In a resounding victory for Indian automotive innovation, the Mahindra XEV 9e has been crowned the Green Car of the Year at the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 awards. Announced on December 18, 2025, this win underscores Mahindra’s growing dominance in the electric vehicle segment, with the XEV 9e topping the scoreboard for its outstanding blend of range, advanced technology, comfort, and exceptional value. The XEV 9e edged out a highly competitive field of electric and eco-friendly vehicles, emerging ahead in a closely contested category. It finished ahead of the Kia Carens Clavis EV (first runner-up) and the BMW iX1 LWB (second runner-up).
Strong Contenders in the Green Car CategoryThe Green Car of the Year shortlist featured an eclectic mix of EVs from both domestic and global manufacturers, highlighting the rapid evolution of India’s electric mobility landscape:
- BMW iX1 LWB
- BYD Sealion 7
- Kia Carens Clavis EV
- MG Cyberster
- Hyundai Creta Electric
- Tata Harrier EV
- Tesla Model Y
Despite stiff competition from luxury brands and innovative newcomers, the Mahindra XEV 9e stood out for its practical yet premium appeal.
Why the XEV 9e WonLaunched in November 2024 on Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO electric platform, the XEV 9e impressed the jury with its real-world usability. Key highlights include:
- Battery options: 59 kWh (up to 542 km range) and 79 kWh (up to 656 km range)
- Performance: Up to 285 PS and quick acceleration
- Features: Triple-screen setup, Level 2 ADAS, fast charging, panoramic glass roof, and premium interiors
- Safety: 5-star Bharat NCAP rating
- Pricing: Starting at ₹21.90 lakh (ex-showroom), offering strong value
The jury praised its combination of long range, cutting-edge tech (including the MAIA AI system), luxurious comfort, and competitive pricing—making it a compelling choice for Indian buyers transitioning to EVs.
The Esteemed ICOTY JuryAs in previous years, the Green Car category was evaluated by a panel of 19 distinguished automotive journalists and experts from India’s leading publications. The 2026 jury included:
- Vikrant Singh and Sagar Bhanushali (CarWale)
- Dhruv Behl and Ishan Raghava (autoX)
- Yogendra Pratap and Dipayan Dutta (Auto Today)
- Aspi Bhathena and Gaurav Davare (Car India)
- Sirish Chandran and Aatish Mishra (Evo India)
- Pablo Chaterji and Kartik Ware (Motoring World)
- Rohit Paradkar and Kranti Sambhav (Overdrive)
- Arpit Mahendra (TOI Auto)
- Tushar Kamath (CarDekho.com)
- Abhay Verma (Turbocharged)
- Bob Rupani
- Kushan Mitra (The Print)
Their rigorous, transparent voting process—based on parameters like performance, innovation, safety, and value—ensures ICOTY remains India’s most credible automotive award. This win not only celebrates the XEV 9e’s excellence but also signals Mahindra’s bold push into the premium EV space, setting new benchmarks for sustainable mobility in India. As electric vehicles gain traction, achievements like this pave the way for a greener automotive future.
