The two Mahindra SUVs are, in all likelihood, set to add a range-extender powertrain.
14 Jun 2025 | 1357 Views | By Uday Singh, Autocar India
Mahindra is planning to introduce hybrid versions of its XEV 9e and BE 6 SUVs, which are currently offered exclusively as electric vehicles. The decision aligns with the company's strategy to expand its powertrain offerings and cater to a wider range of consumer preferences. In May 2025, Mahindra sold 2,604 ...
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Mahindra is planning to introduce hybrid versions of its XEV 9e and BE 6 SUVs, which are currently offered exclusively as electric vehicles. The decision aligns with the company's strategy to expand its powertrain offerings and cater to a wider range of consumer preferences. In May 2025, Mahindra sold 2,604 EVs, with the bulk of the volumes coming from its born-electric lineup. While the figures mark steady progress, the brand is aiming higher with a 5,000-unit monthly sales target, now supported by the addition of hybrid alternatives.
Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e hybrid details
INGLO base to be re-engineered for hybrid powertrain
It's understood that Mahindra is going for a range-extender hybrid powertrain for the XEV 9e and BE 6. In this setup, a 1.2-litre petrol engine will function solely as a generator to recharge the battery, which in turn will power the electric motors that drive the wheels. Both SUVs are based on the modular INGLO platform, with ongoing technical and design work to integrate the ICE powerplant.
Interestingly, even Maruti is developing an in-house and affordable range-extender powertrain for models like the Fronx, Baleno, Swift, and a small MPV.
Mahindra XUV 3XO hybrid also in the works
Strong hybrid system paired with its 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine
In January 2025, we had exclusively reported that the homegrown automaker is studying a hybrid system for its XUV 3XO compact SUV. But unlike the range-extender arrangement on the BE 6 and XEV 9e, the XUV 3XO will make use of a series-parallel hybrid system. Sources in the know revealed that its existing 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine will be paired with a strong hybrid system. Here, the combustion engine and electric motor can work together or independently, with the setup automatically deciding which to use, helping to leverage high fuel efficiency figures.
Hybrid, EV sales in India outlook
Grand Vitara, Urban Cruiser Hyryder most-selling hybrid models
With a total of 85,000 units sold last year, hybrids accounted for a 2.1 percent market share in the passenger vehicle category. Electric vehicles, which were subject to a slower-than-expected pace of adoption and the sustained challenge surrounding charging infrastructure, with sales of over 90,000 units secured a slightly higher 2.4 percent market share.
In April 2025 alone, 8,754 hybrid cars and SUVs were sold in India, with the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder accounting for an overwhelming 99 percent of these sales. A key driver of this growth is the government's recent push for hybrid adoption, including road tax exemptions on par with EVs in some states (see below).
It's becoming increasingly clear that the shift to full electrification won't happen as quickly as expected, in India or globally. Here, despite EV penetration crossing 4 percent for the first time last month, the government's ambitious 30 percent target by 2030 remains a long way off. Even the EU is reconsidering its 2035 zero-emissions deadline, while in North America, Donald Trump’s pro-oil stance hints at continued reliance on ICE vehicles.
Additionally, our recent scoop revealed that Hyundai is bringing the Pallisade hybrid SUV here. Skoda Auto Volkswagen, and JSW MG Motor also plan to introduce hybrid models down the line.