Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India’s leading automakers, has been making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) segment with its Born Electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and BE 6. Launched in November 2024, these models have quickly gained traction, delivering over 10,000 units in just 70 days. With strong consumer demand and a growing preference for sustainable mobility, Mahindra is reportedly exploring hybrid powertrain options for these EVs. This move could broaden their appeal and address key consumer concerns like range anxiety. This article delves into the potential hybrid versions of the XEV 9e and BE 6, their significance in the Indian market, and what they could mean for Mahindra’s future in the EV space.
The Rise of Mahindra’s Electric SUVs
Mahindra’s XEV 9e and BE 6, built on the innovative INGLO platform, have set a new benchmark for electric SUVs in India. The XEV 9e, priced between ₹21.90 lakh and ₹30.50 lakh, offers a range of 542–656 km, while the BE 6, starting at ₹18.90 lakh, boasts a range of 557–683 km, depending on the battery pack (59 kWh or 79 kWh). Both models have received five-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, feature advanced technology like three-screen dashboards, and have garnered praise from celebrities like AR Rahman and John Abraham.
The success of these SUVs is evident in their sales figures. Mahindra delivered 6,300 units in just 40 days and hit the 10,000-unit mark by June 2025. With over 30,000 bookings valued at ₹8,472 crore, the XEV 9e accounts for 59% of demand, reflecting its popularity over the BE 6. However, as consumer preferences evolve and hybrid vehicles gain traction globally, Mahindra is reportedly considering hybrid variants to further boost sales and cater to a broader audience.
Why Hybrids? The Market Context
The global automotive industry is witnessing a shift toward hybrid vehicles, which combine electric powertrains with internal combustion engines (ICE) to offer better range and flexibility. In India, where charging infrastructure is still developing, range anxiety remains a significant barrier to EV adoption. Hybrids, particularly range-extender hybrids, address this by using a small petrol engine to generate electricity for the battery, extending the vehicle’s range without requiring frequent charging.
Recent reports indicate that Mahindra is exploring range-extender hybrid setups for the XEV 9e and BE 6. This move aligns with industry trends, as competitors like Maruti Suzuki are also developing affordable hybrid powertrains for models like the Fronx, Baleno, and Swift. Additionally, growing support for hybrids from OEMs, consumers, and government agencies makes this a strategic time for Mahindra to introduce hybrid variants.
What Are Range-Extender Hybrids?
Unlike traditional hybrids, where both the electric motor and ICE can directly power the wheels, range-extender hybrids use the petrol engine solely as a generator to charge the battery. This setup maintains the electric driving experience while eliminating range anxiety, as the vehicle can rely on fuel when charging stations are unavailable. For Mahindra, reports suggest a 1.2-litre petrol engine could be integrated into the INGLO platform to create these hybrid variants.
The INGLO platform, originally designed for pure EVs, will require significant re-engineering to accommodate a hybrid powertrain. This could involve adapting the chassis to house the engine and ensuring compatibility with the existing 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery packs. While this adds complexity, it could attract buyers who want the efficiency of an EV with the flexibility of a hybrid.
Potential Benefits of Hybrid XEV 9e and BE 6
Introducing hybrid versions of the XEV 9e and BE 6 could offer several advantages:
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Wider Customer Appeal: Hybrids cater to buyers hesitant about fully electric vehicles due to range concerns or limited charging infrastructure. By offering a hybrid option, Mahindra could tap into a new segment of buyers, potentially increasing sales beyond the 4,021 units recorded in May 2025.
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Enhanced Range: The current XEV 9e and BE 6 offer impressive ranges, but a range-extender hybrid could push this further, making long-distance travel more feasible. This is particularly appealing in India, where road trips often span hundreds of kilometers.
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Market Competitiveness: With rivals like Tata Motors (Harrier EV) and Maruti Suzuki exploring hybrids, Mahindra’s hybrid variants could keep it competitive in the rapidly evolving EV market.
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Government Support: Hybrids often benefit from favorable policies, such as tax incentives, as governments promote greener alternatives to traditional ICE vehicles. Mahindra could leverage this to make its hybrids more affordable.
Challenges in Developing Hybrid Variants
While the prospect of hybrid XEV 9e and BE 6 models is exciting, it comes with challenges:
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Engineering Complexity: Adapting the INGLO platform, designed exclusively for EVs, to accommodate a hybrid powertrain is no small feat. It requires integrating a petrol engine, modifying the electrical architecture, and ensuring safety and performance standards are met.
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Cost Implications: Adding a hybrid powertrain could increase production costs, potentially raising the price of these SUVs. Mahindra will need to balance affordability with profitability, especially since the XEV 9e and BE 6 are already priced higher than competitors like the Tata Harrier EV.
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Consumer Perception: While hybrids address range anxiety, some buyers may prefer fully electric vehicles for their environmental benefits. Mahindra must communicate the value of hybrids without diluting its EV brand identity.
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Regulatory Risks: There’s speculation that the Indian government might revise policies to limit hybrid incentives if their adoption grows significantly, which could impact Mahindra’s strategy.
Mahindra’s EV Strategy and Future Outlook
Mahindra’s focus on hybrids reflects a pragmatic approach to India’s evolving EV market. While the company has established itself as the number one EV player by revenue market share, it acknowledges that volume leadership requires catering to diverse consumer needs. The decision to offer the larger 79 kWh battery in lower trims of the XEV 9e and BE 6 shows Mahindra’s responsiveness to customer feedback about range. Introducing hybrids could further strengthen its position.
Moreover, Mahindra’s success extends beyond EVs. In May 2025, it outsold Tata Motors for the second consecutive month, driven by popular models like the Thar, Scorpio N, and XUV 3XO. The XEV 9e and BE 6 have played a key role in this, with their high-tech features and premium positioning attracting buyers. A hybrid option could amplify this momentum, positioning Mahindra as a leader in both EV and hybrid segments.
Consumer Sentiment and Challenges
While the XEV 9e and BE 6 have been largely well-received, there have been hiccups. One owner reported a critical system fault in a brand-new XEV 9e, highlighting issues with dealership support. Mahindra resolved the matter, but such incidents underscore the importance of robust after-sales service, especially as the company scales up production and introduces new powertrain variants.
On platforms like X, sentiment toward the XEV 9e and BE 6 is overwhelmingly positive, with users praising their futuristic design and performance. However, some skepticism exists about delivery timelines, with waiting periods extending up to six months in some cities. Mahindra will need to streamline its supply chain to meet demand for both EVs and potential hybrids.
What to Expect from the Hybrid Variants
While Mahindra has not officially confirmed the hybrid versions, reports suggest they could debut in the coming years. The range-extender setup with a 1.2-litre petrol engine is likely to maintain the performance of the current EVs, with the 79 kWh battery offering the best range. Lower trims might also get the larger battery, making hybrids accessible across price points.
Pricing for the hybrid variants remains speculative, but they could command a premium over the EV models due to the added complexity. For context, the XEV 9e’s top trim is priced at ₹30.50 lakh, and a hybrid version could push this closer to ₹35 lakh. Mahindra may offset this with government incentives or by offering hybrid options in mid-tier trims.
In Summary
Mahindra’s potential hybrid versions of the XEV 9e and BE 6 signal an exciting evolution in its EV strategy. By addressing range anxiety and appealing to a broader audience, these hybrids could solidify Mahindra’s position as a leader in India’s electric and hybrid vehicle market. While challenges like engineering complexity and cost remain, the company’s track record of innovation and responsiveness bodes well. As Mahindra continues to deliver on its Born Electric promise, the introduction of hybrid variants could be a game-changer, blending sustainability with practicality for Indian consumers.