Mahindra XEV 9S

The dashboard has dropped almost all physical buttons and embraced massive screens for the car’s technology.

Cabin Layout and Quality

• A triple-screen setup spans the entire width of the dashboard.
• Mahindra covers the lower sections of the dash in soft leatherette.
• The centre console sits high up, separating the driver and front passenger.
• The gear selector is a toggle switch, freeing space for large cup holders and charging pads.

Seating Comfort

Front Row

• The floor is a bit high here because of the battery pack underneath.
• Both seats have ventilation to keep you sweat-free during the summer.
• They are wide and heavily bolstered as well.
• They get full electric adjustments, including lumbar support.

Second Row

• You can easily stretch your legs out here even with taller passengers up front.
• The completely flat floor also makes it easy for a middle passenger to sit comfortably.
• These seats feature a slide and recline function, alongside a powered boss mode.

Third Row

• The flat roofline ensures that third-row occupants get adequate headroom.
• It serves as a highly flexible space for large families on weekend trips.

Seshan notes,

"If you ask Mahindra the reason for naming this EV 9S, the one-word answer would be 'Space'."

Features That Improve Daily Use

• Three separate 12.3-inch displays
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• A premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• A large panoramic skyroof

The car's price easily crosses Rs. 20 lakh for all its variants.

The XEV 9S has three battery packs: 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh (all come with a lifetime warranty for the first private owner). It takes 20-25 minutes to charge 20-80 per cent with an 180 kW DC fast charger, while a home charger takes about 11.7 hours.

Since EVs have high kinetic energy, Mahindra had to build the XEV 9S’s INGLO platform to a solid, top-tier level.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

• ISOFIX child seat mounts are safely integrated into the second row.
• Six airbags come as standard equipment across all variants.
• Pack Three and Pack Three Above have seven airbags.
• The heavy battery pack is enclosed inside a highly reinforced steel casing.
• The body shell utilises ultra-high-strength steel to form a protective safety cage.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

• The Level 2 ADAS suite manages adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
• Electronic stability control actively prevents the rear wheels from spinning out on wet or loose surfaces.
• A high-definition 360-degree camera helps navigate and park the wide SUV body safely.

This car’s cabin completely gives up traditional physical buttons on the dashboard in favour of an expansive, wall-to-wall screen system.

Infotainment and Interface

• A coast-to-coast layout houses three separate 12.3-inch displays across the dashboard.
• The driver views a digital instrument cluster, the centre screen manages core navigation and settings, and the front passenger gets a dedicated entertainment display.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect instantly to mobile devices.
• Navigating the complex digital menus while driving can cause some distraction, though.

Cabin Convenience and Practical Features

• The front seats offer three levels of cooling ventilation.
• A premium Harman Kardon audio system provides heavy bass response and clear vocals.
• The massive panoramic skyroof allows plenty of natural light into the interior.
• The high-set centre console also includes dual wireless phone charging pads.

The mechanical packaging provides practical storage spaces across both ends of the vehicle.

• The rear cargo area holds 527 litres of luggage, suitable for two large suitcases.
• But the slightly slanted rear glass restricts you from stacking unusually tall boxes.
• A 150-litre front trunk (frunk) sits under the bonnet for storing charging cables.
• The rear seats fold completely flat to unlock a massive cargo bay for much larger items.

Weighing well over two tonnes, the chassis of this car works with a firmly tuned suspension to manage that heavy footprint.

City Driving

• The vehicle feels quite heavy to drive at lower speeds.
• The stiff suspension calibration also registers thuds when hitting sharp potholes.
• But the steering remains very light, letting you navigate narrow city streets with less effort.

Highway Driving

• The open road is where the firm suspension configuration functions best.
• The vehicle remains completely flat at triple-digit cruising speeds, completely avoiding the floaty, bouncy characteristics of traditional ladder-frame vehicles.
• The exceptionally low centre of gravity keeps the chassis firmly planted through sweeping highway corners.

There are many variants for the Mahindra XEV 9S right now. The difference between them is mostly in the battery packs and some technological hits or misses.

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• Physical dials and buttons for air conditioning
• Comfortable suspension over broken, low-speed city roads

Choosing the right XEV 9S variant depends on your budget, desired driving range, and the features you value most.

Best Value Overall: Pack One Above

The Pack One Above has an excellent balance of features and pricing. It includes the premium cabin, triple-screen dashboard, panoramic sunroof, connected car technology, etc.

Best Balance of Features and Price: Pack Two Above

The Pack Two Above adds desirable features such as the Harman Kardon Dolby Atmos audio system, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, a powered tailgate, and additional ADAS functions.

Best Flagship Experience: Pack Three Above

The Pack Three Above is the fully loaded XEV 9S. It comes with every feature Mahindra offers, including the augmented reality head-up display, Auto Park Assist, Secure360 live surveillance, an in-cabin camera, premium upholstery, etc.