If you’ve been following India’s EV landscape closely, you’ll know that the market has been waiting for a true, large electric SUV that doesn’t feel like a retrofit or a compromise. And Mahindra, one of India’s most ambitious automotive manufacturers, has finally stepped into that space with something significant. The XEV 9S isn’t just another addition to Mahindra’s EV portfolio; it is the company’s first authentically designed three-row electric SUV, built from scratch to appeal to families, enthusiasts, and early adopters who want space without sacrificing performance or sophistication.
The arrival of the XEV 9S signals a clear shift: Indian EV buyers are ready for bigger, more premium, feature-loaded electric vehicles that can compete with global offerings. Mahindra’s strategy is evident, launch an EV that blends practicality with bold design, pack it with cutting-edge tech, and still manage to be competitively priced in a segment that could define the future of Indian family SUVs.
Design and Exterior Styling
Mahindra has taken an evolutionary approach with the XEV 9S. While the silhouette subtly echoes the popular XUV700, the design language is unmistakably electric. The front fascia tells the story immediately: a closed-off aerodynamic grille, a full-width connecting LED light bar, and vertically stacked LED headlamps that give the SUV a futuristic and premium street presence.
The profile is clean and sculpted, highlighted by flush-fitting door handles and aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels, features often reserved for high-end global EVs. Mahindra clearly wants buyers to see this as a modern electric flagship rather than a reworked ICE product.
At the rear, L-shaped LED tail lamps complete the EV-first identity. The design feels deliberate and cohesive, not loud or experimental, and this balance will likely appeal to Indian buyers transitioning to their first large EV.
The dimensions support its three-row packaging well. The 2,762 mm wheelbase is generous and ensures good legroom across all three rows. The 205 mm ground clearance is noteworthy, it keeps the SUV road-ready for Indian terrains without compromising the low, planted stance characteristic of electric vehicles.
Mahindra has also invested heavily in practicality: a large 527-litre boot and an additional 150-litre front trunk (frunk). This dual-storage design shows Mahindra’s intent to position the XEV 9S as a long-distance family machine rather than a tech demo.
Powertrain and Performance
Where many electric SUVs in this price segment prioritize efficiency over excitement, the XEV 9S walks a different path. Mahindra offers three battery pack options, 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh, catering to varying budget and range expectations.
The power output ranges from a respectable 228 bhp to an impressive 282 bhp, all variants delivering a consistent 380 Nm of torque. What stands out is the acceleration time: 0–100 km/h in 7 to 7.9 seconds. For a seven-seater electric SUV, this is genuinely fast and places the XEV 9S among the quickest in its class in India. The top speed of 202 km/h further reinforces Mahindra’s engineering confidence.
The fast-charging capability supports up to 175 kW DC charging, significantly reducing downtime during long-distance trips. While real-world charging infrastructure varies across regions, this level of capacity future-proofs the vehicle as India’s charging ecosystem continues to expand.
From an expert perspective, Mahindra seems to have balanced performance and efficiency well. Rather than pushing extreme numbers for marketing, the brand has delivered a powertrain that is usable, robust, and reliable for everyday and family-oriented driving.
Interior Experience and Cabin Technology
Step inside the XEV 9S, and the cabin makes an immediate impression. This isn’t a recycled layout from any existing Mahindra SUV, it feels purpose-built for an EV flagship. The most striking element is the triple-screen cockpit setup. There’s a dedicated screen for the driver, another for the front passenger, and a central infotainment display that anchors the dashboard. It gives the SUV a premium “lounge-like” tech experience rarely seen at this pricing.
Mahindra hasn’t stopped at front-row tech. Second-row passengers get their own screens, a move that clearly targets family buyers who demand comfort and entertainment for long drives.
The panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon 16-speaker premium audio system, ventilated seats with Boss Mode for rear-seat relaxation, ambient lighting, and powered tailgate collectively elevate the XEV 9S into a segment that feels more premium than its price.
The drive experience also gets personalization through four driving modes, Everyday, Race, Range, and Snow, along with five levels of regenerative braking. Indian EVs often neglect adjustable regen, but Mahindra gives users complete control over energy recapture and driving dynamics.
Safety and Assisted Driving
Mahindra has packed the XEV 9S with an impressive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies. The SUV comes with seven airbags and a Level 2+ ADAS system supported by both radars and cameras. This combination usually delivers a more consistent and reliable performance across varying road conditions compared to camera-only systems.
AutoPark assist simplifies tight parking situations. The Eyedentity driver monitoring system is particularly noteworthy since it tracks driver alertness, helping prevent fatigue-related incidents, a real advantage for long trips.
The Secure360 Pro feature offers live camera feeds and two-way communication, enhancing both safety and vehicle surveillance. This kind of connected-security system is becoming increasingly relevant in India, where vehicle monitoring and safety tech are becoming essential parts of the buying decision.
Variants and Pricing
Mahindra has structured the XEV 9S lineup to ensure that buyers can choose a variant that fits their budget without missing the core electric experience. The entry-level Pack One Above variant starts at INR 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most accessible true 3-row electric SUVs in India.
Higher variants include larger battery packs, enhanced performance, and additional premium features, culminating in the flagship Pack Three Above variant priced at INR 29.45 lakh. When you compare this with what other manufacturers are offering, especially global competitors, the value proposition becomes clear. Mahindra is targeting both early EV adopters and traditional SUV buyers looking to upgrade to electric without entering luxury-EV pricing territory.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XEV 9S isn’t merely a new product launch; it’s a statement of intent. It shows that the Indian automotive market is maturing, and consumers are ready for larger, premium, feature-loaded electric vehicles designed for family practicality.
Mahindra has combined bold design, strong performance, generous space, advanced tech, and competitive pricing to create what is arguably one of the most rounded EVs in the Indian market today. While real-world range, service network consistency, and long-term reliability remain important factors to be tested, the XEV 9S positions Mahindra at the forefront of India's mainstream EV revolution.
For buyers waiting for an EV that finally ticks all the boxes, space, speed, safety, and sophistication, the XEV 9S might just be the moment they decide to switch.
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