Mahindra’s XEV 9S | Photo Credit: Amit Naik

Mahindra has been on a roll with its new generation of all-electric SUVs, and in many ways, the XEV 9S feels like the firm is stepping up even further. Its dedicated INGLO platform has already delivered two strong products, the BE 6 and the XEV 9e, and the XEV 9S builds on that. At first glance, especially from the side, you might mistake the XEV 9S for an electric XUV700. The proportions and some character lines definitely echo Mahindra’s popular three-row flagship, but walk around to the front and the similarities fade quickly.

The face is a pure clean-sheet EV design. Gone is the traditional Mahindra multi-slat grille and in its place sits a smooth, almost architectural surface that instantly telegraphs its electric intentions. The flush panels, the sharp cuts and the distinctive LED lighting give it a futuristic stance. Move to the side and rear, and Mahindra has chosen to play things safe. The 9S carries forward familiar lines from the 700, but the surfaces are smoother and the details are cleaner. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it looks modern and well-resolved. And importantly, it looks like a proper family SUV.

cabin quality

Inside, the design story becomes more dramatic. While the basic dashboard layout has traces of Mahindra’s earlier EVs, the real headline is the massive triple-screen setup stretching across the dashboard. Each display is 12.3 inches, forming a full-width digital wall that completely dominates the experience. Mahindra aims to make the cabin feel like an entertainment lounge. One screen is for the driver, one for the central infotainment system and another entirely for the front passenger — a space for movies, streaming apps, music and more.

Quality levels inside the cabin have stepped up, too. The light-coloured theme with beige and olive accents instantly brightens the space. Materials feel better executed than Mahindra EVs from a couple of years ago, and the overall ambience is airy and premium. Then there’s the audio system, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon setup powered by Dolby Atmos. This is another area where EVs shine, because the near-silent cabin really lets a good sound system breathe. Mahindra showcased a few Atmos demos at the event, and the surround effect was genuinely impressive . It’s great to see high-end theatre tech coming into a space where many of us spend hours a day.

Move to the second row and the XEV 9S continues its practicality-first approach. The seats slide fore and aft, giving you the flexibility to balance the second- and third-row space. The seats also get ventilation, which is a huge plus in our climate. The ‘boss mode’ button on the side of the front passenger seat allows rear occupants to push the seat forward for more legroom, adding a touch of chauffeur-driven polish.

The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, and the wide window area enhances the sense of space. As a daily family car or even as something you’d sit in for long drives, the second row is genuinely comfortable. The third row is usable, but only for shorter adults or kids. With the third row folded, you get a massive 527 litres of luggage space. And because this is a dedicated EV platform, you also get a 150-litre frunk.

The XEV 9S comes with two battery options: a 59-kWh unit with a claimed 521-km range and a 79-kWh pack with a claimed 679-km range. The version we drove was in the higher configuration, and while we couldn’t run a full range test, the calibration seemed decent. At an 80 per cent charge, the display showed 405 km, and after our drive, it dropped to 71 per cent with 342 km remaining.

Power delivery is smooth and linear, especially in the standard driving mode. Unlike some EVs that feel overly eager, the XEV 9S feels controlled and measured, which is great for city use. On a rough road, I pushed a little harder and felt a hint of wheelspin before traction control cut in. Realistically, though, this SUV will spend most of its life in bumper-to-bumper traffic where its quietness, one-pedal mode and smooth throttle response make it easy to live with. Mahindra’s ADAS tuning has clearly matured. The steering interventions are smoother, more predictable and less intrusive. The system still isn’t something you should fully rely on, but as an assistant, it works well.

Ride quality at low speeds on concrete surfaces felt quite bouncy, with more rebound than expected. The suspension seemed softer than ideal, with a touch of float over bumps. But as speeds increased, the 9S settled nicely. On the highway, the ride felt more planted, composed and confidence-inspiring. The SUV feels easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces despite its size, the steering is light yet predictable and the platform feels solid. There’s a sense of maturity in how it behaves, something Mahindra has been steadily improving across its line-up.

Mahindra has priced the XEV 9S beginning at ₹19.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for the One Above trim. It offers features you typically see in higher segments, and importantly, it feels like a car built with Indian families in mind, with its space, comfort, practicality and no-nonsense usability. The XEV 9S is definitely worth a look if you’ve been thinking about an electric family SUV.

© Motoring World

Published on December 5, 2025