Auto Expo 2016: Mahindra Unveils XUV Aero

[Jijo_Malayil]

Mahindra today unveiled their first show car, the XUV Aero at the Indian Auto Expo. A stylish concept coupe as Mahindra calls it, it’s their shot at a more sophisticated and performance oriented vehicle.

Designed in-house at Mahindra’s design studio in Kandivali, Mumbai and inputs from Pininfarina, the XUV Aero looks premium with those gorgeous LED headlamps and suicide doors. It follows a SUV coupe design theme with its bulky proportions and slopping roof line towards the rear. The rear looks distinct with a small spoiler that is integrated neatly to the overall design.

Interiors of the Aero features captain seats with nice dark-tan texture leather. A large tablet infotainment display is also seen on the central console.

Powering the XUV Aero is a mHawk engine 210 PS engine that houses a next-gen turbo boost delivering high torque and power output. 0-60 kmph in less than six seconds, that’s impressive for a Mahindra!

XUV Aero also comes with multiple drive and suspension modes like Race, Off-road, Street and Sport. XUV Aero being a show car, Mahindra basically wants feed-back to decide in what direction their future models ought to be.

[Roshun]

Wow. Something good does come out of Mahindra's takeover of Pininfarina. I like the flowing looks. I think a vehicle like this has potential. I mean look at BMW's X6, people do buy it. So if you can get something like that at 1/4th or 1/5th the price, it should have takers.

[CorsaVeloce]

The latest news from Mahindra, after the alleged testing of the electric SUV based on the KUV, is that they are seriously evaluating a production verison of the XUV Aero. Talking to some journalists in New Delhi, Pawan Goenka, executive director, M&M, said, “We would want to launch it. We have already done some initial engineering work but we have not finalised anything about its business viability" What this means is that the XUV Aero may make it to production line once the manufacturer is convinced of sales and only if the company sees potential demand Having said that, if there’s a green signal for the project, it will take a minimum of two years for the production car to hit the road. While Mahindra has received some positive feelers from the market, it is not yet convinced that the Indian market allows a local company to launch products that fall in a premium price segment.

[kaiserketkar]

Although a great initiative, I don't think the Aero will see great numbers enough to make it viable. I don't really think the Indian market has matured enough to accept a Cross-Crossover Coupe! Besides the sloping roof would mean a 5 seater, which takes away one of it's most important USPs. End of the day though, Mahindra's boldness with experimentation and readiness to walk the unconventional path deserves to be applauded, because it is out of this that things will evolve. Evolve for the better. The Aero might also have lessons for the XUV500 when it is due for its refresh, which might be 2017/18 knowing Mahindra’s knack for keeping it’s product line constantly updated.