The Mahindra XEV 9S, particularly the higher Pack 3 (P3) and Pack 3A variants with adaptive suspension, quickly became a talking point in the Indian EV community after launch. While praised for its space, features, performance, and family-friendly design, many reviewers and early owners highlighted an issue with the ride quality: the default suspension tune felt overly soft, leading to noticeable vertical movement, bounciness on undulating roads, and potential discomfort at highway speeds or for motion-sensitive passenger
That conversation has now taken a positive turn. Mahindra responded promptly to feedback from media and owners by rolling out a practical solution.
The Fix: A New ‘Custom’ Drive ModeIn February 2026, Mahindra introduced a fully configurable Custom drive mode on the XEV 9S Pack 3 variants. This over-the-air (OTA) or dealer-enabled update lets drivers independently adjust key parameters:
- Suspension stiffness (including firmer Race-mode damping)
- Powertrain response
- Steering feedback
- Climate control settings
The standout benefit? Owners can now combine firmer suspension settings (which better control body movement) with relaxed Comfort-mode steering and power delivery. This directly addresses the main complaint without forcing a harsher overall drive.
Early reports and owner feedback indicate noticeable improvements. The firmer damping option reduces floatiness on highways and helps the car settle quicker after bumps, while maintaining the absorbent comfort that makes the XEV 9S suitable for Indian roads.Some owners have also reported general suspension refinements through recent software/firmware updates (such as improvements carried over or similar to the XEV 9e), further enhancing the default and Everyday modes.
Mahindra’s quick response shows customer-centric development in the competitive EV space. The XEV 9S was tuned as a comfort-oriented family SUV, but real-world feedback revealed the need for more flexibility — and the company delivered without requiring hardware changes.For P3/P3A owners:
- Update your vehicle at the earliest (check with your dealer or via the app for OTA availability).
- Experiment with Custom mode — many find Race-level suspension paired with Comfort steering and power to be the sweet spot.
- Test different modes on varied roads to experience the difference.
This update strengthens the XEV 9S’s position as a strong contender in the premium electric 7-seater segment, blending Mahindra’s hallmark ride comfort with better controllability.
