For a long time, electric SUVs in India have prioritised utility over engagement - built to move people efficiently, not make them want to drive. The Mahindra XEV 9S, with its people-oriented 3 rows of seats, is all set to challenge that status quo, just as they did with the BE 6 and the XEV 9e. As an Electric Origin SUV, it’s been engineered as a pure EV from scratch, not repurposed from a petrol or diesel platform. The result is expected to be a car that feels electric by design, not by compromise.
This is not just Mahindra’s, but also India’s first-ever electric-origin 7-seater eSUV, a bold step that pushes the brand’s EV portfolio into uncharted but very promising territory. On the surface, the XEV 9S will carry the same confident cues we’ve come to associate with Mahindra SUVs - an assertive bonnet, upright stance, and a high-seated cabin that offers a commanding view of the road. But beneath that familiar silhouette lies the ingenious INGLO skateboard architecture, a dedicated EV platform designed to maximise space and flexibility.
With the battery pack tucked neatly into the floor, there’s no central tunnel cutting through the cabin, which means a perfectly flat floor from front to back. That single design choice should transform the interior into a space that feels open, airy, and comfortable for all three rows. The main benefit of this, given that this eSUV features a sliding second row, is that it offers real flexibility: you can adjust legroom depending on who’s seated where.
The interior of the upcoming XEV 9S is likely to be similar to the XEV 9e, but will feature a sliding second row, leaving passengers ample space.
The XEV 9S will also build on a proven foundation. Coming off the success of the XEV 9e and the BE 6, Mahindra knows how to go about born-electric SUVs. And experience always matters. You can expect a rear-wheel-drive setup that will keep driving engaging and dynamic. And, should you be in the mood for it, you can expect a chassis balanced enough to take corners with a fair amount of chutzpah.
Inside, the triple-screen setup from the 9e is set to return, offering a seamless and familiar interface for infotainment, vehicle controls, and driver information. Expect all the top-end tech and convenience features from its smaller sibling, including connected vehicle systems, premium materials, advanced safety aids, and one of the most sought-after features in this class - an openable panoramic sunroof. Combined with the flat floor and large windows, it should give the cabin a light, spacious, and premium feel that's perfect for families and enthusiasts alike.
And then there’s the frunk. With no engine up front, Mahindra claims this space has been repurposed into a handy storage compartment. Whether it’s your kids’ sports kits, grocery bags, or a couple of overnight duffels, there’s always extra room up front. It’s the kind of small but thoughtful detail that adds up in daily use, especially when your mornings start with a school run and a boot already packed to the brim.
The XEV 9S is going to feature an openable panoramic sunroof - a much sought-after feature in this segment.
What should make the upcoming XEV 9S truly exciting is the fact that Mahindra is blending the practicality of a 7-seater SUV with the all-out performance of an electric car. You are likely to get everything you can find inside a full-sized Mahindra SUV - commanding road presence, practicality, comfort - but with the added benefits of electric power. That means instant torque, whisper-quiet drives, and significantly lower running costs. And most importantly, you’ll get better space management and overall practicality, thanks to that purpose-built INGLO platform.
For families who have been waiting for “the eSUV that ticks every box,” the XEV 9S is set to make a convincing case. You’ll get genuine three-row versatility, a premium yet functional cabin, and the reassurance that comes from a brand with over 30,000 Mahindra eSUVs already on Indian roads.
With the XEV 9S, Mahindra is trying to find the perfect middle ground by appealing to long road trippers and driving enthusiasts alike. Make sure you stay tuned to the launch of the XEV 9S at Mahindra’s ‘Scream Electric’ event on the 26th and 27th of November to witness the future of electric mobility in the country.
