The MG Hector Tomahawk EV and Mahindra XEV 9S are EVs that can seat up to seven passengers, but when it comes to variant-wise pricing, the models differ quite a lot. The top-spec Tomahawk EV Essence is priced at Rs 23.5 lakh, ex-showroom, which is close to the range-starting XEV 9S Pack One Above at Rs 23.4 lakh (with the 79kWh battery pack). Here, we compare these trims to see what you get with each EV.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Dimensions
The MG Hector Tomahawk EV is slightly longer than the Mahindra XEV 9S by 7mm and it is also 23mm taller, but 50mm narrower. Tomahawk's wheelbase is 48mm longer as well. Overall, the Tomahawk EV is larger than the Mahindra in every dimension except width. Its 230mm ground clearance, measured to the battery, is also class-best.
Both SUVs use 18-inch wheels. The XEV 9S has a 150-litre frunk, while the Tomahawk EV does not have one. In the seven-seat layout, the Tomahawk EV offers 528 litres with the third row folded. That compares with 527 litres in the XEV 9S with its third row folded.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Powertrain specs
Clearly, the Mahindra XEV 9S has the more powerful powertrain, with 286hp and 380Nm compared to the Hector Tomahawk EV’s 204hp and 310Nm. That is an 82hp and 70Nm advantage for the Mahindra. It's also quicker, with a claimed 0-100kph time of 7 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds quicker than the MG. The Tomahawk EV has front-wheel drive layout, while the XEV 9S uses a rear-wheel drive setup.
The XEV 9S also gets a larger 79kWh battery, compared to the Tomahawk EV’s 69.2kWh unit. This gives it a claimed MIDC range of 679km, which is 162km more than the MG’s 517km figure.
With AC charging, the XEV 9S takes 11.7 hours with a 7.2kW charger and 8 hours with an 11.2kW charger, compared to 12.5 hours for the Tomahawk EV with its 7.4kW charger. On DC charging, the XEV 9S takes 20 minutes from 20-80 percent with a 180kW charger, while the Tomahawk EV takes 35 minutes from 30-80 percent with a 90kW charger. The charging times claimed by the carmakers are based on different battery SoC ranges, so they are not directly comparable.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Exterior features
Despite the XEV 9S Pack One Above being the range-starting trim, it packs a largely similar set of features to the top-spec Tomahawk EV, including LED tail-lights, electrically adjustable ORVMs with turn indicators and rear spoilers. The XEV 9S gets LED projector headlamps, while the Tomahawk EV gets regular LED units. The two also differ in their door handles, with the Tomahawk featuring pull-type ones and the XEV 9S getting flush-fitting units.
The top-spec Hector Tomahawk EV does have a few additional features over the range-starting XEV 9S, including alloy wheels, powered folding ORVMs and a powered tailgate. Interestingly, even the top-spec XEV 9S does not get a powered tailgate. Front fog lamps are missing from the entire Tomahawk range, while higher XEV 9S trims get them.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Interior features
Inside, the XEV 9S gets a three-screen setup - 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, central touchscreen and passenger display - right from its base trim. The Tomahawk EV, meanwhile, gets a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch driver's display, with no passenger screen.
Both SUVs get a panoramic sunroof, second-row centre armrest and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the MG SUV has a few features that the base-spec XEV 9S misses, including ventilated front seats, a wireless charger, ambient lighting and rear sunshades. It also gets a 10-speaker system compared to the XEV 9S's six speakers.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Driving features
There is little to separate the two EVs here. The main difference is that the Tomahawk EV gets adaptive cruise control, while the XEV 9S Pack One Above gets only regular manual cruise control.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Safety features
Both SUVs are evenly matched on several basic safety features. The top-spec Tomahawk EV, however, has an advantage with a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS, both of which are missing from the XEV 9S Pack One Above.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Verdict
Between the MG Hector Tomahawk EV Essence vs Mahindra XEV 9S Pack One Above, our pick is the latter. The Mahindra XEV 9S is priced higher than the MG Tomahawk EV, but what is interesting is that even the range-starting trim makes a strong case against the more accessible MG. It gets a larger battery pack, a higher claimed range, faster charging speed compatibility and a more powerful electric motor. On the features front too, the base-spec Pack One Above trim gets a good mix of equipment and is not bare-bones, as is the case with some other cars.
However, if you specifically want a five-seater SUV with plenty of boot space and a long list of features, the Tomahawk EV can be considered; the XEV 9S does not offer the choice of a 5-seater layout.
Prices mentioned above are ex-showroom.
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
