Mahindra to debut dual‑cylinder CNG XUV3XO SUV a day before launch

Mahindra is set to launch a CNG‑powered XUV3XO SUV with a dual‑cylinder tank that saves boot space, a day before its official debut. The twin cylinders sit side‑by‑side under the boot floor, secured with metal straps, allowing luggage to be placed above them and keeping the boot more usable than a single‑cylinder design. The XUV3XO already has the smallest boot in the compact SUV segment, so this arrangement is crucial for practicality. CNG becomes the fourth powertrain option alongside petrol, diesel and electric, giving the model one of the broadest line‑ups in its class, matched only by the Tata Nexon. The CNG kit is expected to pair with the 1.2‑litre MPFI turbo‑petrol engine, which in petrol form makes about 110 bhp and 200 Nm of torque; adapting the MPFI engine for CNG is cheaper than using the direct‑injection variant. Inside, a dedicated CNG/PETROL button sits below the driver‑side AC vent, next to the headlamp‑levelling control, while the dashboard retains its light‑coloured lower panel and gloss‑black trim. The spy shot shows dual‑tone alloy wheels, ORVMs with turn signals and the familiar headlamp/DRL layout, hinting that the CNG version may be offered in higher trims. A body‑coloured front grille, LED DRLs, headlights and a panoramic sunroof (single‑pane in the spy) were also featured in the recent teaser. Mahindra has not disclosed cylinder capacity or exact boot volume, but a starting price below Rs 10 lakh is expected. The brand sold 8,302 units of the XUV3XO (including the electric variant) in August 2026, a 50.37% rise YoY, and expects the CNG model to boost festive‑season sales.

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The dual‑cylinder layout mirrors the Nexon i‑CNG solution, where the cylinders sit beneath the floor to preserve luggage space. Offering CNG aims at buyers seeking lower running costs, expanding Mahindra’s reach in a price‑sensitive market.