27
Nov,2025
On November 27, 2025, at 6:22 PM UTC, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited unveiled the XEV 9S — India’s first mass-market, three-row all-electric SUV — during its Scream Electric event in Mumbai. Priced from Rs 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom), the seven-seater cuts Rs 1.95 lakh off the base cost of the XEV 9e, despite sharing the same INGLO electric platform. It’s not just a new model. It’s a statement. Mahindra isn’t just entering the electric SUV space — it’s claiming the family segment before anyone else can blink.
Why This Matters for Indian Families
India’s EV market has been dominated by two-seaters and compact SUVs. The XEV 9S changes that. For the first time, a family of five or six — maybe even seven — can realistically go electric without sacrificing space or practicality. The vehicle’s 59kWh, 70kWh, and 79kWh battery options offer ranges that suit urban commutes and long-distance trips alike. With fast-charging up to 175kW, a full charge takes under 30 minutes. That’s not just convenient — it’s transformative for road trips across states like Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh, where charging infrastructure is slowly but steadily improving.
Performance doesn’t lag either. The 79kWh variant hits 100kph in just seven seconds, matching some premium petrol SUVs. Top speed? 202kph. And yes, it’s rear-wheel drive across all trims — a deliberate choice, engineers say, to improve handling and reduce weight. The 59kWh version isn’t far behind at 7.7 seconds. For context, the Tesla Model Y Long Range hits 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds — but it costs nearly double and seats only five.
The Tech That Sets It Apart
The XEV 9S isn’t just about power and space. It’s packed with features that feel like they belong in a luxury sedan. Top trims come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems — lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking. There’s auto-parking, a drowsiness detector that monitors driver eye movement, and even a Harman Kardon sound system. Ambient lighting shifts through 128 colors. Dual-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable. Leatherette seats? Standard.
Optional extras include a 7.2kW home charger for Rs 50,000 and a faster 11.2kW unit for Rs 75,000. That’s steep, but not unheard of — Tesla and Hyundai charge similar premiums. The real win? Mahindra didn’t cut corners on safety. The body structure uses high-strength steel and includes seven airbags. The battery pack is IP67-rated and mounted under the floor, lowering the center of gravity. In crash tests, it’s expected to outperform most ICE SUVs in its class.
Who’s Behind the Wheel?
This launch is the latest milestone in Mahindra & Mahindra Limited’s Born Electric strategy, unveiled exactly one year earlier on November 27, 2024. Under the leadership of Chairman Anand Mahindra and CEO Dr. Anish Shah, the company has pivoted aggressively from diesel SUVs to EVs. The XEV 9S is built on the same platform as the XEV 9e, but it’s not a rebadged version. It’s a ground-up redesign — longer wheelbase, redesigned rear seats, optimized battery layout.
Even the naming hints at strategy. The "9S" isn’t arbitrary. It signals a new naming convention — "9" for the XUV700’s platform, "S" for SUV. Team-BHP users had already leaked the name months earlier, with forum member CARDEEP correctly predicting the model’s identity. That kind of pre-launch buzz is rare in India’s auto sector — and it speaks to Mahindra’s growing digital engagement.
No Competition. Yet.
Here’s the wild part: right now, there’s no direct rival. Tata’s Safari EV is a five-seater. MG’s ZS EV is a five-seater. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is a five-seater. Even the upcoming Kia EV9, while a seven-seater, won’t arrive in India before 2027. That gives Mahindra a 12- to 18-month head start. And with pricing between Rs 19.95 lakh and Rs 21.95 lakh, it’s squarely aimed at middle-class families who’ve been waiting for an EV that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
That’s why The Economic Times called it "a product designed for Indian family needs." The numbers back it up: over 60% of new car buyers in India’s mid-segment are families with children. And 42% of them say they’d consider an EV if it had enough space and charging options — according to a 2025 survey by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
What’s Next?
Bookings open on January 14, 2026. Deliveries follow shortly after. But Mahindra’s roadmap doesn’t stop here. Its website, mahindraelectricsuv.com, already lists the "BE 6" — rumored to be a compact EV based on the KUV100. There’s also talk of a 9S variant with dual motors and all-wheel drive. If that happens, it could push pricing toward Rs 25 lakh — but still undercut foreign rivals.
For now, the XEV 9S is a quiet revolution. No fanfare. No celebrity endorsements. Just a well-engineered vehicle that answers a real question: "Can I go electric and still take the whole family to the hills?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the XEV 9S compare to the XEV 9e in terms of space and price?
The XEV 9S is Rs 1.95 lakh cheaper than the XEV 9e despite sharing the same INGLO platform, and it adds a full third row of seats, making it a true seven-seater. The XEV 9e is a five-seater with slightly less rear legroom. The 9S also has a longer wheelbase (2,810mm vs. 2,710mm), better rear door access, and a more practical cargo layout — all without raising the price.
Why is there no competition in the three-row EV segment yet?
Most global automakers see India as a price-sensitive market and have prioritized smaller EVs. Tata, Hyundai, and MG haven’t launched seven-seater EVs here yet, and their global models like the Kia EV9 or VW ID.7 Space Vizzion won’t reach India before 2027. Mahindra’s timing is perfect — it’s filling a gap that competitors didn’t even realize existed.
Can the XEV 9S handle long-distance travel in India?
Yes, with caveats. The 79kWh variant offers an estimated 450km range on a full charge. With 175kW fast charging, you can add 200km of range in 15 minutes. Charging stations are expanding along NH44 and NH48, but rural stretches still lack coverage. Mahindra is partnering with ChargePoint and Tata Power to expand its network — but owners should plan routes carefully for now.
What’s the warranty and service support like?
Mahindra offers an 8-year or 160,000km warranty on the battery and electric drivetrain — among the best in the industry. Service centers are available in over 500 cities, and the company has trained 1,200 EV-specific technicians since 2024. Mobile service vans now cover 80% of Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, reducing downtime for repairs.
Is the XEV 9S eligible for government subsidies?
Yes, under the FAME II scheme, buyers in most states can claim up to Rs 1.5 lakh in subsidies if the vehicle’s price is under Rs 20 lakh. The entry-level Pack One Above (Rs 19.95 lakh) qualifies, bringing the effective price down to around Rs 18.45 lakh. Some states like Delhi and Maharashtra offer additional incentives, pushing savings even higher.
What’s the next electric SUV Mahindra is planning?
Leaked internal documents and website references suggest a compact EV called the "BE 6," likely based on the KUV100 platform, will launch in late 2026. There are also rumors of a dual-motor, AWD version of the XEV 9S — possibly branded as the "XEV 9S Pro" — with over 500km range and 5-second 0-100kph acceleration. That could target premium buyers without needing to import a Tesla.
