Autocar India
•25w

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.

Verified
•25w
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.
JSW Motors Jetour T2

JSW Motors Jetour T2

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•24w•

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

•24w•

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).

•24w•

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

•24w•

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

•24w•

Or maybe kis seltos

•24w•

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

•24w•

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

•24w•

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

•24w•

Forget everything try the byd emax 7

•24w•

Vinfast Mpv7

•24w•

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

•24w•

Price of 9 s

•24w•

9s price

More posts on similar cars

•1d

Hello, I am planning to buy an EV that I need for a daily commute 170 km out which 80 km is on expressway. Rest is on state highway and city with heavy vehicle traffic. I am looking for a comfortable 7-seater for long term for at least next 8-10 years. I am inclined towards MG Tomahawk top trim and XEV 9s pack two Above 70kWh. Please advise.

Verified
•18h

With your 170km daily commute, including 80km on the expressway, the Tomahawk EV is a very strong fit. The 69.2kWh battery gives it a claimed 517km range, while our first drive review found it delivered 4.85km/kWh in a fast highway run, translating to around 336km of real-world range. That gives you a useful buffer for your daily commute.For your requirement of a comfortable 7-seater, the Tomahawk also has a spacious second row with excellent legroom, reclining seats and good third-row access. The third row is usable for adults on shorter journeys, although boot space with all three rows up is limited.The XEV 9S Pack Two Above 70 is the more sophisticated and performance-oriented option, but the Tomahawk's strengths are better aligned with your priorities: comfort, space and easy highway cruising. Our first drive also found it surprisingly easy to drive despite its size, with excellent visibility and light steering.The only concern is that the Tomahawk is a new EV, so there is no established 8–10 year ownership track record yet. An extended warranty would therefore be worth considering.

VehicleMG Hector Tomahawk EV
VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
•3d

I currently drive a Kia Carens iMT diesel, with monthly running of around 1,000km. About 820km, or 82%, is in the city, while the remaining 180km is on the highway. Most of my city trips are short, often just 2-4 km, with speeds generally below 40-50kph. The car is chauffeur-driven six days a week and usually carries my family of five: my wife, mother, son and daughter. My priorities are clear: excellent ride comfort over Chennai's potholes and broken roads, very comfortable seating for five adults, especially in the second row, minimal lateral and fore-aft body movement over bad roads, good low-speed manoeuvrability, a quiet and smooth drivetrain, low running and total ownership costs over five years, and enough boot space for shopping and family luggage. My son is already 5'7" at 14 and is still growing, so I don't want to compromise on his seating comfort. My maximum budget is Rs 27 lakh on-road in Chennai. I don't particularly value ADAS, sunroofs or touchscreen-heavy controls and prefer physical controls and a car that is fundamentally comfortable rather than gadget-heavy. I am not really looking for a seven-seater. I want a car that can carry five people in genuine, long-term comfort, with the flexibility of a seven-seater when required. Given that 82% of my usage is short-distance urban driving, ride quality, low-speed comfort, easy manoeuvrability, second-row space and low running costs matter more to me than outright performance or highway dynamics. Which car would suit me best?

Verified
•2d

Given your usage and priorities, the Mahindra XEV 9S seems like the best fit. This Mahindra car’s biggest strength is its ride comfort over broken roads and potholes, which is exactly what you're looking for. The second row is genuinely spacious, with a wide bench and good legroom, so your son will be comfortable as he grows. The car is very easy to manoeuvre in the city, and the electric powertrain will ensure smooth and quiet performance, and with home charging, your running costs will be very low.It is a genuine comfortable 5-seater, and it gives you the flexibility of a third row. When the third row is folded down, it also has enough boot space for family luggage. The car is fundamentally comfortable but is also gadget-heavy, with plenty of screens and features on offer, something that you're against. Still, we'd recommend you consider it, as it is genuinely a well-rounded option.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
•7h

I’m looking for a spacious, comfortable 5-seater that I can keep for 8-10 years. My priorities include excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance, reliable ownership, good safety, comfort, strong resale value and essential features only. I’m happy to skip gimmicky features. My monthly running will be around 600-1,000 km that includes daily office commute and one long trip every 1-2 months. I’m confused between petrol, diesel, CNG and hybrids, especially considering the E20/E30 discussion going on. My budget is Rs. 8-15 lakh on-road, with Rs. 12 lakh being the sweet spot. I’m also open to spending less if a lower-priced car offers the right combination of mileage, safety and space. Based on my usage, budget and priorities, which car, variant, engine and fuel type would you recommend? Also, when would be the best time to buy it?

Verified
•3h

Based on your usage, budget and priorities, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris mild hybrid petrol is the best fit. Your running of 600-1,000 km a month is not high enough to justify the premium you pay for a strong hybrid, and diesel does not make sense at this usage level. The Victoris mild hybrid petrol offers excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs and Maruti’s strong reliability and service reach, which aligns perfectly with your ownership plan of 8-10 years. It is also a spacious and comfortable 5-seater with good safety credentials and a strong resale value. The mild hybrid system provides a useful efficiency boost without the complexity or cost of a full hybrid system, making it the most sensible choice for your usage pattern. The Victoris also offers a good balance of essential features, and the overall ownership experience is likely to be hassle-free over the long term. In terms of timing, there is no need to wait as the Victoris is a new product with no major updates expected in the near future, so you can buy with confidence now. Go for the VXi trim as it gets all the necessary features and can be had either with a manual or an automatic gearbox option. If you want something more affordable and are willing to compromise on space, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a good alternative, but the Victoris is the more complete package for your requirements.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris

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•6d

Help me choose the right car for my usage. Please be practical and challenge my assumptions. My situation: I am 31 and work as a software developer. I currently work from home in Balsane, Dhule, but I am moving to Mumbai around March. My wife and I are expecting a baby in February. My parents live in a village where local transport is poor. My Mumbai office is near Powai, but parking is difficult. I prefer a manual car. Usage: My current running is around 10,000 km per year, but it may increase. I travel between Mumbai and Balsane, which is around 400 km one way, around 5-7 times a year, along with Dhule/Sakri and local trips. I also drive around Mumbai on weekends. The AC is usually on, and on long trips, the car will have my wife, baby, and luggage. Budget: Rs. 6-9 lakh on-road. I am willing to spend more only if it is genuinely worth it. Shortlist: - Tiago XE Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart CNG - Brezza LXi turbo-petrol Please tell me: 1. Which one should I buy and why? 2. Petrol vs CNG for my usage? The CNG premium is around Rs. 1 lakh, and the nearby village pump may open around Diwali, but this is not guaranteed. 3. What real-world mileage can I expect with the AC on? 4. Please consider loan interest, fuel costs, maintenance, depreciation, and resale value. 5. Is the Brezza worth the extra money? 6. Give me one final choice and tell me what I should avoid.

Verified
•5d

The Brezza LXI Turbo is far superior to the Punch and Tiago as far as smoothness, performance, and cabin space are concerned. It is also backed by Maruti's widespread support network, and the ownership experience is likely to be fuss-free. The on-road cost of the Brezza LXI will fall within your Rs 9 lakh budget, and even though you might miss a few features, it still feels worth opting for. Alternatively, you could also consider the Maruti Dzire VXI MT for its large boot, comfy ride and strong fuel efficiency.

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Posted on: 2 Apr 2026