Mahindra XUV e8: The Mahindra XUV e8 is the Indian company’s bold leap into the premium electric SUV space The vehicle uses the XUV700 platform as a starting point and is touted as something that seamlessly knits conventional SUV virtues with modern electric mobility solutions.
Design and Styling
The XUV e8 has the same beefy exterior design as its internal combustion stablemate, but with unique EV styling cues.
Up front it’s dominated by a blanked off grille with the light up Mahindra logo, led headlights that look like single cubes with a light bar connecting them and a light signature flashing the future.
The aerodynamic touches include cleaner body panels, sleeker door handles and restyled wheels that reduce wind drag without erasing the in-your-face line and stance for which SUVs are justifiably loved.
The car sits between the recognisable XUV design language and a fresh electric aesthetic, in a palette that ranges from Ethereal Blue, Everest White, to Nebula Black.
Powertrain and Performance
With the combination of two motors with all-wheel-drive system, the XUV e8 has a power output of about 340 horsepower with a 600Nm instant torque, resulting in acceleration times faster than the combustion iteration.
The company is quoting a range of approximately 450 kilometers (WLTP cycle), making if effective at the competitive price range of electric vehicles in the SUV category.
There are various driving modes, too, to change the power delivery, regen strength and throttle response between performance and quality, all with the touch of a button.
The advanced thermal management system even helps balance temperature between cells while charging quickly and during high-performance driving.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the XUV 8 comprises a combination of high quality materials and advanced technology.
At the heart of it all is a panoramic dual-screen system consisting of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen equipped with Mahindra’s AdrenoX connected car platform. The system features wireless smartphone integration, over-the-air updates and an AI-based voice assistant.
There are also some premium touches like vented front seats, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Without a transmission tunnel in the way, there’s more interior room and clever storage spaces throughout the cockpit.
Charging and Practicality
The XUV e8 also offers DC fast charger capable of charging 10- 80% in about 30 minutes with 150kW compatible chargers. Normal charging from a 11kW home AC wall box will take around 8-9 hours to charge to 100%.
The vehicle also has a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function which enables the car to provide electricity to devices outside the car, transforming the SUV into a power source on wheels during outdoor activities or emergencies.
And yet, despite the battery boxes, the XUV e8 retains practical SUV virtues that includes seating for seven and a not-unreasonable amount of cargo room.
Driving Dynamics
Based on Mahindra’s INGLO electric architecture, the XUV e8 offers a low center of gravity, thanks to the floor mounted battery resulting in better stability around corners.
Ride and handling: A smart suspension system, which includes adaptive dampers on the top trims, is tuned to blend comfort with dynamic performance.
Several terrain modes adjust traction control and power distribution for different off-road scenarios, so there’s a bit of off-road capability despite the electric powertrain.
Pros:
Paired with instant electric torque, it provides an entirely new driving experience.
Premium electric SUV segment burning out distance normal in competitive driving profile
Big interior with seven-seat capability
Technology package with full connectivity
SUV shape is thought through with EV advantages
Fast-charging that’s (really) quick
Price & Brand Value Strong brand value, strong service network in India
Cons:
More expensive than standard XUV models
Lack of charging infrastructure in most areas
Weight, heavier than the combustion equivalent = battery weight
Range is an issue for long drives.
Short history for reliability of electric vehicles
Software platform not as refined as the big guys
Real-world range probably lower than stated figures in difficult conditions
Mahindra XUV e8: Verdict
The Mahindra XUV e8 is a big step into India’s EV journey and is set to offer premium electric mobility in the popular SUV space.
With the benefit of plenty of experience to draw from, however, Mahindra has built a fantastic alternative to other early electric models for those who cannot commit to electric vehicle ownership that means growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of a little go-anywhere practicality.
The XUV e8 certainly has potential as a proper-player in the developing electric SUV landscape with its combination of performance, tech, and (fairly) practicality that its electric competitors often miss out on; considerations such as charging infrastructure and initial purchase price aside.
For customers that are all set to make a switch to electric without compromising on space, performance or features, the XUV e8 presents an uniquely Indian interpretation of the electric SUV theme.