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Are you one of those people who wants to buy an electric car but is put off by the high price and range concerns? If so, Mahindra’s new XEV 9S could prove to be a game-changer for you. It’s India’s first three-row electric SUV, starting at just ₹19.95 lakh. But the question is: does this vehicle truly deliver good performance at an affordable price? Can it replace your petrol or diesel SUV? Today, we’ll tell you about our real-life experience with this vehicle on the roads of Bengaluru. This isn’t a simple review, but a detailed test that will influence your next car purchase.

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Exterior

At first glance, you might think the XEV 9S is a variant of the XUV700. But a closer look reveals that it’s an electric car built on an entirely new platform, the INGLO. It’s slightly longer than the XUV700, and has a wheelbase of 2762mm. Most notably, it features flush door handles and aero-optimized 18-inch alloy wheels, which help increase range. At the front, you get a closed grille and LED headlamps, giving it a modern look. At the rear, there are newly designed LED taillamps and a stylish bumper. This vehicle is perfect for those who want an electric car but don’t want a too radical design.

interior

As you step inside, you’ll notice a stunning setup of three 12.3-inch screens that dominate the dashboard. The driver-facing digital display is sharp and customizable. The center infotainment screen integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa and ChatGPT. Surprisingly, it comes pre-installed with over 60 apps. The passenger screen is equally large and can stream content, although the lack of a privacy filter could be a distraction for the driver.

In terms of comfort, the front seats are adjustable and ventilated. The second-row seats can recline and slide, while the third row is suitable for children or short-distance travel. Luxury features include a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charger for rear passengers. Safety features include six airbags, an advanced ADAS system, and a 360-degree camera.

Performance and Range

The XEV 9S comes with three different battery options – 59kWh, 70kWh, and 79kWh. The 79kWh variant we tested produces 286 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Mahindra claims a 0-100 kmph sprint in just 7 seconds. In real-world driving, the car proved to be very comfortable on city roads and sufficiently quick on the highway. It also has a one-pedal driving option, making city driving a breeze.In terms of range, the 79kWh variant offers a MIDC range of 679 km, but in real life, you can expect a range of around 450 km. With 180kW DC fast charging, it charges from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes. The battery is backed by a 15-year warranty, ensuring long-term use.

Ride Experience and Handling

The XEV 9S’s suspension has been specifically tuned for Indian roads. It absorbs minor potholes and bumps with ease. However, at higher speeds, a slight bouncy feel can be felt on rough roads. In Race mode, the suspension tightens slightly, which alleviates this problem. In terms of handling, it performs quite well for its weight. The steering is light and provides adequate feedback. Being RWD improves its handling even further.

Read more: Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe EV- A Lightning Storm Coming in 2026, Brad Pitt and F1 Champions Show Off in Las Vegas

Price

The XEV 9S’s biggest strength is its price. With a starting price of ₹19.95 lakh, it’s ₹2 lakh cheaper than its sibling, the XEV 9e. The top variant costs ₹29.45 lakh. Considering its features, performance, and space, this price is well-justified, especially when compared to similarly priced petrol-diesel SUVs.