It's finally here! Mahindra has officially pulled the wraps off its highly anticipated Mahindra XEV 9S, and it’s making some serious waves. This isn't just another electric SUV; it’s Mahindra's bold entry into the three-row EV space, effectively serving as the electric counterpart to the wildly popular XUV700. With a starting price of Rs 19.95 lakh, it’s poised to shake things up in a big way.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Launched as a three-row electric SUV, starting at a competitive Rs 19.95 lakh.
- ✓ Three battery options available, with the top-spec 79 kWh pack delivering a powerful 282 bhp.
- ✓ Impressive performance, with a claimed 0-100 kmph time of just seven seconds and a top speed of 200 kmph.
- ✓ Packed with futuristic tech like a three-screen dashboard, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, and Level 2+ ADAS.
- ✓ Directly challenges the Kia Carens Clavis EV in the emerging 7-seater electric market.
A Bold New Look and a Glimpse into the Future
First things first, let's talk about the design. While you can definitely see the XUV700's DNA in its silhouette, the XEV 9S carves out its own identity with Mahindra’s fresh electric design language. The front fascia is completely new, featuring a sleek shut-off grille, distinctive inverted L-shaped connected LED DRLs, and cool vertically stacked projector lamps. It’s a look that’s both modern and commanding.
The futuristic touches don't stop there. You'll notice flush-fitted door handles that give it a clean, aerodynamic profile, along with aero-optimized wheels designed to maximize efficiency. It retains some familiar elements like the kink in the window line near the C-pillar, but the full-width LED light bar at the front and revised taillight elements at the rear make it clear this is a step into a new era for Mahindra.
Power, Performance, and Plenty of Options
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—what's powering this beast? Mahindra is offering the XEV 9S with three different battery pack options, which is great for giving buyers a choice that fits their needs and budget. The options are a 59 kWh, a 70 kWh, and a hefty 79 kWh battery pack. This flexibility is a huge plus in the current EV market.
The power figures are genuinely impressive. The base 59 kWh unit puts out a respectable 228 bhp (170 kW), while the new 70 kWh setup bumps that up to 241 bhp (180 kW). But if you want the ultimate performance, the top-tier 79 kWh variant delivers a thrilling 282 bhp (210 kW). What’s really interesting is that all three versions produce a massive 380 Nm of torque, ensuring punchy acceleration right from a standstill. In fact, Mahindra claims the top-spec model can do 0-100 kmph in just seven seconds, putting it in the same league as some premium electric SUVs.
During the launch presentation, Mahindra wasn't shy about its ambitions. They directly positioned the fully loaded XEV 9S as a rival to a luxury electric SUV priced around Rs 80 lakh, which speaks volumes about the confidence they have in its blend of performance, space, and features. The top variant doesn't just have power; it also boasts a 394-litre boot, a 150-litre frunk (front trunk), and a tight 10.9-metre turning circle.
A Tech-Laden Cabin Experience
Step inside the XEV 9S, and you'll feel like you've entered a command center. The cabin is dominated by a stunning three-screen dashboard layout, a feature borrowed from the XEV 9e concept. This, along with a new two-spoke steering wheel and a sophisticated black and white cabin theme, makes the interior feel light years ahead of its ICE sibling.
Comfort and convenience are clearly top priorities. The SUV is loaded with features designed to pamper its occupants. We're talking ventilated and reclining second-row seats, a powered "Boss Mode," sunshades for privacy, and acoustic laminated glass for a whisper-quiet cabin. For the audiophiles, there's a phenomenal 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos. Add in the panoramic sunroof, multi-color ambient lighting, and additional screens for second-row passengers, and you've got a truly luxurious experience.
On the safety front, Mahindra has gone all out. The XEV 9S is equipped with up to seven airbags, including a knee airbag, and a comprehensive Level 2+ ADAS suite. This advanced system includes intelligent emergency braking and blind-view monitoring, backed by multiple radars. Higher variants also get Mahindra’s Secure360 Pro, a live vehicle surveillance system you can access from your phone. Built on the dedicated INGLO platform, the vehicle benefits from a completely flat floor, which maximizes interior space.
Head-to-Head: XEV 9S vs. Kia Carens Clavis EV
The arrival of the XEV 9S sets up a fascinating battle in the 7-seater electric segment, with its most direct rival being the Kia Carens Clavis EV. So, how do they stack up? The XEV 9S comes in six variants, with prices ranging from Rs 19.95 lakh to Rs 29.45 lakh. The Kia, on the other hand, starts a bit lower at Rs 17.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 24.49 lakh for its top model.
When it comes to power, Mahindra seems to have the edge. Its battery options (59, 70, and 79 kWh) are significantly larger than Kia’s (42 and 51.4 kWh). This translates to more power and likely a longer real-world range, though the Kia offers an impressive ARAI-certified range of up to 490 km on its larger battery.
Inside, both cars offer a premium experience. The XEV 9S wows with its triple-screen setup and immersive 16-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Carens Clavis EV counters with a 26.62-inch dual panoramic display, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting. Both offer ventilated seats, but the XEV 9S extends this comfort to the second row. Ultimately, the choice between them will likely come down to priorities: raw power and cutting-edge tech in the Mahindra, or Kia's proven design and slightly more accessible price point.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: the Mahindra XEV 9S is a monumental launch for the Indian automotive scene. It's not just an electrified XUV700; it's a thoughtfully engineered, feature-packed, and seriously powerful three-row SUV that brings premium features to a more accessible price point. By offering multiple battery and power configurations, it caters to a wide range of buyers.
With its bold design, futuristic interior, and performance that challenges vehicles in a higher price bracket, the XEV 9S represents a massive leap forward. It’s ready to take on competitors like the Kia Carens Clavis EV and the upcoming Tata Safari EV, signaling an exciting and highly competitive future for the 7-seater electric SUV segment in India.
