8 Mahindra SUVs Ready To Go Hybrid: XUV 7XO Strong Hybrid To XEV 9e Range Extender
Mahindra is preparing for a major shift in its powertrain strategy. In the coming time, it will launch a slew of hybrid offerings. These will include both range extender models and conventional strong hybrids. The increasing regulatory pressure and modest growth in EV adoption have both been catalysing this shift. Here’s a closer look at the Mahindra hybrids expected to arrive in the near future.
Mahindra’s Electric Origin SUV range now has three models- XEV 9e, XEV 9S and BE6. These are based on the same INGLO skateboard platform. Mahindra has invested heavily in this platform and EV technology. However, EV adoption hasn’t scaled up as quickly as what was previously anticipated. The carmaker has now taken a smart approach and is readying series hybrid versions of the three EVs.
INGLO is a dedicated EV platform. It was not originally designed to accommodate an internal combustion engine or its ancillaries. The three SUVs will get range extender versions. In these, a small capacity petrol engine will be accommodated in the platform- likely 1.2L and 1.5 units, varying across models.
This engine will not, however, drive the wheels. It will operate at optimum efficiency and act as a generator to recharge the EV battery pack. The battery will power the electric motor that will further drive the wheels. Integrating the range extender system will require significant engineering changes to the platform.
The project is known to be internally referred to as W623. Range extenders can act as more practical alternatives to EVs. They will minimize the reliance on charging infrastructure and eliminate range anxiety. These will play an important role in meeting Mahindra’s CAFE 3 (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) targets, as they are incentivised- Volume Derogation Factor (VDF) equals that of EVs.
On August 15, 2025, Mahindra unveiled its new-generation NU_iQ platform and showcased four vision cars based on it- Vision S, SXT, T and X. Production models of these are expected to arrive in the coming years. NU_iQ is a versatile, multi-energy platform. These SUVs will all have strong hybrid versions to them. The first of these is expected in 2027.
The Vision S will spawn a sub-four metre SUV. The production version of Vision X will be a sub-four metre SUV that will compete with the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue. Vision T is an evolution of the Thar.e concept. The production form will likely be an electric version of the Thar. It will also have a strong hybrid version. The SXT will spawn a more lifestyle-focussed SUV-truck.
These will be manufactured at Mahindra’s new factory in Nagpur. The carmaker has announced a Rs 15,000 crore investment in this facility. It targets an annual capacity of 5 lakh vehicles and 1 lakh tractors, when fully operational.
Mahindra launched the XUV 7XO (facelifted XUV 700) in January this year. This SUV is now available with the two familiar engines- 2.0L turbocharged petrol and 2.2L turbocharged diesel. Mahindra is now working on a strong hybrid version of the 7XO.
It will have a setup similar to that of many strong hybrid models that are currently on sale here- an internal combustion engine paired with a battery pack and an electric motor. This setup will allow all-electric driving for short distances. This project is currently codenamed W613 and the final form is expected around 2027.