It’s official — the electric segment in India just got a whole lot more exciting. Enter the XEV 9e, a beast packed with tech and luxury, it might just make petrolheads reconsider their life choices.
Built on the high-tech INGLO skateboard platform, the XEV 9e is here to break the stereotypes about electric vehicles. No more range anxiety and the usual question about — what about the driving pleasure?
The entry-level variant starts at Rs 21.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Does this tempt you to sell your old petrol-guzzler? We suggest you wait for the full price list to be unveiled in January 2025. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of February or March 2025.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Design
If it looks like an SUV and has the commanding presence of one, then it must be an SUV. Unlike most electric SUVs that aim for a sleek appearance, the XEV 9e proudly retains Mahindra’s robust and imposing SUV DNA. One glance at this new EV, and there’s no mistaking it for a crossover. It’s undeniably a colossal vehicle. For enhanced efficiency, the front grille is a solid panel with an L-shaped connected DRL running above it. The LED projector headlight cluster features cube-shaped lamps. The bonnet displays the new Mahindra Electric insignia, while the bumper houses radar equipment and four front parking sensors—two at the front and two on the sides.
The side profile of the XEV 9e strikes a balance between a modern coupe look and a traditional SUV’s rugged stance. This electric SUV rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, with an option to upgrade to 20-inch wheels. The wheel arches, window sills, and lower door panels are finished in contrasting glossy black, enhancing the XEV’s road presence. It features smart flush door handles with an NFC tag, while the rear door handles blend seamlessly into the C-pillar. A prominent shoulder line starts from the LED DRLs and extends to the tail lamps. Instead of a single-panel or panoramic sunroof, Mahindra has introduced an all-glass Infinity roof, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
The rear has a clean and uncluttered look with a roof spoiler, a shark fin antenna and connected LED lights. According to Mahindra, the XEV 9e has a class-leading boot capacity of 663 litres with an additional 150 litres available in the frunk.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Interiors and Features
Step into the XEV 9e, and you’re basically boarding a sci-fi spaceship. The cabin is decked out with a 43-inch coast-to-coast digital display with the front passenger getting their own private touchscreen.
Mahindra deserves a round of applause for keeping the layout clean and intuitive — it’s a user-friendly cockpit. You can control the infotainment system in four different ways: directly from the touchscreen, via the rotary joystick on the centre console, with the steering wheel controls, or by speaking to your very own inbuilt Amazon Alexa. Honestly, while I would’ve appreciated a few physical buttons for basic functions. What can I say old habits die hard.
Not only does the XEV 9e come with the usual wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but it’s also the first vehicle from an Indian manufacturer to offer Dolby Atmos sound with a Harman Kardon 16-speaker music system. It isn’t about cramming in a bunch of speakers—this system transforms the cabin into a personal concert hall, or a nightclub.
As for the usual creature comforts, the XEV 9e has them all: two wireless phone charging pads in front and one at the rear, fast-charging Type-C ports, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. For those who like to drive with a bit of efficiency, there are three regen modes, plus a shortcut button on the steering wheel to activate one-pedal driving.
Speaking of the steering wheel, the new two-spoke flat-bottom design has the backlit new Mahindra logo with all the control buttons.
As for comfort, the driver’s seat is fully adjustable electronically, with all the controls conveniently placed next to the inside door handle.
For rear passengers, there’s an option to connect and place personal devices behind the headrests of the front seats. All screens can be synchronized with the front display for shared viewing or used individually. Despite the glass roof, there’s ample legroom and headroom, though the under-thigh support is somewhat lacking. The front passenger seat can be slid forward from the rear to increase leg space further. The Infinity glass roof enhances the cabin with its unique illumination feature that syncs with the ambient lights.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Battery Specs and Charging Time
The XEV 9e comes with two battery options: 59 kWh and 79 kWh, with BYD’s renowned Blade technology, which Tesla adopted last year. We tested the 79 kWh model, delivering 281.6 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, translating into impressive real-world performance. Mahindra offers a lifetime battery warranty for initial customers, along with a 10-year or 2 lakh kilometre warranty—an unprecedented offer in the Indian market.Â
The 79 kWh battery can charge from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes with a 175 kW DC charger, though these chargers are rare and costly. More practical options include 7.2 kW and 11 kW chargers, taking just over 11 hours and 8 hours, respectively, to fully charge.
With advanced battery technology and EV architecture, Mahindra claims the XEV 9e will achieve an average range of 500 km, while ARAI estimates 656 km and WLTP provides a more realistic figure of 533 km.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Driving Experience
The XEV 9e comes with a 79 kWh battery pack with 281.6 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. It offers three driving modes: Range (Eco) for when you want to play it safe, Everyday (City) for your regular city commute, and Race (Sport) for when you want to unleash the beast.
In Everyday mode, the power delivery is smooth, gradual, and not at all aggressive—perfect for navigating those chaotic traffic jams. The tall seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, although the sloping roof and three individual headrests at the back limit the rearview.
What’s worth noting is that the steering weight changes depending on the drive mode, and Mahindra has nailed this one. In Everyday mode, the steering feels light, making urban driving as stress-free as a Sunday morning drive without the Friday night hangover.
Now, switch to Race mode and things get interesting. If you’re not used to EV power, don’t just mash the accelerator—unless you want to give yourself a small heart attack. Seriously, this thing will throw you back into your seat so beware of a whiplash experience. We had the chance to stretch the XEV 9e’s legs at the Mahindra test track, and this electric SUV goes fast unapologetically.
The ride and handling of the XEV 9e is surprisingly plush. Unlike some EVs with a firm suspension set-up, this one is built with a McPherson strut front suspension and a 5-link independent rear set-up, which means potholes feel like a distant memory. It’s a true-blue SUV, so rear passengers get treated with comfort.
Moving on to handling, the XEV 9e is a 4.7-meter-long beast, so yes, its weight can be felt when cornering. It may be big, but it is planted on the road especially while taking corners.
Mahindra XEV 9e: Verdict
The XEV 9e is not just about tech and performance; it’s also built to be one of the safest vehicles on the road. Mahindra is gunning for a 5-star crash rating, and the tech on board makes it clear they’re serious about safety. It comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS, featuring five radars and a vision camera, making it smarter than your average co-pilot. The top-spec model is packed with safety features like 7 airbags, traction control, ABS with EBD, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
For SUV buyers seeking traditional traits in a powerful, eco-friendly vehicle, the XEV 9e could be a natural choice. It delivers class-leading ride quality, cutting-edge tech, and luxury features — without burning a drop of fossil fuel. At a starting price of Rs 21.90 lakh (ex-showroom), Mahindra is offering serious value for money in the electric SUV space.
If Mahindra can manage to tackle long waiting lists and fine-tune their after-sales experience, they’ve got a strong shot at dominating the EV market.
