Patiala

Sai Shiva

•6w

I am looking for a 7-seater car with a lower running cost. I think Mahindra XEV 9S is satisfying the need. Can I purchase it, or should I wait so that Plugin Hybrid EVs or Safari EV might be launched? Need your advice. Thanks.

Autocar India

•6w

The Mahindra XEV 9S is currently one of the most complete 7‑seater EVs you can actually buy, and if it fits your budget and usage, you don’t need to overthink it. It’s built on Mahindra’s new INGLO EV architecture (shared with the XEV 9E), offers multiple battery options, genuinely low running costs, proper three‑row space and a decent boot with the third row down. The sliding second row gives you useful flexibility to balance legroom between the second and third rows. The suspension is tuned on the softer side, which makes it very comfortable in the city, even if it can feel a bit floaty at higher highway speeds.

If you have reliable home charging and your running is mostly city with the occasional highway trip, the XEV 9S is already a very sensible future‑proof pick. Real-world ranges of over 420km on the larger batteries mean that you are not going to be range‑anxious on typical family runs.

JSW Motors’ first plug‑in hybrid SUV and the Tata Safari EV are both interesting, but they are still some distance away. JSW’s PHEV, based on the Jetour T2, is only expected towards the end of 2026, and will likely be priced much higher and positioned more upmarket. The Safari EV is also targeting a late‑2026 launch window, and real‑world pricing, range and third‑row comfort are still unknowns.

So, unless you specifically want to wait for 6-8 months for more options and are okay with higher likely prices, the XEV 9S is a safe and sensible choice today, especially if low running cost is your top priority.

Explore cars mentioned

JSW Motors

Jetour T2

from ₹44.05 Lakh

Mahindra

XEV 9S

from ₹21.10 Lakh

Venu madhav desagani

•6w

Hi as an expert pls explain about the third genuinely.request you not to underplay it.As I have seen the 9s in view of buying but third is practically for 5 yr old kids .Not even a thin teenager will be able sit comfortably in those .may be all other featuers 2nd row are good but third row is practically does not exists.Can consider this as 5 seater then it's a good car.I just request since u r an expert pls give genuine honest opinion.thq

Srikanth H R

•6w

Hi Venu, I own a XEV 9S. Recently went on a 2000 km round trip (Hyderabad-Bangalore-Mysore-Coorg-Hassan-Bangalore-Hyderabad). My adult daughter who is 5’ tall sat in the last row and was pretty comfortable during the journey (the other last row seat was folded down to make space for the luggage). The frunk is cool as an additional luggage space btw 😊 So it is doable. Anyone above 5’2” may find it tough to sit in that row for long journeys (the middle row can be pushed forward to make the much needed legroom in the third row so within the city, not too much of a problem).

V Sriganesh Chennai

•6w

Check out the new Nissan Gravite some 11.50 lacs 7 seater value for money for top end version

Bhavik Kothari

•5w

Isn't JSW car (Jetour T2) that is supposed to launch around diwali going to be a 5 seater?

Cars

•5w

Or maybe kis seltos

Cars

•5w

Well hey there if you really think you consider mahindra evs then it's fine, but maybe if ur looking for comfort and all maybe you can consider a 6 seater instead like maybe a hyundai Alcazar, but if ur really willing to get a lower running cost then you should definitely go for a ev

Syed

•5w

Third row of xev9s is BS ...gives you claustrophobia!!!

Nitin

•5w

Does in ev car, we getting headache due to battery noise

Mebz

•5w

Forget everything try the byd emax 7

Ksk

•5w

Vinfast Mpv7

Rak

•6w

I would suggest you check out the Kia Carens Clavis EV. IMHO, it's got better 3rd row space for longer trips too.

Amar Nath Goel

•6w

Price of 9 s

Amar Nath Goel

•6w

9s price

More questions on similar cars

Jay

•23h

I am retired and plan to buy an EV primarily for limited daily use in the city. My budget is around ₹35 lakh (ex-showroom). I am considering the Mahindra XEV 9S and would like to know whether it would be a suitable choice for my requirements. If yes, could you please suggest which variant would make the most sense in terms of comfort, features, ease of ownership, and value for money?

Autocar India

•21h

For your usage and budget, an EV like the Mahindra XEV 9S works well. The top-spec Pack Three Above with the larger 79kWh battery fits well within your budget, and for that, you'll get all the bells and whistles. This suits you because the XEV 9S is smooth and quiet, with no gear shifts, so stop-and-go traffic feels easy and less tiring. The taller seat makes getting in and out simple, and the view out is good. Some things to be aware of - Mahindra EVs are known to suffer a few software glitches, though these should be fixable with OTA updates, and some find the ride quality a bit soft, so check if you're comfortable with that. The XEV 9e does a better job in this respect.Additionally, considering you're using it mainly in the city, you might find it quite large for your needs. If you're looking at something more compact, the BYD Atto 3 is also worth considering at this price range.

Mahindra XEV 9S

BYD Atto 3

Roshan

•1d

My budget is Rs 18 lakh. I am looking for a hassle-free ownership experience, good build quality, an automatic gearbox, a 360-degree camera, and ventilated seats.

Autocar India

•2h

For your requirements, the new Hyundai Venue automatic is a very strong fit. Since hassle-free after-sales is clearly a priority, Hyundai’s service experience and ownership peace of mind are among its biggest strengths. It also comes with the features you specifically want, like a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats. Importantly, the new Venue has also scored a full 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.If your usage is mostly city, the 1.0 turbo petrol automatic makes the most sense as it is peppy enough and easy to drive. If your running is higher and includes frequent highway trips, the diesel automatic is actually the sweeter option because the 1.5 diesel is smoother thanks to its four-cylinder nature, the torque converter automatic is more seamless than a DCT in everyday use, and efficiency will be better too.

Hyundai Venue

Riza Shah

•5d

Hi. I am a doctor living in the city. I am married and have a daughter. I own an Alto 800, and I have never had a problem with it until now. My wife constantly complains that the car is too small and feels a bit odd for a doctor to drive. I think it is time to get a more spacious car for me, my wife, and my daughter. Any advice?

Autocar India

•8m

Since you are content with your Alto 800, a sensible upgrade would be the Maruti Suzuki Swift or Dzire. They keep the compact, fuel-efficient, fuss-free nature you like, but will feel like a definite step up from the Alto for your family.If you'd like to make a bigger jump to an SUV, then you have a number of options available, from the Maruti Brezza to the Hyundai Creta. They will offer much more space, but will also feel larger and a bit more cumbersome to drive in the city.Do write to us with your budget and which segment you are looking at, and we can help you further.

View all Posts

Popular discussions right now

TechiePetrolhead

•1w

Hi AutocarIndia Team, I am really interested in the Tata Sierra EV. Any scoops or news on when we can potentially expect the same to be launched here in India? Thanks, TechiePetrolhead

Autocar India

•6d

If you are waiting for the Tata Sierra EV, the good news is that it does not seem too far away. Current indications suggest a launch could happen either later this month or in June.Expect it to slot below the Tata Harrier EV in Tata’s electric line-up, likely with multiple battery pack options and a more premium positioning than the Tata Curvv EV. Tata has also indicated that both Rear Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive versions are planned, which should make it one of the more interesting mainstream electric SUVs in India.

Soumith Uppu

I am looking for a family car and am currently confused between the Tata Punch Accomplished AMT, Maruti Fronx Delta Plus AMT, and Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT. Could you please help me choose the best option?

Autocar India

•2d

It's really hard to suggest a car without knowing a bit more about your requirements, like rear space requirements and the distance driven per month. Thus, as a good all-rounder for a small family, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT fits your brief best. Pick this variant because it gives you the most rear-seat space and a bigger, more useful boot than the other two, so adults sit more comfortably, and you pack more for trips. It also feels light and easy to drive in traffic, and the ride is calm over rough roads, which helps passengers, especially elders or kids.Two things to note: this automatic can feel a bit slow to pick up when you press the accelerator hard, and you will miss a few fancy features that sit on higher trims. If you drive with a full load on steep hills often, you may want to try it once to see if the response suits you.If you value tough build and the best ride on broken roads above all else, the Tata Punch Accomplished AMT is the second choice. It also has a smaller footprint for tight parking and a feature-rich cabin at a price like the Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT, too. Overall, for family comfort and everyday ease, go with the Fronx Delta Plus AMT.

AVINASH PARWANI

I have booked the Kia Seltos turbo DCT. My monthly running is around 900 km, mostly in Chennai traffic. Should I wait for the hybrid version? Is it expected soon? Also, how much price difference can be expected between the turbo-petrol and the hybrid?

Autocar India

•2d

The Kia Seltos hybrid, as well as the new-generation Hyundai Creta with the hybrid tech, are both expected to arrive next year. If you can wait until then, it would be better to do so, as the hybrid would be far more fuel-efficient. As for the price difference, it's hard to pinpoint right now, but expect to pay about Rs. 50,000 extra over a turbo-petrol automatic.Thus, if the wait time and the premium are not ok with you, stick with the Kia Seltos. However, given that you are mostly driving in traffic, remember that a turbo petrol would not be very efficient, and for heavy, slow traffic, the DCT can feel a bit hesitant at crawling speeds and can run warm in long jams. The Seltos with the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol with CVT is better suited to your use, as its smoother in the city, would be more fuel-efficient and would potentially be more reliable too.

Kia Seltos

View all Posts

Posted on: 2 Apr 2026

Need expert advice?

Ask the Autocar community and experts.

I am looking for a 7-seater car with a lower running cost. I think Mahindra XEV 9S is satisfying the need. Can I purchase it, or should I wait so that Plugin Hybrid EVs or Safari EV might be launched? Need your advice. Thanks.

Still have questions?

Need expert advice?

Our brands

I am looking for a 7-seater car with a lower running cost. I think Mahindra XEV 9S is satisfying the need. Can I purchase it, or should I wait so that Plugin Hybrid EVs or Safari EV might be launched? Need your advice. Thanks.

Still have questions?

Need expert advice?

How can we help?

What vehicle do you own?

Your details