Mahindra XEV 9e first drive review

The Mahindra XEV 9e is one of two electric vehicles launched by Mahindra, the other being the BE 6e, whose review drops at 5 pm today. Based on the INGLO electric vehicle architecture, the XEV 9e takes luxury very seriously. As Mahindra puts it, this SUV is ready to take on ₹50–60 lakh European SUVs and is offering the same performance, luxury and features for less than half the price. The XEV 9e has the potential to shake up every EV sold in India between the ₹15–60 lakh mark, making it a very significant EV we’ve just driven. We extensively reviewed the XEV 9e by driving it on-road, on-track and even conducting a high-speed run to achieve its 202kmph top speed at Mahindra’s SUV proving track. This comprehensive review will tell you the positives and negatives of the new SUV and provide a definitive verdict on whether or not to buy it.

Mahindra XEV 9e: Design and Styling

True to the concepts we’ve seen for a while now, the XEV 9e retains its radical essence in production form. It’s a revolution in Mahindra’s premium SUV lineage that started with the XUV500 and evolved into the XUV700. You can see cues of the latter, both inside and out, with the XEV 9e, but make no mistake – this is an all-new SUV, based on the INGLO electric architecture platform.

The brief for the exterior is clear: shock and awe with its unique styling. No SUV apart from its smaller sibling has been designed this way in India, with loose inspirations drawn from a certain Italian performance SUV that went viral on the internet when we spotted the two together. The surfacing is tight and sharp, the windscreen steeply raked, and the roof tapers to give it an SUV-coupé profile. The XEV 9e is 4789mm long – 94mm longer than the XUV700. It also adds another 25mm between the wheels, with a wheelbase of 2775mm. The advantages of a dedicated electric platform allow for maximised cabin space, but more on that later.

Massive 20-inch wheels give it a commanding stance, ably supported by bulging haunches. However, the rear is my least favourite angle. Sharing the wheelbase with the BE 6e, the rear feels cantilevered and extended to create more rear seat and boot space, resulting in a bulbous rear end I’m not entirely thrilled about. That said, this design enables abundant cabin space, so let’s dive straight into it.

Mahindra XEV 9e: Interior and Features

I must have mentioned that the XEV 9e costs less than half its European rivals, but when you consider the starting price for the smaller battery and ‘Pack One’ variant, it’s closer to a third of what a Mercedes EQA would cost. It’s also less than half the price of the already well-priced Hyundai Ioniq 5 and within firing range of the much smaller Tata Curvv EV. The XEV 9e presents a value proposition that will make every carmaker reassess their EV strategy in India, and this value doesn’t come at the cost of luxury or features.

The cabin feels luxurious for the price, though not finished with the finest materials. Mahindra has made a genuine effort to deliver a high-quality experience. The seats are comfortable, and there’s ample space inside. Even before stepping in, the massive 110cm screen stretching across the dashboard catches your attention. This screen merges three displays: an entertainment screen for the front passenger, a central infotainment screen, and a digital driver’s display. You also get a comprehensive heads-up display with intuitive lane assistance integration.

Level 2 ADAS features are accessible from the sporty steering wheel, although its glossy centre is prone to fingerprints. I appreciate the side-mounted horn access, allowing you to honk without lifting your hand – a feature more than welcome in India. The electric seat adjustment controls, borrowed from the XUV700, are located on the door. Several cost-saving elements are shared between Mahindra models, but overall, the cabin stands out.

Rear seat space is excellent, with a flat floor and seating that avoids a ‘knees-up’ posture. At the launch, cars displayed were equipped with tablets mounted to holders on the front seatbacks. The ‘theatre mode’ syncs the front and rear entertainment systems, enabling passengers to enjoy a movie on the go. Although the tablets are optional, this is a cool feature for long drives. Despite the tapering roofline, headroom is good. However, this body style rules out a seven-seater version. That said, the platform is versatile enough to accommodate a traditional seven-seat SUV shell in the future.

The panoramic roof is a showstopper, with patterns that change colour and provide UV protection. Storage space is exceptional – a 150-litre frunk and a 663-litre boot underline the practicality of this EV’s architecture.

Mahindra XEV 9e: Motor, Performance, and Range

The Mahindra XEV 9e is underpinned by the INGLO platform, developed in-house, but key components such as the blade battery are sourced from BYD – a strategic decision to ensure reliability and consistency right from the start. The motor, mounted on the rear axle, produces 228bhp with the 59kWh battery and 282bhp with the larger 79kWh battery. Both configurations deliver 380Nm of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. This rear-wheel-drive setup is not only traditionally more engaging but also simplifies engineering for an EV.

The XEV 9e sprints from 0 to 100kmph in a brisk 6.8 seconds and has a top speed limited to 202kmph, as tested on Mahindra’s SUV proving track. The performance feels consistent and seamless, with no abrupt surges or drops in power. The tuning of the motor and the delivery of torque are exceptionally smooth, giving the SUV a composed and refined character even at high speeds.

Range anxiety, a common concern for EV buyers, has been addressed by Mahindra. The larger 79kWh battery offers an ARAI-certified range of 656km, while the more realistic WLTP figure is 533km. These numbers are hugely impressive, especially when considering the XEV 9e’s price. Mahindra deliberately provided us with a car charged to less than 75 per cent at the start of our test, showcasing the blade battery’s ability to maintain consistent range performance, even under heavy-footed driving conditions. Unlike many EVs where range depletes alarmingly when driven hard, the XEV 9e feels far more predictable and dependable.

The blade battery technology, as seen in BYD models like the Atto 3 and the Seal, is a significant advantage for Mahindra. It delivers not only performance but also long-term reliability. Mahindra claims that fast charging these batteries frequently will not degrade them, a bold assurance backed by their decision to offer a lifetime warranty on the batteries. The XEV 9e supports fast charging of up to 175kW, enabling the SUV to replenish its battery quickly. While DC fast charging is the headline act, the SUV is also compatible with slower AC chargers for overnight home charging convenience.

On the road, the XEV 9e impresses with its ability to deliver performance whenever you need it – be it a quick burst for overtaking (where you can get an extra edge with the help of the boost button on the steering wheel) or sustained high-speed cruising on the highway.

The blade batteries also deliver on efficiency, maintaining excellent range even when pushed hard. This is a key differentiator that makes the XEV 9e stand out in a crowded EV market.

Mahindra XEV 9e: Ride and Handling

The XEV 9e is tuned to prioritise comfort over a sporty driving character, considering its target audience and positioning. The ride has a suppleness that absorbs road imperfections with ease, giving it a mature and composed demeanour. The FDD dampers do an excellent job of managing rough roads, ensuring a plush ride even when driven enthusiastically over less-than-perfect surfaces. There’s a noticeable European character to the way the suspension is set up, striking a fine balance between comfort and control.

The steering is light at low speeds but weighs up well at high speeds, adding to the confidence-inspiring driving experience. However, when you start hustling this large SUV, its size becomes apparent. The weight makes its presence felt in sharp corners, with some body roll creeping in. That said, the roll is well-controlled and never overwhelming, which should make the XEV 9e enjoyable to drive even on twisty roads.

Thanks to its low centre of gravity and rear-wheel drive setup, the XEV 9e displays surprising agility for a car of its size. Quick direction changes highlight its nimbleness, and the rear-driven dynamics add a playful edge to the driving experience. It manages to feel more agile than you’d expect, given its dimensions and purpose.

The ESP can be turned off to allow some spirited driving. However, it doesn’t stay off indefinitely; as soon as the system detects loss of traction, it re-engages to stabilise the vehicle. This setup makes it possible to explore the car’s dynamics without compromising safety, though those looking for controlled slides may need to pull out the correct fuse to keep the system fully disengaged.

Mahindra XEV 9e: Price and Verdict

When Mahindra unveiled the XEV 9e and BE 6e, the extensive development costs of these two SUVs were a hot topic. We were told that the investment was over ten times what Mahindra spent on the Thar Roxx project, and naturally, we expected this to translate into a higher price point. However, Mahindra has surprised everyone with a starting price of ₹21.9 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base ‘Pack One’ variant with the 59kWh battery.

This pricing is nothing short of incredible. At this price, you get a 228bhp RWD SUV equipped with 19-inch wheels, disc brakes on all four corners, cruise control, three integrated screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering, auto headlamps and wipers, and a host of other features. Even the base variant is extremely well-specified, and choosing it wouldn’t feel like settling for less.

The XEV 9e’s value proposition becomes even more apparent when you consider the larger 79kWh battery and additional features in higher variants. Mahindra hasn’t revealed the full pricing for all variants yet, but these details are expected in the second week of January, with deliveries set to begin by late February or early March. This staggered rollout may test the patience of eager buyers, but it also gives Mahindra time to gauge demand, ramp up production and ensure smooth delivery.

The XEV 9e isn’t just another EV; it’s a game-changer that redefines what’s possible in this segment. With its combination of cutting-edge technology, luxury, performance, and unmatched value, it has the potential to sway even the most sceptical buyers who’ve been hesitant about switching to an EV.

If you’re still sitting on the fence, wondering whether an EV could truly meet your needs, the XEV 9e is the car that could tip the scales. At this price, with its compelling mix of style and practicality, the XEV 9e is undoubtedly a winner. Mahindra has not just entered the premium EV segment – it has set a new benchmark.