| Mahindra AXE | |
| Origin: | India |
| Type: | Military 4x4 |
| Is Vehicle: | yes |
| Service: | Prototype |
| Used By: | Indian Army |
| Manufacturer: | Mahindra & Mahindra Limited |
| Weight: | 2,500 kg curb weight |
| Length: | 4.4 m |
| Width: | 1.96 m |
| Height: | 1.98 m |
| Engine: | 4 cyl Diesel[1] |
| Transmission: | 5-gear automatic from Mercedes-Benz |
| Suspension: | Independent |
The Mahindra Axe is a Light Military Utility Tactical Vehicle designed by Mahindra & Mahindra. Prototypes of the vehicle were customized to meet Indian Army specifications, but after evaluating the vehicles the Indian Army decided not to place an order.[2]
The vehicle was meant to be marketed to the Indian Army and special forces units.[1]
Axe is built on a new platform, derived from existing Mahindra models. According to Brigadier Khutub A Hai, CEO, Mahindra Defence Systems, "The Axe was designed with help from an overseas designer".[3]
Current Axe variants use either a diesel engine (a 2.7 L Mercedes derived Ssangyong engine, which powers the Rexton)[4] or a petrol engine (using 4 L GM Vortec engine, which powers the Chevrolet TrailBlazer).
According to Mahindra, the diesel Axe offers around 8 to 9 km/L (11.1 to 12.5 L/100 km) while the petrol Axe offers 6 to 7 km/L (14.3 to 16.6 L/100 km).
Mahindra planned to launch a civilian version of the Axe, but a civilian launch is now very much in doubt.[2]