I want to upgrade from a Tata Nexon EV Max to a seven-seater SUV. Having used the EV for almost 4 years, I have experienced how economical it is and would like to go for another EV. One of the best options I am considering is the Mahindra XEV 9S. However, I am not sure whether it is really worth the price, as I don't feel comfortable spending over Rs. 30 lakh on a Mahindra. Are there any better options I should consider? Please advise.

autocar.india

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The claimed range figures are based on the official MIDC test cycle, which is a laboratory test and not a real-world figure. The Mahindra XEV 9S and MG Hector Tomahawk EV are very different cars. The 9S is a more aerodynamic, lower-slung SUV, while the Hector Tomahawk EV is a larger, heavier SUV with a more upright body. Aerodynamics and weight play a huge role in efficiency, especially at higher speeds. So even though the MG has a bigger battery, it is also likely to be less efficient, which is why the claimed range is similar.In the real world, you should expect both cars to deliver significantly lower range than the claimed figures. The 9S will likely be the more efficient car, but the difference will not be as dramatic as the MIDC numbers suggest. The MG's larger battery will give it a slightly higher usable range, but it will also consume more energy per kilometre. Ultimately, the choice should be based on the car that best suits your needs rather than the claimed range figures.

Mahindra XEV 9S

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

autocar.india

•1d

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV’s larger 69.2 kWh battery, delivering a similar claimed range to the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack One Above 59kWh (517 km vs 521 km) is primarily a reflection of vehicle efficiency rather than battery chemistry. The Hector Tomahawk EV is a larger, heavier SUV with a more upright body and a less aerodynamic shape, which naturally increases energy consumption per kilometre. The XEV 9S, while still a large SUV, is a more modern, ground-up EV with a sleeker design and a more efficient powertrain, allowing it to extract more range from a smaller battery.In real-world testing, we would expect the Hector Tomahawk EV to deliver a slightly higher absolute range than the XEV 9S 59 kWh, simply because of the larger battery. However, the difference is unlikely to be dramatic, and the Mahindra will remain the more efficient vehicle in terms of energy consumed per kilometre. The Hector Tomahawk EV’s advantage is range, not efficiency.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Mahindra XEV 9S. With 40-50 km a day, 80-90% city driving, and the ability to install a home charger, you are the ideal electric car owner. The XEV 9S is a genuinely well-rounded electric SUV with a strong real-world range, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and a very refined driving experience in the city. Your regular short trips every 15 days are easily manageable with an EV, and the convenience of home charging will make ownership effortless.The XUV 7XO AXT diesel is a very good SUV, but your usage pattern does not justify a diesel. Modern diesel cars are far less problematic than they used to be, but DPF regeneration still requires regular sustained highway runs, and your usage is predominantly city-based. The XEV 9S, on the other hand, will deliver lower running costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and a smoother, quieter driving experience that is perfectly suited to your daily routine.The only caveat is long-distance touring. If your short trips are genuinely long highway runs, you will need to plan charging stops. But for your usage, the XEV 9S is the smarter, more future-proof choice.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra XUV 7XO