You will find an all-black theme inside the Mahindra XUV400, while copper breaks up the dark plastic finishes on the air vents and the steering wheel. Overall, it’s a functional and workmanlike environment, built to withstand daily family use rather than dazzle with touchscreens.

Cabin Layout and Quality

The dashboard layout is straightforward to navigate. Mahindra has updated the centre console with a new 10.25-inch infotainment screen, which removes much of the older, cluttered button arrangement. Fit and finish are acceptable, though some of the plastics feel quite basic.

Shams points out,

"In an era of massive screens and fully digital clusters, the part-analog cluster and smaller screen might not fully satisfy the modern tech-savvy consumer."

Seating Comfort

Passenger comfort is one of the XUV400's strongest traits. The seats are well-padded and provide great support for longer journeys.

Front Row

The front seats are wide and accommodating. The driver gets a commanding view of the road ahead, aided by good glass area. The steering wheel offers height adjustment, helping you find a comfortable driving position quickly. The seats provide decent under-thigh support, which is vital when stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Second Row

Rear passengers get the most out of the 2,600 mm wheelbase. Legroom is generous, and three average-sized adults can sit side-by-side without feeling entirely cramped. The floor is raised slightly so that the battery pack fits in, resulting in a ‘knees-up’ seating position. But it is not a dealbreaker.

Features That Improve Daily Use

• A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that displays navigation feeds directly to the driver.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control to keep the cabin cool during harsh summers.
• A wireless charging pad is located conveniently in the lower cubby hole.
• Over 55 connected car features via the Adrenox system.

Mahindra has priced the XUV400 competitively. It offers a larger battery and more cabin space, and the entry-level variant is a genuine steal for those wanting a spacious city runner. Meanwhile, the top-spec EL Pro gives you the full kit list and maximum range.

Ex-Showroom Prices (India)

In the EV world, range anxiety is a primary concern for any buyer, so the XUV400 offers two battery choices to suit different budgets and driving habits. The claimed figures are optimistic, as is the case with all EVs, but the real-world performance highly varies.

Observed Range During Testing

If you drive aggressively, the battery will drain noticeably faster. However, moving around town in the 'Fun' mode yields highly respectable numbers. It is incredibly pocket-friendly to run, especially if you charge overnight at home using the 7.2 kW wall box.

Mahindra has a strong reputation for building crash-worthy cars, and the XUV400 continues this trend. It feels heavily built, with doors that shut with a reassuring thud. The brand has also packed it with an essential safety kit to keep your family secure.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

The body shell uses high-strength steel extensively, promising one rigid safety cell for occupants to stay tucked in. Six airbags are offered on the top-spec models, while you get only dual front airbags on the EC trim. It also has ISOFIX points in the rear for securely mounting child seats. The battery pack and electric motor are IP67-rated, meaning they are completely protected against dust and water wading during monsoon floods.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control are standard, intervening smoothly when the tyres lose grip on loose tarmac. All four wheels get disc brakes, providing strong, progressive stopping power without feeling grabby. You also get a tyre pressure monitoring system and a reverse parking camera with adaptive guidelines to help you squeeze into tight spots without scraping the paint. But notably, the car does not have an ADAS suite.

Safety Verdict

The car’s fundamental safety package is completely sorted out, and Bharat NCAP agrees as well, providing it with a five-star rating.

With the introduction of the Pro variants, Mahindra has changed the cabin a lot to keep the SUV competitive. Previously, the dashboard was a bit dated and did not have a modern appeal. Now, it feels thoroughly upmarket.

Shams earlier said,

“While the interior lacks some of the 'wow factor' found in newer rivals, the driving dynamics, class-leading length, and solid range make it a formidable contender.”

That sentiment was true for the older models, but the updated cabin gets rid of many of those past flaws. The layout is now more modern and has a premium dual-tone black and beige theme. The touchpoints feel much better, especially the flat-bottom steering wheel borrowed directly from the flagship XUV700. These things matter a lot to buyers.

Infotainment and Interface

• The centrepiece is a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that dominates the dashboard.
• It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means effortless smartphone pairing.
• The driver gets a matching 10.25-inch digital driver's display that gives a highly practical navigation feed.

Cabin Convenience and Practical Features

• Dual-zone climate control allows the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures.
• Rear AC vents make an appearance, vastly improving comfort for backseat passengers.
• A single-pane electric sunroof is available in the higher variants.
• You also get four speakers and two tweeters for the car’s audio system.

The extra length over its sub-four-metre sibling translates directly into excellent load capacity. You get 378 litres of boot space, which remains the highest in this specific segment. It easily swallows a weekend's worth of luggage for a family of four. The load lip is relatively low, making it easy to slide heavier suitcases inside. However, because the battery pack sits under the floor, the rear seat floor is slightly raised. It means when you fold the rear bench down to expand the stowage, the load bay does not fold entirely flat.

Mahindra has always known how to engineer a well-balanced chassis, and this electric crossover is no different. It uses high-tech dampers that iron out the potholes of poorly maintained Indian roads. The ride quality is plush without ever feeling unstable.

City Driving

Inside the city, the best way to drive the car around is in the 'Fun' mode. The steering is light, making tight U-turns and squeezing into parking spots a breeze. You also get an 'L' mode on the gear shifter, which activates single-pedal driving for maximum battery regeneration. It takes a moment to get used to the strong deceleration, but it makes dealing with heavy traffic a completely effortless affair.

Highway Driving

The XUV400 feels brilliantly planted on highways. Switch to the 'Fast' or 'Fearless' drive modes, and the steering weighs up nicely, offering better feedback. The 148 bhp electric motor offers a lot of high-end torque, making high-speed overtakes effortless. It hits 100 kmph in just 8.3 seconds, all while making sure the powertrain never runs out of breath. And despite the heavy battery pack, body roll is also kept firmly in check around corners.

The variant lineup has been trimmed down to make the buying process simpler. You now have the EC Pro and the EL Pro trims, with the latter offering two distinct battery choices.

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• A branded premium audio system
• An outdated cabin, according to some
• Registered issues with Aelxa connectivity

Selecting the XUV400’s right variant ultimately depends on your budget and usage patterns.

For Strict Budgets: EC Pro (34.5 kWh)

If you want an EV for mostly city chores, the entry-level EC Pro will answer your needs. Pricing-wise, it outperforms its main rivals while offering the exact ride quality and cabin space.

For City Commuters: EL Pro (34.5 kWh)

This one provides the sweet spot in the range. You get all the essential tech upgrades, including the crisp dual screens and dual-zone climate control, without paying the premium for the larger battery. It is perfectly suited for daily office runs.

For Highway Runs: EL Pro (39.4 kWh)

If you regularly take your car out on the open road, the larger 39.4 kWh battery is non-negotiable. It has a real-world range of around 250 to 280 km, which means less range anxiety for you during longer journeys.