If you’re in the market for a mainstream EV with three rows of seats, there are currently three options you can choose from: the Mahindra XEV 9S, the Kia Carens Clavis EV and the BYD eMax 7.  They differ in their form factor, with the former being a traditional SUV while the latter two are MPVs, but they all offer the space and practicality of a three-row vehicle. Here in this article, we are exploring how the three EVs stack up on paper in terms of their size, seating configurations, powertrain options and price.

XEV 9S vs Carens Clavis EV vs eMax 7 dimensions

The SUV form factor means the Mahindra XEV 9S is larger in every metric, lending it better road presence than the two MPVs. However, it’s the BYD eMax 7 which has the longest wheelbase of them all, while the Carens Clavis EV has the largest boot with all rows in upright position. The SUV body style also lends the Mahindra the highest ground clearance as well as the largest wheels. Meanwhile, the eMax 7 misses out on a frunk offered by the other two cars.

XEV 9S vs Carens Clavis EV vs eMax 7 battery options and range

A fundamental difference between the XEV 9S and the two MPVs is that the former is rear-wheel driven, while the Carens Clavis EV and the eMax 7 are both front-wheel driven. Also, it’s worth noting is that the Mahindra and the BYD are born-electric vehicles, while the Kia is the only one which is an ICE conversion.

In terms of specs, the Mahindra is leagues ahead of the other two 7-seaters. It not only has the largest batteries, but also the greatest number of options. It is also the most powerful in every configuration compared to the other two.

Given the Carens Clavis EV’s relatively small battery pack options, it unsurprisingly has the least range. However, what’s interesting is that the BYD eMax 7 with its 71.8kWh battery returns 530km on the stricter NEDC cycle, which is comparable to the XEV 9S’ 59kWhh variants with a claimed range of 521km on the more relaxed ARAI cycle. Nonetheless, if outright range is a priority, the XEV 9S clearly trumps over the other two.

The larger battery means the XEV 9S takes more time to charge than the Carens Clavis EV, but it’s still lesser than the eMax 7 as the latter gets a slower AC charger as standard. The Mahindra also charges the quickest using a DC fast charger.

XEV 9S vs Carens Clavis EV vs eMax 7 seating configuration   

This is where the BYD eMax 7 has a clear distinction as it is the only one to be offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations; the other two are strict 7-seaters. All three EVs come with adjustable second-row seats to make for some additional space in the third row. In fact, all three EVs can accommodate average-sized adults in reasonable comfort in the third-row.

XEV 9S vs Carens Clavis EV vs eMax 7 price

The Mahindra XEV 9S’ prices are still introductory, but it has the widest price band, ranging between Rs 19.95 lakh and Rs 29.45 lakh, ex-showroom. The Kia Carens Clavis EV is the most affordable of the lot, with prices overlapping with entry- and mid-spec variants of the XEV 9S. Meanwhile, the BYD eMax 7 is the most expensive of the lot, with prices overlapping with the top-spec variants of the XEV 9e. Overall, the XEV 9e seems to strike the best balance of space, range and value among the three 7-seater EVs.