The Drive Report: Mahindra XEV 9S

The XEV 9E and now the 9S are the sort of vehicles that occupy an increasingly competitive segment, having strong appeal to tech-forward Indian consumers.

Mahindra’s comprehensive assault on its EV rivals continues; the latest weapon in its multi-pronged offensive being the XEV 9S. Wearing a familiar face, the XEV is, on paper, the electrified version of the XUV 900, except it's based on the brand’s proprietary, born-electric INGLO platform and so is an entirely different kind of beast. Sharing its underpinnings with the more stylised XEV 9E that preceded it, the 9S offers third-row utility, more headroom and a new 70 kWh battery pack, (in addition to the 59kWh and range-topping 79 kWh battery packs), allowing it to comfortably occupy multiple points on the price spectrum.

That’s just the start. It’s easy for even the most ardent anorak to get bamboozled with the list of features that Mahindra throws at you. The strategy is simple: provide as many features – without necessarily vouching for their longevity or seamless functionality – so that in a spec-battle, no other competing EV stands a chance.

So, first impressions are bound to be positive. The XEV 9S, in top-trim is brimming with electric power, features a dashboard-wide touchscreen that’s split between a passenger screen, a central infotainment screen and a gauge cluster all of which are 12.3-inches. The base Pack One variant (Priced at Rs 19.95 to Rs 21.95 lakh, ex-showroom) alone features 6 airbags, ISOFIX anchors, ESP, a tyre-pressure monitor, electric parking brake, along with Bi-LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED tail-lights. It rides on 18-inch steel wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres and also offers auto headlights and wipers, a rear defogger, washer and wiper, plus a rear camera with parking sensors, panoramic sunroof – the list is exhaustive and not really what this review is about. For most consumers, the base version is more than enough - offering not just the 59Kwh battery pack but also the largest 79kWh option, should greater range be a preference. The largest pack has a claimed range of 679, but will be closer to the 500-550 mark in real driving conditions. The new 70 kWh pack offers a claimed range of 600, which hits the sweet spot. Another clever move is that torque levels on all variants remain the same even though power levels differ, so initial acceleration isn’t compromised.

Having covered roughly 60-odd km with the 79Kwh option, I returned with about 74% charge to spare, under heavy acceleration. The kind that saw this large, thoroughly recognisable shape, disappear into the horizon leaving bewildered motorists in its wake. Make no mistake, the XEV 9S isn’t short on thrills.

The XEV 9S is offered with three battery options—59kWh, 70kWh and 79kWh—all paired with a rear-wheel-drive setup that produces 380Nm of torque. The flagship 79kWh variant delivers a strong 286hp, giving it an output advantage over comparable MPVs including the Harrier. It also posts the highest claimed range in the segment, with Mahindra rating the largest battery at 679km on a full charge. Every version supports rapid charging, allowing a 20–80 percent top-up in just 20 minutes when connected to a 175kW DC fast charger.

Browse through the menu and you can access the Drive modes which range from “Default” to “Range” and “Race” – the latter unleashing all 380 Nm of torque sent straight to the rear wheel. It’s basically “Boost” mode available at all times. The other great thing about these new-age Mahindras are the ergonomics. Everything you need is accessible via the steering, from the “Boost” function, to modulating recuperative braking and of course, the “Single Pedal” function, which you will undoubtedly be using constantly in city driving scenarios. So it doesn’t take long for the driver to familiarise themselves with basic functions.

Ride quality is supple, and the XEV 9S is for the most part, a softly-sprung, soft-roader. There is more than a hint of body roll around corners, but on its maiden run, the XEV 9S feels adequately cushy, with comfort levels matching those of far more premium EV. Pack Two is also a compelling proposition offering greater range and power with a larger battery pack, along with a full ADAS suite, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control and ventilated front seats. Mahindra did miss a trick by offering ventilated second row seats for Pack Three and Above. Even single-touch roll-up windows for the passenger remained glaringly absent from the pre-production test unit. Even their much-touted air purification system remains a luxury only for Pack Three buyers (Rs 27.35 lakh, ex-showroom).

In terms of outright performance, there is no trick that the XEV 9S offers that the 9E doesn’t. Both feel incredibly familiar yet target slightly different demographics. However, the greater levels of utility, shorter rear overhangs and wider range of options make this the more compelling offer. Personally, having never been a huge fan of coupé-style SUVs - this does offer better, more honest aesthetics mixed with actual utility.

Verdict

Making the largest battery pack available in the base variant is a masterstroke of sorts, and will give the XEV 9E a considerable power advantage over its competitors. It’s already got a few other advantages, such as greater frunk storage, a longer wheelbase, more width etc, which make it roomier on the inside. For tech enthusiasts, there is of course, a lot to play with - for a cost. Over and above the Pack One features, the list of features is truly staggering including individual rear-passenger entertainment units, drowsiness monitoring and a nifty notification for when the vehicle in front of you begins to move ahead, should you be engrossed in conversation, or, more likely, immersed in your phone.

The XEV 9E and now the 9S are the sort of vehicles that occupy an increasingly competitive segment, having strong appeal to tech-forward Indian consumers. It’s good fun to drive, offers a lot of comfort at the back, depending on the options list. As always, third-row is just about sufficient for children, but as a package deal - it’s on par with a lot of more premium SUVs.