In 2025, car buyers aren’t just looking at looks or mileage — it’s the technology inside the hood and dashboard that seals the deal. Google Trends data shows Mahindra, Skoda, and BYD are currently top searches — but which of them truly leads in innovation? Let’s break down the top tech features of each and see how they stack up.
Table of Contents
Mahindra – Made for India, Built for the Future
Mahindra, a stalwart of the Indian automotive industry, is rapidly evolving its tech offerings. Their lineup — especially the XUV700, Scorpio-N, and the upcoming Thar EV — blends rugged performance with premium tech. The company has been aggressively pushing its connected car technologies and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in its newer models.
Top Features:
- ADAS Level 2: Features like Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning are becoming standard on the XUV700 and are expected in the upcoming Scorpio-N facelift. This pushes Mahindra closer to global safety and convenience benchmarks.
- Twin 10.25″ displays: A clean digital dashboard paired with a responsive infotainment system enhances the in-cabin experience.
- Alexa Voice Control: Seamlessly operate AC, sunroof, and music hands-free, improving driver focus and convenience.
- Powertrain Flexibility: Offering Diesel + Turbo Petrol + AWD options provides true flexibility for diverse Indian road conditions and buyer preferences.
- Panoramic Skyroof: Now added in the Scorpio-N facelift, catering to the growing demand for premium features.
- Safety: Equipped with 7 airbags, ESP, and a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP (for XUV700), Mahindra prioritizes occupant safety.
- 🆕 Thar EV (Upcoming): This highly anticipated model will feature all-electric off-road capability, terrain modes, and regenerative braking, signaling Mahindra’s serious foray into the EV segment. Mahindra has ambitious EV plans, aiming for a significant portion of its sales to come from electric vehicles in the coming years.
Skoda – European Precision, Indian Intelligence
Skoda, a brand synonymous with European precision and robust build quality, is carving a niche for tech lovers in India. Their focus on driver-centric features and robust engineering is evident in models like the Kushaq, Slavia, and their global EV, the Enyaq iV. Skoda has been steadily increasing its market share in India, a testament to its growing appeal.
Top Features:
- 1.5L TSI Turbo Petrol: This engine is not only fast and powerful but also fuel-efficient, offering a balanced performance.
- Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC): While primarily seen in Euro models, the potential for adaptive suspension technology to trickle down into more accessible segments could be a game-changer for ride comfort and handling.
- 10″ Infotainment System: Equipped with wireless Android Auto + Apple CarPlay, providing seamless smartphone integration.
- Skoda Sound System with Subwoofer: Delivering high-quality audio for audiophiles, enhancing the in-cabin entertainment.
- Safety: Emphasizing safety, Skoda offers 6 airbags even in base models, setting a high standard in its segment.
- Enyaq iV (Global EV):
- AR-based Head-Up Display: An advanced feature providing crucial information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
- 82 kWh battery: Offering a substantial power source for extended range.
- 500+ km range: Addressing range anxiety, a key concern for EV adoption.
- Massive 13” touchscreen: A large, intuitive interface for all vehicle controls and infotainment. Skoda’s parent company, Volkswagen Group, has significant global R&D investments in EV technology, which bodes well for future tech introductions in the Indian market.
BYD – The EV Innovator from China
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is not just entering the Indian market; it’s silently redefining the electric vehicle space globally and now in India, with models like the Atto 3, Seal, and e6. As a dedicated EV manufacturer, BYD benefits from a singular focus on electric powertrain innovation and battery technology. Globally, BYD has surpassed major players in EV sales.
Top Features:
- Blade Battery Tech:
- Fire-resistant: A significant safety advantage, addressing concerns about thermal runaway.
- Cooler than conventional lithium-ion: Enhances battery lifespan and performance.
- Longer lifespan: Contributes to better long-term value and sustainability. This proprietary battery technology is a cornerstone of BYD’s innovation.
- Rotating Touchscreen (12.8”): The ability to switch between vertical and horizontal orientations is a unique and highly practical feature for different content consumption.
- ADAS 3.0: Advanced auto lane change, adaptive cruise control, and 360° surround view provide a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features.
- Heat Pump System: Maximizes battery efficiency in cold weather conditions, crucial for consistent performance across diverse climates.
- PM2.5 Cabin Air Filter + Panoramic Roof: Ideal for urban environments, enhancing cabin comfort and air quality.
- Performance: The Seal Performance version boasts an impressive 0-100 km/h in <4 seconds, showcasing BYD’s capability in high-performance EVs. BYD’s significant global investment in EV research and development, particularly in battery technology, gives it a distinct edge in the innovation race.
🏁 Verdict: Who’s Leading in Tech?
| Feature | Mahindra | Skoda | BYD |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAS | ✅ Level 2 | ⚠️ Basic (in India) | ✅ Advanced 3.0 |
| Infotainment | ✅ Dual 10.25” | ✅ 10” + Wireless | ✅ 12.8” Rotating |
| Battery/EV Innovation | ⚠️ Just starting (Thar EV) | ⚠️ Enyaq not in India yet | ✅ Blade Battery + 500km range |
| Sound System | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Premium | ✅ Excellent |
| Voice/Alexa | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Voice Assistant |
Insights on Innovation Leadership (with concrete numbers):
To truly gauge who is leading, let’s consider some quantitative aspects from recent data:
- Market Share & Sales (India Passenger Vehicle Segment):
- Mahindra: Mahindra has seen impressive growth, becoming India’s 2nd largest car seller in April 2025, with a market share rising significantly from 11.23% in April 2024 to 13.83% in April 2025. In FY2025 (April 2024-March 2025), Mahindra & Mahindra surpassed the 500,000 unit wholesales milestone for the first time, hitting 551,487 units of SUVs. Their Scorpio (N and Classic) topped with 150,929 units in April 2024-February 2025.
- Skoda: The Skoda Auto Volkswagen Group (which includes Skoda) reported strong YoY growth of 39.4%, rising from 6,781 units in April 2024 to 9,458 units in April 2025. Their collective market share increased from 1.97% to 2.70%. Skoda Auto India aims for a 2.5% market share in FY2026, up from its current 1.8% (which itself jumped from 0.8% with the arrival of the Kylaq). In May 2025, Skoda’s total sales were 6,738 units.
- BYD: As a dedicated EV player, BYD India is rapidly gaining traction. In April 2025, BYD sold 350 units, a 123% YoY increase from 157 units in April 2024. Their e-PV (electric passenger vehicle) share in India rose to 3% from 2% in April 2024. March 2025, with 435 BYD EVs sold, was their best month ever in India. Globally, Counterpoint Research projects BYD to overtake Tesla as the world’s leading battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand in 2025, capturing a 15.7% global market share. BYD shipped 4.27 million electric vehicles (EVs) in 2024, maintaining its global EV market leadership.
- R&D Investment:
- Mahindra: In FY2023-24, Mahindra & Mahindra announced it spent INR 27.65 billion (approximately $330 million USD) on R&D and Capex, with INR 18.85 billion specifically for R&D work. They are continuously investing in advanced technologies and electrification.
- Skoda: Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has reportedly received approval for a fresh investment of nearly ₹10,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion USD) in India as part of its India 3.0 plan, focusing on premium vehicles and EVs. This investment is expected to be spread out over five years starting in 2028. Skoda benefits from the massive global R&D budget of the Volkswagen Group, which spent over €15 billion (approximately $16 billion USD) on R&D globally in 2024 (Group-wide, not just Skoda specific).
- BYD: BYD is making a massive commitment to smart driving tech, with a projected CNY 100 billion (approximately $13.8 billion USD) investment in R&D and supply chain integration as part of its “Smart Driving for All” strategy. This underlines its aggressive push in advanced EV technologies and autonomous capabilities.
Conclusion:
The “innovation race” isn’t a single finish line but a continuous journey, with each contender bringing distinct strengths.
- Mahindra: If you want performance + rugged Indian driving with increasingly sophisticated tech, Mahindra wins. They are rapidly catching up in the tech race, tailoring features for the Indian consumer, and their significant market share growth shows strong local acceptance.
- Skoda: If you’re after premium ICE with European finesse and a solid suite of modern features, Skoda is a strong pick. Their steady sales growth and upcoming substantial investment signal a commitment to expanding their technologically advanced offerings in India.
- BYD: For an EV-first, futuristic features, and unparalleled battery innovation, BYD is unmatched today. Their global leadership in EV sales and massive R&D investment in battery and smart driving technologies positions them as the clear leader in electric vehicle innovation.
Your choice for 2025 will ultimately depend on your priorities – whether it’s rugged versatility, refined driving, or cutting-edge electric mobility.
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