MG recently launched the Hector Tomahawk EV with a 69.2kWh battery, promising a claimed range of 517km. The 3-row electric SUV is positioned squarely against the Mahindra XEV 9S, which is one of the most popular EVs in its price range, and has a larger battery capacity and a higher claimed range of 679km. But in real-world conditions, does the Mahindra XEV 9S offer higher range than the MG Hector Tomahawk EV? We find out.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Specifications, price
Tomahawk EV has a smaller battery, but weighs less than XEV 9S and is more affordable
*The XEV 9e has a kerb weight of 2201kg, so the XEV 9S, being a 3-row offering, will be heavier.
The MG Hector Tomahawk EV gets a smaller 69.2kWh battery compared to the XEV 9S’ 79kWh unit. It also gets a less powerful front motor that produces 82hp and 70Nm less than the XEV 9S’s rear-mounted motor. However, the Hector Tomahawk EV is the lighter electric SUV in this comparison, weighing over 250kg less than the Mahindra XEV 9S.
The MG Hector Tomahawk EV also asks a lower price, its base-spec variant costing Rs 3.15 lakh less and its top-spec variant costing Rs 6.65 lakh less than the XEV 9S’s 79kWh battery trims.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Real-world range comparison
Although offering very different city and highway efficiencies, both eSUVs offer similar average range
While the MG Hector Tomahawk EV has a claimed ARAI range of 517km, the Mahindra XEV 9S promises a higher range of 679km. However, in our real-world tests, the XEV 9S delivered a higher average range, despite the Hector Tomahawk EV performing better in city driving conditions.
In the city, the Tomahawk EV covered 495km on a full charge, which is 17km more than the XEV 9S. However, on the highway, the Mahindra managed 477km, going 80km further than the MG. As a result, the Mahindra achieved an average real-world range of 477.5km, which is 31.5km more than the Tomahawk EV's 446km.
In our real-life tests, we found the Tomahawk EV's relatively mild regenerative braking, even in its strongest setting, limits its potential for better city efficiency. Meanwhile, its bulky, upright design also works against it on the highway. The XEV 9S, on the other hand, weighs over 2.2 tonnes, which definitely affects its efficiency against the Hector Tomahawk EV.
Autocar India’s range testing
For our real-world range test, we begin with each car’s battery fully charged and tyre presures set as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. We drive the cars on a fixed loop covering both city and highway stretches while maintaining set average speeds. We then calculate the range based on the percentage of charge consumed. The AC is set to 22deg C in auto mode, and features such as the music system, lights and ventilated seats are used as needed, just as a regular user would. This approach ensures consistency and gives a clear idea of what to expect in daily use.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
