I recently explored the Mahindra XEV 9S, and here’s how I felt: it stands out as a smart, value-packed electric 7-seater SUV that matches the evolving needs of Indian families. It brings space, features and flexibility, all at a surprisingly competitive price point. If you want to switch to electric without giving up practicality or seat count, XEV 9S delivers well. In this article, I will give you the pros and cons of the Mahindra XEV 9S.
| Variant | Battery | Price | Claimed Range | Estimated Real World Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XEV 9S Pack One Above | 59 kWh (228 HP & 380 NM) | ₹19.95 Lakh | 521 Km | 350 Km |
| XEV 9S Pack One Above | 79kWh (282 HP & 380 NM) | ₹21.95 Lakh | 679 Km | 500 Km |
| XEV 9S Pack Two Above | 70kWh (242 HP & 380 NM) | ₹24.45 Lakh | 600 Km | 400 Km |
| XEV 9S Pack Two Above | 79kWh (282 HP & 380 NM) | ₹25.45 Lakh | 679 Km | 500 Km |
| XEV 9S Pack Three | 79kWh (282 HP & 380 NM) | ₹27.35 Lakh | 679 Km | 500 Km |
| XEV 9S Pack Three Above | 79kWh (282 HP & 380 NM) | ₹29.45 Lakh | 679 Km | 500 Km |
What I Loved (Pros)
- Room for the whole family: As the first widely available three-row EV-SUV in India, XEV 9S gives genuine 7-seater usability. The long wheelbase and overall size make it roomy, handy for weekend getaways or long family drives.
- Good battery/range options: There are multiple battery options (59 kWh / 70 kWh / 79 kWh), giving flexibility depending on budget and usage. Claimed range figures are generous, and even real-world use promises decent 400–500 km depending on driving style and load, enough for city commuting and outstation trips.
- Strong features & comfort touches: Even on lower variants, the car doesn’t feel bare, while mid to top variants get features like ventilated front & middle seats, Dual zone AC, wireless charging, but you get a 12.3-inch triple screen infotainment, Panoramic Sunroof, frunk + boot space, which adds nice practicality and comfort for everyday usage.
- Balanced ride comfort + driving practicality: Suspension and ride balance seem tuned for Indian roads, soft enough for city bumps, yet stable and confident for highways. Steering is light and easy for city driving, seating posture is comfortable for longer rides.
- Value-for-money electric family SUV: Considering what you get, size, electric drivetrain, 7 seats, modern features, XEV 9S offers strong value, especially compared to many ICE SUVs or smaller/less-equipped EVs.
Where It’s Not Perfect (Cons / What to Keep in Mind)
- Real-world range < claimed range: As with most EVs, the official range claims are optimistic. Depending on load (full family + luggage), AC usage, and driving style, expect lower real-world range. Good for city + moderate highway drives, but long-distance travel will need planning.
- Base-variant compromises: Entry-level trims may miss some comfort/feature perks that make the experience truly pleasant, ventilated seats, Driver seat memory function, wireless charging in the second row etc. So to get the “full” feel, you may need to go for a mid or higher variant.
- Third-row comfort for adults may be just “OK”: While the third row gives extra seats, for full-size adults on long journeys, it may not match a full-fledged MPV’s third-row spaciousness. Perfect for kids or occasional use.
- Charging infrastructure limitations (outside major cities): As with all EVs, the convenience depends heavily on charging access. In smaller cities/towns (or if you travel often between cities), charging stops and planning might be a constraint.
My Experience Rating
Here’s how I’d rate Mahindra XEV 9S based on user-friendliness and overall suitability (on a 5-point scale):
| Parameter | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Space & Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) |
| Electric Range & Battery Options | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) |
| Features & Practicality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) |
| Driving & Ride Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) |
Overall experience: 3.5 out of 5.
Who I’d Recommend It To
I think XEV 9S makes sense for:
- Families needing a 7-seater but wanting to go electric.
- People doing regular city commuting + occasional long-distance travel, the battery variants give flexibility for both.
- Buyers want modern SUV comforts and features without paying ultra-premium EV/SUV prices.
- Those who value practicality: flexible seating, decent boot + frunk space, and overall roomy cabin for everyday family use.
Would I Recommend It / Final Thoughts
Yes, if you have access to reliable charging (home or public) and plan to use the car mainly for city + weekend drives, the Mahindra XEV 9S is absolutely worth consideration. It may not be a luxury-class SUV, but for its segment and price range, it offers a compelling package.
I hope you liked the Mahindra XEV 9S Pros and cons listed in this article. If you found this article useful, please share and drop us a comment
