Mahindra Exploring Potential for Launch of XUV Aero Concept in India

Mahindra XUV Aero Concept was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 and the automaker is now exploring potential for launching the production version of the concept. The XUV Aero is a coupé-SUV crossover concept which is based on the XUV500 and this is what separates it from the crowd. It shares styling elements from the Mahindra XUV and along with that also features a suicide door on one side. The prototype has been built and styled by the Mahindra Group and got its design from the Italian design firm Pininfarina. The concept also features multiple drive and suspension modes: Race, Off-Road, Street and Sport.

It would be powered by an all-new 212.9 HP mHawk engine and would be able to sprint from 0-60 kph in less than six seconds as claimed by Mahindra. Like Mahindra’s standard XUV500, the production version of the concept is likely to come with a conventional door setup. For now, the coupé-SUV segment in India is dominated by luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW with the GLE Coupe and the X6, respectively. So, XUV Aero concept may be Mahindra’s way to make entry into the same segment. The concept also showcases the automaker’s new infotainment and connectivity systems that are expected to be a part of future production models.

Pawan Goenka, executive director, M&M, addressed the journalists in Delhi recently saying , “We would want to launch it. We have already done some initial engineering work but we have not finalized anything about its business viability.” So, this implies once the manufacturer is convinced about the demand and acceptability of XUV Aero in the market then it may be put to production. However, even if the project gets a green signal now, it would take another 2 years for the production car to make it to the road.

Although Mahindra has received some positive response from the market but it is still not convinced on the point that launching premium priced segment products would be accepted in the Indian market. As per Goenka’s views, the market in India is not yet prepared for launch of premium products that too by local players.

Mahindra Exploring Potential for Launch of XUV Aero Concept in India

News Source: AutoCar India