MJ

Mitesh Jasani

8w

I want to buy an EV for around ₹25-30 lakh. We already have a Tiago EV and Altroz petrol for family use. This car will be for daily commuting of around 80 to 100 km for work purposes and outstation family trips once a month. Home and office charging are possible, with a proper charging infrastructure available. I am confused between the Harrier EV and the XEV 9e. Please also suggest if any other option is available.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6w
You already have a good mix in the family with the Tata Tiago EV for city duties and the Tata Altroz for regular use, so this new EV will clearly step up as your primary workhorse, covering 80 to 100km daily plus a proper outstation run once a month. With both home and office charging in place, you’re in the ideal situation to own a larger electric car.
Between the Tata Harrier EV and the Mahindra XEV 9e, we lean towards the 9e. It simply feels more sorted to drive. The ride and handling balance is better resolved, whereas the Harrier EV feels heavier and slightly top-heavy in comparison. That weight is noticeable, especially when changing direction or driving briskly.
Range is another important factor in your case. The Mahindra XEV 9e offers roughly 90 to 100km more real-world range than the Harrier EV, and that extra buffer makes a meaningful difference for your monthly highway trips. It reduces range anxiety and gives you more flexibility with charging stops.
If you are open to stretching within the segment, an even more compelling option is the Mahindra XEV 9S. It offers more equipment, more space and the added flexibility of a third row, which could be useful for family trips. The range is similar to the 9e, so you’re not compromising there. The only trade-off is that the ride is tuned on the softer side, and at highway speeds, there is a bit of vertical movement. It’s not as tied-down as the 9e or even the Harrier EV, but it’s not a deal breaker either.
Given your usage pattern involving high daily running and regular highway trips, range, efficiency and overall driving polish matter most. For that reason, the XEV 9e is the more rounded choice between the two you shortlisted. If space and flexibility are higher on your priority list, the 9S would be our overall pick in this bracket.
Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XEV 9e

More questions on similar cars

NA

Nasir Ali

6d

I have been driving a XUV700 Petrol AT, and it has done around 52,000 Km. I have been looking at EV options, and the only thing that appears to make sense is the XEV 9S. Does it make sense to go for a car with the same top hat, or should I wait for other better options? My running is 1200 km per month, so not sure it makes financial sense to take the depreciation hit.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

As a long-time XUV700 owner, you’re right that the Mahindra XEV 9S is the most natural upgrade. It will feel familiar, but also a clear step up. The basic body shape and seating layout are similar, but the 9S’s dedicated EV platform, triple-screen dashboard, far richer feature list (ventilated seats, boss mode, middle-seat adjustability) and quieter, smoother powertrain make it feel like a more premium, next-generation version of what you already like. The sliding middle row also gives you the flexibility you don’t get in the XUV700, especially if you often travel with family.However, at 1,200 km a month, the fuel saving versus your existing petrol AT won’t fully compensate for the immediate depreciation hit of selling a 52,000 km XUV700 and buying a new EV. At least not in the short term. So switching purely for financial sense is difficult to justify.We would look at it like this: if you want the refinement, tech, and driving experience of an electric car now and are okay with the depreciation as the price of that upgrade, the XEV 9S is a very logical move. If you’re on the fence and primarily worried about money, it’s perfectly sensible to hold on to the XUV700 a bit longer and revisit an EV when the next wave of models arrives.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
AK

Ajay Kumar Ajanvi

2d

I have a 2021 MG Hector with me, which gives me only 7-8km of mileage, although it is in very good condition. My running is around 900-1000km per month. Should I upgrade to Mahindra 9S? I am confused because the resale value of my car is only 8.25 lakh. Is it worth taking a loan and buying 9S, or is it more logical to continue with the MG?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Retaining your MG Hector is the sensible choice if it is otherwise serving you well, without niggles or issues. Sure, the Hector's fuel efficiency is expectedly low, but you will have to invest a huge sum over and above the resale value of your car to purchase the Mahindra XEV 9S, which will be a decision solely driven by a want, rather than a need.Also, over the next few years, the rate of depreciation for your Hector will flatten, and its value won't drop as drastically year after year. So, from a financial perspective, it makes more sense to hold on to it for a few more years.

VehicleMG Hector
VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
SA

Sai

1d

Should I go for the Hyryder or the Aircross X (facelift expected in June)? I mostly drive long distances on highways and want good rear-seat comfort.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13m

We have not heard of any confirmed facelift for the Citroen Aircross X in June, so that seems unlikely for now. Based on your needs, the Citroen Aircross X 1.2 turbo automatic would suit you better than the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder for long highway trips.The Citroen Aircross offers a noticeably more comfortable back seat. It’s wide, has good thigh support, and the backrest angle is spot-on for long journeys. Ride quality is supple even on uneven surfaces, and the car stays planted at highway speeds, so rear passengers don’t get tossed around. The 1.2‑litre turbo engine has enough punch for easy overtakes, and the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly. As a five-seater, the boot is also generous, which makes it ideal for road trips.The only real drawback is Citroen’s inconsistent sales and service network. Before buying, gauge how proactive your local dealer is. If they’re indifferent during the sales process, expect even less enthusiasm during service visits. If that’s the case, it’s best to walk away.Opt for the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder only if you prioritise Toyota’s bulletproof reliability and after-sales support. But for your stated priorities, which are highway comfort and rear-seat space, the Citroen Aircross remains the more enjoyable and relaxed choice.

VehicleCitroen Aircross
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Posted on: 27 Feb 2026