6 For Now – Amid Legal Dispute with IndiGo, Vows to Contest Case

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      Indigo 6E and Mahindra BE 6eThe case will be closely watched as it not only involves two of India’s leading companies but also raises questions about trademark rights and their scope across different industries
      In an ongoing legal tussle between Mahindra & Mahindra and InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo) over the use of the “6E” brand, Mahindra has announced that its upcoming electric SUV will now be branded as the “BE 6.” This decision comes as the two companies gear up for a courtroom battle over trademark rights.
      Mahindra had originally named its electric SUV the “BE 6e” as part of its Born Electric (BE) platform, with the vehicle unveiled alongside the XEV 9e on November 26, 2024. While Mahindra maintains that the name “BE 6e” is distinct from IndiGo’s “6E,” which is associated with the airline’s branding, it has decided to rebrand the SUV to avoid potential market confusion and focus on its product launch.
      Mahindra’s Stance on the Dispute
      Mahindra has stated that it applied for the trademark registration for “BE 6e” under Class 12 (vehicles), which pertains to an entirely different industry from IndiGo’s operations in aviation. The company emphasized that its trademark is not “6E” but “BE 6e,” highlighting the distinct styling and usage context.
      “We believe our mark differs fundamentally from IndiGo’s ‘6E,’ which represents an airline, eliminating any risk of confusion. Moreover, our registration application is specific to a different industry sector and product,” Mahindra said in its statement.
      Mahindra also pointed out that IndiGo had previously faced a similar challenge from Tata Motors over the “IndiGo” name, as Tata had used the Indigo brand for its cars. Despite Tata’s objection, IndiGo retained its brand name, arguing it operated in a different sector. Mahindra finds IndiGo’s current stance inconsistent with its earlier actions.
      Rebranding and the Way Forward
      While Mahindra has renamed its SUV the “BE 6” to ensure a smooth market launch, the company has made it clear that it will continue to contest IndiGo’s claims in court. Mahindra expressed concern that granting IndiGo exclusivity over a two-character alphanumeric mark could set a problematic precedent, potentially stifling creativity and branding across industries.
      “Our priority remains delivering an excellent customer experience and focusing on popularizing electric transport in India. However, we firmly believe IndiGo’s claims are baseless and will strongly contest them in court. Allowing such claims to go unchallenged could monopolize common alpha-numeric marks, creating challenges for companies across sectors,” Mahindra added.
      A Call for Collaboration
      Mahindra also called for greater collaboration between Indian multinationals, stating that engaging in unnecessary legal battles diverts attention from the larger goal of contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
      “We find it unseemly that two large Indian companies are entangled in a distracting conflict when we should be championing each other’s growth and innovation,” Mahindra noted in its statement.
      Launch Plans for BE 6
      Despite the legal dispute, Mahindra is pressing forward with the launch of its BE 6 and XEV 9e SUVs. Deliveries are slated to begin in February 2025. Mahindra’s focus remains on its Born Electric platform, which aims to lead India’s transition to sustainable mobility solutions. More

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      Tata Motors EV Sales Decline 11.2% YoY – Likely To Miss 1 Lakh Target

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      New Tata Punch EV. Image – Shubhadip SinghaTata Motors, once a dominant force in the Indian EV segment, is grappling with declining sales despite maintaining the largest market share
      Tata Motors, India’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is facing a challenging fiscal year as it struggles to achieve its ambitious EV sales target of 1 lakh units for FY25. Despite dominating the EV segment with popular models like the Nexon EV and Punch EV, the company recorded an 11.2% year-on-year decline in EV sales during the first eight months of FY25, delivering 42,778 units. With just four months remaining, the automaker faces an uphill battle to even surpass its FY24 sales of 73,844 units.
      Missing EV Sales Target
      This marks the second consecutive year that Tata Motors has failed to meet its 1 lakh unit EV sales target. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Motors, had previously set this ambitious goal, doubling the company’s FY23 EV sales during the annual general meeting in July 2022. However, the company missed its FY24 target and is now falling short in FY25 as well.
      A Tata Motors spokesperson noted that the entire passenger car market is experiencing flat growth, with the EV adoption curve similarly affected. “Discontinuity in central and state policies incentivizing EV purchases has contributed to this slowdown. With EV being the destination technology for the passenger car industry, we remain focused on developing the market for mainstreaming EVs,” the company said.
      Analysts predict that the overall Indian passenger car market is likely to end FY25 with a modest 2% growth compared to the previous year, reflecting the impact of subdued consumer demand.
      Windsor has become No 1 selling electric car in Oct 2024
      MG Windsor Steals the Spotlight
      In stark contrast to Tata’s declining sales, the MG Windsor has made a significant impact since its launch. In November 2024, it recorded sales of 3,144 units, surpassing the Tata Nexon EV for the second consecutive month. The Windsor’s strong performance has cemented its position as the No. 1 best-selling electric car in India, challenging Tata Motors’ long-standing dominance in the EV market.
      Tata Motors’ upcoming models, such as the Harrier EV and Sierra EV, are expected to bolster its portfolio, but their impact will be felt only in the next fiscal year. Competition will be even more fierce by that time, as Maruti will have their eVitara, Hyundai will have Creta EV and Mahindra will have BE 6e and XEV 9e. As new players and models enter the market, established brands like Tata Motors will need to adapt to maintain their market position in this rapidly evolving space.
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      MG Cyberster India Unveil – Classics that Evolve

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      Cyberster India Unveil scheduled for January 2025Classic Roadster Vibes, Electrified by MG Cyberster – India Unveil
      MG Cyberster represents a bold step into the future of electric sports cars. As the flagship model under MG Select, it is positioned to attract discerning customers seeking sustainable luxury. MG Cyberster integrates advanced technology with a design inspired by the classic MG B Roadster, celebrating a rich legacy of open-air motoring.
      The Cyberster’s design looks at the drawing board of the MG B Roadster of the 1960s. This electric roadster seamlessly combines traditional aesthetics with a futuristic vision. Cyberster’s silhouette reflects the essence of classic roadster proportions, reinterpreted for a modern audience.
      MG Cyberster Stylish Scissor Doors
      MG Cyberster India unveil in January 2025
      Cyberster will unveil in January 2025. This marks a significant moment for MG Select, a luxury channel brand by JSW MG Motor India. Catering to customers prioritising something more, MG Select aims to reshape expectations within the premium automobile market in India.
      MG’s fastest roadster, Cyberster draws from MG’s storied history in motorsport. It incorporates new age tech to create an all-electric platform. By blending traditional performance attributes with technological advancements, the Cyberster redefines what a roadster can offer in the electric vehicle (EV) era.
      Cyberster Roadster
      India’s Luxury Market Welcomes MG Cyberster
      Cyberster brings together performance paired with functional luxury. This approach aligns with evolving consumer preferences for sustainable mobility solutions without compromising on style or speed.
      MG Select caters to the demands of India’s growing luxury car market. With experience centres across 12 cities, MG Select provides curated touchpoints for customers to explore brand offerings. This growing network underlines the importance of accessibility in reaching audiences.
      cyberster
      Purpose-Driven Luxury Portfolio
      The Cyberster’s name reflects its technological orientation. Purpose-driven advancements ensure that this vehicle delivers a high-performance driving experience while adhering to modern sustainability standards. Features designed to enhance comfort, safety, and driving dynamics highlight its forward-looking ethos.
      MG Select focuses on blending innovation, heritage, and sustainability. Vehicles under this brand, including the Cyberster, offer a refined approach to luxury. This strategy caters to new-age consumers who seek exclusivity and functionality in equal measure.
      MG Cyberster Design
      A Roadster for the Ages: Timeless Appeal
      Expanding the Roadster TraditionThe Cyberster extends MG’s legacy of creating roadsters with global appeal. As a convertible, it brings an unmatched sense of open-air driving. This aspect is central to the design philosophy of MG, ensuring the roadster heritage remains relevant in the electric age.
      MG Cyberster embodies the evolution of roadsters in the modern world. From its inspiration in MG’s iconic models to its cutting-edge electric platform, Cyberster appeals to automotive enthusiasts and EV advocates alike. This vehicle redefines performance while staying grounded in the values of Morris Garages.
      Electric Sportscar MG Cyberster
      Gaurav Gupta, Chief Growth Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “Growing up and even today, many of us dream of owning a sleek sports car—the kind that makes your heart race, your hair fly in the wind, and lets you relive the romance and thrill we have all seen in iconic movies and on racetracks. The MG Cyberster brings that dream to life, blending the timeless allure of classic roadsters with modern technology and inspired innovation. It encapsulates the thrill and charm of a bygone era while appealing to the discerning tastes of new-age luxury customers in India.” More

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      Mahindra BE 6e Vs. XEV 9e – Base Variant Features Compared

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      Mahindra BE 6e and XUV 9eWhile the base variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e are well-equipped, they lack features such as panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, self-parking function, etc.
      With ambitious plans to dominate the EV segment, Mahindra has introduced two of its born-electric SUVs. While BE 6e is priced at Rs 18.90 lakh, the XEV 9e starts at Rs 21.90 lakh. Multiple new models will be launched in the coming years.
      Mahindra BE 6e Pack One – Features, safety kit
      As of now, Mahindra has revealed the details of only the base variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e. ‘Pack One’ terminology is being used to refer to the base variants. Talking about features, the BE 6e Pack One base variant gets an all-LED lighting setup. It has 18-inch wheels with aero covers and exterior cladding in glossy black finish. A 150-litre frunk provides extra storage space in addition to the 455-litre rear boot.
      Mahindra BE 6e base variant features list
      High-tech equipment is one of the key USPs of Mahindra’s born-electric SUVs. Even the base variant of BE 6e is fully loaded. It has dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and a customizable instrument cluster. The carmaker is using its proprietary Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture (MAIA) to power the various tech systems. One of the fastest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets has been used to ensure a seamless experience.
      A comprehensive range of connectivity and remote functions are available with Mahindra BE 6e. There’s OTA updates, 5G connectivity, pre-installed OTT apps, built-in Amazon Alexa, social media apps and external device support for rear passengers. BE 6e Pack One base variant has four speakers and two tweeters. It has push button start/stop, fabric upholstery, keyless entry, auto climate control and rear AC vents. Other highlights include a cooled glove box, 65W Type-C charging ports at front and rear, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment and cruise control.
      Safety kit includes six airbags, rear camera and sensors, brake-by-wire tech, rear disc brakes, tyre pressure monitoring system and auto headlights. There’s rain sensing wipers, electronic parking brake and driver drowsiness detection system.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Pack One – Features, safety kit
      Most of the features listed above for BE 6e are common for XEV 9e. There are only a few differences in the equipment and safety package. For example, an electronic parking brake is not available with the Pack One base variant of XEV 9e. Other missing items include 5G connectivity, push button start/stop and pre-installed OTT, news, social media and shopping apps.
      Mahindra XEV 9e base variant features list
      Mahindra BE 6e Pack One, XEV 9e Pack One – Powertrain
      Both models share the same powertrain. The 59-kWh battery pack connects to an electric motor that generates 231 hp and 380 Nm. Both SUVs have a range of 542 km (MIDC). Other features common to both SUVs include virtual engine sounds, single-pedal drive, variable ratio power steering and drive modes of Range, Everyday and Race. BE 6e Pack One base variant gets Boost function with the Race drive mode. It also has low rolling resistance tyres.
      Mahindra BE 6e Pack One, XEV 9e Pack One – Desirable features
      Base variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e miss out on safety features such as 7-airbags, ADAS Level 2, blind spot monitoring, a 360° camera and self-parking function. Other items missing include a panoramic sunroof with integrated ambient lighting and a premium 1,400W, 16-speaker sound system by Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos. BE 6e and XEV 9e base variants also do not have a head-up display with augmented reality. To access these features, users will need to choose the higher variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e.
      BE 6e Pack One and XEV 9e Pack One base variants are available at Rs 18.90 lakh and Rs 21.90 lakh. However, users will need to pay an additional amount for the charger and any installation required. Users will be able to choose from a 7.2 kW and a 11 kW charger. More

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      Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive Review – Mid-Size SUV With Bonkers Performance!

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      Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive ReviewWith 286 PS of peak power and 380 Nm of peak torque and RWD architecture, Mahindra XEV 9e offers unmatched performance among mid-size SUVs
      At their Unlimit India event held in Chennai, Mahindra launched two new Electric Origin SUVs. Called BE 6e and XEV 9e, these electric SUVs are poised to revolutionise the Indian automotive market and make a much bigger splash in many global markets than Mahindra did before. Being the bigger of the two, XEV 9e holds more potential to appeal to more premium buyers who need a style statement and performance to match.
      The proposition of an XEV 9e is very straightforward. Currently, it is a one-of-a-kind offering with no real competition until Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV arrive. XEV 9e doesn’t follow the generic FWD monocoque high-riding SUV formula but offers RWD excitement. Mahindra provided Rushlane with an XEV 9e at the ‘Unlimit India’ event for a first-drive review. After driving it in the city, on the highway and on Mahindra’s curated tracks at MSPT (Mahindra SUV Proving Tracks), here’s what we think about this SUV.
      Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive Review
      Starting with the price, Mahindra XEV 9e base Pack 1 costs Rs 21.9 lakh (Ex-sh) and it is a mid-size electric SUV. Mahindra provided us with top-spec trim in Desert Myst and Tango Red shades. Of all the colours, I think Stealth Black looks the best on XEV 9e, highlighting its sporty credentials and sophisticated personality. If the smaller BE 6e is inspired by a fighter jet, XEV 9e is inspired by a private jet with more sophistication.
      We can see that in its exterior design. XEV 9e doesn’t look wild like BE 6e does. There’s grace in its design, that establishes a commanding road presence. We get a closed-off grill at the front, flanked by vertically arranged LED projector headlights accompanied by and commanding connected LED DRLs. There’s no aerodynamic front spoiler on XEV 9e like there was on BE 6e. Muscular creases on bonnet define car’s personality further.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      At the sides, we can see the lovely coupe profile with sloping roofline merging in a flat end. Mahindra has given XEV 9e the same ORVMs as XUV700. Front door handle is flush and pop-out type, while rear door handle is nothing fancy, but positioned at the pillar. Chunky body claddings painted in gloss black along with chrome window belt line highlight the sporty character. Wheels are massive and could go up to 20-inches in size.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      At the rear, we can see the illuminated Electric Origin SUV logo, a conventional (relatively) roof spoiler, a shark fin antenna, connected LED tail lights and a sporty bumper painted in gloss black with a chrome strip. Rear tailgate is electrically operated and front bonnet is hydraulically assisted to reveal a sizeable frunk (front trunk). Putting numbers on XEV 9e’s size, it measures 4,790 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, 1,690 mm in width and has a 2,775 mm long wheelbase. Trunk space is 663L and frunk space is 150L.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Frunk
      Business-Class Interiors
      While BE 6e’s interiors looked like a fighter jet, XEV 9e’s interiors were less sporty and more sophisticated looking. Like that of a business-class jet. If you look closely, you will realise that XEV 9e’s interiors are very closely related to the interiors of an XUV700 under the skin, which is not a bad thing. Here, Mahindra has given new soft-touch finishes and touches to make it appear more premium and sophisticated, which it does.
      Steering wheel is unique to XEV 9e and is not the same unit as seen in BE 6e. While the shape is unique, its functionalities match that of BE 6e. There are tactile buttons and toggles along with dedicated + and – toggles for regen control. Centre console on XEV 9e is reminiscent of XUV700, except for the new and fancier gear selector. The main difference is the unmistakable and attention-grabbing triple 10.2-inch screen layout.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Dashboard
      Mahindra calls it 110 cm wide Cinemascope setup. These displays are crisp in resolution and are run by 6th Gen Adrenox UI and MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture) powered by Qualcomm SnapDragon chipset. Centre infotainment screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while instrument screen for driver shows a host of information including a large-format navigation module and blind-spot assistance module when turn indicators are activated.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interior Camera
      Presence of a third screen is the most interesting aspect in this entire setup and it aims to offer a dedicated display for front passengers. This screen is capable of streaming videos and even video calls with the built-in camera inside XEV 9e. Mahindra calls this camera EyeDentity and it is primarily used to monitor driver fatigue and send alerts. For rear passengers, there is no dedicated entertainment package.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      However, Mahindra does offer a docking facility for tablets behind the front seats as a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) approach. When docked, the rear devices can be synced to car’s UI and get a unified experience. Dedicated entertainment package would have been nice, but we can appreciate Mahindra’s efforts to achieve price-wise competitiveness. Driver seat is powered and has a memory function with buttons elegantly placed on door. Seats are large and accommodating, but they’re sporty and bolster your body in place like BE 6e’s seats do.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      Rear seat occupants get a lot of space as the wheelbase is 2,770 mm long. Seats here recline for added comfort and there is genuine support for optimum comfort. Floor is flat and we even have Boss Mode for the rear master seat. Boss Mode adjustments are manual, though, and not electric. We felt like the headroom was sufficient too, for a car with a sloping Coupe roofline. There are three individual headrests and a centre armrest along with fast-charging capable Type-C ports, a manual sun shade and a wireless charging pad.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      When we’re talking about a Mahindra, there won’t be a deficit of features. XEV 9e is Mahindra’s flagship Electric Origin SUV and the features list goes on and on. Notable features are 360-degree camera, NFC key card, driverless self-parking feature, remote parking, ventilated front seats, cooled glovebox, LED interior lighting, multi-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, air purifier with PM 2.5 air filter, 1400W 16-speaker Harman Kardon setup with Dolby Atmos, tuned by music industry stalwarts like A R Rehman, slidable sun blinds with vanity mirrors and lights, among others.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      The Harman Kardon system had excellent sound output, but very heavy on base, overpowering the mids. Nothing you can’t fix in equalizer. XEV 9e also features an Infinity Roof (a fixed glass roof) with a powered sunblind which is synced with the car’s 16 million colour ambient lighting. Mahindra’s new VisionX HUD system shows vital information like navigation, ADAS-related infographics, vehicle speed, traffic sign recognition data, cruise control data and music.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      Exhilarating Performance & Plush Ride
      Mahindra XEV 9e is now a benchmark in performance within the mid-size SUV segment. There is nothing out there to match XEV 9e in outright performance in any sense of the imagination. That is courtesy of a large battery pack that goes up till 79 kWh in capacity. This large battery powers an electric motor with 285 PS of peak power and 380 Nm of peak torque ensures instantaneous acceleration sprinting to 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 202 km/h.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Boot
      This electric motor is positioned at the rear for best driving feel. No generic FWD nonsense here, thanks to the born electric INGLO platform where Mahindra engineers seem to have had complete freedom. Because of the motor at the rear, there’s no torque steering and it feels like a proper SUV. The heavy batteries ensure a low centre of gravity and a supple ride. As demonstrated by the ‘Great Indian Wine Glass Challenge’ by Mahindra, XEV 9e has an incredibly cushy ride that almost feels like you’re driving on a magic carpet.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      That’s thanks to rear independent suspension along with semi-active dampers, first-in-segment. XEV 9e has a noticeably more comfortable ride quality than BE 6e, which is set up at a sportier setting. This means body roll is very evident on XEV 9e, something which is not in BE 6e’s equation. XEV 9e handles Indian roads like a champ. It absorbs bumps, potholes and bad patches very effortlessly. It is an incredible feat considering XEV 9e can be specced up with up to 20-inch alloy wheels.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      Braking setup consists of all-wheel disc brakes along with Mahindra’s new Brake-by-Wire technology for lowest reaction time. Result of all this is excellent stopping power from XEV 9e with good initial bite and progression. Mahindra quotes a range of up to 656 km on a single charge (ARAI Certified) and even quotes a 780 km figure from an in-house test. In real life, Mahindra promises the XEV 9e will do 500+ km on a single charge with AC on.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      XEV 9e has three driving modes – Range, Everyday and Race, altering performance, feedback and even top speed. For example, top speed maxes out at 162 km/h in Everyday Mode and can reach 202 km/h in Race Mode. There’s adjustable regen modes that even allow for one pedal driving, which rival brands are yet to implement. Because of the variable gear ratios in steering, turning radius of XEV 9e was impressive as well, considering its size. DC fast charging is supported and can go up to 175kW quoting 20% to 80% in 20 minutes, if you can find a 175 kW charger in India. There’s unlimited battery warranty too, but only for the first owner.
      Safety-wise, there is no reason for concerns as the badge on this vehicle says Mahindra. XEV 9e comes equipped with up to 7 airbags and is highly likely to score a stellar 5 star crash safety rating at any of the NCAP agencies across the world. There’s a Level 2+ ADAS suite with 5 radars and 1 camera, acting as a guardian angel, protecting the occupants. Mahindra also demonstrated the structural integrity of INGLO platform batteries by performing crush test, immersion test, fire test and even a drop test.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      Some Reservations and Conclusion
      1. Just like on BE 6e, XEV 9e’s HUD goes out of sight when you take the seat height all the way down to a sporty feel.2. The tiny rear windscreen situation in XEV 9e is even worse than BE 6e as this vehicle has a centre headrest for 2nd row bench.3. We wished the doors went over the running boards to prevent soiling of the occupant’s clothes during ingress and egress.4. There’s a missed opportunity here as Mahindra could have made it a compelling 2nd-row vehicle by offering features like electrically operated Boss Mode, rear seat ventilation among others.5. The third display on the dashboard can stream videos which could prove a distraction for driver. Mahindra could have implemented a dimming function when viewing from a certain angle to prevent driver distractions. This tech is more than a decade old already.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      Concluding Mahindra XEV 9e review is slightly trickier, only because the BE 6e exists. XEV 9e aims to be a more sophisticated and larger offering than BE 6e with a much larger boot and frunk. The premium quotient is higher on XEV 9e, no doubt. But for owner/drivers, BE 6e appears as a far more exciting alternative as it packs a sporty edge. We say this because Mahindra could have worked more on curating rear-seat experience for it to be a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
      XEV 9e emerges as a status symbol that sets it apart from other mid-size SUVs out there, while costing more or less the same OTR. At the same time, it offers unmatched performance and an exciting package. If you’re not smitten by BE 6e or find BE 6e’s design polarising, you should go right ahead and buy the XEV 9e. Because there’s nothing like it in the mid-size SUV segment with similar overall packaging. More