Mahindra has brought something completely new to the Indian EV market with the XEV 9S, a full-size electric SUV that seats seven people and aims to give families a practical way to switch to electric mobility. With prices starting at Rs 19.95 lakh, it instantly becomes one of the most affordable large electric SUVs in the country.
A Look at the Design
The XEV 9S has a clean, modern EV look that feels very different from Mahindra’s older SUVs. The front has a closed panel instead of a traditional grille, along with a slim LED light strip that runs across the width of the nose. The headlamp units sit lower on the bumper and use a triangle-inspired shape that helps the SUV stand out.
Flush door handles, aerodynamic wheels and a long, raised bonnet give the 9S a confident road presence. The wheelbase stretches to 2,762 mm, which is one of the reasons the cabin feels so spacious inside.
Interior Experience and Features
Step inside and the first thing you notice is how open and tech-heavy the cabin feels. Mahindra has used a triple-screen layout on the dashboard, giving the driver and front passenger plenty of information and entertainment options. Second-row passengers get their own screens too, which makes long trips more enjoyable.
A panoramic sunroof, sliding second-row seats, and an AR head-up display make the interior feel premium. The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) feature lets passengers link their personal devices easily, while dual-zone climate control and ambient lighting help set a comfortable tone.
Space and Practical Use
One of the biggest strengths of the XEV 9S is just how much room it offers. The cabin volume measures 4,076 litres, which makes the interior feel airy even with all three rows in use. The boot can hold up to 527 litres of luggage when the third row is folded, and there’s an additional 150-litre frunk under the bonnet for smaller bags or chargers.
The third row folds in a 50:50 split, so you can adjust the space depending on how many people or bags you’re carrying.
Entertainment and In-Car Tech
Mahindra clearly wanted the XEV 9S to feel like a family lounge on wheels. The SUV gets a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos, which creates a theatre-like audio experience. The screens, 5G support and built-in apps help passengers stay entertained or even get work done while travelling.
Battery Options and Real Range
Mahindra gives buyers three battery choices: 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh.
Depending on which one you pick, the driving range varies:
- 521 km (59 kWh)
- 600 km (70 kWh)
- 679 km (79 kWh)
The larger 79 kWh pack also delivers strong performance, taking the SUV from 0-100 km/h in about 7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 202 km/h. Fast charging up to 175 kW is supported across the lineup.
Platform, Ride Quality and Warranty
The XEV 9S uses Mahindra’s INGLO platform, which is built for safety, stability and electric performance. The suspension setup uses adaptive dampers and an advanced rear layout that helps the SUV stay composed on rougher roads.
It also gets an LFP battery with a lifetime warranty, giving buyers long-term peace of mind.
Second-Row Luxury
The second row of the XEV 9S has been designed almost like a lounge. Features like ventilated seats, sliding and reclining adjustment, sunshades, laminated glass and a small fold-out desk make it an extremely comfortable place to sit. The Boss Mode lets you adjust the front passenger seat from the second row for extra legroom.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Mahindra has added more than 140 connected features to the SUV. These include a digital key, NFC access, charge scheduling, user profiles and remote vehicle functions. Together, they make the XEV 9S feel like a proper connected EV built for modern families.
Safety Features
The XEV 9S includes seven airbags, Level-2 ADAS, multiple radars, a camera-based detection system and a full 360-degree view setup that supports live monitoring and recording. A driver drowsiness alert system adds another layer of safety.
Running Cost and Savings
One of the biggest advantages of the XEV 9S is how affordable it is to run. Mahindra says the SUV costs about Rs 1.2 per kilometre to drive, with maintenance costs around 40 paise per kilometre. Business owners also get 40% depreciation benefits, helping reduce tax burden.
Variant Breakdown
| Variant | Battery Pack | Price (in lakh ₹) | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pack One Above | 59 kWh | 19.95 | 521 |
| Pack One Above | 79 kWh | 21.95 | 679 |
| Pack Two Above | 70 kWh | 24.45 | 600 |
| Pack Two Above | 79 kWh | 25.45 | 679 |
| Pack Three | 79 kWh | 27.35 | 679 |
| Pack Three Above | 79 kWh | 29.45 | 679 |
Mahindra also offers 7.2 kW and 11.2 kW home chargers, priced at Rs 50,000 and Rs 75,000.
Final Thoughts
The Mahindra XEV 9S shows how far electric SUVs have come in India. It combines long range, strong performance, huge cabin space and a long list of technology features in a price bracket that makes it accessible to many families. If you want a spacious electric SUV that is comfortable to live with every day and economical to run, the XEV 9S deserves a serious look.
