Now Reading: Is the Mahindra XEV 9S India’s Best 7-Seater EV? Full Review Inside
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Is the Mahindra XEV 9S India’s Best 7-Seater EV? Full Review Inside
Is the Mahindra XEV 9S India’s Best 7-Seater EV? Full Review Inside
Introduction
The Mahindra XEV 9S marks a new chapter in India’s electric SUV space. Designed as a born-electric 7-seater from the ground up, it leverages Mahindra’s advanced INGLO platform to deliver refinement, capability and big-SUV confidence. With prices starting at ₹19.95 lakh, the XEV 9S positions itself as one of the most accessible full-size electric SUVs in the country, yet feels thoroughly premium in execution. From its clean, athletic design to the expansive cabin and technology-rich interior, the XEV 9S sets out to redefine expectations for a mainstream electric family SUV. But does it?
Design
The exterior design of the XEV 9S establishes an assertive, unmistakably Mahindra identity. Its face is defined by sharp Bi-LED projector headlamps paired with LED DRLs and an illuminated Mahindra logo, all standard features across the lineup . Higher variants introduce additional flair with sequential turn indicators, a distinctive centre signature lamp and start-up and goodbye animations that lend a dramatic presence.
The SUV’s profile is clean and modern, shaped by aerodynamic 18-inch wheels, premium gloss-finished cladding and flush front door handles that deploy electrically in Pack Three and above. With colours like Everest White, Desert Mist, Midnight Black, Nebula Blue, Stealth Black and Ruby Velvet available, the XEV 9S provides a palette suited to both subtle and expressive tastes.
Interiors & Space
Inside, the XEV 9S is designed to feel expansive, refined and deeply modern. The highlight is the coast-to-coast triple-screen arrangement, comprising three 31.24 cm displays that span the width of the dashboard as standard equipment across all variants . The cabin materials elevate the sense of luxury, particularly in the higher tiers where soft-touch dashboard panels, leatherette upholstery and an acoustically engineered layout work together to create a serene environment.
Space is one of the SUV’s biggest strengths, with up to 4076 litres of interior volume across the first and second rows, enabling a lounge-like feel for occupants. The second row is extremely versatile with sliding and reclining seats, sunshades, and ventilated seating in the top variants, while the powered Boss Mode allows passengers to stretch out effortlessly. Pack Three and above also feature the Lounge Desk — a fold-out tray that turns the cabin into a functional workspace . The third row is genuinely usable for adults thanks to the long wheelbase of 2762 mm and flat EV floor, making the XEV 9S a true seven-seater in practice.
Storage is equally generous, with a 500–527 litre boot (with the third row folded) and a 150-litre frunk, one of the largest auxiliary storage areas in any Indian EV . Modes such as Camp Mode, Keep Mode and Pet Mode maintain cabin climate even when the vehicle is parked, enhancing everyday practicality and long-distance usability.
Battery & Range
The XEV 9S offers three battery capacities — 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh — giving buyers flexibility based on usage patterns. On the larger 79 kWh pack, the SUV delivers up to 679 km of MIDC-certified range according to the specifications table, while Mahindra claims up to 500 km of real-world city range under controlled test conditions .
Charging performance is particularly strong: with a 180 kW DC fast charger, the 79 kWh variant can charge from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes. AC charging support includes a 3.2 kW portable charger compatible with a standard 16A socket and optional 7.2 kW or 11.2 kW home wall-box chargers. Mahindra further strengthens ownership confidence with a lifetime battery warranty for the first registered private owner, making the high-voltage LFP battery pack a long-term, low-maintenance proposition.
Features & Technology
Technology is an area where the XEV 9S genuinely stands out. The triple-screen setup is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chipset in mid trims, while the top Pack Three Above variant boasts the far more powerful Snapdragon 8295 processor paired with 24 GB RAM and zonal architecture designed for real-time processing, advanced ADAS capability and future-ready OTA updates.
Entertainment and connectivity are immersive thanks to superfast 5G support, built-in Amazon Alexa and ChatGPT, and a full suite of OTT, social media, shopping and news apps directly accessible through the infotainment system. The in-car camera in the top variant enables video calling, underscoring the SUV’s work-from-anywhere ethos. Audio performance is exceptional on the Harman Kardon 16-speaker system with Dolby Atmos and VenueScapes ambient sound profiles. The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) capability, which includes seat-mounted tablet holders on higher trims, ensures passengers can personalize their entertainment experience.
Safety and driver assistance technology is comprehensive and scales meaningfully across variants. Base models include six airbags, ESP, TPMS and a rear camera, while Pack Two and above introduce L2 ADAS with radar plus camera systems, blind-view monitoring, 360° camera functions, cross-traffic alerts and autonomous emergency braking. The flagship Pack Three Above elevates safety further with L2+ capability, incorporating five radars, VisionX augmented reality HUD, EyeDentity driver and occupant monitoring, full AutoPark and Secure360 with live view and recording, giving the XEV 9S one of the most advanced ADAS suites in the segment.
Drive Experience
Driving the XEV 9S highlights the refinement of the INGLO architecture and its electric powertrain. Power outputs vary from 170 kW (approximately 228 bhp) in the base configuration to 180 kW (around 241 bhp) on the mid-tier and 210 kW (roughly 282 bhp) in the top variant, all delivering a robust 380 Nm of torque.
This results in strong linear acceleration, with the 79 kWh version achieving 0–100 km/h in about seven seconds, making it the quickest 7-seater electric SUV in its class. The power delivery is smooth and silent, enhancing the cabin’s calm ambience. Multiple drive modes — Default, Range, Everyday, Race and Snow — tailor the vehicle’s behaviour to different environments, while the adjustable regeneration system (L0 to L3 and Auto) supports highly efficient city driving. Single Pedal Drive is available on all variants, adding convenience in traffic-heavy conditions.
Ride & Handling
Despite its considerable size, the XEV 9S feels surprisingly agile and composed. The Variable Gear Ratio steering system ensures lightness at low speeds and stability on highways, while the segment-leading 10-metre turning circle makes this large SUV unexpectedly easy to manoeuvre in urban settings. Ride quality is a clear strength, achieved through the combination of the i-Link independent front suspension, 5-link independent rear suspension and intelligent adaptive damping available on higher variants.
The adaptive setup continuously adjusts damping every 15 milliseconds , delivering a plush, settled ride even over broken surfaces. Acoustic insulation further elevates the experience, ensuring minimal road and wind noise enters the cabin. Together, these engineering decisions make the XEV 9S a relaxed cruiser that retains confident composure in diverse driving conditions.
Verdict
The Mahindra XEV 9S is much more than a competitive electric SUV — it is a transformative product for the Indian market. It offers the scale and practicality of a true 7-seater, the refinement of a ground-up EV platform, the sophistication of a premium tech suite and the performance of a modern electric powertrain.
With pricing between ₹19.95 lakh and ₹29.45 lakh, the XEV 9S undercuts many competitors while delivering features and capabilities typically associated with far more expensive EVs. For families, long-distance travellers, tech-focused buyers and anyone seeking a future-ready electric SUV without an exorbitant price tag, the XEV 9S stands out as one of the most value-packed offerings in India today.
