Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review: Big Electric SUV, Bigger Expectations

It has been raining SUVs in the last few days, and the newest one to join this is a Mahindra. It’s big, has three-row seating, and it’s a born electric vehicle. Yes, I am referring to the all-new Mahindra XEV 9S, which was recently launched at an attractive starting price of Rs. 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom). And yes, we drove it. Now, like the 9e, the new XEV 9S is also built on Mahindra’s INGLO architecture, but its silhouette and size are closer to those of the XUV700. But is it something you should really be considering? Well, I’ll be answering that in this first drive report.

Also Read: Mahindra XEV 9S 7-Seat Electric SUV Launched At Rs 19.95 Lakh

Looks & Size

Now, Mahindra calls the new XEV 9S India’s first, ground-up three-row electric SUV, and for all intents and purposes, it is that. But visually, it’s a blend of the XEV 9e and the XUV700. The connected LED DRLs, Bi LED projector headlamps, and the large grille panel with the vertical lines have all been taken from the 9e. At the same time, the profile and rear section will remind you of the XUV700.

Also Read: Mahindra XEV 9e vs XEV 9s: Spec Comparison

Visually, it’s a blend of the XEV 9e and the XUV700, but the face is 9e through and through

But the bumpers have been redesigned, giving it a different flavour and are the 18-inch dual-tone aero style alloy wheels, which I favour over the ones on the 9e. The lighting signature of the LED taillamps, too are new. Overall, it’s a familial yet different, and while looks are subjective, I for one like the way the 9S looks.

The profile and rear section will remind you of the XUV700, but the 9S gets new light signature

And if you were wondering, the XEV 9S is a bit longer, slightly wider, has a touch more wheelbase and clearance, but sits a hair lower.

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Battle Of India’s Electric Titans

Cabin Space & Comfort

No captain seats, but the second row offers ventilation function for the two seats closer to the doors

Now, if you ask Mahindra the reason for naming this EV 9S, the one-word answer would be ‘Space’. Yes, that’s the big selling point here. A properly sized three-row electric SUV which can accommodate 7 passengers in good comfort. But this also means there is no 6-seater version with second-row captain seats. Is that a miss? Well yes, but I don’t see it as a deal breaker because the rear seat is quite comfortable nonetheless. In fact, you get a ventilation function in the second row. So, if you are someone who has a chauffeur to drive you around, the 9S will fit your bill.

Up front, you get 6-way power adjustment, both for driver and co-driver, with seat ventilation, of course

However, if you are the one who is going to be behind the wheel, it’s even better. 6-way power adjustment, both for driver and co-driver, with seat ventilation, of course. The driver also gets a 3-step memory function. The light, off-white upholstery of the 9e has been carried over here, but Mahindra has added a touch of sage green to the mix, which does look nice. But the main attraction is the dashboard, which houses the super-wide display unit with triple 12.3-inch screens. In fact, it’s possibly one of the most advanced displays in this segment, but more on that in a bit.

The super-wide display unit with triple 12.3-inch screens is a standard fitment

The steering too is new, and it can be adjusted for reach and height. But more importantly, this top-spec model gets capacitive buttons, which are not my favourite at all. They feel flimsy and are prone to false touches. Mahindra is offering dual-zone automatic climate control, and the cooling too is great, but the second-row vents miss out on blower controls, which, interestingly, the third-row vents get. While I don’t really care for one, for those who need one, there are two wireless phone chargers on offer (front and rear), along with at least two Type-C USB ports for each row.

The new 9S also gets a proper panoramic sunroof that opens, and it's standard

What you will care about though, is the addition of a proper panoramic sunroof that opens, unlike the 9e’s fixed glass roof. What’s also a nice touch is that you get a tray table for the second-row passengers, and a premium 16-speaker surround sound system from Harmon Kardon.

The third row is comfortable but only for kids and young adults

Coming to the third row seating, Mahindra says it's good enough for adults as well. However, I did try it out, and frankly, it might not be a problem for short journeys, but definitely not suited for long trips. That said, you get cup holders, 3-point seatbelts and AC vents with blower controls in the third row, so a nice place for the kids, surely.

With the third row down, you get 527 litres of luggage capacity

As for boot space, with the third row up, there is barely any space in the boot, but fold them down, and you will liberate 527-litres of luggage capacity. Yes, the boot lip is quite high so loading and unloading will require more effort, but you also get a frunk that is 150-litres in capacity.

Infotainment & Tech

The triple-screen displays run on the 8295 Snapdragon Chipset on this top-spec trim

The XEV 9S is possibly the most advanced Mahindra SUV currently on offer in India. The triple displays I spoke about come as standard across the range, and what runs it is the 8295 Snapdragon Chipset. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and possibly one of the least exciting features.

The 12.3-inch passenger screen comes with pre-installed OTT apps for entertainment

What is exciting includes 5G connectivity, a passenger screen which comes with pre-installed OTT and other entertainment apps, and there is also an in-car camera that can be used to take photos, record videos, and even make video calls.

The top-spec XEV 9S also comes with AR head-up display and driver drowsiness detection

While they are quite fancy gimmicks, they could very well be a source of distraction to the driver. But what will not be a distraction for sure is the Vision X Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (ARHUD) which provides with coloured guides. In fact, you also get a Driver Drowsiness Detection system as standard.

The Sonic Studio by Mahindra make artificial engine noises, a gimmick I am not a fan of

Mahindra is also offering NFC card access to lock/unlock the car, while the surround sound system is supported by Dolby Atmos. The grove mode, where the EV performs a lighting show, matching the beats of a soundtrack, seen in the 9e, is also on offer here. You also get the Sonic Studio by Mahindra, which makes artificial engine noises, which frankly, I am not a fan of. After a point, these noises tend to become annoying.

Safety

6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake and TPMS are standard

Now, safety too has become a big priority for Mahindra, so it’s bound to be quite extensive in its flagship model. 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake, rear parking camera with sensors and TPMS are standard across the range.

Level 2+ ADAS offers Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Front & Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Auto Parking

Higher variants come with 360-degree view cameras, front parking sensors and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). In fact, the range-topping model I was driving offered Level 2+ ADAS featuring Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Front & Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Auto Parking function as well.

Performance & Dynamics

The range-topping Pack Three Above gets the 79 kWh battery pack with 500+ km real-world range

The new XEV 9S is offered with three battery options – 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh. The model I was driving was the range-topping Pack Three Above featuring the 79 kWh battery pack. Now it’s the same unit as the XEV 9e, which sends power to an electric motor attached to the rear axle. Yes, it’s a rear-wheel drive SUV, and there is no all-wheel drive on offer, which I feel is a missed opportunity. Mahindra could have had it at least as an option.

The output from the 79 kWh version stands at meaty 282 bhp and 380 Nm of peak torque

Having said that, there is a shortage of performance here. The output from the 79 kWh version stands at meaty 282 bhp and 380 Nm of peak torque. Like EVs are known for, all the torque is available right from the word go, building power and speed quickly. How quick? Well, how does a 0-100 kmph sprint in 7 seconds sound like? Well, that quick! And that happened before hitting the electronically limited top speed of 202 kmph.

Good acceleration, strong performance, and great on-road presence

So yes, power delivery is good, acceleration is good, and overall, it will be a fun-to-drive experience. But there are some things I didn’t like. For instance, the steering wheel feels dead, offering no feedback. Also, it’s too light for my liking and doesn’t weigh up as the speed increases, which can be a bit unsettling when you hit triple-digit numbers.

The steering is too light for my liking and doesn’t weigh up as the speed increases

When it comes to the XEV 9S’ on-road mannerisms, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Certainly, compared to the 9e, the ride seems to have improved, courtesy of the longer and heavier body. But at low speeds, the SUV has a bit of a bounce, and while it settles down as you build speed it is a bit bothersome, and people with acute motion sickness might not like it. That said, the SUV handles quite well and has good stability.

Variants & Pricing

The prices for the new Mahindra XEV 9S range between Rs. 19.95 lakh and Rs. 29.45 lakh

Prices for the new XEV 9S begin from Rs. 19.95 lakh and go up to Rs. 29.45 lakh (ex-showroom). Majorly, there are four variants on offer – Pack One Above, Pack Two Above, Pack Three and Pack Three Above, and the former two are both offered with two battery pack options. Pack One Above comes with either a 59 kWh battery or a 79 kWh battery. Pack Three Above is offered with a new 70 kWh battery or a 79 kWh battery pack. Both Pack Three and Pack Three Above are available with the 79 kWh battery pack as standard.

Verdict

By keeping the entire variant line-up under Rs. 30 lakh, Mahindra has managed to pique a lot of interest among buyers. The sheer number of features and tech on offer, the level of performance, along with a real-world range of around 500 km, certainly make the XEV 9S a great value proposition. It’s a fine choice for anyone who was not convinced about the 9e because of its Coupe design or, is looking for something bigger with extra seating.

If you want a three-row, seven-seat EV in the 20 to 30 lakh range, this is one you shouldn’t skip

Now yes, the XEV 9S is also not without flaws - be it the steering feel or its low-speed ride quality. Despite all that, which I don’t think are deal breakers. And the bottom line is, in the Rs. 20–30 lakh space, you won’t find many three-row electric SUVs that make a stronger case than this.