Why Do All Mahindras Have Such Long Waiting Periods? We Explain

If you’ve been eyeing a new Mahindra—be it the rugged Thar Roxx, the feature-packed XUV 3XO, or the futuristic BE6—you’ve probably heard the same refrain at every dealership: “Sir, waiting period is at least six months, maybe more.”

For some variants, it’s even longer. This isn’t just a passing phase; Mahindra’s long waiting lists have become a defining feature of the brand in India. But why does this happen, even as the company ramps up production? Let’s break down the reasons from a buyer’s perspective.

Shock-and-Awe Pricing: Value That’s Hard to Ignore

Mahindra has mastered the art of sharp, value-for-money pricing. When a new model launches, the sticker price often undercuts rivals by a significant margin, especially for the base and mid variants. Take the XUV 3XO, for example. With prices starting at just under ₹8 lakh for the base petrol and stretching up to ₹15.5 lakh for the top turbo-petrol automatic, Mahindra manages to cover a wide spectrum of buyers. The Thar Roxx and the BE6 electric SUV follow a similar pattern: aggressive introductory prices that leave competitors scrambling. This “shock and awe” approach ensures a flood of bookings right from day one, overwhelming production lines and setting the stage for those infamous waiting periods.

The Mahindra Cult: More Than Just a Car

There’s something about owning a Mahindra that goes beyond practicality. The Thar, in particular, is a cult icon—synonymous with adventure, freedom, and a rugged Indian spirit. The XUV700 and Scorpio N have similarly built up devoted fan bases, thanks to their blend of features, performance, and robust road presence. This cult status means that buyers are willing to wait months, sometimes even over a year, just to get their hands on their dream Mahindra. The emotional connect and the “badge value” play a huge role in sustaining demand, even as waiting periods stretch on.

Marketing Blitz: Hype Before the Storm

Mahindra’s marketing playbook is relentless. Before every launch, the company orchestrates a massive campaign across TV, digital, print, and social media. Catchy anthems—like “We Live Young, We Live Free” for the Thar, “Dil Bole Boom Boom” for the BE6, and “Inteha Ho Gayi” for the Roxx—become earworms, building anticipation and a sense of community. Teasers, influencer tie-ups, and digital contests keep the buzz alive for weeks, ensuring that when bookings finally open, the rush is nothing short of a stampede. For the Thar Roxx, Mahindra received over 1.76 lakh bookings within an hour of opening the window, a testament to the power of pre-launch hype.

Limited Booking Windows: Scarcity Breeds Demand

Unlike some rivals who keep bookings open indefinitely, Mahindra often restricts booking windows—sometimes delaying them for weeks after the launch. This intentional scarcity triggers a rush among buyers to secure a spot in the queue. The result? Many buyers place multiple bookings, either for different variants or at different dealerships, hoping to jump the line or hedge their bets. This “double and triple booking” phenomenon artificially inflates the order backlog, making the waiting periods even longer for everyone involved.

Options Galore: Something for Everyone

Another unique aspect of Mahindra’s strategy is the sheer breadth of its variant and engine options. The XUV 3XO, for instance, is available in multiple trims, with two turbo-petrol engines and a diesel, and both manual and automatic gearboxes. The Thar Roxx comes with petrol and diesel options, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, and several trim levels. This wide coverage ensures that Mahindra appeals to everyone—from the budget-conscious to the feature-hungry enthusiast. But it also complicates production, as the company has to juggle multiple configurations, often leading to bottlenecks for specific variants.

The Production Puzzle: Demand Outpaces Supply

Even as Mahindra increases its monthly output—recently ramping up Thar Roxx production to 9,000 units a month—the demand continues to outstrip supply. For some base variants, the waiting period stretches up to 18 months. The XUV 3XO’s entry-level petrol trims have a waiting period of up to a year, while the top diesel variants are delivered in just a month. The BE6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs, which saw over 30,000 bookings on day one, also face phased deliveries stretching up to six months, depending on the variant and location.

Supply Chain and Tech Challenges

Modern Mahindras are loaded with tech—ADAS, digital clusters, connected car features, and more. Many of these components are sourced globally, and any disruption in the supply chain can slow down production. Electronics and batteries for EVs are particularly sensitive to global shortages, and Mahindra has had to form partnerships to shore up its supply lines. Still, these efforts take time to bear fruit, and the backlog continues to grow.

The Takeaway for Buyers

For the Indian buyer, the Mahindra waiting period is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s proof that you’re choosing a car that’s in high demand, with strong resale value and a passionate community. On the other, it means patience—sometimes a lot of it. If you’re set on a particular variant or engine, be prepared for a long wait, especially if you want the base or mid trims. The only way around it is to keep an eye on booking windows, act fast, and stay in touch with multiple dealerships to improve your chances. In the end, Mahindra’s long waiting periods are a result of its own success—a potent mix of sharp pricing, emotional branding, clever marketing, and a product range that ticks all the right boxes for Indian buyers. If you’re willing to wait, you’ll be joining a club that’s as passionate as it is patient.