7 min read | 8 March 2025

For the women behind the wheel, it wasn’t just about driving; it was about celebrating their passion for the road, pushing limits, and proving that skill knows no gender. Mahindra’s Women With Drive 2025 was more than an event; it was an adrenaline-packed statement of adventure, passion, and womanhood. With every turn they took and every challenge they conquered, these women showcased power, precision, and an unyielding spirit.

The Squad

Held at Adventure Square in Aamby Valley with drive partners Autocar India, this year’s edition welcomed a powerhouse lineup of dynamic women from all walks of life. From CEOs and athletes to creators and adventurers, each participant brought her unique flair of boldness and brilliance. The convoy of talent was as inspiring as it was diverse.

The lineup included women like Darshana Sasane, a professional motorsports athlete and stunt woman whose daring skills added fire to the tracks. Alongside her was Mahek Nayak, a national badminton player whose competitive streak powered her through every challenge. Business leaders like Surabhi Saxena, CEO of Echelon Ventures, brought the same level of strategic precision to the wheel as they do to the boardroom. Each participant, whether a thrill-seeker or a first-time off-roader, drove with confidence, making a bold statement of skill and tenacity.

Leading The Charge

The fleet for this expedition was a league of champions from the house of Mahindra. Known for their legendary off-road prowess, the Mahindra Thar and Scorpio-N once again proved their mettle across diverse terrains, easily powering through rugged tracks. Their robust build and unrelenting performance stood tall against every challenge the women threw at them.

Meanwhile, the Thar ROXX turned heads with its bold design and unmissable stance, offering a luxurious yet fearless driving experience. On the tarmac, the XUV 3XO made its presence known, showcasing everyday versatility, spacious interiors, and cutting-edge technology. Its massive 364L boot space became the centerpiece of one of the event’s most unique challenges, highlighting both form and function.

The Challenges

The event was a thrilling showcase of skill, speed, and strategy, with participants taking on a series of high-adrenaline challenges designed to test their driving mettle.

In the off-road challenge, participants faced daring inclines, sharp descents, and rocky terrains. Behind the wheel of the Thar and Scorpio-N, with their powerful engines, 4x4 prowess, and rugged build, they powered through the unforgiving landscape. The high ground clearance and advanced suspension made every obstacle feel conquerable, proving that no road is ever too rough when confidence and capability are on your side.

The autocross challenge brought out their finesse as they mastered sharp turns with the Mahindra XUV 3XO, leveraging its spirited turbo-petrol engine, agile handling, and finely tuned suspension. Navigating the course with clockwork precision, the race against time became a true test of skill and reflexes. With its electronic stability control and responsive steering, the XUV 3XO empowered the women to handle every twist and turn with grit and grace.

For those who relish precision driving, the parking challenge was the ultimate test. Participants reversed and maneuvered the Thar ROXX into tight spaces, guided by its 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors. With the elevated seating position offering a commanding view and the electronic stability program ensuring controlled movements, precision met confidence as they aced every tricky maneuver with ease.

Adding a touch of strategy and creativity to the mix, the XUV 3XO boot-packing challenge showcased the SUV’s generous cargo space. With 60 seconds on the clock, participants raced against time to strategically fit boxes of varying sizes and shapes into the spacious 364L boot, aided by the flat-folding rear seats and low loading lip. It was a true display of ingenuity and practicality, highlighting the SUV’s everyday versatility and smart storage solutions.

The Takeaway

For the women who participated, Women With Drive 2025 was more than just a thrill ride, it was an empowering celebration of courage, confidence, and camaraderie. From seasoned drivers to first-time off-roaders, every woman left the event with newfound skills, unforgettable memories, and the satisfaction of mastering Mahindra’s boldest machines.

The event wasn’t just about the vehicles, it was about the women driving them. It was a powerful reminder that the spirit of adventure knows no gender and that when given the chance, women will drive with boldness, skill, and unstoppable determination.

As the dust settled on this year’s edition, one thing became clear: next year promises to be an even grander celebration of women and their fearless spirit - bigger, bolder, and braver than ever before.