Mahindra XEV 9S: Room For More

There are moments in the industry when a new model does more than simply join a lineup. It widens it. It opens it up to new kinds of users without stepping on the toes of the vehicles that came before it. The launch of Mahindra’s XEV 9S is one of those moments.

Mahindra’s born-electric range began with the XEV 9e and the BE 6, models that set new benchmarks for the brand’s electric ambitions. With their design, technology, and focus on refinement, they demonstrated what a modern Indian EV could look like. The new XEV 9S builds on that success by offering a solution for buyers who want the same electric experience in a larger, more versatile format.

The headline is clear: the XEV 9S is India’s first-born electric seven-seater. Designed on Mahindra’s INGLO platform, it has been engineered from day one to accommodate three rows without compromising its EV fundamentals. This makes it fundamentally different from converted or adapted seven-seaters. It is a ground-up EV that simply has room for more people and opens up more possibilities.

The shift to a more upright SUV silhouette is part of the brief. Customers looking for a three-row family EV expect easy access, good visibility, and a confident stance. The 9S delivers that while staying true to the clean, sharp styling of the XEV family. The longer cabin and taller roofline improve headroom and create a more comfortable environment for all passengers, especially in the second and third rows.

Inside, the focus on usability is immediately noticeable. The second row slides and reclines to balance comfort and accessibility. The third row offers everyday practicality for families and expands the use case of an electric SUV beyond personal commuting. Fold the third row and the 9S offers a significantly larger cargo area for weekend trips or long drives. This adaptability is central to the 9S and is one of the reasons it occupies a distinct space in the XEV portfolio.

A major addition to the experience is the openable panoramic sunroof. It spans almost the entire cabin, giving passengers in all three rows a clear sense of space and light. For a large EV, this feature enhances the ambience and reinforces the idea that the 9S is meant to be enjoyed by everyone on board, not just those in the front seats.

While the 9S introduces new packaging and practical upgrades, it retains the signature features that shaped the appeal of the 9e. The Harman Kardon audio system, the wide tri-screen dashboard, the connected tech ecosystem, and the attention to cabin quality remain key elements of the XEV identity. The advanced safety suite, including Level 2 ADAS and a heads-up display on higher trims, continues to be a part of the offering, ensuring that the 9S is not only spacious but also secure and confident on the road, like its coupe-SUV cousin.

A notable update on the 9S is the addition of a new 70 kWh battery pack. Positioned between the 59 and 79 kWh options, it gives customers more flexibility in choosing a range and price combination that suits their usage patterns. This variety strengthens the appeal of the XEV lineup by giving buyers a more tailored set of choices.

In day-to-day use, the 9S benefits from its upright proportions and thoughtful interior layout. Ingress and egress are simpler, cabin access is more natural, and long-distance comfort is supported by well-judged ergonomics and premium touches available on the higher variants. For families who frequently travel with multiple passengers or substantial luggage, the 9S offers an EV solution without asking for compromises.

The important point is that the XEV 9S does not replace the 9e or position itself above it. The two models complement each other by addressing different customer needs. The 9e remains the sleeker, more design-driven option for smaller households or individual users. The 9S steps in for larger families and those who value space and adaptability. Both share the same electric DNA, the same forward-looking technology, and the same commitment to delivering a premium experience.

Together, they broaden the XEV family and reinforce Mahindra’s intention to offer electric solutions across multiple segments. The XEV 9S shows that a born-electric platform can scale effectively into a full-size format and that a three-row EV can be engineered thoughtfully for Indian conditions and expectations. With the launch of the XEV 9S, Mahindra has not simply added another model. It has expanded what its electric portfolio can offer. More seats. More space. More flexibility. Quite simply, room for more.