Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

The Mahindra XUV 3XO’s cabin did not excite us that much feature-wise, but it wasn’t overly disappointing, either. It has a curious mix of familiar parts and some seriously notable omissions.

Cabin Layout and Quality

The general fascia is well-appointed, but the tech suite feels dated. The infotainment layout is directly lifted from the outgoing XUV 400. While it retains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it frustratingly lacks the high-end tech seen in the standard ICE 3XO. Meanwhile, the plastics used around the touchpoints feel durable, but perhaps a bit utilitarian in places.

Seshan observes this about the digital layout,

“The digital cluster is updated to show battery percentage, range, and average efficiency.”

Seating Comfort

Front Row

The driver's seat enjoys a high view of the road in front, but shockingly, the top-spec AX7L trim is the only variant with leatherette upholstery. Buyers have to settle for standard fabric seats in the other trim. You also lose out on ventilated seats, a creature comfort sorely missed during harsh Indian summers. Adding to the list of downgrades, the panoramic sunroof is swapped out for a smaller single-pane unit in the AX5 variant. Taller individuals will also find it difficult to tuck their feet in securely in this row.

Second Row

The heavy battery pack under the floor means the seating posture is somewhat compromised. Occupants get reduced under-thigh support on longer journeys. Still, the cabin can be considered somewhat spacious. The panoramic sunroof makes the interior feel larger than it actually is, and this second row offers some decent legroom on board. 

Features That Improve Daily Use

• Rear AC vents to help passengers stay cool.
• A handy phone holder hook is available at the back.
• Type-C charging ports are there for juicing up modern devices quickly.
• Three-point seatbelts have also been provided for all three rear passengers.

Mahindra has played a very aggressive game with the price tag, challenging several direct rivals, and even its own stablemates.

Ex-Showroom Prices (India)

Efficiency is the absolute primary concern for any electric runabout, and the Mahindra XUV 3XO keeps that EV prestige alive, as its claimed numbers look entirely decent on paper. Mahindra officially claims a driving range of 285 km on a single full charge.

Observed Range During Testing

Note: This car is a fairly new entrant in the Indian market, and its real-world driving range is not clearly available for the time being, whether it’s inside the city or on the highways. We will update this as more information emerges over time.

The brand generally performs incredibly well in crash test ratings across its entire lineup, and the XUV 3XO is no different, with its underlying rigid chassis. It has pulled off a five-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP recently.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

The shell feels solid, and the body is equipped with some seriously heavy doors. Inside, six airbags are standard, and the inclusion of three-point seatbelts for all three rear passengers is an excellent touch, as it makes sure middle passengers aren't left with outdated and dangerous alternatives. ISOFIX points are also there in the rear row for child seats.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

The active safety suite carefully covers the basics with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Yes, Level 2 ADAS is available on both the AX5 and the AX7L variant.

Safety Verdict

This SUV easily meets fundamental, everyday safety with its robust build quality and a comprehensive safety suite. It also gets a 360–degree camera and front parking sensors to make your driving experience better and safer.

The technology inside this electric SUV provides the essential digital tools required for a daily driver without overwhelming the driver with complex menus.

Infotainment and Interface

• The central infotainment layout is directly carried over from the older XUV 400.
• It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone pairing.
• The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is updated specifically for EV duties.
• The 10.25-inch driver’s display clearly shows battery percentage, remaining range, and average efficiency metrics.
• There is also a Harman Kardon audio system available.

Cabin Convenience and Practical Features

• Rear passengers benefit from dedicated AC vents and a handy phone holder hook.
• Type-C charging ports are available to keep devices topped up on the move.
• Safety in the back is sorted with three-point seatbelts provided for all three rear passengers.
• The top-spec AX7L gets the panoramic sunroof, while the AX5 gets the single-pane alternative.

Boot capacity is a vital metric for any family runabout. The packaging of the battery pack often dictates how much luggage you can actually carry in an EV, but the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV has a fairly sufficient boot space of 364 litres. You do have to lift heavier bags over a noticeable load lip in the vehicle, though. But inside, the load bay is squared off and quite practical for weekly groceries or weekend duffel bags. We consider this amount of storage consistent in the sub-four metre segment.

Electric vehicles naturally carry extra weight, and how the suspension irons out bumps dictates the overall experience. In this electric SUV, the chassis feels properly balanced for Indian conditions.

City Driving

The electric powertrain shines brightest in stop-start traffic. It delivers an instant response the moment you tap the throttle, which makes it incredibly nippy when you need to dart into a sudden gap. Meanwhile, the suspension setup cushions you from harsh bumps and ruts across pothole-ridden tarmac. It rarely feels unsettled over broken city streets. As for the steering, it’s light and easy to twirl.

Highway Driving

The heavy battery pack keeps the SUV firmly planted during highway stints. The low centre of gravity ensures it feels sure-footed at triple-digit speeds, and overtaking slower traffic is simple thanks to the punchy mid-range torque. The power delivery remains linear until it eventually starts to run out of breath near its top speed. Body roll is kept well in check through sweeping bends, but you will notice some wind noise creeping into the cabin above 100 kmph.

Mahindra has kept the lineup simple for the 3XO's electric model with just two distinct trims. Both variants get the exact same 39.4 kWh battery pack, meaning your range remains identical regardless of the price tag.

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• Leatherette upholstery could have made the base variant better.
• Ventilated front seats are absent in the EV.
• High-end infotainment software from the standard 3XO is not included either.

Mahindra has kept the EV’s trims pretty straightforward. So, this vehicle's either variant will excite you based on one primary factor, i.e., whether you want some extra niceties in the comfort department.

Best for Budget EV Buyers: AX5

This entry-level trim is the undeniable sweet spot for strict budgets. You get the full 285 km claimed range, and also the essential tech to navigate city traffic comfortably.

Best for Feature Focus: AX7L

If you want a slightly better cabin, the AX7L is generous. It adds a panoramic sunroof and better exterior styling elements, such as light-coloured leatherette upholstery.

Best for City Runabouts: AX5

For those who need a reliable daily driver for short school runs or office commutes, the base model still makes the most financial sense.