In the race to electrify the roads, India has often been seen as an underdog. The Mahindra XEV 9e shatters that perception with unapologetic flair. Representing the pinnacle of homegrown engineering, this SUV boasts performance and features that rival the best in the world. It’s not just an EV—it’s proof that Indian automakers are ready to lead the charge on the global stage.
The car’s shape reflects major future trends, and with its interiors and battery options, the XEV 9e is an eye-opener. However, in a saturated market, is it a worthwhile product, or is it just another gimmick? Let’s dive deeper and explore why this EV is here and whether it has what it takes to challenge the current market leaders.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Design & Exterior
This was initially supposed to be a component of the XUV brand. The XEV is now the upgraded version of the electric vehicle. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the automobile shares characteristics with the XUV 700 or the XUV series, including its overall size, design language, and front-end style. The lighting design discreetly references its XUV ancestry, even though it doesn’t have the same distinctive features.
There isn’t a conventional grill because it’s an electric car. Instead, a connected LED strip and a large logo give the illusion of a grill using vertical lines. A distinctive and eye-catching element that is sure to impress is the logo’s metallic sheen, which resembles dull or dark chrome but also lights up.
The enormous wheel arches and exaggerated muscular proportions enhance the vehicle’s aggressive and sturdy image, while the bumper’s two-tone design furthers the XUV motif. Despite not having an engine, it has a sizable 150-litre frunk, offering functionality with a unique twist.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Interior and Features
While the Mahindra XEV 9e costs less than half its European rivals, the starting price for the smaller battery and ‘Pack One’ variant costs even a third of what a Mercedes EQA would cost. It is also 43% cheaper than the already affordable Hyundai Ioniq 5 and is in range with the Tata Curvv EV’s shoulder-mounted gun range. From a philosophical standpoint, the XEV 9e has brought a value proposition that every carmaker will have to reinvent their EV narrative in India, and all that value is not couched in compromising a luxurious and feature-laden car.
Also read: Mahindra BE 6: The Electric SUV India has been waiting for?
The interior of a cabin looks rather luxurious for this price. However, it does not look posh, as all the parts and details are made of inexpensive materials. Here, Mahindra has tried to make the right effort to get closer to quality delivery to its target audience. The seats are not confining, and there is plenty of head and leg room inside the car. The first thing a customer will likely notice is the massive 110cm screen that reaches across the length of the dashboard. This screen merges three displays: An overhead screen for the front passenger, a mid-set entertainment screen, and a completely digital cluster in the driver’s door. You also receive a more precise heads-up display with integrated, logical lane assistance.
Level 2 ADAS features are available on the sleek sports-type steering wheel with a glossy center panel that gets fingerprints quickly. I like the practicality of having horns ‘mounted’ on the side of the wheel so one doesn’t need to lift a hand to honk – quite helpful in India. Center console-mounted switches from the XUV700 are replaced with buttons mounted on the door sash. A few things from one model can be taken and used in another for cost saving, but the most remarkable part of the cars is their cabin.
The rear accommodation has a flat floor and lacks a forwards-rising knee position. Some of the cars at the launch had tablets installed in a holder on the front seat backs. Some of these are the ‘theatre mode’ whereby the front and rear entertainment systems are joined to allow the passengers to entertain themselves by watching a movie. While the tablets are not mandated, this is a great feature when taking a long drive. Even with the tapering roofline, there is ample legroom… Although, this body style precludes a seven-seater model. Still, the platform is adaptable enough for a pretty traditional seven-seat SUV shell in the future.
This is a spectacular find; the panoramic roof is configurable with pattern-changing colour and UV features. Luggage capacity is brilliant – a 150-litre frunk and a 663-litre boot demonstrate the utilitarian approach of this EV’s design.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Dimensions
The Mahindra XEV 9e is a spacious electric SUV with the following key dimensions: 4789 mm long, 1907mm wide and 1694mm high. The vehicle has a 2775mm wheelbase and 207mm of ground clearance, which gives good interior space and riding comfort. These dimensions put the XEV 9e in the category of SUVs, which has an optimal size for urban cruising and intercity travel.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Battery Specs and Charging Time
The XEV 9e has two battery options: 59 and 79 kWh, like with BYD Blade technology, which Tesla copied last year. We tried the 79 kWh version with 281.6 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, which means very good in real-world terms. Mahindra extends a lifetime battery warranty to the first owners and 10 10-year or 2 lakh kilometers warranty – a first in the Indian market.
The 79 kWh battery can be charged from 20 % to 80% within 20 minutes using a 175 kW DC charger, though these chargers are scarce and expensive. Other basic models are 7.2 kW and 11 kW chargers; the full charge of the vehicle takes 11h, 20m and 8, respectively.
Self-developed battery tech and EV architecture make the XEV 9e capable of a 500 range on a single charge, and the ARAI tested it for 656 km despite the WLTP rating of 533 km.
| Battery Pack | 59 kWh79 kWh |
| Power | 228 BHP282 BHP |
| Acceleration Time | 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Range | 500 Plus (estimated) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Price | Starts at 21.9 lakh ($ 26,280 estimated) |
Driving Experience
The XEV 9e possesses a battery of 79 kWh, a horsepower of 281.6, and a maximum torque of 380 Nm. It has three driving modes: Eco: Range, City: Everyday, and Sport: Race. In the everyday mode, the power is delivered progressively, suitable for moving through traffic-congested downtown areas. Steering is precise at slow speeds, and extending the Low Truck button makes urban motoring utterly stress-free. Activate the Race mode, and the power of the SUV is unleashed – accelerating hard enough to send you back into your seat virtually, so delicate is the touch required on the accelerator.
The ride quality in this car is excellent, an aspect that the McPherson facilitates strut front suspension together with the 5-link independent rear suspension that gives it the power to absorb shock from the road, including potholes. Despite its relative length of 4.7 meters, the XEV 9e offers stability and assuredness on the road and when cornering, making the SUV perfect for different weather conditions and terrains.
Price and verdict
Mahindra XEV 9e price starts at Rs 21.90 lakh ($26,280 estimated) ex-showroom, India. The Mahindra XEV 9e can be bought using its base model. Although it will inspire some buyers to move away from their inferior, fuel guzzling cars, it’s prudent to wait till January 2025 when a complete price list will be made known. It is also envisioned that deliveries will commence in late February or early March of 2025.
XEV 9e uses Self-driving car technology and high performance as major components with special attention to protective features. Mahindra’s vision for the SUV is a 5-star crash rating, and the truck provides the likes of Level 2 ADAS, five radars, and a vision camera. The model also offers seven airbags, the control of the tractive effort, an anti-locking braking system disconnected from EBD, and the control of the state of the tires.
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