With concern for the environment growing and India taking big steps toward going completely electric, Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled its new INGLO EV platform with five e-SUVs under two EV brands, inching closer to solidifying its vision for electric mobility. They have focussed on three key areas to work on– Brand, Design and Technology. So let’s take a deeper look at what the future of the company holds...
Mahindra is going electric: What does that entail?
Futuristic steps are headed our way…
Brand
To build a lineup of dependable electric SUVs, Mahindra has unveiled two new brands specifically for its EV portfolio–XUV with the Twin Peak logo in Copper and the newest electric-only brand called BE (Born Electric). At its birth, these two brands have showcased five new e-SUVs– the XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. With the first four are set to be launched between 2024 and 2026.
Design
These new e-SUVs will focus on retaining Mahindra’s heritage while taking a step towards the future with features like a scalable design, all-wheel drive and the ability to do 0-100 in 5-6 seconds. The new models will also incorporate Volkswagon’s MEB platform components and a lighter skateboard and high energy-density batteries.
INGLO Technology
The INGLO platform has worked toward progressive battery technology, platform architecture, brain power and human-machine interface. The name itself symbolizes the flow and exchange of energy and emotion, a ‘GLO’ of well-being and is a system that brings complete harmony to its parts. This purpose-built platform will underpin all the company’s EVs moving forward.
It will pack in class-leading safety standards, improved performance, impressive range and efficiency, driving dynamics, versatility and intelligent HMI. The platform will also deliver a multi-sensory driving experience, featuring a futuristic, augmented reality-enabled heads-up display, edge-to-edge screen, 5G network capability and Over-The-Air updates to keep the EVs as good as new.
Features
The INGLO architecture will sport a common battery pack design with standardised cell-to-pack technology. Using both Blade and Prismatic cell structures, Mahindra will use the LFP chemistry to provide a ‘safer’ EV.
The battery size will vary from 60-80kWh, with fast charge capabilities of 175kW. This will allow the battery to juice up to 80% in less than 30 minutes. The 80kWh battery claims to return around 435-450kms (WLTP cycle).
The new electric SUVs will be available with both rear and all-wheel-drive mechanisms, with the rear-wheel-drive models promising to deliver between 231bhp and 286bhp. The AWD models, on the other hand, can eke out about 340bhp and 394bhp. Lastly, we hope to see the 0-100km/h in 5-6 seconds that Mahindra so proudly claims.
Models
XUV.e8
The XUV.e8 is set to launch in December 2024. It will sport 4740 x 1900 x 1760 mm (L x W x H) dimensions and come with a 2762mm wheelbase. Like all the models, it will be based on the INGLO Platform and offer performance, technology and safety. It will come with an intelligent all-wheel drive system along with a sophisticated cabin, offering ride comfort both on and off the road.
XUV.e9
The XUV.e9 is set to launch in April 2025. The slightly larger 4790 x 1905 x 1690 mm dimensions on this vehicle are supported by a 2775 mm wheelbase. The standout feature on this model is the fearlessly modern design with the abilities of an authentic SUV combined with the aerodynamic silhouette of a coupe.
BE.05
The BE.05 is set to launch in October 2025 with a 4370 x 1900 x 1635 mm chassis and 2775mm wheelbase. This Sports Electric Vehicle (SEV) has a racing-inspired bold design complemented by interesting new multi-sensory experiences.
BE.07
The BE.07 is set to launch in October 2026 with a 4565 x 1900 x 1660 mm chassis and a wheelbase of 2775 mm. This vehicle is more of a family car, with a quality design and versatility with configurable profiles, to suit the needs of your family.
BE.09
The BE.09 is still very much in the works with little revealed other than the fact that it is an SUV grand tourer with a chiselled design, dynamic roof and solid stance, which can seat four passengers.
So stay tuned for more details in the future…