To be honest, when I heard the launch price of the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV at Rs 13.89 lakh, I didn’t feel like clapping. For a second, I thought okay, the game has begun. But immediately, my old experiences kicked in. After watching EV launches for over ten years, I automatically apply brakes on every fresh claim.
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Mahindra is pitching the 3XO EV as a perfect urban EV. Compact size, SUV branding, and the EV badge. On paper, it sounds right. But the real story usually gets stuck somewhere between the showroom floor and actual roads.
Familiar Design, With a Light EV Touch
If you’ve seen the petrol or diesel XUV 3XO, the EV won’t surprise you. Closed front grille, blue accents, EV badging. That’s it. And honestly, this is where I felt a slight disappointment. Being an EV doesn’t mean you just pull out the engine and fit a battery.
I remember a similar situation back in 2019 with another brand. The dealer told me, sir, it’s an EV, the feel will be different. And yes, it was different. Heavy steering, confused suspension. That same doubt quietly settles in my mind here as well.
Range Claims Versus Ground Reality
The range figures being talked about sound good on paper. But in the EV world, paper can handle anything. I still remember a model that claimed 450 km. In my hands, it started gasping after 370.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is clearly designed for city usage, not highways. This needs to be understood upfront. AC on, four passengers onboard, crawling traffic, and the real range will reveal itself. There’s no magic involved.
The Cabin Has Tech, But Trust Is Still Halfway
Inside, there’s a big screen and plenty of features. That has always been Mahindra’s strength. But in an EV, technology is not just about touchscreen size. Software stability matters more.
A small incident comes to mind. In 2022, I was testing an EV when the navigation suddenly froze. The car was moving, the screen wasn’t. I called support and got the reply, sir, an OTA update will fix it. It did. Two weeks later. With the 3XO EV, the company is confident about smart and fast systems. I hear that. But only time will tell how this smartness survives daily use.
Also read : Mahindra XUV 3XO Bold, Fun, and Unpredictable SUV Experience
Is the Price Sensible or Risky?
At Rs 13.89 lakh, it might feel like Mahindra has played the pricing card well. But this price also forces EV buyers to think twice. In the same range, petrol and diesel SUVs offer more peace of mind. EVs here are bought with the heart, not the head.
And resale. Almost no one talks about it openly. I’ve personally seen how many calls a seller makes while trying to sell an EV. The moment battery health comes up, dealers step back.
The Charging Truth That Brochures Don’t Mention
Charging time and network expansion are discussed at every launch. What’s not discussed is the condition of charging stations. Last year in Pune, I went to a fast charger that was marked active. Reached there, machine was shut, no contact number.
Mahindra says the network is growing. Fair enough. But until charging becomes as easy as filling fuel, every EV buyer will carry a bit of anxiety.
Also read : Mahindra XUV 7XO Launch Twist — But Would I Personally Buy It?
So Should You Buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV?
As far as I’m concerned, this car is meant for city users with limited daily running who aren’t scared of technology. If this is your first EV, don’t go in blind. Take a long test drive.
Mahindra has made an honest attempt. But the EV game isn’t won at launch. The real test begins six months later. That’s when we’ll know whether the 3XO EV is just another EV or genuinely a dependable one. For now, I’d place it somewhere between hope and caution. No blind praise, no outright rejection. In the EV world, that’s the safest place to be.
