A new electric vehicle (EV) has been spotted undergoing testing in Australia, and this one is not from China. The Indian carmaker Mahindra is reportedly preparing to introduce its XEV 9e model to the Australian market. This development suggests that a local launch may be imminent.
CarsGuide recently observed an example of the XEV 9e being tested on the streets of Melbourne, which hints at potential availability in showrooms before Christmas. While Mahindra’s Australian arm has not officially commented on the future of the electric SUV, the company has previously expressed its commitment to selling EVs in Australia in the near future.
A New Era for Electric Vehicles in Australia
The XEV 9e represents a significant step for Mahindra as it marks the company’s first EV offering in Australia. The vehicle is described as tall and imposing, with a high-set boxy rear end, a sloping tailgate, and a squared-off front end. It measures 4790mm in length, 1905mm in width, and 1690mm in height, with a 2775mm wheelbase.
Mahindra regularly conducts testing for future models in Australia, including suspension and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) testing on internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Additionally, the company performs calibration testing on EVs, focusing on charging infrastructure compatibility, over-the-air updates, and telecommunications networks.
In July last year, Mahindra told CarsGuide that it was committed to selling EVs in Australia in the not-too-distant future. Although the company could not officially confirm the models at the time, a spokesperson indicated that the BE 6e and XEV 9e were strong indicators of what to expect.
Affordable EVs with Competitive Features
The XEV 9e is set to compete with medium-sized Chinese-made electric SUVs such as the BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, and the newly launched MG S6 EV. While pricing details remain unclear, Mahindra is expected to maintain its strategy of undercutting mainstream and many Chinese brands.
For reference, the BYD Sealion 7 starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 is priced at $56,770. However, the Mahindra XEV 9e is anticipated to start from the low-to-mid-$40,000 range, similar to the smaller Geely EX5, which starts at $41,990 BOC.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Design
Both the XEV 9e and the related BE 6 are built on Mahindra’s new in-house INGLO EV platform and artificial intelligence software. Mahindra claims that the platform is the “fastest automotive mind in the world.” These models come with a choice of a 59kWh and 79kWh battery pack.
According to Mahindra, the BE 6 offers a driving range of 682km, while the XEV 9e provides 656km when equipped with the 79kWh unit. The BE 6 features a more angular, dramatic design that aligns with the look and size of the Subaru Uncharted. It remains unclear whether both models or just the XEV 9e will be available in Australia.
Excluding Certain Models
One electric Mahindra model that is unlikely to make it to Australia is the XUV 3XO EV, which was revealed in January. The company has ruled out the tiny electric SUV for now.
Currently, Mahindra’s Australian lineup consists solely of internal combustion engine models, including the compact XUV 3XO, mid-size XUV700, and large Scorpio off-roader. A new Mahindra ute is also expected to be released soon.
Future Prospects and Market Trends
As the EV market continues to grow, driven by high fuel prices, Mahindra is well-positioned to benefit from the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. This standard is expected to encourage more EVs on Australian roads once the XEV 9e arrives.
More local details, including pricing and specifications, are expected to be announced soon. Keep an eye out for further updates as Mahindra prepares to enter the Australian EV market with its latest offerings.
