Mahindra & Mahindra is charging ahead in India’s competitive automotive landscape, with exciting updates on its SUV lineup straight from the top. In a recent interview with CNBC-TV18, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of the Automotive Division at Mahindra & Mahindra, confirmed the launch timelines for two highly anticipated models: the all-electric XEV 7e and the facelifted XUV700. These revelations come amid a festive sales boom, underscoring Mahindra’s strategic push into electrification and premium mobility.
Gollagunta’s insights highlight Mahindra’s confidence in sustaining momentum through innovative launches. “We’re gearing up for key introductions that will bolster our portfolio,” he shared, emphasizing the role of these vehicles in capturing growing demand for sustainable and feature-rich SUVs.
XEV 7e: Electrifying the XUV700 Legacy in 2025
The star of the show is the XEV 7e, Mahindra’s electric rendition of its flagship XUV700 SUV. Built on the advanced INGLO platform, this battery-electric vehicle (BEV) promises to blend the XUV700’s spacious, family-oriented design with zero-emission performance. Gollagunta confirmed its debut later this year, with an expected rollout in November 2025—perfectly timed to capitalize on post-festive EV incentives and rising consumer interest in green mobility.
While exact dates remain under wraps, spy shots and testing footage have already teased the XEV 7e’s silhouette, revealing a sleeker front fascia with aerodynamic tweaks and a closed grille suited for EVs. Under the hood, it will feature dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, delivering spirited acceleration and handling for urban and highway drives. Battery options include a 59kWh and a 79kWh LFP pack, offering an impressive claimed range of up to 600 km on a single charge, with support for fast charging to minimize downtime.
Priced competitively between ₹21 lakh and ₹30 lakh (ex-showroom), the XEV 7e aims to undercut rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tata Harrier EV while packing premium features such as Level 2+ ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a triple-screen infotainment setup. Gollagunta noted that this launch aligns with Mahindra’s goal to elevate its EV share from the current 8% to high-teens in the long term, driven by policy tailwinds like reduced GST on EVs.
XUV700 Facelift: Refreshed Icon Set for Early 2026 Debut
Complementing the electric push, the facelifted XUV700 is slated for an early 2026 introduction, breathing new life into Mahindra’s bestseller. Recent test mules spotted on Indian roads hint at subtle yet impactful updates: revised LED headlights with reworked daytime running lights (DRLs), a bolder front bumper, and possibly new alloy wheel designs for a more aggressive stance.Inside, expect a more luxurious cabin with three-screen architecture—including a larger central touchscreen, a dedicated driver display, and a rear entertainment unit—alongside enhanced connectivity via wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Safety remains a forte, with additions like a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and reinforced structural tweaks for better crash protection.
The powertrains are likely to carry over the proven 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L mHawk diesel engines, mated to 6-speed manual or torque-converter automatics, with potential hybrid assists in the mix. Pricing is projected to start around ₹15 lakh, maintaining its value proposition in the mid-size SUV segment against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Gollagunta highlighted the facelift’s role in addressing customer feedback on refinement and tech, ensuring the XUV700— which has sold over 3 lakh units since its 2021 debut—stays ahead of the curve.
Broader Context: Festive Surge Fuels Optimism
These launches are more than product refreshes; they’re pivotal to Mahindra’s growth narrative. Gollagunta revealed robust festive demand, with SUV inquiries up 60% year-on-year during the first nine days of Navratri, and commercial vehicle interest surging 70%. Overall, Mahindra’s EV penetration has climbed to 8% this fiscal year from 2-3% last quarter, a testament to models like the XUV400 gaining traction.
As India targets 30% EV adoption by 2030, Mahindra’s dual strategy—electrifying icons like the XUV700 while refreshing ICE flagships—positions it as a versatile player. With the XEV 7e arriving by year-end and the XUV700 facelift following suit, expect Mahindra’s SUV dominance to extend well into 2026. Stay tuned for official teasers as Diwali approaches.
