The Mahindra XEV 9e has whipped up quite a bit of excitement in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) scene, riding on bold claims of luxury, performance, and affordability. Priced at a promotional launch price of ₹21.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and available through separate dealerships that also sell ICE cars, this top-of-the-line electric SUV from Mahindra’s spanking new XEV sub-brand rides on the futuristic INGLO platform and competes with plush European SUVs at a fraction of the cost.
In this detailed review, we get into what sets the XEV 9e apart, how well it drives, and why it could change the face of electric mobility in India.
What is the Mahindra XEV 9e?
XEV 9e is Mahindra’s premium electric SUV. The XEV 9e not only represents a huge stride in Mahindra’s electrification journey. Unlike its internal combustion engine (ICE) siblings including XUV700, the XEV 9e is a pure electric offering constructed on INGLO skateboard architecture.
Utilizing BYD’s reliable Blade Cell technology, with LiFePo battery chemistry, this platform can be applied in a RWD configuration, with either a 59kWh or 79kWh battery pack offering. The XEV 9e’s starting price is much lower than those of rivals such as the Mercedes EQA or Hyundai Ioniq 5, providing good value for its equipment levels.
The vehicle has a modern styling, a premium interior with an extensive 110 cm-wide triple-screen dashboard, and top-of-the-line characteristics such as a Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos, autonomous parking, and a Driver and Occupant Monitoring System (DOMS).
Touting a range to the tune of having a range of over 500km, with short charge times, the EC-01V2 is being marketed as an all-rounder for city-dwellers or those with a travel-heavy lifestyle.
Design: What makes the Mahindra XEV 9e Special
Bold and Futuristic Styling
The exterior design of the XEV 9e is a real looker. Boasting sharply slanted daytime running lamps, a steeply inclined windscreen and an SUV-coupé form, it’s an in-your-face, modernist proposition. At 4789 mm long with a 2775 mm long wheelbase and it’s bigger than the XUV700 and has a dominating road presence.
Based loosely on the styling of high-end European SUVs, the design maintains an individual character with tight surfacing and a sleek profile. There are however, some who claim that there are some small panel and rubber beading misalignments on the exteriors, something that Mahindra could address in subsequent batches.
Luxurious and Spacious Interiors
The game goes upscale inside the XEV 9e, where premium cabin designs abound. Its most striking feature is the 110 cm digital dashboard, which includes three high resolution 12.3-inch displays for the driver, infotainment and a further screen for the front passenger.
The two-tone upholstery and the traces of the gloss black treatment do remind you of the XUV700 but they feel more premium here. Its seats are comfortable and offer generous thigh support, and rear seating is particularly roomy.
With space that rivals some non-EV SUVs. But knowing TATA it doesn’t take much to figure if upholstery is light, it will get stained and the piano black surfaces will be all scratched in a month.
How Does the XEV 9e Perform?
Power and Acceleration
The XEV 9e is equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor, which makes 228 bhp (from a 59 kWh battery) or 282 bhp (from a 79 kWh battery), while both have 380 Nm of torque. In Race mode, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in a quick 6.8 seconds, which is slightly faster than the diesel XUV700.
It’s smooth, and constant, and there’s no sudden lurches of power with this RWD. Users have reported that the vehicle impresses with its high level of engagement and responsiveness, especially when Sport mode is engaged, but that it is not the type of vehicle designed specifically for carving up corners.
Range and Charging
The battery enables a claimed real-world range of 425–520 km, with the 59 kWh version stretching this figure to 400–450 km. On the MIDC cycle, the larger battery makes 656 km and the smaller one 542 km.
Highlighted too is fast charging, with the 79 kWh battery capable of handling up to 175 kW of DC charging power (20% to 80% in 20 minutes) and the 59 kWh battery, up to 140 kW. Home charging using a 7,2 or 11 kW AC charger lasts 6 to 8 hours. These numbers make the XEV 9e an option for long drives with a fast recharge.
Ride and Handling
The XEV 9e focuses on the comfort of passengers with the plush ride quality even better than that of the Tata Hexa and in fact its sportier sibling the BE 6e.Software updates improved the low-speed ride further, but you will see some body roll, considering the size of the vehicle.
The cabin has kept superbly quiet, with low NVH, although to aminable reports the higher than expected tire noise from the Goodyear tires. You can change the stiffness of the suspension to match the kind of road you’re driving on.
What Makes the XEV9e so Special?
Cutting-Edge Technology
The XEV 9e is absolutely crammed with tech, with a triple-screen digital cabin, augmented-reality heads-up display, and a roof-mounted driver-monitoring, video-call, and cabin-security camera system called DOMS.
The Harman Kardon sound is generated via a 16-speaker system that also features Dolby Atmos and which contributes, along with ambient lighting that syncs with music, to the party atmosphere. The self-parking system, interestingly, may be scary to some drivers, who can override it manually.
Safety and ADAS
Safety is naturally a focus, with seven airbags, ABS, ESC, hill hold control, and an extensive ADAS suite centred around 12 ultrasonic sensors, five radars and six cameras. Mahindra is targeting a five-star crash-test rating, but we have yet to see official results.
A light shove can knock out ADAS with a fault alarm, but the Me4U app or USB provides access to 3-minute video from every angle.
Practicality
The XEV 9e gets plenty of storage space, with door pockets big enough for 1-liter bottles and a frunk for more booty. Boot space is pretty good and the hotspot feature (20GB/month data) ensures connectivity even in low network areas. The rear armrest height and center headrest isn’t great though.
Why Choose the Mahindra XEV 9e?
Value for Money
At ₹21.9 lakh, the XEV 9e is cheaper than European rivals like the Mercedes EQA, while promising similar luxury and performance. It takes on rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tata Curvv EV with an equipment-rich package and aggressive pricing. Mahindra’s 10 year/2,00,000 km warrant further adds peace of mind for first movers.
Environmental and Practical Benefits
As an electric vehicle, XEV 9e defeats regulations such as Delhi’s GRAP, odd-even scheme and PUC checks. With low fuel bills and potential low depreciation, it’s an appealing option compared with diesel or turbo-petrol SUVs.
International suppliers including BYD, Valeo, and Harman Kardon help ensure dependability, although some say that Mahindra’s after-sales service quality may not be the best.
What Are the Drawbacks?
No car is perfect, and the XEV 9e has small niggles. The light-coloured fabric and piano black finishes will show wear, and it’s difficult to see out the rear because of huge headrests.
Others complain about panel gaps and tire noise, and the autoparking function could use some tuning. Mahindra’s after-sales service is a point of concern and this could deter early adopters.
Final Verdict: Is the Mahindra XEV 9e Worth it?
The XEV 9e is a bold leap for India’s EV industry with futuristic styling, premium features and solid performance all packaged at an aggressive price. Its generous interior space, sophisticated technology and lengthy range make it an enticing option for EV shoppers.
Although there are petty issues like panel gaps and after-sales issues, the XEV 9e with its value-for-money pitch and Mahindra’s focus on quality, could prove to be a strong competitor. For a plush, eco-friendly SUV, the XEV 9e is definitely one to look at.
For exact prices, please contact our dealerships. Local companies provide EV charging services.