2023 Mahindra eXUV300 EV spotted in Chennai, launch set to take place by March, next year
Just a few days back, Mahindra informed that it will launch the electric version of its entry-level XUV300, eXUV300, by March, next year, and now the camouflaged test mule of the EV has been spotted at Mahindra Research Valley, Chengalpattu.
The upcoming eXUV300 will be the UV manufacturer’s first EV venture after not tasting success with the REVAi, e2o, and eVerito electric cars.
While the car has been heavily camouflaged, the tail lights are visible and they sport different design elements inside. The shape of the tail light also looks a little bit sleek than the outgoing model. It looks more like that of the eXUV300 concept’s units.
The lights also get a slightly smoked finish for a sporty look. The eXUV, being an EV, will have some serious performance on offer. The roof rails are finished in black and we guess the production car might feature a black roof.
The upcoming eXUV300 will not be restricted to the current car’s under-4-metre length but rather be longer at around 4.2 metres to accommodate the electric powertrain, and be high on space and features. It will take the fight against the current EV leader, Tata Nexon EV.
As the car exceeds 4 metres in length, it will lose out on the sub-4 metre tax benefits and command a premium that also includes the increased costs of the electric powertrain just like the Nexon’s electric variant. We expect a price tag of around Rs. 20 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Just around 10 days ago, Mahindra signed a partnership with Volkswagen wherein it will start exploring the options of using Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform and components for its upcoming electric cars.
As per the recent agreement, Mahindra intends to equip its Born Electric platform with MEB electric components such as electric motors, system components, and battery packs.
It must be seen whether Mahindra will adopt Volkswagen’s platform for the XUV electric or not. The car maker revealed that it aims to become the number 1 UV maker by 2025 and plans to launch as many as 13 SUVs in the next 5 years.
Of these, Mahindra said, 8 would be electric. And, of the 8 electric SUVs, 4 will be completely new models and their launch will take place between 2025 and 2027, the manufacturer said.
Earlier this year, Mahindra gave a glimpse of its upcoming Born Electric platform which will soon sprawl into 3 all-electric cars, most probably, SUVs.
Conceptualised at the Mahindra Advanced Design Studio in the UK headed by Pratap Bose, the 3-car lineup will be revealed in their concept form coming July.
The company assured that Thar, Bolero, XUV, and Scorpio will remain as its core models even if new ones get launched. It will invest Rs. 1900 crores for capacity expansion including EVs in the next couple of years.
While the XUV300, Bolero, and Thar are manufactured at its Nashik plant, the XUV 700, which commands a huge 18-24 months waiting period, and the upcoming Scorpio are manufactured at its Chakan plant.
