The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is transforming, with manufacturers vying to dominate this burgeoning sector. Tata Motors has been a clear leader, capturing 70 per cent of the EV market, with offerings like the Nexon.ev and Tiago.ev. In Mahindra’s growing lineup of electric vehicles, the XEV 9e is positioned as a flagship offering, alongside the smaller but equally capable BE 6E. While the BE 6E carves out a niche for itself as a compact electric SUV with a sporty demeanour, the XEV 9e targets a different audience altogether. Its larger dimensions, premium interior space, and advanced technology clearly position it to compete head-on with Tata Motors’ Curvv.EV.
Mahindra’s strategic intent with the XEV 9e is evident: to challenge Tata Motors’ dominance in the Indian EV segment. Its Tata Power network has played a key role, with EV chargers installed across highways, cities, and remote regions. This strategic approach has attracted customers and helped to make EV ownership practical in India.
In contrast, Mahindra, despite having ventured into the EV market earlier than Tata, lagged in infrastructure development. While Mahindra’s early electric vehicles, like the eVerito, had their niche, the company failed to capitalise on its first-mover advantage due to its limited push on public charging networks and customer education.
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Now, Mahindra has a fresh approach, starting with the advanced INGLO platform, which underpins the XEV 9e and other future offerings. Designed to address the unique challenges of the Indian market, this platform is a result of rigourous testing, demonstrating durability under extreme conditions. From submerging the battery pack in water to simulating heavy rains and flooding, to subjecting it to fire and vibration tests, Mahindra has ensured that the platform meets the highest safety and performance standards
At the core of this platform is the use of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology. Known for its thermal stability, safety, and longevity, the LFP battery is an intelligent choice for Indian conditions, where extreme temperatures can challenge battery performance. The XUV 9e’s battery capacity and efficiency are segment-leading, ensuring long-range capability while maintaining safety and reliability.
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The Mahindra XEV 9e is a substantial vehicle, clearly designed to offer both practicality and luxury. At 4,789 mm in length and with a ground clearance of 207 mm, it has a commanding presence. This is an SUV coupe that caters to customers who value space and comfort without compromising on style. The vehicle offers impressive storage solutions, with 663 litres of boot space and an additional 150-litre frunk. The frunk, a front trunk typical of EVs, includes a drain plug, making it ideal for storing beverages in an ice bath on road trips or picnics.
The design language of the XEV 9e marks a departure from the sharp, aggressive aesthetics of of the BE 6e. Instead, it opts for smoother, more sculpted lines that look more sophisticated. The bi-LED headlights, integrated DRLs, and a sleek rear light bar contribute to its modern appearance. The illuminated infinity-style Mahindra logo adds a unique touch, further distinguishing this model from its competitors. The illuminated logo reminds me of the old illuminated Apple MacBook logos, a neat nod to the techie side of the car. Hats off to Pratap Bose and his team for pushing to keep the production cars as close to the concept cars that had been showcased earlier. The XEV 9e rides on standard 19-inch wheels, with an option for 20-inch alloys on higher trims—a bold move in this segment. This combination makes it fill in the wheel arches better than its competitor, which seems to have skipped leg day at the gym (you know which one we are talking about).
Stepping inside the XEV 9e reveals a cabin designed for comfort and technological innovation. At its core is a 43.3-inch triple display system, spanning the width of the dashboard. To put that screen size in perspective, it’s as wide as your 42-inch TV at home This setup includes a digital driver’s instrument cluster, a central touchscreen infotainment unit, and for you also have a dedicated passenger screen. The displays, powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chips, deliver a seamless and responsive user experience; finally, something as good as the smartphone in your pocket.
The cabin is focussed on creating a lounge-like atmosphere, prioritising passenger comfort and entertainment. Features like YouTube streaming, advanced navigation, and integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance the in-car experience. Additionally, facial recognition technology ensures driver safety by monitoring fatigue and focus levels. Despite its emphasis on technology, some aspects of the cabin would benefit from additional physical controls. Many functions, such as climate control adjustments, require navigating touchscreen menus, which can distract you from driving, as you are forced to look at the screen and take your eyes off the road. There’s ample legroom, headroom, and an airy feel in the cabin, thanks to its large windows and fixed panoramic sunroof. The sunroof features Mahindra’s infinity logo, illuminated by customisable LED lighting, with 16 million colour options. The seats are designed for long drives, providing excellent support and comfort. Even the rear seats, despite the coupe’s sloping roofline, offer sufficient headroom and legroom. Combined with the vehicle’s advanced suspension damper system, these features make every ride in the XEV 9e a relaxing experience.
The XEV 9e’s electric motor delivers an impressive 286 bhp and 38.74 kgm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.8 seconds, with a top speed in the high triple digits. This is a very sporty SUV despite its size, that’s for sure, and it will surprise many ICE vehicles in a straight line. Despite its performance-oriented design, the vehicle remains practical, offering a 79 kWh battery with an ARAI-certified range of 656 km. Mahindra claims a realistic range of 500 km in real-world conditions, making it suitable for both city commutes and long journeys. Fast charging capability is another highlight. Using a 175 kW fast charger, the XEV 9e can charge from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime for drivers on the go.
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During our drives in Chennai and on Mahindra’s proving grounds, the XEV 9e demonstrated excellent stability at high speeds, assured handling qualities and impressive regenerative braking, and the brakes felt solid with some good bite on them. The vehicle’s larger tyres and advanced suspension (in terms of an independent 5-link setup) contributed to a comfortable and controlled ride, even on rough roads.
The XEV 9e is packed with innovative features that enhance convenience and safety. The advanced park-assist system, for instance, allows drivers to park remotely using the key fob. This feature is particularly useful in crowded urban settings, where parking spaces can be challenging to navigate. Other notable features include an in-cabin selfie camera, integrated shopping apps (which felt a bit gimmicky) and pre-installed OTT platforms. While some of these additions may feel just a bit too extra, they highlight Mahindra’s focus on creating a tech-savvy vehicle that caters to modern lifestyles.
Safety has always been a priority for Mahindra, and the XEV 9e is no exception. The vehicle comes equipped with seven airbags, Level 2+ ADAS, and a host of active and passive safety systems. Mahindra’s rigorous crash testing underscores the brand’s commitment to safety, and the XEV 9e is expected to score highly in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP tests.
Priced at ₹21.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the XEV 9e offers excellent value for money. While it faces competition from Tata’s Curvv.ev, it distinguishes itself with a more luxurious interior, advanced technology, and far superior performance. It represents a significant leap forward for the brand, positioning it as a serious contender not just in India’s EV market but globally. Its combination of bold design, spacious interiors, new technology, and robust performance makes it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a premium electric SUV coupe. While there are areas for improvement, such as the over-reliance on touchscreen controls and the inclusion of some arguably unnecessary features, these do little to detract from the overall package. For buyers looking for a luxurious, feature-rich, and practical EV, the XEV 9e is undoubtedly worth considering.
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