Mahindra XUV Aero coupe concept to debut at Auto Expo

Mahindra has revealed the teaser sketch of the XUV Aero Coupe concept that will be unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo.

A coupe-like SUV is in the works at Mahindra. Billed as the XUV Aero, the new model will become the homegrown manufacturer’s future flagship vehicle. Before hitting the production line though, the XUV Aero concept will be showcased at the upcoming auto expo. Mahindra has also released a teaser sketch of the new coupe-SUV, giving us a brief look at its exterior design.

The XUV Aero is a radical looking coupe that is likely to be based around the same underpinnings as of the XUV5OO. As seen in the teaser, the front end of the forthcoming concept looks similar to the XUV5OO. Beyond the B-pillar though, the design gets busier and looks more coupe-like. Sloping roofline, sharp creases, muscular haunches, horizontally stacked tail-lamps, sporty rear bumper with faux diffusers- all look the part and impart an overall aggressive stance to the vehicle. It will be interesting to see if all of that is retained in the production version - whenever it comes out. Further, the company claims the XUV Aero is completely designed by Mahindra’s designers in India with critical inputs from Pininfarina- the Italian design-house which the company acquired recently.

Commenting on the development, Pawan Goenka, executive director Mahindra, said: "We have seen one or two products fail because of that (design). The Indian customers like little bit of flamboyance, it would be little bit over the top. Some experts may say, Mahindra has gone overboard, I would say, yes Mahindra has gone overboard by design and not by accident."

SUV-based coupe, or vice-versa, is not an entirely new concept as products like the BMW X6 and the recently launched Mercedes-Benz GLE-Coupe are already on sale in the country. However, both these cars belong to the luxury car segment, making them irrelevant to the masses. What the Mahindra XUV Aero will bring to the table is a similarly appealing design but with a tempting and much more affordable price-tag.

Besides the XUV Aero concept, Mahindra will be showcasing the India-bound SssangYong Tivoli compact-SUV at the expo, while the Quanto facelift (with AMT) is also expected to be launched during the event.

Also read: Mahindra introduces 1.99 litre diesel engine