Mahindra XEV 9S has been launched in India at a starting price of ₹19.95 lakh (ex-showroom). The electric SUV comes as the third model from the homegrown auto manufacturer's Born Electric series of electric SUVs, which also includes the Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6. The all-new electric SUV shares the same INGLO architecture as the XEV 9e and BE 6, alongside some design elements, but has its own distinct design and features. It is the first-ever three-row, seven-seater electric SUV from Mahindra, essentially, an all-electric iteration of the mighty Mahindra XUV700.
I got the opportunity to drive the Mahindra XEV 9S around the picturesque locations of Nandi Hills near Bengaluru. Here are the three pros and two cons of the electric SUV I found during my drive of the Mahindra XEV 9S.
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Mahindra XEV 9S: The good things
Here are the good things I found about the Mahindra XEV 9S.
Mahindra XEV 9S: Blends XEV 9e and XUV700 design
{{/usCountry}}Here are the good things I found about the Mahindra XEV 9S.
Mahindra XEV 9S: Blends XEV 9e and XUV700 design
{{/usCountry}}The design of the Mahindra XEV 9S is something you cannot miss, but at the same time, it is not as aggressive as the XEV 9e. Essentially, it blends the design elements of the XEV 9e and XUV700 in a single package. The front profile boasts LED headlamps and LED DRL, which look straight from the XEV 9e. Moving to the side and rear, the SUV looks similar to the XUV700, with some EV-centric elements, of course.
Mahindra XEV 9S: Premium and practical cabin
Premiumness meets practicality inside the cabin of the Mahindra XEV 9S. The automaker has claimed that space remained the priority while designing the interior of the XEV 9S, and the SUV stays true to that philosophy. Three-row seats allow seven occupants to sit comfortably, clever space management by introducing features like sliding second-row seats, electrically adjustable Boss mode - everything prioritises comfort via enhancing space. The premiumness is visible and can be felt via the features like triple digital screen, a suave gear shifter, retractable panoramic sunroof, etc.
Mahindra XEV 9S: Power-packed performance
Based on the INGLO architecture that also houses the XEV 9e and BE 6, the Mahindra XEV 9S promises power-packed performance. The powertrain offers nimble and peppy performance, while the steering feels ultralight, which altogether gives a smooth driving experience. The XEV 9S felt equally comfortable to drive while tackling the hairpin bends in the hilly region during incline and while coming down, as well as over the regular patchy roads.
Mahindra XEV 9S: The bad things
Here are the bad things I found about the Mahindra XEV 9S.
Mahindra XEV 9S: Pricey package
Despite being a family SUV, priced between ₹19.95 lakh and ₹29.45 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mahindra XEV 9S is pricey. This price range is not affordable for a large number of consumers who seek to buy electric cars for their family.
Mahindra XEV 9S: Cramped feeling at third-row seats
When you sit in the third row of the Mahindra XEV 9S, it gives a cramped vibe. The headroom, leg space and knee room are not much, which may pose a feeling of cramped space for many consumers, especially for taller people.