Design that looks a class aheadThe Mahindra XEV 9e doesn’t try to look like a conventional SUV. It leans into its futuristic brief, and that confidence shows in the first glance. The sloping roofline gives it a clean, coupe-like stance, while the closed grille, new EV insignia, and a full-width LED light bar make the face look tidy and modern. Around the back, the thin LED tail lamps stretch across the width, adding to the premium feel after sunset. It’s a sizeable machine too, longer and wider than the XUV700, so the road presence is a given. The proportions stay balanced despite the sporty roof, which isn’t easy to pull off on an electric SUV of this size.
Walk closer and the details keep the interest alive: flush elements, sharp cuts without clutter, and a stance that hints at performance without shouting about it. It sits on Mahindra’s INGLO skateboard platform, so the silhouette is smooth and the overhangs are tidy, helping both aero and efficiency. In simple words, this is not just another EV; it looks like something designed for the next decade, not last year.
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Cabin tech that actually makes sense
Inside, the XEV 9e goes big on screens, but not at the cost of usability. You get a total of 43.3 inches of screen real estate across the dashboard, laid out neatly so the driver isn’t overwhelmed. The interface feels quick and clean, and Mahindra’s connected software stack keeps things slick with voice features, navigation, and remote controls. When parked or charging, the big screens are happy to double up for entertainment or shopping, which sounds like a gimmick until you’re waiting at a highway charger.
The hardware list is equally confident: a panoramic sunroof, an AR‑HUD for key driving info, and a premium audio system with 16 speakers tuned by Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos. There’s even an 8MP in‑car webcam for video calls while stationary. Seats are generously cushioned, the ambient lighting (inside and out) adds a lounge vibe, and overall material quality feels more premium than the price band suggests. Crucially, it’s not just flash—the ergonomics are thought through, storage is practical, and the flat floor helps rear-seat comfort.
Safety and driver assistance, done right
The XEV 9e packs a sensible Level‑2 ADAS suite, a 360‑degree camera array with six cameras, and seven airbags. The calibration does a decent job of assisting rather than nagging, which is the fine line many systems miss. On top of the active tech, the structure and restraint package have been engineered for serious protection. The stated crash performance numbers are strong, and the overall safety brief feels aligned with what family buyers expect from a long‑range EV they will take on highways often.
Real performance, real range
Underneath the sleek shell sits a 79 kWh LFP battery (there’s a 59 kWh option on other variants) and a rear‑drive single‑motor setup. The claimed range is up to 656 km on a single charge, which puts it at the sharp end of the segment on paper. In quick sprints, the numbers are confident too: 0–100 km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds and a top speed north of 200 km/h. The way it delivers speed is progressive rather than spiky—easy to live with in the city, eager enough on open roads.
Fast charging is a highlight: the battery can go from low state to 80% in roughly 20 minutes on a compatible 180 kW DC charger. That keeps long road trips realistic, not theoretical. Daily charging at home AC (7.2 kW or 11 kW) remains the stress‑free routine most owners will rely on, while the DC network handles the outstation runs. Regenerative braking levels help tailor the feel, and brake‑by‑wire tuning gives the pedal a reassuringly natural response.
Variants, price band, and waiting time
The lineup is structured into Packs—Pack One, Pack Two, Pack Three, and Pack Three Select—spanning different battery capacities and equipment bundles. The entry point sits around the ₹21.90 lakh ex‑showroom mark, with on‑road prices in Delhi typically ranging between roughly ₹23.2 lakh and ₹33.3 lakh depending on configuration and local taxes. Expect movement based on state‑wise EV policies, insurance choices, and accessories.
Demand has been white‑hot since launch, and in major markets like Mumbai, the waiting period has stretched to as much as five months. That queue tells its own story: Indian EV buyers want something that looks special, drives well, and doesn’t feel like a compromise. The top‑spec variants add auto‑park assist, multiple drive modes, enhanced safety packs, and extra convenience tech—features that justify the higher tags for buyers seeking the full experience.
Where it lands in the real world
The XEV 9e’s appeal is straightforward. It looks like a concept car that made it to production without losing its edge. The cabin blends show and substance, the charging speeds reduce highway anxiety, and the performance is strong without trying too hard. For families stepping into their first premium EV, it offers a sense of occasion every time you walk up to it, but backs that up with range and practicality you can plan your life around.
If you’re cross‑shopping: shortlist based on your charging routine (home AC vs public DC), usual trip length, and how much value you place on design and in‑cabin tech. If fast highway runs and low downtime matter, the big‑battery configuration with DC fast charging support will feel well worth it. If most driving is urban, the smaller pack may already cover your needs, with a friendlier sticker and similar day‑to‑day experience.