When Mahindra said "ground-up EV," they weren't kidding. The XEV 9S isn't an ICE conversion, isn't a half-hearted experiment - it's a clean-sheet electric SUV built on Mahindra's INGLO platform. And it's India's first 7-seater EV.
What was surprising was wrapping our head around the fact that this Pack 3 Above, Rs 29.45 lakh (ex-showroom) SUV with a 79 kWh battery is about to redefine family EVs.
Finished in Desert Myst - a colour that photographs better than it sounds - the XEV 9S is big, confident, and purposeful. Let's break it down.
Design: EV That Doesn't Whisper, It Asserts
Mahindra's design language gives the XEV 9S a stance that says SUV first, EV second. Wide shoulders, clean silhouette, no unnecessary creases. It looks like a proper SUV because it is one.
The illuminated logo, sequential indicators, panoramic skyroof, and Coast-to-Coast triple screens inside add modernity without screaming for attention. It's intentional design - and in the EV world, that's becoming standard now.
Space: The Biggest Weapon
Three full-size rows. A 150L frunk. A 500L boot with the third row folded. The XEV 9S is spacious everywhere - headroom, knee room, shoulder room.
Second-row ventilated seats and sliders make life easy, but the highlight is Powered Boss Mode. Press a button and the front passenger seat moves forward electronically, freeing up legroom like a luxury lounge.
For chauffeur-driven families who want SUV presence instead of MPV practicality, this is a game-changer.
Cabin Quality: Mostly Premium, Some Quirks
Leatherette seats, soft-touch inserts, high-quality roof liner - Mahindra has nailed the premium vibe. But not everything is perfect:
Piano black surfaces attract dust and fingerprints like magnets. Steering buttons? Too many, too tiny. Muscle memory will take time and there might be a learning curve. Touch bar for hazard and camera? Spring-loaded, not haptic. Misses inputs often, and you'll often find yourself not being able to fire the selection in one go.
Small things, but they matter over time.
Tech: A Living Room on Wheels
Triple 31.24 cm screens - one for the driver, one for infotainment, one for the passenger. Sharp resolution, fluid UI, and lightning-fast response thanks to MAIA, Mahindra's Snapdragon 8295-based brain with 51 TOPS and 24GB RAM.
The Harman Kardon 16-speaker system with Dolby Atmos is the best audio experience in this segment. Add OTT apps, in-car camera for video calls, 5G connectivity, and rear wireless charging - and you've got a rolling workstation and theatre. Best part the car comes pre-loaded with the NDTV app as well.
On the Road
Driving position? High and commanding. Visibility is great, except for chunky A-pillars that create blind spots around the twisties.
Ride quality? Excellent. Intelligent Adaptive Suspension absorbs rough patches, stabilises at high speed, and stays composed on highways. In city traffic, it isolates you beautifully. On Nandi Hill twisties, it feels planted and predictable.
Steering? Light in the city, weighs up nicely on hills. Not sporty, but consistent.
Noise levels? Super silent. Mahindra's Acoustic Cabin works - even at 80-90 km/h, it feels like a sound studio. Can become a little too silent for a few, and this is where it feels a little more overengineered than necessary.
The XEV 9S produces 210 kW power, 380 Nm torque. Instant torque, smooth single-pedal driving, predictable regen. It's not trying to be fast - but it is strong and effortless. You will be able to drive it on an everyday basis.
Range & Charging
Mahindra claims 500 km real-world city range for the 79 kWh pack. After 120 km of mixed driving, the numbers look achievable if you're not flooring it. Fast charging that is offered is claimed at 20%-80% in 20 minutes on a suitable DC charger. These were things we could not test out properly, and this is where we will get you a full review soon, once we get hold of the vehicle for a longer duration on NDTV Auto.
Who Should Buy This?
The XEV 9S opens a new segment - electric 7-seater SUVs. No direct rivals yet. It's for: Families who want SUV presence, not MPV vibes. Buyers tired of thirsty petrol ATs. Tech lovers craving luxury-like features under Rs 30 lakh. Early adopters who want something new.
Where It Could Improve
The central touch bar needs better software or haptic feedback. Piano black surfaces - less, please. The A-pillar blind spot deserves a rethink and the steering buttons need simplification.
Not dealbreakers, but worth noting.
Verdict: A New Direction for Indian SUVs
The Mahindra XEV 9S is spacious, tech-forward, comfortable, and silent. It's not just sporty - it's effortless. And in that, it succeeds convincingly.
This SUV doesn't just start a new chapter for Mahindra; it also gives us a glimpse of what the next-gen XUV700 could look like in 2026.
For Indian families ready to go electric without compromise, the XEV 9S feels like a new beginning.
Important dates to remember are:
Add your preference: Dec 14th, 2025
Test Drives for Customer: Jan 5th, 2026
Bookings open: Jan 14th, 2026
Deliveries Start: Jan 23rd, 2026