Mahindra has launched the new XEV 9S, revealing its dimensions, battery packs and motor outputs. The 3-row EV is based on the INGLO platform and sits above the BE 6 in Mahindra’s born-electric range. At 4,737mm long and with a 2,762mm wheelbase, the XEV 9S is among the largest mass-market electric SUVs on sale.
As the first mainstream 3-row electric SUV, the XEV 9S has no direct rival. Buyers are likely to compare it with other 3-row EVs such as the Kia Carens Clavis EV and BYD eMax 7, both of which are MPVs. Its pricing and powertrain figures also place it close to 2-row electric SUVs such as the Tata Harrier EV.
Here’s how the XEV 9S compares with its closest alternatives on paper:
XEV 9S vs rivals: Dimensions
Longest model with SUV styling
| XEV 9S vs rivals: Dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Mahindra XEV 9S | Tata Harrier EV | Kia Carens Clavis EV | BYD eMax7 |
| Length (mm) | 4737 | 4607 | 4550 | 4710 |
| Width (mm) | 1900 | 2132 | 1800 | 1540 |
| Height (mm) | 1747 | 1740 | 1730 | 1690 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2762 | 2741 | 2780 | 2800 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 201 | 205 | 200 | 170 |
| Wheels (inches) | 18 | 18 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 17 |
| Frunk (litres) | 150 | 35 | 67 | 25 | NA |
| Boot (litres) | 500 | 502 | 216 | 180 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6/7 |
The XEV 9S is the biggest model here, offering greater length and practicality than all its rivals. The BYD eMax 7 has a longer wheelbase, but the XEV 9S delivers a more SUV-like stance than the BYD and Kia MPVs. Mahindra has raised the third-row H-point to improve under-thigh support, but the knees-up seating posture still remains, and it still won’t be as comfortable as the Kia Carens Clavis EV.
The XEV 9S’s ground clearance is higher than that of both the MPVs, and only the Harrier EV matches its SUV stance. Overall, the XEV 9S is the largest model here and the only full-size 3-row electric SUV.
XEV 9S vs rivals: Powertrain
Strong performance and longer claimed range
| XEV 9S vs rivals: Powertrain specs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Mahindra XEV 9S | Tata Harrier EV | Kia Carens Clavis EV | BYD eMax7 |
| Drive layout | RWD | RWD | AWD | FWD | FWD |
| Power (hp) | 231 | 245 | 286 | 238 | 313 | 135 | 171 | 163 | 204 |
| Torque (Nm) | 380 | 315 | 504 | 255 | 310 |
| Battery pack (kWh) | 59 | 70 | 79 | 65 | 75 | 42 | 51.4 | 55.4 | 71.8 |
| Range (km) | 521 | 600 | 679 | 538 | 627 | 622 | 404 | 490 | 420 | 530 |
| AC fast charging 10-100 percent (hrs) | 6-11.7 (11.2 kWh/7.2 kWh) | 9.3 / 10.7 (up to 7.2kW) | 4 | 4.45 (up to 11kW) | 7.55 | 10.16 (up to 7kW) |
| DC fast charging 20-80 percent (mins) | 20 (up to 175kW) | 25 (up to 120kW) | 39 (up to 100kW) | 37 (up to 150kW) |
| Claimed 0-100kph time (seconds) | 7.7 | 7 | 6.3 (75kWh AWD) | 8.4 | 8.6 |
The XEV 9S comes with three battery pack options: 59kWh, 70kWh and 79kWh. All models have rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 380Nm of torque. The top 79kWh version delivers 286hp, higher than what the MPVs and the Harrier EV’s single-motor variant put out.
The XEV 9S also boasts the longest claimed range in this comparison, with the biggest battery delivering 679km. For fast charging, all versions can go from 20 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes with a 175kW DC charger.
Coming to performance, the fastest XEV 9S variant hits 100kph in 7 seconds, making it quicker than the MPV rivals. However, the dual-motor Tata Harrier EV has the fastest acceleration among these models.
XEV 9S vs rivals: Price
Strategic for the new segment
| XEV 9S vs rivals: Price | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra XEV 9S* | Tata Harrier EV | Kia Carens Clavis EV | BYD eMax7 | |
| Price (Rs, lakh) | 19.95-29.45 | 21.49-28.99 | 17.99-24.49 | 26.90-20.90 |
*Introductory prices
The Mahindra XEV 9S debuts with an introductory ex-showroom price range of Rs 19.95 lakh to Rs 29.45 lakh. This pricing is strategic, as the XEV 9S has no direct competitor, being the first mass-market 3-row electric SUV.
The base XEV 9S variant starts slightly higher than the entry-level Kia Carens Clavis EV. However, the 3-row XEV 9S is competitive against the 2-row Tata Harrier EV, whose pricing overlaps with the Mahindra across the mid-to-high variants.
The price range positions the XEV 9S as an affordable, SUV-styled alternative to the Carens Clavis EV and eMax 7 MPVs, offering more practicality than the 2-row Harrier EV.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Suraj Viswanathan
