4 Hybrid SUVs From Mahindra: What We Know So Far
Hybrid powertrains are rapidly gaining acceptance in India and Mahindra has no plans to hold itself back from foraying into this space. It is reportedly working on the first few hybrid products. These will have both strong hybrids and series hybrids. Here are four hybrid SUVs expected from Mahindra in the not-so-distant future.
Launched in January this year, the XUV 7XO is available with two engine options- 2.2L mHawk diesel and 2.0L turbo-petrol. This SUV is based on a conventional internal combustion platform. Mahindra is reportedly working on a hybrid version of the 7XO. Details of this project remain under the wraps for now. What we know is that it will be a strong hybrid product. Strong hybrids pair their internal combustion engines with electric motors and battery packs.
In such a configuration, the vehicle will be able to run on pure electric power for short distances and use the combustion engine whenever required. Models like the Toyota Hyryder and Innova Hycross have made strong hybrids familiar to Indian buyers. Strong hybrid powertrains can bring major fuel savings and typically have higher fuel efficiencies than conventional petrol units. The XUV 7XO strong hybrid is expected to launch sometime in 2027, and will possibly be one of Mahindra’s first hybrids.
The BE6 and XEV 9e were Mahindra’s first two ‘Electric Origin SUVs’ based on the INGLO platform. Launched in November 2024, they marked the beginning of the carmaker’s EV revolution. The BE6 stood out with its design while the XEV 9e excelled with its large, roomy, tech-packed cabin. The skateboard platform makes sure that both models come with a flat floor and a practical interior.
So now, Mahindra is reportedly working on hybrid versions of both the BE6 and XEV 9e. According to a report by Autocar India, the XEV 9e hybrid project is internally called W623. Unlike the XUV 7XO, the Electric Origin SUVs will take a different approach towards hybridisation. The BE6 and XEV 9e will both spawn range extender hybrids. The underlying skateboard platform is the primary reason for choosing the series hybrid configuration.
Dedicated EV platforms (skateboards) were never designed to accommodate engines or their ancillaries. It would thus be difficult to convert such an EV into a conventional strong hybrid.
A series hybrid (or range extender) configuration is different. In it, the wheels are driven by the electric motor (s). The battery pack powers it and an internal combustion engine works to recharge it. The engine works in its optimal conditions, ensuring maximum operating efficiency. Even this will require significant re-engineering of the product and the platform.
For series hybrid versions of the BE6 and XEV9e, Mahindra is expected to use a 1.2-litre and a 1.5-litre petrol engines. The XEV 9e hybrid project has reportedly entered its testing phase and will likely be out in 2028. The possible launch timeline of the BE6 range extender version hasn’t been disclosed yet.
Mahindra, in August last year, showcased its all-new modular platform- the NU_IQ. At the same event, the company showcased four interesting concepts, one of which was the Vision S. It previews a rugged SUV that will come with multiple powertrain options. In addition to petrol and EV options, the Vision S is also expected to get a strong hybrid powertrain. The specifics of this remain unclear. The NU_IQ is a versatile multi-energy platform and will be able to comfortably support strong hybrid setups.