Mahindra is readying at least six new SUVs for launch in 2024 in the Indian market. While most of these are updates to existing models like the XUV300, XUV400 and the XUV700, there will be some all-new models as well such as the Thar 5-door and XUV.e8. Here’s what you can look forward to from each of them, in order of launch.
Mahindra XUV400 EV feature update
Price: Rs 16 lakh-19.5 lakh
Launch: Early 2024
The first to arrive among these will be an updated XUV400 with an improved equipment list. While Mahindra has already rolled out several small updates to the XUV400 in just a year since its launch, it has still been a slow-selling model. The upcoming update will be the most significant yet, bringing more features to the cabin of the electric SUV.
Most notable will be a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen that will bring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This will also necessitate a redesigned dashboard, but we still do not expect features like ADAS or a 360-deg camera that’s becoming commonplace in the sub-4-metre category. We also do not expect any exterior cosmetic changes or mechanical updates.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift
Price: Rs 8.5 lakh-15.5 lakh
Launch: February 2024
The extensively redesigned XUV300 will get an all-new front and rear-end that with drop-down LED daytime running lamps and connected LED light bars, essentially taking it closer to the design of Mahindra’s upcoming BE range of SUVs. Its overall dimensions, however, will be similar to the outgoing version to keep within the sub-4-metre range. Mahindra will be overhauling the interior to make it more modern, and also add more features, such as a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. There’s even a possibility of a panoramic sunroof.
The XUV300 facelift will continue with the same set of engines – a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. However, the more powerful 131hp, 1.2 turbo-petrol will also get a new Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic (torque converter), alongside the 6-speed manual.
Mahindra XUV700 with captain seats
Price: Rs 22 lakh-26 lakh
Launch: TBA
The XUV700 is still early in its lifecycle and is currently offered in 5- and 7-seater guises. Mahindra will be expanding the line-up further with a new 6-seater variant with captain chairs for the middle row. The XUV700’s rivals, the Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari, both offer 6-seater variants with captain chairs, something that’s been popular with buyers too.
It will also see the addition of auto-dimming IRVM, and could even see the introduction of cooled seats that’s been a glaring miss so far, and is offered by both rivals too. We, however, do not expect any other change, so it will continue with the existing 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines with their respective gearbox options. We also do not expect any cosmetic updates here.
New Mahindra XUV300 EV
Price: Rs 14 lakh-16 lakh
Launch: June 2024
As already mentioned, the XUV400 has not quite been able to take the fight up to the Tata Nexon EV. So, to have a more competitive position in the entry-level electric SUV segment, Mahindra will introduce an all-new XUV300 EV that will be positioned below the existing XUV400. It will measure less than 4 metres in length, and will be modelled directly on lines of the XUV300 facelift.
Therefore, expect some of the BE-inspired styling here as well, albeit with its own unique EV-specific touches. The interior, too, is largely expected to be shared with the XUV300 facelift, although it will have a smaller boot than the XUV400. The XUV300 EV will come with a 35kWh battery, which is smaller than the 40kWh one seen on the top-spec XUV400. There are, however, no details on the range or electric motor specifications at this moment. It is expected to be priced around Rs 2 lakh less than the existing XUV400 range.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
Price: Rs 16 lakh-20 lakh
Launch: Mid 2024
This one’s been under development for quite some time now, and has been spied testing on our roads on numerous occasions. Mahindra intends to expand the Thar line-up with a 5-door version, aiming to appeal to a broader audience – those seeking a tough, go-anywhere SUV but with added comfort and practicality – just as Maruti Suzuki did with the Jimny 5-door.
Its longer wheelbase is expected to aid space in the second row and boot. Camouflaged test mules have also hinted at a slightly altered design in order to set it apart from its 3-door sibling, and it will get more features on the inside including a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and even a sunroof. Under the hood, it is likely to retain the current 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines, mated to the same 6-speed manual and auto.
Mahindra XUV.e8
Price: Rs 30 lakh-35 lakh
Launch: Late 2024
The last to arrive next year will be the XUV.e8, which will also be the first of Mahindra’s next-gen born EV onslaught. Although the XUV.e8 will be based on the INGLO skateboard platform, it is conceptually similar to the XUV700 – it carries forward the same basic layout, same silhouette and same three rows of seats. Think of it as an electric derivative of the XUV700 with a sufficiently altered design to make it stand out as an EV.
It is likely to use an 80kWh battery with two power outputs – 230hp and 350hp, and could also feature a twin-motor setup giving it an all-wheel drive. On the inside, though many of the XUV700’s components will return, the XUV.e8 will take the game a notch higher than its petrol- and diesel-powered siblings with an array of three screens – a digital instrument cluster, infotainment and a new screen for passengers.
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