Mahindra, a household name in the Indian automotive industry, is making serious strides in the electric vehicle (EV) space. Their recent trademark filings for a series of new names, XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, and XUV 1XO, have sparked a wave of excitement among car enthusiasts. Let's delve deeper into what these names might signify and how they fit into Mahindra's overall EV strategy. Decoding the Mahindra XUV Naming Scheme Mahindra follows a distinct naming convention for its vehicles, with most models ending in the letter "O." This includes popular SUVs like the XUV700, XUV300, and Scorpio. The "XO" in the newly trademarked names likely adheres to this established pattern, with the "X" potentially representing the "Born Electric" (BE) range and the "O" continuing the brand signature. Electrifying Existing Models: XUV 7XO and XUV 3XO The XUV 7XO is believed to be the electric avatar of the much-anticipated Mahindra XUV e8, the electric version of the XUV700 that was showcased in pre-production form in 2022. Mahindra might choose to stick with the XUV e8 name or adopt the XUV 7XO moniker upon launch. Similarly, the XUV 3XO could be the electric iteration of the facelifted XUV400, expected to hit the market sometime in 2024. However, an alternative scenario exists. Mahindra could potentially use the XUV 3XO name for a sub-4-meter electric SUV derived from the XUV400 platform. Expanding the Electric Portfolio: XUV 5XO and XUV 1XO The XUV 5XO and XUV 1XO trademarks hint at Mahindra's plans to introduce brand-new electric SUVs. Here's a breakdown of what these names might represent: XUV 5XO: This is expected to be a Creta-sized electric SUV, potentially taking on rivals like the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Tata Curvv EV. This segment is witnessing significant growth, and Mahindra's entry will further intensify the competition. XUV 1XO: The presence of "1" in the name suggests a smaller electric SUV, possibly venturing into the micro-SUV segment. This could position Mahindra as a direct competitor to the Tata Punch EV, currently the only micro-electric SUV in India. With the XUV 1XO, Mahindra aims to offer an electric SUV option in all major mass-market SUV segments. The BE Series: A Distinct Electric Identity It's important to differentiate between the XUV XO series and the BE series of electric SUVs announced by Mahindra in 2022. The BE series, comprising the BE 05, BE 07 and BE 09, will be standalone models built on a dedicated electric platform. These vehicles won't be electric versions of existing ICE models and will likely carry the names assigned during their showcase. A Look Ahead: When Can We Expect These EVs? The electric version of the XUV700, potentially the XUV 7XO, is expected to be launched by the end of 2024. Preceding this launch will be the facelifted XUV400, possibly taking the XUV 3XO name. As for the BE series, the BE 05 is anticipated to be the first to hit the market by the end of 2025. While the exact names for the electric XUV700 and XUV400 remain under wraps, Mahindra will likely reveal them closer to their launch dates. Stay tuned for further updates! Frequently Asked Questions Q: What do the new Mahindra trademark filings signify? A: These filings suggest Mahindra's plans to expand its electric vehicle portfolio with potentially four new electric SUVs: the XUV 7XO (electric XUV700), XUV 3XO (electric XUV400 or a sub-4-meter variant), XUV 5XO (Creta-sized electric SUV), and XUV 1XO (micro electric SUV). Q: How does the XUV XO series differ from the BE series? A: The XUV XO series might be electric versions of existing Mahindra models or entirely new electric SUVs within established size segments. The BE series, on the other hand, comprises standalone electric vehicles built on a dedicated platform. Q: What do the trademarked names XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, and XUV 1XO signify? A: These names are potentially reserved for upcoming electric SUV models from Mahindra, hinting at their size and segment positioning. Q: Will Mahindra's BE series of electric SUVs feature new names? A: No, the BE series is expected to retain the names assigned to them during their showcase, offering continuity and brand recognition. Q: When can we expect these new electric models to hit the market? A: The electric XUV700 is anticipated by the end of this year, followed by the facelifted XUV400. The BE series, starting with the BE 05, is scheduled for launch by the end of 2025.