Mahindra XEV 9S Review: The 7-Seater Practical Electric SUV Alternative

While the BE 6 centered on aggressive, futuristic styling and the XEV 9E delivered coupe elegance, the Mahindra XEV 9S targets practical, everyday functionality. Retaining the recognizable silhouette of the XUV700, this all-electric flagship sits on Mahindra’s purpose-built INGLO electric architecture to deliver three-row versatility without sacrificing range or performance.

Mahindra XEV 9S — Key Specifications at a Glance

Battery Capacities 59 kWh | 70 kWh | 79 kWh
Max Claimed Range Up to 679 km (MIDC)
Max Power & Torque 286 hp / 380 Nm
Fast Charging 20–80% in 20 mins (180 kW DC)

Exterior Design & Platform Mechanics

At first glance, the XEV 9S looks closely linked to the ICE-powered XUV700, sharing its door panels, glasshouse, and side silhouette. However, Mahindra has introduced subtle design updates to set it apart as an EV flagship:

  • Full-Width Light Bar: Features a full-width connected LED light band extending across the front fascia, distinct from the XEV 9E layout.
  • Infinity Logo Placement: The illuminated Infinity emblem sits directly over the sealed front grille, rather than higher up on the bonnet line.
  • Wheel & Tire Package: Rides on 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels designed to balance efficiency and ride cushion, unlike the 19-inch and optional 20-inch setups on the BE 6 and XEV 9E.
  • Frunk Capacity: Offers a practical 150-liter front trunk (frunk) under the hood for charging cables and small luggage.
  • Ground Clearance & Dimensions: Holds an unladen ground clearance of 201 mm. The wheelbase is slightly shorter than the XEV 9E to accommodate the three-row XUV700 body shell onto the INGLO skateboard architecture.

Cabin Experience, Triple-Screen Tech & Ergonomics

Up front, the cabin matches the high-tech theme established by the XEV 9E, dominated by a full-width triple 12.3-inch screen assembly:

  1. 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Displays crisp driving data, navigation steps, and tire metrics.
  2. 12.3-inch Central Infotainment Display: Manages infotainment, climate controls, seat ventilation, and driving setups.
  3. 12.3-inch Passenger Screen: Supports 5G connectivity for independent video streaming on the move. However, it lacks a directional privacy filter, which can create driver distraction during night journeys.
"The triple-screen setup brings immense showroom appeal and high usability, but relying heavily on touch menus for core functions—like HVAC or seat ventilation—creates a learning curve on the go."

Comfort, Convenience, and Audio Highlights

  • Audio Setup: A 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system featuring Dolby Atmos tuning.
  • Driver Monitoring System (DMS): Uses an infrared steering camera to detect fatigue or distraction.
  • Storage & Usability Quirks: Gloss-black trim surfaces add a high-end look but require frequent maintenance to stay scratch-free. Additionally, haptic buttons on the steering wheel can be pressed accidentally while using the horn.

Second and Third-Row Space, Versatility & Boot Capacity

The middle row addresses a key limitation of the original XUV700 by adding a fore-aft sliding function alongside backrest recline controls. This allows passengers to balance legroom between the second and third rows as needed.

Seating Row Key Features Space & Ergonomics
Row 1 (Driver / Co-Driver) Power adjustment, ventilation, illuminated two-spoke steering Generous width, deep cushioning, upright SUV seating posture.
Row 2 (Middle Row) Sliding adjustment, Boss Mode, window sunshades, opening panoramic sunroof Flat floor provides comfortable middle-seat foot space. Generous knee room and natural seating posture.
Row 3 (Rear Row) Dedicated AC vents, manual blower controls, 12V socket, cup holders Knees-up posture best suited for teenagers or adults of average height on shorter trips.

Boot Space Realities

With all three seating rows in place, boot space is minimal, fitting little more than thin laptop bags or small backpacks. However, the third-row seats fold completely flat to reveal a large, flat cargo area. A spare wheel is stowed neatly beneath the boot floor.

Battery Options, Range, and Electric Powertrain Specs

The Mahindra XEV 9S uses Blade cell chemistry within an LFP battery structure, backed by a 10-year warranty for first owners. It powers a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor driving the rear wheels.

Battery Pack Power Output Peak Torque Certified MIDC Range
59 kWh 231 hp 380 Nm 521 km
70 kWh 245 hp 380 Nm 600 km
79 kWh 286 hp 380 Nm 679 km

Supported by 180 kW DC fast charging, the battery can replenish from 20% to 80% in 20 minutes on high-capacity chargers.

Ride Quality, Handling Dynamics & ADAS Performance

By routing power exclusively to the rear wheels, the front suspension remains dedicated entirely to steering inputs. This gives the heavy SUV a natural, progressive feel through corners, accompanied by a tight turning circle for easier city maneuvering.

  • 0–100 km/h Performance: The top-tier 286 hp variant reaches 100 km/h in a claimed 7.0 seconds in Race mode.
  • Suspension Tuning: Equipped with an all-independent setup and frequency-dependent adaptive dampers. The tuning leans soft, effectively filtering out sharp potholes, though high-speed highway undulations cause slight vertical float.
  • Regenerative Braking: Offers 5 levels of regen, including a true One-Pedal Drive mode that brings the vehicle to a full stop.
  • ADAS Safety: Supported by a camera-and-radar Level 2 ADAS suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot view monitoring.

Pros and Cons

What Works Well

  • Smooth power delivery with quick overtaking response
  • Three-row 7-seat flexibility with sliding second row
  • Practical 150-liter front trunk storage
  • Competitive pricing relative to feature content
  • Understated cabin sound insulation

Areas for Improvement

  • Rear passenger display lacks a driver privacy filter
  • Soft suspension produces secondary vertical motion at speed
  • Minimal luggage capacity with all three rows up
  • HVAC and daily settings locked behind multi-step touch menus

Price Range & Competitor Positioning

Ex-showroom pricing for the Mahindra XEV 9S starts at ₹19.95 Lakh for the entry-level 59 kWh variant and reaches ₹29.45 Lakh for the fully loaded 79 kWh model. This positions it roughly ₹2 Lakh lower than comparable trims of the coupe-style XEV 9E.

While the Tata Harrier EV offers an optional 313 hp dual-motor All-Wheel-Drive variant, it remains strictly a 5-seater. Smaller compact electric SUVs like the Hyundai Creta EV lag behind in overall interior space and road presence. For buyers seeking a large, practical 7-seater family vehicle with modern EV underpinnings, the Mahindra XEV 9S delivers a well-rounded option.