Mahindra’s EV journey has been steadily accelerating over the past few years, and the arrival of the XEV 9S, marks a significant step forward. This is an SUV with intent —larger, more refined, more technologically confident than anything the company has built before.
We spent time with the Pack Three Option, the fully loaded 79 kWh version, to see how it behaves in the real world, and the short answer is this: Mahindra has delivered a deeply considered electric SUV that feels engineered for Indian families without compromising on sophistication.
Visually, the XEV 9S strikes a balance between familiar Mahindra cues and an evolving, more global design language. The stance is unmistakably SUV—upright, muscular and assured—but there is also restraint in the surfaces and detailing. It feels cleaner than the brand’s earlier designs, with a more mature expression of their Heartcore philosophy. The lines are confident yet measured, the proportions are well-judged, and the overall aesthetic hints not just at the vehicle’s electric origins but possibly at the future direction of the XUV700 as well. The Pack Three variant further elevates its presence with the kind of lighting signatures, ambient treatments and premium touches you would usually expect from higher segments.
A spacious, tech-rich cabin with triple screens and premium materials sets a new benchmark for family EVs
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Special Arrangement
Step inside and the evolution and the shift in Mahindra’s thinking becomes even more apparent. The cabin feels airy and contemporary, with a strong focus on comfort and tactile quality. The leatherette upholstery, the soft-touch finishes, and the integration of three wide screens across the dashboard lend a lounge like atmosphere. These displays operate smoothly, thanks to Mahindra’s adoption of the high-end Qualcomm 8295 chip, and the passenger-side screen capable of streaming YouTube makes the SUV feel more like a rolling entertainment pod. It is a surprisingly premium experience, not just in terms of features but in overall execution and perceived quality.
Space, though, is the XEV 9S’s true trump card. Mahindra has leaned heavily into the INGLO architecture to carve out a cabin that genuinely breathes. The second row enjoys generous legroom and a level of pampering that is uncommon in this class—ventilated seats, a sliding mechanism that allows meaningful adjustment, and a sense of openness amplified by the panoramic sky roof. The third row, while best suited for children or short adults, is full-sized in shape and usable on shorter journeys. What completes the practicality picture is the sheer volume of storage: a sizeable 527-litre boot, an unusually generous 150-litre frunk, and plenty of clever interior spaces make this an EV that actually respects the needs of a growing family.
The XEV 9S’s clean, modern design marks a bold new direction for Mahindra’s electric line-up
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Special Arrangement
Where the XEV 9S truly sets itself apart is in motion. The Pack Three version delivers 210 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque, numbers that translate into brisk acceleration and a level of responsiveness that feels perfectly judged for a large family EV. Mahindra claims a 7-second sprint to 100 km/h, but what stands out even more is the SUV’s composure. The INGLO platform feels tighter and more polished here than in the smaller XEV 9E, offering a planted, confident ride at motorway speeds. There is a notable suppression of harshness, and cabin noise is extremely well controlled — attributes that matter immensely when you are carrying six or seven passengers.
The suspension deserves particular praise. The combination of i-Link front suspension, a five-link rear setup, and adaptive dampers has given Mahindra a handling package that strikes an effective compromise between comfort and control. There is some firmness over sharper imperfections, but it never becomes intrusive, and body movement is kept impressively in check. Even under hard braking, the nose stays composed, which is not something you can say about many three-row SUVs. The variable-ratio steering is another pleasant surprise —light at parking speeds but reassuringly weighty once you pick up pace.
On the move, the 9S feels composed and confident, with the INGLO platform delivering refined road manners
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Special Arrangement
Switching into Race Mode brings a distinct change in character. The throttle sharpens, responses get keener, and the XEV 9S begins to feel more athletic than its size would suggest. Climbing a set of twisty ghats, the SUV actually feels enthusiastic, especially with the electric powertrain’s instant torque making short work of inclines. It is here that Mahindra’s EV engineering maturity reveals itself — the 9S does not just move quickly, it moves with purpose.
Technology and safety, traditionally areas where Mahindra has attempted to overdeliver, receive a substantial boost in the 9S. The suite is expansive and modern, but what stands out is how seamlessly everything integrates into the driving experience. The L2+ ADAS package feels well-calibrated for Indian conditions, the 360-degree monitoring systems genuinely add confidence, and the VisionX AR heads-up display is one of the more polished implementations we’ve seen yet. Add to this features like dual wireless charging, advanced filtration, flush door handles, and an array of convenience modes, and the 9S begins to resemble the sort of EV you would expect from a global premium brand rather than a traditional Indian SUV maker.
Mahindra will offer the XEV 9S in six variants, spread across 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh battery options. The range-topping variant we drove sits at the top of this hierarchy, but it is encouraging to see Mahindra targeting a broad spectrum of buyers with a well-spaced range.
The starting price of ₹19.95 lakh (ex-showroom) is aggressive, positioning the XEV 9S as one of the most value-rich electric SUVs on sale. The fully loaded 79 kWh Pack Three Above variant, meanwhile, tops out at ₹29.45 lakh, which still feels reasonable for the equipment and performance on offer.
Second-row comfort is a highlight, with generous legroom, ventilated seats and a panoramic sky roof enhancing the sense of space
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Special Arrangement
At the end of our drive, one impression lingered most strongly: this is the most complete Mahindra EV to date. It iss not flawless, nothing in this segment is, but it feels thoughtfully engineered and confidently executed. More importantly, it feels like a product that belongs in 2026, not one catching up to it. In refinement, space, technology and driving manners, the XEV 9S signals a new chapter for Mahindra’s electric ambitions. For families looking to embrace an electric future without compromising practicality or presence, this might just be the ideal bridge.
Price range: ₹19.95 – 29.45 lakh. The XEV 9S goes on sale in January 2026.
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Published – December 01, 2025 12:40 pm IST
