In the ever-intensifying race for electric supremacy in India’s SUV segment, Mahindra Automotive is pulling out all the stops. With Tata Motors having recently unveiled its flagship Harrier.ev on June 3, 2025, Mahindra is fast-tracking its response: the XEV 7E, the electrified sibling of the wildly popular XUV700. This seven-seater electric SUV promises to blend family-friendly practicality with advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities, positioning itself as a direct rival to Tata’s latest EV offering. And now, with a camouflaged test mule caught mid-charge at a public station, the XEV 7E feels tantalizingly close to reality.
A Stealthy Charge in Hubli: The Latest Spy SightingThe buzz around the XEV 7E reached a new high when eagle-eyed enthusiasts in Hubli, Karnataka, snapped photos of a heavily wrapped prototype plugged into a public electric charger. Shared widely on automotive forums like Team-BHP, the images reveal a vehicle that’s unmistakably rooted in the XUV700’s design DNA but tuned for the electric era. The most telling detail? The charging port is cleverly integrated right where the traditional fuel filler cap sits on its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart—on the rear fender. This practical placement ensures familiarity for XUV700 owners transitioning to EV life, making refueling (or recharging) as intuitive as ever.Despite the full camouflage wrap obscuring most body panels, a few clues peeked through. The test mule sported a fresh set of aeroblade-style alloy wheels, a hallmark of modern EVs designed to slice through the air with minimal resistance. These low-drag wheels aren’t just aesthetic flair; they play a crucial role in enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, potentially boosting the vehicle’s real-world range by several kilometers. Prior leaks had already teased the production-ready look, showing a near-identical silhouette to the XUV700 but with subtle EV-specific tweaks like a smoother front fascia and closed grille to optimize airflow.
This isn’t the first time the XEV 7E has dodged the paparazzi. Earlier this year, prototypes were spotted on Indian roads undergoing cold-weather testing and highway runs, hinting at Mahindra’s rigorous validation process. But seeing it at a public charger marks a milestone—it’s a sign that the final production version is locked in, with real-world integration tests underway.
Powertrain and Features: What to Expect from the Electric XUV700
Under the hood (or rather, the battery pack), the XEV 7E is built on Mahindra’s cutting-edge INGLO platform, the same architecture powering its BE and XEV siblings. This dedicated EV skateboard chassis enables a low center of gravity for superior handling and more cabin space. Expect dual-motor AWD setups across variants, delivering peppy acceleration and confident grip on diverse terrains—from urban potholes to monsoon-soaked highways.
Battery options are rumored to include a 59 kWh unit for entry-level trims and a larger 79 kWh pack for top-spec models, promising a claimed range of up to 650 km on a single charge. Fast-charging support should allow a 20-80% top-up in under 30 minutes, keeping downtime minimal for long-distance family jaunts. Inside, anticipate a tech-laden cabin mirroring the XUV700’s AdrenoX system, complete with twin 10.25-inch screens, Level 2+ ADAS, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats. As a seven-seater, it’ll cater to India’s growing tribe of EV-curious families, with flexible seating and a boot that swallows weekend luggage with ease.
Pricing? Mahindra is expected to price the XEV 7E aggressively, starting around ₹25 lakh and climbing to ₹35 lakh for loaded AWD variants, undercutting some premium rivals while matching the Harrier.ev’s value proposition.
Launch Timeline: Q1 2026 Beckons
Mahindra hasn’t dropped an official launch date yet, but insiders point to a debut in late 2025 followed by showroom arrivals in Q1 2026—likely January or February. This timeline aligns with the company’s aggressive EV roadmap, which already includes hits like the BE 6 and XEV 9e. By then, the Indian EV market will be even hotter, with subsidies, expanded charging infrastructure, and fiercer competition driving adoption.The XEV 7E’s arrival couldn’t be timelier. Tata’s Harrier.ev, with its AWD prowess and up to 500+ km range, has set a high bar for premium electric SUVs. But Mahindra’s blend of proven design, innovative tech, and AWD versatility could give it an edge in the hearts (and garages) of XUV700 loyalists. As more spy shots trickle in, one thing’s clear: the electric revolution is charging full speed ahead, and Mahindra is right in the fast lane.
