Highlights:
- Mahindra XEV 9S is India’s new 7-seater electric SUV built on the INGLO skateboard platform with three battery options (59kWh, 70kWh and 79 kWh) with advance battery technology.
- Introductory prices start at ₹19.95 lakh (ex‑showroom), making it one of the most accessible full-size family EVs with three rows.
- Claimed range goes up to 679 km on the biggest battery, with 0–100 km/h in about 7 seconds and rear‑wheel‑drive dynamics.
- Positioned as a ground‑up “Electric Origin SUV”, it targets buyers upgrading from diesel SUVs and MPVs, not just early EV adopters.
Variants — Price & Range
| Variant | Price (Rs. lakh) | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Pack One Above 59kWh | 19.95 | 521 |
| Pack One Above 79kWh | 21.95 | 679 |
| Pack Two Above 70kWh | 24.45 | 600 |
| Pack Two Above 79kWh | 25.45 | 679 |
| Pack Three 79kWh | 27.35 | 679 |
| Pack Three Above 79kWh | 29.45 | 679 |
Big new electric SUV for India
Mahindra has finally revealed the XEV 9S, a three‑row electric SUV that aims to be the “big new electric” family car for the Indian market. Built on the INGLO skateboard architecture, it is pitched as an authentic electric‑origin SUV rather than a simple conversion of an existing ICE model, with packaging and cabin space optimised around the flat battery pack.
At the Scream Electric event in Bengaluru on 26–27 November, the XEV 9S took centre stage as the first 7‑seater in Mahindra’s Born Electric lineup, celebrating one year of its eSUV journey. The brand is clearly using this launch to move EVs from niche urban commuters into the mainstream family‑SUV category.
Battery, range and performance
The Mahindra XEV 9S comes with three battery pack choices – 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh – all paired with a single rear‑mounted motor. Power output ranges from around 231 PS on the base 59 kWh version to 286 PS on the top 79 kWh variant, with a consistent 380 Nm of torque across the line‑up.
Mahindra claims a MIDC range between roughly 521 km (59 kWh) and 679 km (79 kWh), putting the 9S among the longest‑range EVs on sale in India today. Real‑world expectations hover closer to 400–550 km depending on battery size, which still makes it highway‑capable for intercity family trips. With a 0–100 km/h time of about 7 seconds for the higher‑spec variants and rear‑wheel‑drive setup, it promises performance close to some premium imported EV SUVs.
Pricing, variants and running cost
Introductory prices for the XEV 9S start at ₹19.95 lakh ex‑showroom for the Pack One Above 59 kWh variant, going up through multiple “Pack One”, “Pack Two” and “Pack Three” trims that mix battery sizes and feature levels. Higher 70 kWh and 79 kWh variants stretch into the mid‑₹20 lakh range ex‑showroom, with some blogs estimating on‑road prices around ₹29–30 lakh for fully‑loaded trims in big cities.
Fast‑charging capability goes up to 140–160 kW depending on the battery, with Mahindra claiming 20–80% top‑up in about 20 minutes on a compatible DC charger. Social and business content around the launch is highlighting a running cost of roughly ₹1.2 per km and maintenance at around ₹0.40 per km, which significantly undercuts comparable diesel 7‑seater SUVs in total cost of ownership.
Interior tech and comfort features
While Mahindra’s teasers did not fully reveal the cabin before launch, the 9S is known to feature a wide, three‑screen dashboard layout – a driver display, central infotainment and a dedicated passenger screen. Expected equipment levels include a premium Harman audio system, advanced connected‑car tech, multi‑zone climate control and a large “Sky Lounge” panoramic glass roof to enhance the sense of space.
As a proper three‑row electric SUV, Mahindra is focusing on usable space in all rows, made possible by the flat INGLO skateboard chassis that frees up cabin length and improves legroom. Boot space and seating flexibility are being pitched as key differentiators versus two‑row EV crossovers, signalling that the 9S wants to replace diesel ladder‑frame SUVs and MPVs in family garages.
Safety, architecture and EV advantages
The XEV 9S benefits from the INGLO platform’s structural focus on crash safety, battery protection and energy absorption zones. Mahindra is targeting top global safety ratings for its Born Electric range, and the 9S is expected to offer up to seven airbags, ESP, hill‑hold assist, 360‑degree cameras and Level 2 ADAS features.
Compared to converting an ICE SUV, the ground‑up EV layout allows better weight distribution, a lower centre of gravity and more predictable handling, especially in rear‑wheel‑drive form. For urban buyers, the instant torque and single‑pedal‑style driving dramatically reduce fatigue, while the very low per‑km energy cost makes high‑mileage city and fleet usage financially attractive.
Why the XEV 9S matters for India’s EV market
In the current Indian EV market, most EVs are either compact crossovers or 5‑seat premium SUVs, leaving a gap for a mainstream 7‑seater electric family vehicle 2025. By combining three rows, long range, aggressive introductory pricing and Mahindra’s SUV brand equity, the XEV 9S effectively creates a new sub‑segment with no direct rival yet.
For families upgrading from diesel SUVs like the XUV700 or MPVs used for long‑distance travel, the 9S offers an EV that does not feel like a compromise on space or performance. If Mahindra can sustain realistic real‑world range and keep ownership costs close to early claims, the XEV 9S could become the tipping‑point product that normalises 7‑seater electric SUVs on Indian roads.
