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Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review: XUV700 Goes Electric
Indian SUV specialist Mahindra recently launched the XEV 9S at a starting price ₹19.95 lakh (ex-showroom). In essece, the Mahindra XEV 9S is the electric counterpart to the firm's flagship ICE SUV, the XUV700.
Built on Mahindra's INGLO EV platform, the XEV 9S becomes the company's largest electric model so far, targeted at families seeking space, comfort and high levels of technology. With a three-row layout, strong motor options and a feature list that exceeds anything previously offered by Mahindra, the XEV 9S sets high expectations on paper.
We got to get behind the wheel of the all-new Mahindra XEV 9S in Bangalore for a few hours to find out just how well it performs on the road. Here are our thoughts on Mahindra's new flagship EV...
Mahindra XEV 9S Review – Exterior Highlights
The exterior design of the Mahindra XEV 9S is a familiar mix of the XEV 9e electric cope SUV and XUV700. The front end features connecting LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and Bi-LED headlamps. A closed grille plays host to the Mahindra EV logo.
From the side, the design looks quite similar to that of the XUV700, though there are those EV touches like the flush door and the smooth body panels. The rear end though looks very similar to its ICE sibling with the taillights, roof mounted spoiler and upright rear. The only major changes come in the form of the Mahindra EV logo and the XEV 9S badging under the rear numberplate section.
Mahindra XEV 9S Review – Interior Highlights
Step inside and the dashboard layout immediately recalls the XUV700, with a similar horizontal structure, comparable control placement and a familiar overall cabin environment. The XEV 9S builds on this base by adding three 12.3-inch screens that stretch across most of the dashboard, handling nearly every function available in the car.
The front passenger display is focused primarily on multimedia, allowing passengers to watch videos, stream content through OTT apps and browse YouTube. The central infotainment screen and the digital driver display provide access to navigation, vehicle settings, climate functions and the rest of the core controls.
Mahindra's latest software setup is its most refined so far. The screens feel responsive in operation, and during the drive, it showed no lag or freezing, addressing issues seen in some earlier systems. Cabin quality has improved as well, with better materials, cleaner fit and finish and layered textures that enhance the sense of space.
The second row is a highlight of the XEV 9S. It offers generous space, high comfort and a long list of features. The top-spec variant adds individual entertainment screens on the seatbacks, bringing the total number of screens in the cabin to five. Additional equipment includes foldable tray tables, ventilated second-row seats, sliding and reclining adjustment, sunblinds, rear AC vents and wireless charging.
Seating comfort is notably strong. The cushioning feels well balanced, and the under-thigh support stands out. Despite the presence of a large battery pack underneath, the seating position does not force a knees-up posture, which is common in several EVs. The height and angle of the seats remain close to what you would expect in a traditional ICE SUV.
The third row, however, shows the limitations of packaging. While there is workable knee room and headroom, the low placement of the seat base due to the battery layout results in a knees-up position. It is not ideal for adults on longer trips, though it remains usable for short distances or for children.
Boot space is substantial when the third row is folded. The 150-litre frunk adds a major practical advantage, offering a dedicated area for extra storage. Folding down the rear seats does add a lot more space and if you're not carrying a full house inside.
Mahindra XEV 9S Review – Driving Impressions
The Mahindra XEV 9S delivers a refined driving experience. The driving experience closely mirrors the XEV 9e, which is expected given that the 9S uses the same INGLO architecture, the same electric motors and the same underlying dynamic setup. Acceleration is quick, throttle response is immediate and the XEV 9S feels eager as soon as you press the accelerator.
The 79 kWh variants produce 210 kW (281 bhp) and 380 Nm, positioning the 9S among the quicker three-row electric SUVs in the segment. In slow traffic and on open highways, the 9S maintains an easy, effortless character. The standout trait is the cabin refinement, with very low noise, vibration and harshness. External sounds are kept out effectively, and the cabin remains quiet even at sustained highway speeds.
Driving modes adjust throttle sensitivity and steering weight, while multiple regeneration levels allow drivers to choose between coasting and near one-pedal operation. The overall experience is smooth, silent, refined and quick, which aligns well with the XEV 9S's family-focused orientation.
Mahindra has equipped the XEV 9S with adaptive dampers, tuned with an emphasis on comfort. The result is a noticeably softer and more absorbent ride on the move with Sharp bumps and undulations handled with amplomb, giving the 9S a settled and composed feel suited to its intended use.
Despite its larger size and additional weight, the 9S maintains handling characteristics similar to the 9e. Body roll is kept in check, steering behaviour is predictable and the SUV holds its line securely at higher speeds. It is not tuned for sporty dynamics, but its stability and consistency stand out.
Mahindra's ADAS suite functions smoothly, with tuning that suits Indian driving conditions. Features such as blind spot detection, lane centering and cross-traffic alerts respond in a controlled manner without intrusive intervention or confusion in typical traffic scenarios.
Mahindra XEV 9S Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts
The Mahindra XEV 9S delivers on its promise as a feature-rich 7-seater electric SUV. It combines advanced safety and comfort features with strong performance. For families or tech-savvy individuals seeking a spacious and well-equipped electric vehicle, the XEV 9S presents a strong option. Its competitive pricing and array of modern conveniences make it a notable contender in its segment.
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