Mahindra updated its flagship ICE SUV, the XUV 7XO, with a slightly redesigned exterior and interior and a fresh feature suite. Its design seeks inspiration from the Mahindra XEV 9S, which serves as the flagship EV in the manufacturer’s line-up. So, how different or similar is the XUV 7XO compared to the XEV 9S? Let us find out.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs XEV 9S: Exterior design
The headlight and bumper design of both SUVs are very different.
The XUV 7XO’s fascia gets new dual-pod LED headlights like the Scorpio N and C-shaped LED DRLs. Meanwhile, the XEV 9S is inspired by the XEV 9e, and comes with connected LED DRLs and vertically-stacked projector LED lights, all of which are enclosed in a triangular housing.
While the EV doesn't get a grille altogether, the XUV 7XO features a gloss black grille with silver slats that give it a menacing look. The bumper design of both 3-row offerings differ a lot, with the ICE-powered SUV featuring functional air intakes and fog lamps, which are missing on the XEV 9S.
The side profile is identical, save for the different alloy wheel design.
The side profile of both the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S are identical, with flush-type door handles, gloss black cladding on the lower edge and a chrome strip that runs across the window line. The only difference is the alloy wheel's design, although the rim size is the same 19 inches.
The tail-lights and tailgate design are similar, except for a redesigned bumper.
Like the side profile, the rear design of both 3-row SUV offerings have a lot in common. These include the arrow-shaped wraparound LED tail-lights that come with honeycomb-shaped design elements. The gloss black trim that runs between the tail-lights is also similar; the Mahindra logo is different.
While the rear bumper of both the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S has a gloss black finish, the ICE SUV comes with patterned elements on its bumper while the EV that has a cleaner look.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs XEV 9S: Interior design
Both get similar dashboard designs, but with different cabin themes.
The dashboard of the XUV 7XO is identical to the XEV 9S. Common design elements include a triple-screen setup and a two-spoke steering wheel with a gloss black finish. Keen-eyed viewers can, however, notice that the ICE SUV comes with a chrome ‘Twin Peaks’ logo, while the EV gets an illuminated infinity logo that is characteristic of the manufacturer’s born-electric vehicles.
Other than this, the XUV 7XO’s cabin theme is a mix of black, tan and beige colours, while the XEV 9S gets an off-white and grey theme. The design of the seats is also similar in both SUVs, with the difference being the colour theme.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs XEV 9S: Features
The XEV 9S comes with a handful of extra features over the XUV 7XO.
As mentioned earlier, both the Mahindra XUV 7XO and XEV 9S feature three 12.3-inch displays, right from their respective base-spec trims. Other common features include a 6-way powered driver’s seat with memory and welcome-retract functions, a 6-way powered co-driver’s seat with an eclectic boss mode, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front and second row seats, and wireless phone chargers for front and rear seat passengers.
However, the XEV 9S is equipped with additional features, including an augmented reality-based head-up display (HUD), automatic parking assist, pet mode and an NFC key, along with an EV-specific vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs XEV 9S: Powertrain
The XUV 7XO gets an AWD, which is missing on the XEV 9S.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO comes with either a choice 203hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine or a 185hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine. Both engines are available with manual and automatic options, and the diesel-automatic combination also gets an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.
The Mahindra XEV 9S comes with three battery pack options: 59kWh, 70kWh and 79kWh. Unlike the ICE model, the 3-row EV is only available with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO prices range between Rs 13.66 lakh and Rs 24.92 lakh, while the XEV 9S is priced between Rs 19.95 lakh and Rs 30.50 lakh.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Saumil Shah
Saptarshi Mondal
