The Mahindra XEV 9e serves as the Indian brand’s flagship electric SUV and is priced between Rs 21.90 lakh and Rs 31.25 lakh. Slotting above the BE 6 in Mahindra’s born electric portfolio, the XEV 9e has its fair share of strong points and weaknesses, some of which we have detailed below. These pointers will help you make an informed purchase if you are considering this e-SUV.
1. Single-charge range
Up to 656km claimed range
The XEV 9e has two battery pack options: 59kWh and 79kWh. On the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC), the smaller battery delivers a range of 542km on a single charge, while the larger pack is good for 656km (Mahindra claims over 500km in real-world conditions). From daily office commutes to interstate travel, the XEV 9e is an EV worth considering. With a 175kW DC fast charger, charging from 20 to 80 percent takes just 20 minutes.
2. Space and comfort
Large door openings and well-padded seats
It’s easy to get inside the XEV 9e due to doors that open up to 90 degrees. The seats are well-cushioned, and the ones at the front also get ventilation, electric adjustment and memory functions. The rear seats offer good thigh support and impressive legroom, which can be enhanced by the boss mode function, operated via a manual lever on the front passenger seat. And the headroom at the back is adequate for average-sized passengers.
3. Great to drive with impressive performance
Rides with ease over rough patches; has instant acceleration typical of EVs
The Mahindra XEV 9e delivers a refined drive for a large SUV, with independent suspension, semi-active dampers and steering that is light and easy at low speeds, making it effortless to drive in the city. At higher speeds, there’s added weight that gives a lot of confidence. Its 19-inch wheels (standard) and well-tuned setup give it a plush ride, and performance is strong, too, with the range-topping 79kWh variant producing 286hp and covering 0-100kph in 7.2 seconds (as per our onboard timer). It also offers 3 drive modes – Range, Everyday and Race – plus a Boost function. Cabin noise is well-controlled, adding to the overall refinement. The XEV 9e variants with a smaller 59kWh battery pack have a 231hp motor.
Now that we have covered the pros of the XEV 9e, let us take a look at the e-SUV’s downsides.
1. Major controls baked into the touchscreen
Confusing user interface
Key controls, including drive mode selector and climate control settings, are accessed only via the touchscreen. There’s too much on the screen, and while there are physical shortcuts, the UI/UX isn’t very user-friendly, noted our Mahindra XEV 9e review. For example, the drive mode section pops up on the far side of the screen, and climate menus often disappear before you finish making adjustments.
2. Ergonomic flaws
Sloping rear roofline limits rearward visibility for the driver
The power window switches are toggle-type, but since you push them up to lower the window and down to raise it, they feel counterintuitive and take some getting used to. The sloping coupe roofline also compromises practicality by limiting rearward visibility for the driver, made worse by the large rear headrests. While the headroom at the back is fine for average-sized adults, taller passengers may find their heads brushing the roof.
Note: Mahindra XEV 9e price range is ex-showroom, Mumbai.
