After the XUV 7XO, Scorpio N and Thar OG, it looks like Mahindra is slowly turning its attention to one of its popular sub-4-metre SUVs, the XUV 3XO. Months ago, there were reports that Mahindra was working on an update for the XUV 3XO, and the same is expected to be launched on 15 October 2026. While there is no confirmation about the upcoming SUV, reports suggest that this could actually be the CNG version of the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Mahindra launched the XUV 3XO in 2024, and since then, it has been doing well in terms of sales. Mahindra even launched new trims to attract young buyers who were looking for a sportier or more aggressively styled version of the SUV. After launching the REVX and REVX Edge variants, Mahindra is now probably looking at coming up with its first-ever vehicle with a factory-fitted CNG kit.
With rising fuel prices and increasing demand for alternative fuel options, most brands have started taking this approach. This would not only help Mahindra expand its options for customers but would also help it meet CAFE 3 norms.
Mahindra currently offers the XUV 3XO with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol MPFI engine and a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol mStallion-series engine. The diesel version uses a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine as well. If Mahindra launches the CNG version of the 3XO, it is expected to be based on the turbocharged MPFI engine. This engine in the XUV 3XO currently generates 111 PS and 200 Nm of torque. It is available with both manual and automatic transmission options.
The XUV 3XO CNG is likely to be offered with a manual transmission but, with the rising popularity of CNG automatics, we would not be surprised if Mahindra decides to offer the automatic transmission as well. The exact power figures for the CNG variant are not known at the moment, but it is clear that the power and torque figures are likely to be lower compared to the regular petrol version.
Mahindra will be making changes to the suspension setup, ECU tuning and other minor components to ensure that the vehicle works well with the new CNG setup. The CNG tank is likely to be placed in the boot, and it remains to be seen whether Mahindra will go with a smart twin-cylinder technology like Tata and Hyundai or continue with a single-cylinder setup and compromise on boot space.
As the XUV 3XO has been in the market since 2024, there are also reports that the brand could offer the SUV a minor update in the form of cosmetic changes to give it a fresher look. The XUV 3XO competes with the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet in the segment. Only the Nexon and Brezza currently offer a factory-fitted CNG kit.
There are also reasons to dismiss the possibility of an upcoming CNG product. Mahindra’s leadership had previously said that the company has no plans to launch CNG products and will continue to be an enthusiast-focussed brand. But maybe the upcoming CAFE norms made it rethink this decision. Or maybe it can no longer stay blind to the rising demand for CNG products in the country. We don’t know!
If Mahindra actually launches the XUV 3XO CNG, it is likely to sit at an attractive price point. The 3XO is currently priced from Rs 7.79 lakh, ex-showroom, and goes all the way up to Rs 15.04 lakh, ex-showroom.
There has been no word from the manufacturer on what the upcoming launch would be. All we know for sure is that something interesting is coming on October 15…