Mahindra & Mahindra Group has made a bold strategic decision to focus exclusively on electric vehicles while steering clear of hybrid technology, according to CEO Anish Shah. In a recent interview with NDTV Profit, Shah outlined the company's rationale for betting on EVs as the long-term solution for sustainable mobility, emphasizing the advantages of 'Born Electric' vehicles over hybrid models.

Strategic Focus on 'Born Electric' Platforms

Shah's strategy centers on what Mahindra calls 'Born Electric' platforms—vehicles designed specifically for electric powertrains from the ground up. This approach differs significantly from the industry's initial transition method of converting internal combustion engine vehicles to electric.

"Born electric is effectively designing the vehicle for electric," Shah explained. "In the transition from ICE, all car makers initially took the ICE car, took out the engine, put batteries in, modified the powertrain, and it was an electric car. That's not efficient at all."

The company's confidence in this strategy was demonstrated by the BE6 Batman Edition, a limited-edition SUV that sold out all 999 units in just two minutes.

Market Position Against Hybrid Trend

While competitors like Maruti Suzuki with its Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid and Toyota Kirloskar Motors with the Innova Hycross continue pushing hybrid technology, Mahindra has chosen a different path. Even Tata Motors, India's EV market leader, maintains flexibility by backing both EVs and keeping options open for multiple pathways.

Shah acknowledged that hybrids offer short-term benefits, particularly for longer highway drives where charging infrastructure remains limited. However, he argues this advantage is temporary and will diminish as charging infrastructure improves.

Technical and Economic Advantages

The CEO outlined several advantages of the Born Electric approach over hybrid technology:

• Superior vehicle dynamics: Better ride quality, handling, and suspension
• Enhanced safety features: Improved safety characteristics through dedicated EV design
• Reduced complexity: Single powertrain system versus dual powertrains in hybrids
• Lower operating costs: Cheaper electricity compared to fuel costs
• Reduced maintenance: Fewer mechanical components requiring service

Shah emphasized the practical benefits for consumers: "When you have the range these cars give you — 500 km in real-life conditions — most of our customers will charge once a week when they are driving in the city."

Long-Term Infrastructure Bet

"Hybrid gives you a short-term advantage," Shah stated, "but once charging infrastructure improves, that advantage goes away." This perspective reflects Mahindra's confidence in India's evolving EV infrastructure landscape.

The CEO was particularly direct in his assessment of hybrid technology's future relevance: "Hybrid, as someone said, is buying a typewriter in the age of iPhones."

Diversified Business Structure

Mahindra's strategic flexibility extends beyond automotive decisions to its overall business structure. The group maintains a decentralized approach across multiple sectors, with automotive contributing only about a quarter of group profits. The remaining revenue comes from farm equipment, services, real estate, logistics, and hospitality.

"The biggest risks are often the ones you don't see coming," Shah noted. "What you need is the ability to move fast." This philosophy has helped the group navigate challenges from semiconductor shortages during the pandemic to supply-chain constraints, sometimes requiring innovative solutions like manufacturing vehicles without key components and retrofitting them later.

Mahindra's decisive move away from hybrid technology represents a significant strategic bet on the future of electric mobility in India, positioning the company as a pure-play EV manufacturer in an increasingly competitive market.

Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to launch the XUV 7XO at its world premiere on January 5, 2026. The much-anticipated SUV represents a significant expansion of the brand's lineup in the competitive SUV segment, with pre-bookings already open according to the official website. The company has released a teaser highlighting the advanced features and technological upgrades that distinguish this model from its predecessors.

Advanced Camera and Entertainment Systems

The XUV 7XO introduces several cutting-edge features designed to enhance the driving and passenger experience. The SUV will be equipped with a 540-degree camera system, representing a substantial upgrade over the 360-degree camera offered on the XUV700. This enhanced visibility system is designed to provide superior awareness beyond standard surround-view systems.

The vehicle also features an innovative in-car theatre mode that allows rear-seat passengers to use their personal devices seamlessly. This system is managed through Mahindra's Adrenox+ software suite, which handles infotainment, connectivity, and vehicle intelligence functions.

Design and Exterior Updates

The XUV 7XO showcases a comprehensive design refresh with lighting inspired by Mahindra's newer electric models like the XEV 9S. The exterior features redesigned LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, and a distinctive rear light bar with inverted L-shaped elements. The vehicle includes new dual-tone alloy wheels, updated bumpers, and fresh exterior colour options, with branding prominently displayed on the bonnet and tailgate.

Interior Features and Technology

The interior of the XUV 7XO represents a significant technological advancement with a triple-screen dashboard configuration. The cabin features a panoramic sunroof, triple-tone design elements, and a distinctive brown-tan steering wheel. The seating includes upgraded upholstery and redesigned door trims, while the front passenger seat incorporates power adjustment controls conveniently positioned on the door panel.

The teased model appears to be the fully loaded AX7L trim, expected to offer premium features including Boss Mode seating, redesigned air vents, a new center console, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and improved material quality throughout the cabin.

Engine and Transmission Options

Mechanically, the XUV 7XO is expected to retain the proven engine lineup from the XUV700, featuring both 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engine options. The vehicle will likely offer six-speed manual or automatic transmission choices, along with an all-wheel-drive option for enhanced capability.

Pricing and Availability

The XUV 7XO is expected to be competitively positioned in the market with an anticipated price point of around ₹15.00 lakh. With pre-bookings currently open and the official launch scheduled for January 5, 2026, the vehicle represents Mahindra's commitment to advancing SUV technology and design in the Indian automotive market.