Mahindra XEV 9e

The XEV 9e offers two RWD-only battery configurations, each paired with a single-speed automatic transmission. The 59 kWh variant makes 231 hp and 380 Nm, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and delivering an ARAI-rated 542 km range. The larger 79 kWh version produces 286 hp and the same 380 Nm torque, with an identical 0-100 time but an extended 656 km range.

Charging options include a 7.2 kW AC charger (full charge in 8-10 hours) and a rapid 180 kW DC fast charger (20-80% in just 20 minutes). Regenerative braking is adjustable via paddle shifters, and there are three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—to fine-tune performance. The smaller battery suits daily city driving, while the 79 kWh pack feels better suited for long-distance cruising. Real-world figures may land between 400–500 km. It’s quick and composed, if not outright thrilling—think practicality over drama.

Ride and Handling

Thanks to its 207 mm ground clearance and the INGLO architecture, the XEV 9e feels at home both on urban roads and light off-road stretches. The McPherson strut setup up front and 5-link rear suspension keep things supple over bumps and undulations. At nearly 1,900 kg, it’s hefty, but the low center of gravity—thanks to the battery pack—minimizes body roll.

Steering is light and responsive at low speeds, ideal for tight city lanes and parking lots (helped further by auto-park assist). At higher speeds, it firms up nicely for confident highway cruising. On rough patches, it stays composed, although sharp potholes can occasionally be felt. The larger wheels add visual drama but slightly compromise ride plushness. Overall, it’s not sporty, but it’s refined and stable enough for most use cases.

Step inside the XEV 9e, and you’re greeted by a digital-first, tech-heavy cabin that borrows inspiration from the XUV700 but cranks the wow factor to eleven. The dashboard is dominated by a seamless 43.3-inch triple-screen layout—three 12.3-inch displays for driver instrumentation, infotainment, and co-passenger interaction. Under the hood lies Mahindra’s MAIA AI system, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 chip and backed by 24GB of RAM.

Connectivity is cutting-edge, with 5G support, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and OTA updates. The interior uses recycled plastics and sustainable materials, with ventilated, powered front seats (with memory) and a generously cushioned rear bench. Boot space is an impressive 663 liters, and the panoramic sunroof keeps the cabin airy. Practicality is sorted with large door bins, cupholders, and a cooled glovebox. A 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos elevates the in-cabin experience on top trims—though the absence of a powered co-driver seat and a high-set floorboard might irk some users.

The XEV 9e stands out with its sharp, coupe-SUV silhouette, stretching 4,789 mm in length, 1,907 mm in width, and 1,694 mm in height, with a 2,775 mm wheelbase. Instead of a traditional grille, it sports a sleek, sealed-off front fascia housing pixelated LED headlights and a striking full-width light bar.

A sculpted bonnet and prominent wheel arches add muscle, while the 19-inch aero alloys (or 20-inch on top trims) with 245/55 R19 or 245/50 R20 tires give it a planted stance. Offered in seven colors—including Desert Myst, Everest White, Ruby Velvet, and the attention-grabbing Tango Red—it looks every bit the modern EV. A panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate (on higher variants) dial up the premium factor, although the sloping roofline does nibble into headroom and cargo stacking. With 207 mm of ground clearance, it’s well-prepared for urban and light off-road use.

Safety is one of the XEV 9e’s strongest selling points. It’s earned a 5-star rating under the Bharat NCAP protocol. Standard features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and tyre pressure monitoring. Upper trims throw in a seventh (knee) airbag and a comprehensive Level-2 ADAS suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Additional aids like a 360-degree camera, auto-park assist, and drowsiness detection enhance its protective shell. The high-strength steel construction of the INGLO platform further adds to its safety credentials. However, some niche features like rear cross-traffic alert are missing, and real-world calibration of its ADAS system will need time to match global standards. That said, it's still one of the safest electric SUVs currently on offer.

In a crowded EV SUV market, the XEV 9e squares off against the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, BYD Atto 3, and MG ZS EV. The Creta Electric (₹17.99–23.50 lakh) offers respectable range and a feature-loaded cabin but doesn’t feel as premium. The Tata Curvv EV (₹17.49–22.00 lakh) impresses with its design and claimed 585 km range but misses out on top-tier features.

The BYD Atto 3 (₹24.99 lakh) is polished and refined, with a 521 km range, but its price is steep. The MG ZS EV (₹18.98–25.20 lakh) offers a comfortable ride but a lower 461 km range. Against these, the XEV 9e stands tall with its 656 km claim, triple-screen setup, and advanced ADAS—but its pricing overlaps the higher end of the segment, placing pressure on its real-world delivery.

The 2025 Mahindra XEV 9e is a fresh, future-facing electric SUV that aims to redefine Mahindra’s position in the EV market. With a sleek design, expansive range, and tech-laden cabin, it brings something new to the table. Whether it’s the dual battery options for different use cases, the standout infotainment experience, or the generous boot and safety credentials, it ticks most of the right boxes. However, at ₹21.90–30.50 lakh, expectations are high. It must prove its worth through real-world range, durability, and user experience. If Mahindra delivers on that promise, the XEV 9e could well be the benchmark for Indian EV SUVs in the years ahead.