Mahindra’s electric SUV lineup is known for bold, futuristic designs. But not every buyer wants something loud or dramatic. For those who prefer a more subtle electric SUV, Mahindra believes the XEV 9S could be the ideal pick. We took it for a short drive to find out whether it truly meets that expectation.

Two Types of E-SUV Buyers

The EV market generally has two distinct groups:

• buyers who want expressive, standout designs—already served by Mahindra’s BE6 and XEV 9E,
• and buyers who prefer a cleaner, understated look.

Until now, the second group usually leaned towards models like the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG Windsor, or Tata Harrier EV. With the arrival of the all-new XEV 9S, Mahindra has stepped into this more conservative design space.

Design and Dimensions

The XEV 9S is essentially the electric counterpart to the XUV700, and it shares a familiar overall silhouette. However, the front has been redesigned completely, incorporating Mahindra’s connected DRL signature along with neatly integrated LED headlamps placed inside a single cluster. A large bumper and sealed grille highlight its EV identity.

From the side, the resemblance to the XUV700 is noticeable. The prominent shoulder line, flared wheel arches, and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels add to its road presence. At the rear, Mahindra has moved away from the trend of connected LED tail lamps and opted for individual LED units instead.

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,737mm
• Width: 1,900mm
• Height: 1,747mm
• Wheelbase: 2,732mm
• Ground Clearance: 205mm

Its size puts it closer to the XEV 9E than its petrol counterpart, and the ground clearance is generous for an electric SUV.

Interior and Features

The cabin of the XEV 9S is unlike anything currently seen in Mahindra’s portfolio. The dashboard hosts three 12.3-inch displays:

• a dedicated screen for the front passenger that can stream videos,
• a central touchscreen for infotainment paired with a Harman Kardon premium sound system,
• and a clean, easy-to-read digital instrument cluster for the driver.

Beneath the AC vents is a panel with physical buttons, though on the test vehicle they felt slightly inconsistent. The glovebox is spacious, but the finishing could be better.

The centre console offers good storage with cupholders, a slot under the armrest, and a well-placed drive-mode selector. The seats are wide and supportive, although they could use a bit more side bolstering.

Rear passengers get ventilated seats—a standout feature in this segment. The second row can slide and recline, helping free up space for the third row. ‘Boss Mode,’ a foldable picnic table, and a device-mount point add to convenience.

Third-Row Experience

While access to the last row is easy, space is limited. The knees-up seating position makes it suitable mainly for children during long drives. Still, Mahindra provides charging ports and dedicated AC controls here—small details that add value.

With the third row folded, the SUV offers 527 litres of cargo space, plus a 150-litre frunk, making it practical for family travel.

Platform, Battery, and Range

The XEV 9S isn’t a modified XUV700—it’s built on Mahindra’s INGLO EV platform, the same architecture used for the BE6 and XEV 9E.

The variant we tested belonged to the higher-spec Pack Three and above category. It comes with a 79kWh battery offering a claimed range of 679km. The SUV also supports 180kW fast charging, enabling 20–80 percent charging in just 20 minutes.

Power comes from a rear-mounted motor producing around 282bhp and 380Nm, sending power to the rear wheels. Multiple drive modes alter throttle response and overall behaviour.

Driving Experience

Our test drive was brief, but covered both straight highways and corners.

Inside the cabin, the XEV 9S feels exceptionally quiet—its NVH levels are impressive. Performance is family-friendly: smooth, responsive, and effortless on the open road. The suspension absorbs bumps well, keeping passengers comfortable, although slight body movement can be felt at times.

The steering is light, making city driving and U-turns easy thanks to the 10-metre turning radius. When pushed harder, the XEV 9S accelerates quickly and maintains high speeds with confidence. Body roll is well controlled, but more steering feedback would have been welcome.

November 27, 2025

Verdict

The XEV 9S is a strong option for buyers wanting a capable, comfortable, and feature-rich electric SUV without a flashy design. It offers good performance, a smart interior, and generous space. At ₹29.45 lakh for the top variant, the pricing aligns well with its feature list. And for buyers with tighter budgets, Mahindra plans a range of variants to choose from.