Mahindra XEV 9S Expert Review
- Electric
- Car
- 7 Seater
What's good
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Stunning Triple-Screen Dash: A truly futuristic and functional interior that rivals luxury imports.
-
Massive Storage: The combination of a 527L boot and a 150L frunk is unmatched in the segment.
-
Rapid Charging & Warranty: 180 kW charging and a lifetime battery warranty offer peace of mind.
What's not so good
-
Ergonomic Quirks: The lack of physical HVAC control buttons can be frustrating while driving.
-
No Full-Size Spare: You get a 135 mm space saver, which limits your speed to 80 km/h after a puncture.
-
Large Dimensions: At nearly 1.9 meters wide, it can be a handful in narrow Indian city lanes.
We tested the Mahindra XEV 9S in-depth, and it scored a substantial 8.5/10 in our real-world tests. It scored 10/10 in terms of safety, which is its strongest parameter, followed by 8/10 in performance, as well as comfort. It also gets a bunch of advanced features which make it a very convenient car. When we compared it to other electric SUVs in its segment, it stood out due to its substantial proportion, muscular styling, and good build quality, where we rated it 8/10 as well. Overall, it’s a good family electric car, when considered for its value quotient.
What's good
-
Stunning Triple-Screen Dash: A truly futuristic and functional interior that rivals luxury imports.
-
Massive Storage: The combination of a 527L boot and a 150L frunk is unmatched in the segment.
-
Rapid Charging & Warranty: 180 kW charging and a lifetime battery warranty offer peace of mind.
What's not so good
-
Ergonomic Quirks: The lack of physical HVAC control buttons can be frustrating while driving.
-
No Full-Size Spare: You get a 135 mm space saver, which limits your speed to 80 km/h after a puncture.
-
Large Dimensions: At nearly 1.9 meters wide, it can be a handful in narrow Indian city lanes.
We tested the Mahindra XEV 9S in-depth, and it scored a substantial 8.5/10 in our real-world tests. It scored 10/10 in terms of safety, which is its strongest parameter, followed by 8/10 in performance, as well as comfort. It also gets a bunch of advanced features which make it a very convenient car. When we compared it to other electric SUVs in its segment, it stood out due to its substantial proportion, muscular styling, and good build quality, where we rated it 8/10 as well. Overall, it’s a good family electric car, when considered for its value quotient.
Mahindra XEV 9S Expert Review
SEV Score
Prashanth Jagadeesh
Tested and reviewed by SEV Experts on 8 parameters
SEV Score
Prashanth Jagadeesh
Tested and reviewed by SEV Experts on 8 parameters
Expert Verdict
The Mahindra XEV 9S is for the tech-loving customers who want a large, powerful SUV with “Born Electric” benefits, best-in-class storage, and the absolute security of a lifetime battery warranty.
Mahindra XEV 9S Design
Exterior
The XEV 9S features a “Twin Peaks” lighting signature with sharp, fang-like LED DRLs that dominate the front fascia. It retains the muscular, upright stance Mahindra is known for but adds aerodynamic flourishes like flush-fitting door handles and aero-bladed 19-inch alloy wheels. The sloping roofline gives it a “Sportback” silhouette that looks significantly more modern than the traditional XUV700. The vehicle measures 4,737 mm in length, making it a substantial presence on the road.
Interior
The cabin is a digital wonderland. The highlight is the Coast-to-Coast Triple-Screen setup, a single glass panel housing three 12.3-inch displays spanning from the driver to the passenger. The materials have seen a massive upgrade, with “Acoustic Fabric” on the dashboard and high-quality synthetic leather that feels much more premium than previous Mahindra efforts. The “LightMeUp” ambient lighting system, with 16 million colors, enhances the lounge-like feel.
Build Quality
Built on the INGLO platform, the XEV 9S feels incredibly robust. The doors have a heavy, solid action, and the cabin is remarkably quiet thanks to extensive sound-deadening and acoustic laminated glass. There is a clear sense of “hewn-from-granite” durability that Mahindra has mastered over decades.
The design is aggressive yet sophisticated. While the front lighting might be polarising for some, the interior quality is a massive leap forward for Mahindra; it genuinely feels like a luxury car inside. The INGLO platform provides a rigidity that you can feel the moment you close the door.
Mahindra XEV 9S Features
Mahindra has loaded the XEV 9S with “first-in-segment” technology:
- The Triple Screen: The passenger gets their own dedicated screen for entertainment, allowing them to watch videos or manage navigation without distracting the driver. All three screens are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset for lag-free performance.
- VisionX (AR-HUD): The augmented reality head-up display projects key navigation data and safety alerts onto the windshield, ensuring your eyes stay on the road.
- Sonic Identity: The car features unique “soundscapes” created in collaboration with AR Rahman, providing an immersive acoustic experience for start-up and driving modes through a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos.
- Creature Comforts: Includes a massive panoramic sunroof, dual wireless charging (front and rear), and a “Powered Boss Mode” for the second-row passenger.
The tech suite is overwhelming in a good way. However, the lack of physical HVAC controls is a miss; diving into a screen to adjust the temperature while driving isn’t ideal. The passenger screen also needs a privacy filter to avoid driver distraction.
Mahindra XEV 9S Performance & Range
The XEV 9S offers multiple battery options, with the top-tier 79 kWh LFP battery pack being the highlight.
The rear-mounted motor produces a segment-leading 285 PS (210 kW) and 380 Nm of torque. For a large 7-seater SUV, the acceleration is startling, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 202 km/h.
The claimed range for the Mahindra XEV 9S is up to 679km. In real-world conditions, we got around 520 km on a full charge. On highways, the range reduces a bit further to around 450 km. The smaller battery variant is expected to deliver a real-world range of around 380 km.
The RWD layout makes the 9S feel ‘point-and-shoot’ rather than heavy. It builds power linearly, making it easy to drive in traffic despite its 285 PS output. The real-world efficiency of ~6 km/kWh is impressive for a 2.2-tonne SUV.
Mahindra XEV 9S Ride & Handling
The INGLO platform provides a near 50:50 weight distribution, which is rare for an SUV of this size.
- Ride: It features Intelligent Adaptive dampers (i-Link) at the front and a 5-link independent suspension at the rear. The ride is slightly firm to manage the 2-ton weight, but it handles expansion joints and potholes with a “silent” thud.
- Handling: It feels surprisingly agile with a tight 10-meter turning circle diameter. Because it is primarily rear-wheel drive, the steering is free from torque steer, making it feel precise and balanced through corners.
Most 7-seaters feel boat-like; the 9S does not. The adaptive suspension is a game-changer for Indian roads, offering a dual personality that actually works. It stays remarkably flat through corners for a car this tall.
Mahindra XEV 9S Safety
Mahindra is targeting a full 5-star BNCAP rating.
- Hardware: The XEV 9S comes with 7 Airbags (including a driver knee airbag) and a high-stiffness bodyshell. It features “Brake-by-Wire” technology for more consistent stopping power.
- L2+ ADAS: It uses a network of 5 Radars and 1 Vision Camera. Features include Driver Initiated Auto Lane Change, Lane Centering, and Secure360 Pro, which offers live view and recording of the car’s surroundings. It also includes “Eyedentity”, a driver drowsiness detection system.
Mahindra’s safety tech is now world-class. The ADAS is better calibrated for Indian road chaos than many global systems, and the structural integrity of the INGLO platform is designed to exceed global standards.
Mahindra XEV 9S Space & Comfort
- Cabin Space: With a wheelbase of 2,762 mm, the cabin is massive. The flat floor allows the middle passenger in the second row to sit without any discomfort.
- Seating Posture: The second row is the place to be, offering Ventilated Seats, recline/sliding adjustments, and dedicated sunshades. The third row is best suited for children, though the large quarter glass prevents it from feeling claustrophobic.
- Storage: Up to 527 litres of boot space with the third row folded. With all seats up, it fits a few soft bags. It also features a best-in-class 150-litre frunk (front trunk) with a 60 kg weight capacity, large enough for a small suitcase or grocery bags.
The 150-litre frunk is a game-changer. It solves the classic ‘all-seats-up’ storage problem that plagues most 7-seater SUVs. The ‘Boss Mode’ in the second row makes it a viable chauffeur-driven car as well.
Mahindra XEV 9S Charging & Warranty
- Charging: The 79 kWh variant supports 180 kW DC fast charging, allowing for a 20% to 80% charge in just 20 minutes. For home charging, Mahindra offers 7.2 kW and 11.2 kW wall-box options.
- Warranty: Mahindra offers an industry-leading Lifetime Battery Warranty for the first owner on select packs, alongside a standard 8-year/1,60,000 km battery warranty. The vehicle comes with a 3-year/unlimited km standard warranty.
The lifetime warranty effectively kills the ‘battery replacement cost’ anxiety that stops many from buying an EV. Combined with 180 kW charging, it makes the XEV 9S one of the most future-proof EVs in India.
Mahindra XEV 9S Service & Network
Mahindra has one of the widest service networks in India for electric cars, covering over 360 cities.
- EV Prime Service: Dedicated service bays with company-trained technicians.
- Convenience: They offer “QWIK Service” (3-hour turnaround), doorstep service, and a comprehensive 24×7 Roadside Assistance (RSA) program.
The ‘Mobile Service’ van and door-step pickup options are critical for a premium product like this. Mahindra’s sheer network size gives it a huge advantage over new entrants like VinFast or BYD.
Who should buy this?
What's good
-
Stunning Triple-Screen Dash: A truly futuristic and functional interior that rivals luxury imports.
-
Massive Storage: The combination of a 527L boot and a 150L frunk is unmatched in the segment.
-
Rapid Charging & Warranty: 180 kW charging and a lifetime battery warranty offer peace of mind.
What's not so good
-
Ergonomic Quirks: The lack of physical HVAC control buttons can be frustrating while driving.
-
No Full-Size Spare: You get a 135 mm space saver, which limits your speed to 80 km/h after a puncture.
-
Large Dimensions: At nearly 1.9 meters wide, it can be a handful in narrow Indian city lanes.
Mahindra XEV 9S Price
What's good
-
Stunning Triple-Screen Dash: A truly futuristic and functional interior that rivals luxury imports.
-
Massive Storage: The combination of a 527L boot and a 150L frunk is unmatched in the segment.
-
Rapid Charging & Warranty: 180 kW charging and a lifetime battery warranty offer peace of mind.
What's not so good
-
Ergonomic Quirks: The lack of physical HVAC control buttons can be frustrating while driving.
-
No Full-Size Spare: You get a 135 mm space saver, which limits your speed to 80 km/h after a puncture.
-
Large Dimensions: At nearly 1.9 meters wide, it can be a handful in narrow Indian city lanes.
543Km/c
150Kmph
45Mins
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