Mahindra XEV 9S: the company’s first 7-seater electric SUV

Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S, India’s first mass-market 7-seater electric SUV, at a starting price of ₹19.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Pack One Above variant. Sharing the INGLO skateboard platform with the XEV 9e, the XEV 9S offers more space and features catered to families wanting a spacious, tech-rich electric SUV. It comes with three battery options: 59kWh, 70kWh, and 79kWh. With fast charging capability up to 175kW and a rear-wheel-drive setup, delivering a robust driving experience including a 0-100 kph acceleration time of around 7 seconds and a top speed of 202 kph.

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Mahindra XEV 9S exterior

The exterior design balances modern electric SUV identity and practicality, inspired by the XEV 9e and the XUV.e8 concept. Key design elements include a closed-off grille with a connected LED DRL strip, triangular projector headlamps, and smoked LED tail lamps. The SUV measures 4,740 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,760 mm in height, with a long 2,762 mm wheelbase that maximizes cabin space. Ground clearance sits at 219 mm, suitable for Indian road conditions. With the third-row seats folded, the boot space is an ample 527 litres, complemented by a 150-litre front trunk (frunk) for extra storage.

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Mahindra XEV 9S interior

Inside, the XEV 9S steps up in comfort and technology. It features a triple-screen digital display configuration with a full-width digital instrument cluster, central touchscreen, and two additional screens for the second-row passengers. The cabin offers premium feel with leatherette upholstery, ventilated and powered front seats, sliding and reclining second-row seats, and an electric Boss Mode which moves the front passenger seat for extra legroom, ideal for chauffeur-driven rides. Additional touches include a panoramic sunroof, multi-color ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The SUV also includes advanced safety features like seven airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and Level-2 ADAS functions including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, collision warning, auto parking, and a drowsiness detection system.

Mahindra XEV 9S performance, battery pack and charging options

Performance-wise, the base Pack One Above variant comes with a choice of two battery packs, 59kWh and 79kWh, while the middle Pack Two Above trim introduces a 70kWh option. The top-spec Pack Three is available only with the 79kWh battery. While the electric motor outputs about 228 bhp and 380 Nm of torque on the 59kWh pack and 282bhp on the 79kWh pack, the rear-wheel-drive layout should ensure spirited driving dynamics. Fast charging support means the vehicle can quickly recover range, making it practical for city and highway use. The potential for an all-wheel-drive option via a front motor addition could come in future variants, enhancing traction and making the SUV even more capable.

Mahindra XEV 9S price and rivals

The Mahindra XEV 9S enters a niche segment as the only dedicated 3-row electric SUV at an accessible price point in India. Its closest alternatives are electric MPVs like the Kia Carens Clavis EV and BYD eMax 7, but the XEV 9S stands apart with SUV styling, higher ground clearance, and a more premium feature set. The pricing ranges from ₹19.95 lakh for Pack One Above (59kWh), ₹21.95 lakh for Pack One Above (79kWh), ₹24.45 lakh for Pack Two Above (70kWh), ₹25.45 lakh for Pack Two Above (79kWh), ₹27.35 lakh for Pack Three (79kWh) and ₹29.45 lakh for Pack Three Above.