In the next two weeks, we will witness major launches and unveilings from Mahindra & Mahindra, Honda Cars India, and Audi India. Mahindra is set to unveil its first born-electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and BE 6e, on November 26. The new-generation Honda Amaze will make its showroom debut with an official price announcement on December 4. Meanwhile, Audi India will launch the updated Q7 SUV on November 28. Let’s delve into key details about these highly anticipated cars.
Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6e
The final designs of Mahindra’s forthcoming XEV 9e and BE 6e electric SUVs have been previewed through official teasers. These models will be the brand’s first EVs built on the INGLO modular electric skateboard architecture, and they are expected to offer two battery options: 60kWh and 79kWh. The larger battery pack is likely to provide a WLTP-certified range of around 450km.
The teaser confirms that both electric SUVs stay true to their concept designs, featuring elements like gloss black cladding around pronounced wheel arches, aero-designed alloy wheels, LED DRLs, and flush door handles. The Mahindra BE 6e will feature a cockpit-inspired interior with dual floating infotainment screens. In contrast, the Mahindra XEV 9e retains the concept’s unique triple-screen setup running across the dashboard’s width.
New-Generation Honda Amaze
The third-generation Honda Amaze is set to feature significantly improved styling, a more premium interior, and advanced technology. However, the engine will be carried over from the current model: a 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol motor paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Reports suggest Honda might introduce a CNG variant at a later stage.
Design updates for the new Amaze will take inspiration from the globally available Honda Civic, with features like a larger grille with a honeycomb pattern and a wide air inlet below. The new Amaze also borrows design cues from the Elevate midsize SUV and City sedan. The most notable interior update will be the inclusion of an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) suite. It will compete with the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which boasts segment-first features like a 360-degree camera and a sunroof.
Updated Audi Q7
Bookings for the 2024 Audi Q7 facelift are now open nationwide. Interested buyers can reserve the updated model online or through the myAudi Connect app by paying a booking amount of Rs 2 lakh.
The facelifted Q7 features a revised front grille with a hexagonal pattern and a thicker chrome surround, slightly higher-mounted LED headlamps (borrowed from the Q6 e-tron), and redesigned DRLs with laser diodes. The DRLs also offer four different “light signatures”, selectable via the infotainment system. The SUV gets newly designed alloy wheels as well.
Inside, the Q7 facelift introduces two new interior trim options: Saiga Beige and Cedar Brown with contrasting grey leather. The Virtual Cockpit now includes a lane-change warning system, and the infotainment system has received an upgrade.
Under the hood, the new Q7 retains the 3.0L V6 turbo-petrol engine, delivering 340bhp and 500Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro AWD system. Audi claims the updated Q7 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h.
