With the Auto Expo 2020 only a week away, it is going to be an ‘electrifying’ affair, with a slew of electric vehicles (or EVs, as they are known) up for launch and preview. Known as Asia’s biggest automotive show, Auto Expo 2020 is scheduled to take place between 7 February – 12 February, 2020 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, the hub for any auto enthusiasts. Several Indian and international players like Maruti Suzuki, Kia, MG Hector, Skoda, Volkswagen, Mahindra, Renault and many more are going to bring out their big guns, with prime focus on EVs. Almost 90-100 new vehicles are scheduled to be unveiled in this biennial Auto mega-event.
While many carmakers are busy with new launches and facelifts, Mahindra is particularly going to have a rather busy 2020, with a whole new brigade of vehicles and concepts that will debut at the event. Veejay Ram Nakra, the Chief of Sales and Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra, said, “We are delighted to reveal our theme for Auto Expo 2020. At Mahindra, we are driven by the purpose for a tomorrow that is clean, green and technologically connected. Our upcoming display of electric passenger and mass mobility products, concepts and solutions will meet the needs of today and also position us for the future. We are fully prepared to complete our transition into the BS-VI era, and our display of BS-VI ready current and future engines will also demonstrate our commitment toward being future-ready.” The launches include the next-gen Mahindra XUV500, Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra Thar, and a new line of electric SUVs like the Mahindra XUV300, KUV100 and the concept-driven ATOM as well, striving for a more sustainable future. They will also reveal their BS6-compliant lineup of Mahindra SUVs and a whole lot of major and minor tweaks to the existing line of Mahindra cars.
Mahindra is also slated to unveil its BS6-compliant petrol engines, electric batteries to be used in its EVs, and charging station layouts as well. Here is a list of the SUVs that Mahindra is going to present at the Auto Expo 2020:
1. Next-Gen Mahindra Scorpio
One of the most recognizable and Iconic SUV in India, Mahindra Scorpio has seen many a changes since its launch in 2002, wth several upgrades over 17 years. This time around, the car is expected to receive major cosmetic as well as technological changes to meet the BS6 norms. Mahindra Scorpio 2020 is likely to sport a similar design as its predecessor, but under the hood, it is likely to have a new BS6-compliant 2.0-liter diesel engine with an automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.
2. Next-Gen Mahindra XUV500/ eXUV500
Referred as the ‘Cheetah’, Mahindra XUV500 is set to get MAJOR revamps, both in the interiors and the exteriors. In the interiors front, the SUV will get a central touchscreen infotainment system, lower AC vents and a 3-spoke steering wheel. The exterior is going to be sleeker, with a more upright nose, a 7-slat grille and a reimaged tailgate. Under the hood, the Cheetah is likely to sport a BS6-compliant 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engines, mated to a 6-speed manual & automatic gearbox as well as all-wheel drive options. The SUV can go the electric way, with the teaser showing a potential eXUV500, the biggest EV Mahindra has to offer. It is likely to be powered by a Lithium-ion battery pack with Smart Charging for fast charging.
3. Next-Gen Mahindra Thar
The 2020 Mahindra Thar is something that is going to be bigger, stronger and better. Addressing the biggest issue that hurt the last generation, this time around, Mahindra has taken the basic interior design and given the successor a refined look. With lavish features like a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, front power windows, automatic climate control and an uber-plush cabin, this makes for a rather exciting SUV. The off-roading beast is expected to be equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine (BS6-compliant) with a 6-speed manual gearbox and 4-wheel drive for a better off-roading experience.
4. Mahindra XUV300 Electric
Not much is known about this EV, as the information is heavily guarded. By far one of the most exciting showcase of Mahindra, one thing is for sure, it is going to be better, more efficient and is going to be a powerhouse. The SUV had recently received the highest safety ratings in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForIndia crash tests, making Mahindra only the 2nd Indian car manufacturer to receive the coveted 5-stars rating. The electric variant of the SUV is expected to be showcased at the Auto Expo . It is likely to be powered by a 40kWh battery pack which can drive till a range of above 300km on a single charge. Expected to launch in the Indian Market in 2021, expect an electrifying SUV that will set the road on fire!
5. Mahindra eKUV100
The Mahindra eKUV100 was showcased as a concept in the 2018 Auto Expo. It is likely to sport a 31kW AC induction motor via lithium Ion battery pack. This EV is expected to retain a similar design to that of the KUV100 NXT. Slated to launch in the second half of 2020, it is the India’s first all-electric micro SUV to go on sale. It also has a fast charging option, with charging upto 80% in just an hour.
6. 2020 Mahindra TUV300
The Mahindra TUV300, first launched in 2015, Under the hood, the Tank would get an upgraded version of its 1.5-liter 3-cylinder diesel engine to meet the BS6 emission norms. Other big changes include a better, more refined grille to elevate the machismo of the macho SUV. The interiors, too, won’t be left out, as the cabin is going to have a more refined look than its predecessor. Fingers crossed for an automatic transmission!
