Mahindra’s XEV 9S is a three-row, all-electric SUV built on a dedicated EV architecture and aimed at families who want space, comfort, and long-range usability without luxury-brand pricing. It carries the bold, upright stance Indian buyers love while promising modern tech, quick charging, and an easy, quiet drive. If you’ve been waiting for a true 7-seater EV designed for our roads and routines, the 9S is the one to watch.
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | 7-seat all-electric SUV |
| Platform | Dedicated EV skateboard for flat floor and modular batteries |
| Seating | Three rows; family-friendly space and flexibility |
| Powertrain | Single-motor and higher-output dual-motor setups expected |
| Range | Long-range variants targeted; final figures to be announced |
| Charging | AC home charging + DC fast charging; scheduling via app expected |
| Tech | Large touchscreen, digital cluster, connected features, OTA updates |
| Safety | 6+ airbags, ESC, 360° camera; ADAS on higher trims expected |
| Standout bits | Panoramic sunroof, sliding second row, airy glasshouse |
| Rivals | MG ZS EV (2-row), upcoming Creta EV, Maruti eVX, Tata EV SUVs |
Design & Road Presence
The XEV 9S looks every bit the big-family SUV: taut surfaces, squared shoulders, and confident proportions. EV-specific touches—minimal grille area, aero-optimised wheels, and flush detailing—help efficiency without dulling the drama. Daytime running signatures and a clean rear light treatment give it a premium, modern vibe. It reads as fresh rather than fussy, and the upright stance should please buyers graduating from diesel 7-seaters.
Cabin & Practicality
Inside, the brief is simple: space, comfort, and visibility. A near-flat floor improves foot room, and the sliding second row helps you prioritise legroom or boot space on the fly. The third row suits kids and short adults for city trips; fold it flat for a generous cargo bay when you’re hauling strollers or luggage. Expect multiple USB-C ports, a wireless charger, deep door bins, and clever covered cubbies so the cabin stays clutter-free on long drives.
Tech & Connectivity
The dashboard is anchored by a large, crisp touchscreen paired with a fully digital driver display. Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, connected-car features, and over-the-air updates keep software current and add features post-purchase. App controls should let you pre-cool the cabin, check charge status, set charging schedules for cheaper night tariffs, and locate public chargers. A premium audio option and customisable drive themes round out the feel-good tech.
Powertrain, Range & Charging
The XEV 9S is EV-first, not a conversion. Expect a single-motor variant tuned for efficiency and a dual-motor option for stronger acceleration and surefootedness. Mahindra’s modular battery approach means multiple pack sizes; higher trims will chase long-range numbers suited to intercity travel. DC fast charging dramatically shortens top-ups on highways, while robust AC home charging covers daily needs. Regenerative braking modes help you harvest energy in traffic and reduce brake wear.
Ride, Handling & Refinement
A long wheelbase and dedicated EV chassis should translate to planted highway manners and good bump absorption over broken tarmac. The silent powertrain, careful NVH treatment, and available acoustic glass promise a calm cabin. Steering is tuned light for city use and gains weight at speed; body control aims for family comfort first, with a confident edge in the dual-motor versions.
Safety & ADAS
The structure is designed around EV crash requirements, with multiple airbags, ESC, and all-round sensors. Upper trims are expected to add a comprehensive ADAS suite: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and autonomous emergency braking. A 360° camera (or high-resolution reversing camera) makes tight parking less stressful, especially with a full cabin.
Ownership & Running Costs
Electric running costs are compelling for large families: overnight home charging typically undercuts fuel expenses by a wide margin. Tyre and brake wear should be reasonable thanks to regen, though dual-motor versions will naturally carry slightly higher consumable costs. Look for prepaid service packs, extended warranties, and a growing fast-charging network to simplify life over a 5–7 year ownership window.
Verdict
The Mahindra XEV 9S brings the practicality of a true 7-seater to India’s EV mainstream. With lounge-like space, connected tech, long-range intent, and quick-charge convenience, it feels purpose-built for school runs, office commutes, and weekend getaways alike. If Mahindra nails pricing and variant spread, the 9S could be the default family EV upgrade—without asking you to compromise on size or everyday ease.
