Confirmed: Mahindra to bring EV models to New Zealand

New Zealand will soon have a new combatant in the economy EV space in the form of the Mahindra XUV 400 EV.

A Mahindra New Zealand spokesperson has confirmed to EVs & Beyond that the plug-in compact crossover is destined to arrive in local showrooms in 2023.

“Mahindra have planned to launch this product in 2023 in New Zealand. The time frame is expected to be announced in the coming months,” they said in a brief statement.

In addition, the representative confirmed that the brand “hopes” to launch Mahindra’s ‘BE’ electric vehicle line-up to New Zealand once those models are detailed in production form.

As previously reported, the XUV 400 features a 39.4kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 456km according to the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC). This is paired to a single front-mounted electric motor making 110kW and 310Nm.

Getting to 80% charge takes 50 minutes when plugged into a 50kW DC fast charger. Overseas spec includes features like a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of active safety tech.

Mechanically, the XUV 400 EV is derived from the SsangYong Tivoli, with the two models sharing some character lines in their similarly proportioned bodywork. Evidently, a fully electric SsangYong Korando is also heading our way in due course.

The Tivoli connection means the 4.2 metre long XUV is a similar in size to the slightly longer and slightly narrower MG ZS EV; the current cheapest EV on offer in New Zealand. The XUV’s 370-litre boot is smaller than the MG’s.

Although the XUV 400 EV’s pricing in India has yet to be confirmed, local reporting speculates that it will be priced from approximately $35,000. Even considering exchange rates and shipping, this means the XUV is likely to challenge the MG ZS EV’s hold on the cheap EV crown.

Mahindra revealed a fleet of five electric vehicle concepts in August (with each penciled in for a fully fledged launch); two being a continuation of the brand’s XUV line-up and three forming part of a new sub-brand called BE.

The XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 are due to launch to market overseas in late 2024 and early 2025; pairing more contemporary design to larger dimensions and all-wheel drive. Each will be built on the brand’s INGLO platform, which features components shared with Volkswagen’s MEB platform.

These include are said to include the electric drivetrain, the battery system and Volkswagen’s unified cell.

The BE line-up is scheduled to launch to market from late 2025. All three models are more sculpted and aggressive, pointing to Mahindra’s ambitions of reinvention amid the transition to electrification.

The BE.05 it reportedly set to be the first cab off the rank, bringing with it a coupe-like silhouette. It will share its platform with the similarly styled BE.07 (a family SUV) and BE.09 (another coupe-shaped SUV).

Although Mahindra is best known in New Zealand for making gruff and capable off-roaders and SUVs, the Indian marque has an extensive EV repertoire overseas.

It has competed in seven seasons of the ABB Formula E series, claiming five race wins. It’s also released several EVs in India, including the XUV 300 and a series of vans and service vehicles. The 400 is the brand’s best shot to date at a world EV platform.