Kia Carens Clavis EV HTX E

Considering that you may occasionally need more than five seats and plan to keep the car for at least four to five years, we would recommend opting for a six or seven-seater. Because of this, the Hyundai Creta EV and the Tata Harrier EV can be ruled out, as both are strictly five-seaters.

The Mahindra XEV 9S is very competitively priced and comes loaded with features. The downside is the ride quality, especially in the second and third rows. It can feel a bit too soft due to the suspension setup. This is not much of an issue in city driving, but at highway speeds on uneven surfaces, the car tends to bounce as the suspension takes time to settle.

Since you had also shortlisted the Hyundai Creta EV, we would suggest taking a look at the Kia Carens Clavis EV, as it uses the same powertrain and battery. It works better as a six or seven-seater, thanks to a more spacious third row compared to the 9S, where even adults can travel in reasonable comfort. While it is not as powerful as the Mahindra XEV 9S. It still offers more than enough performance even with a full load, and the suspension feels more comfortable overall.

One important thing to note is the battery size. The Clavis EV has a smaller battery pack compared to the XEV 9S. In real-world usage, the Mahindra can deliver over 450 km on a full charge. While the Clavis EV is likely to offer closer to 350 km of realistic range.

If you're happy with your 2019 Creta, the ideal switch for you will be a Hyundai Creta Electric. It's a relaxed, easy to drive and very likeable EV. Range is good, so you won't need to plug it in all that often, and there's ample boot space too. However, we would urge you to try fitting your golf set into be absolutely sure. 

Alternatively, you could look at the Kia Carens Clavis EV. It's got the same attributes as the Creta Electric (the two models are related) with the added flexibility of a third row of seats. With the last row of seats folded, your golf set should fit comfortably in the vehicle.  

Since you are able to purchase a new Kia Seltos or Carens Clavis EV, we would suggest you not look at a used Tata Harrier or XUV700, as these are quite close in size, performance and features. If you are buying used, it makes sense to get something from two segments above. 

As to your query about a diesel or electric, yes, both are not likely to have a high resale value. There's certainly a cloud over diesel's long term future, and the pre-owned EV market is too nascent to judge future potential. 

We would, however, recommend the EV as you will be keeping your car for about 10 years, and in that time with your running you would save on fuel bills. Between the Hyundai Creta electric and the Clavis EV, we would suggest the Kia as it's very similar mechanically. But also offers you the benefit of the third row of seats, which is quite spacious and usable. 

Given your requirements, the only options that are not wildly expensive are the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Kia Carens Clavis EV. Both are three-row SUVs that are pretty spacious and practical, but they differ in what they offer.
The Mahindra car comes across as the more premium of the two. It’s larger, has an imposing road presence and comes packed with technology and features. It wins the spec-sheet war and is a very comfortable, compelling option. However, once you consider how the car will be used, the Kia Carens EV could be the better everyday car.

One of the most significant factors is access to the cabin. The Carens Clavis EV sits lower, making getting in and out easier. Your requirement for a wheelchair suggests that someone with limited mobility will be using the car, and this is why the step-in height becomes something you notice every single day and a very important factor.

Also, the third row, too, is slightly more practical and usable in the Kia car. When the third row is folded down, the boot is spacious enough to accommodate a wheelchair. The lower floor also makes loading a wheelchair easier.

On the ownership side, Mahindra’s EVs have made rapid progress and the products are far more polished than before, but some owners still report software-related hiccups. Kia’s EVs, by comparison, are better sorted, suggesting a more predictable ownership experience.
Both cars are easy to drive; the XEV 9S offers a better ride and is more refined, but the Carens Clavis EV feels less cumbersome in tight spaces.
 

The Mahindra XEV 9S is a large car, but its last row isn't comfortable for adults over long drives. Hence, if you need a comfortable seven-seater for long drives, consider the Turbo petrol versions of the Kia Carens Clavis and Tata Safari instead. 

There's also the Kia Carens Clavis EV in this range, which shares its battery+motor with the Creta Electric. However, on your 350km+ highway drives, you will have to stop and charge once, as its real-world highway range is about 345km as per our tests