The European automotive industry initiated the Coupe SUV trend with the introduction of the BMW X6, a sleeker variant of the X5 SUV, which immediately garnered mixed reactions. In India, the Coupe SUV segment is on the brink of becoming mainstream, with key players such as Mahindra and Tata introducing their respective models, the XUV.e9 and Curvv.
Comparison: Mahindra XUV.e9 vs. Tata Curvv
Currently, both the Tata Curvv and Mahindra XUV.e9 are undergoing testing phases. Tata Motors unveiled the production version of the Curvv at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo, whereas the Mahindra XUV.e9 coupe remains heavily camouflaged, keeping its final design a mystery. As a result, the exact appearance of the XUV.e9 remains unknown, with its design elements still under wraps. This has led to some confusion, with people occasionally mistaking one model for the other due to their similar design themes.
There are obvious design distinctions between the two SUVs despite their similarities. The XUV.e9 has a size advantage, being the coupe version of the XUV.e8, which is the electric variant of the already available XUV700 SUV. The XUV.e9 is expected to measure around 4.8m in length, similar to a Toyota Fortuner, with a width of over 1.9m and a height of approximately 1.75m. On the other hand, Tata's Curvv is positioned in a lower segment, competing with compact SUVs, with dimensions likely around 4.4m in length, 1.85m in width, and 1.65m in height.
Design Distinctions
In terms of design, the XUV.e9 features four pillars, including a rear quarter glass, while the Curvv has only three pillars without a quarter glass. The Curvv boasts flush door handles in their conventional positions, whereas the XUV.e9 has flush door handles mounted on the front and rear C-pillars. Additionally, the Curvv appears to have requested sensors on all four doors, a feature not commonly found in its immediate competitors.
Features like a shark fin antenna, a discreet rear spoiler, tough body cladding, disc brakes on all four wheels, and a chic coupe roofline are shared by both models. The wheel design of the Curvv, in particular, stands out. The front fascias of both vehicles are distinctive with each model adopting its own design DNA. They are planned to have LED headlights, LED-connected taillights, and sequential indicators.
Interior and Powertrain
Inside, the XUV.e9 is set to feature a triple-screen dashboard layout, a first for any mainstream Indian car. The Curvv, on the other hand, will offer features that fall between those of the Nexon and Harrier. In terms of powertrain, the XUV.e9 may come with an 80 kWh battery and an optional dual-motor AWD setup. The Curvv is expected to be built on Tata's new acti.ev platform, potentially accommodating a battery up to 60 kWh.
Given the impressive performance of the Punch EV, there's a strong possibility that the Tata Curvv EV could emerge as the sportiest and most high-performing compact SUV in India. With the differences in design and size, there will also be a significant price disparity between these vehicles.