Mahindra, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has been spotted testing a next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) on an XUV3XO test mule. The test vehicle, which is not the upcoming XUV3XO EV, features a number of new elements not currently offered by Mahindra, including a custom roof rack housing a camera and a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) unit. The vehicle also has five radar modules, with one in the front fascia and one below each headlight and taillight, which could enable more advanced ADAS features.
The test mule was spotted in Bidadi, near Bengaluru, Karnataka, where Bosch, a partner of Mahindra, operates. This has led to speculation that Mahindra and Bosch are working together to develop India-specific ADAS systems and algorithms. The presence of a camera stuck to the rear windshield and a LiDAR unit suggests that Mahindra is working on a more advanced autonomous driving technology that can better navigate Indian road conditions.
The new ADAS system is expected to offer more reliability and features tailored to Indian roads. Mahindra has a reputation for prioritizing vehicular safety, and this development is likely to be a significant improvement over their current system. When launched, the LiDAR module is likely to be packaged within the front camera unit, and the rear camera may be concealed.
The use of five radar modules and a LiDAR unit could unlock more advanced ADAS features, such as improved adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The partnership between Mahindra and Bosch is expected to democratize ADAS technology, making it more accessible to Indian consumers.
Overall, the spotting of the XUV3XO test mule with next-generation ADAS technology suggests that Mahindra is committed to investing in autonomous driving technology and improving vehicular safety in India. With the launch of this new system, Mahindra is likely to further solidify its position as a leader in the Indian automotive industry.