After the success of the XEV 9E and BE 6, Mahindra has gone ahead and expanded its all electric portfolio by launching the XEV 9S, all‑electric three‑row SUV that combines strong performance, good range and a genuinely premium, family‑friendly cabin, making it a compelling EV in its segment right now. It is indeed the electric avatar of the XUV 700 as the silhouette is strikingly similar, especially the side and rear. Based on the born electric INGLO platform, the XEV 9S does share a lot of hardware with the coupe styled XEV 9E.
Design & Road Presence
The XEV 9S is positioned as the upright, seven‑seat SUV sibling to the coupe‑like XEV 9E, so the stance is more traditional SUV with a long, straight roofline to accommodate the third row. The proportions are well resolved, with a confident front end, clean surfacing and 18‑inch alloys that fill the arches without looking overdone, giving it a mature, proper SUV character.
Mahindra has clearly leaned into a futuristic EV identity, with aero‑focused detailing, a closed‑off grille and sharp lighting signatures, but it avoids the overly busy styling that can date quickly. Overall road presence is strong enough for buyers upgrading from large ICE SUVs, yet the design still reads as contemporary and high‑tech.
Cabin, Space & Comfort
Inside, the XEV 9S feels properly upmarket, thanks to a dual‑tone black‑and‑white cabin, soft‑touch materials and a minimalist dashboard dominated by a triple 12.3‑inch screen layout for driver, infotainment and passenger. Ambient lighting, a two‑spoke steering wheel and neatly integrated vents create a lounge‑like vibe that matches, and in some areas exceeds, the feel of many similarly priced ICE rivals.
Where this SUV really distinguishes itself is space management: the flat‑floor EV architecture and genuinely usable third row make it more practical than its coupe sibling and even more flexible than the XUV700. The last row can actually be used by adults, even though under thigh support isn’t great. The sliding and reclining second row, powered “boss mode” for the front passenger seat, ventilated first and second rows and an openable panoramic sunroof give second‑row occupants a true chauffeur‑class experience, especially for families or rear‑seat‑focused buyers.
Performance, Range & Charging
The XEV 9S is offered with three battery packs: 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh, each paired with a single rear motor tuned between 231 HP and 286 HP, all with a stout 380 NM of torque. The 70 kWh is being introduced for the first time. Even the lower‑output versions have enough punch for confident overtakes, while the 79 kWh variant’s claimed 0‑100 KM/H time of about 7 seconds delivers genuinely brisk performance for a seven‑seat family EV.
Mahindra claims ranges of 521 KM (59 kWh), 600 KM (70 kWh) and 679 KM (79 kWh) on the MIDC/ARAI cycle, figures that translate into very usable real‑world range estimates of roughly 400–550 KM depending on battery size and conditions. Fast‑charging capability is competitive: on a 180 kW DC charger, all versions can go from 20 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes, somewhat easing highway‑range anxiety and making long‑distance touring more realistic than in many earlier‑generation EV.
Features & Technology
Feature density is one of the XEV 9S’s biggest selling points, and Mahindra has smartly avoided stripping the lower variants. Even the base Pack One Above trim offers equipment like a panoramic sunroof, advanced connectivity, and a full safety suite, while higher trims add wow‑factor items including ventilated middle‑row seats, powered front seats with memory and lumbar, wireless charging and a high‑end 16‑speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
On the tech and safety front, the triple‑screen setup is complemented by a level‑2 ADAS suite, 360‑degree camera with blind‑spot monitoring, front parking sensors, auto park assist, an AR‑assisted head‑up display and multiple ambient “mood” themes. These touches, combined with laminated acoustic glass and thoughtful details like rear sunshades and a “lounge desk”, make the cabin feel intelligent and carefully curated rather than just packed with gimmicks.
Ride, Handling & Practicality
Driving dynamics are pretty good owning to the lower CG to the heavy battery back which sits quite low. This SUV finds a reasonable balance between dynamics and comfort with clearly comfort being given more of a priority as it is purely marketed as a family oriented car.
Steering feedback is average and comparable to the XEV 9E. The suspension feels a tad stiff, owning to the weight probably but it ensures you stay comfortable, whichever row you may be seated at. In terms of comparison, I would rate the suspension setup better than the XEV 9E.
The rear‑wheel‑drive layout and strong low‑end torque should give it a planted, confident feel, especially at highway speeds, while the long wheelbase and weight distribution of the battery pack contribute to a composed ride.
Practical touches underline its family‑car credentials: with the third row folded, boot capacity rises to a generous 500‑plus litres, and there is an additional 150‑litre frunk that adds useful everyday storage. Wide‑opening doors, a flat floor, second‑row slide adjustment and decent third‑row access make it usable as a true seven‑seater rather than a 5+2 compromise, which is a key advantage over several rivals.
Pricing & Verdict
With introductory ex‑showroom prices starting around Rs 19.95 lakh and stretching into the high‑20‑lakh bracket depending on trim and battery, the XEV 9S aggressively undercuts or matches key electric and hybrid competitors while often offering more space and kit. Considering the level of technology, range, safety equipment and genuine seven‑seat practicality, it presents strong value for families transitioning from diesel or petrol three‑row SUVs to their first EV.
In summary, the Mahindra XEV 9S stands out as a thoughtfully engineered electric SUV that does not treat seven seats as an afterthought, but as a core part of the package. For buyers who need long‑distance capability, rich features, and a premium cabin without moving into luxury‑brand pricing, it is one of the most convincing all‑rounders in the current Indian EV market. It is not perfect, but the balance of price, space, tech and real‑world usability gives it a clear advantage over it rivals.
