In a bold stride towards electrifying India’s family SUV segment, Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the XEV 9S, a groundbreaking seven-seater electric SUV priced aggressively at Rs 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Billed as the country’s first authentic electric-origin 7-seater built from the ground up on the INGLO architecture, the XEV 9S promises to blend expansive space, cutting-edge technology, and zero-emission performance. This launch, timed to coincide with Mahindra’s “Scream Electric” event celebrating the first anniversary of its Born EV platform, arrives amid growing demand for practical EVs that don’t compromise on luxury or utility.
Bookings for the XEV 9S are slated to open on January 14, 2026, with deliveries kicking off from January 23, 2026. Test drives, however, will commence earlier on December 5, 2025, allowing eager buyers to experience the SUV’s prowess firsthand. Mahindra’s aggressive pricing strategy—undercutting even its own two-row XEV 9e sibling—positions the XEV 9S as a disruptor in a market dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) three-row SUVs like the Tata Safari and Hyundai Alcazar.
Powertrain and Range: Versatile Battery Options for Every NeedAt the heart of the XEV 9S lies Mahindra’s INGLO skateboard platform, a dedicated EV architecture that enables seamless integration of battery packs and delivers exceptional efficiency. The SUV is available with three battery options: 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh, catering to urban commuters and long-haul families alike.
- 59 kWh Pack: Delivers 170 kW (228 bhp) of peak power and an ARAI-certified range of 521 km, ideal for city dwellers seeking affordability without sacrificing performance.
- 70 kWh Pack: Steps up to 180 kW, offering a 600 km range for those balancing daily drives with weekend getaways.
- 79 kWh Pack: The flagship with 210 kW (282 bhp) and a class-leading 679 km range, promising effortless highway cruising.
All variants maintain a consistent 380 Nm of torque, enabling a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in as little as seven seconds for the top-end model, with a top speed of 202 km/h. Fast charging is a highlight, with the 79 kWh pack supporting 20-80% replenishment in under 30 minutes via a 175 kW DC charger. Mahindra emphasizes low running costs at Rs 1.2 per km and maintenance at just 40 paise per km, bolstered by 40% depreciation benefits for business owners. The powertrain lineup is distributed across six variants, from the entry-level Pack One to the opulent Pack Three Above. Lower trims pair with the 59 kWh and 70 kWh packs for rear-wheel drive (RWD), while top variants exclusively feature the 79 kWh unit for enhanced grunt. Prices climb to Rs 29.45 lakh for the fully loaded Pack Three Above, making the XEV 9S a compelling value proposition against pricier rivals.
Design: Electric Sophistication Meets Bold Proportions
Drawing inspiration from the XEV 9e and the 2022 XUV.e8 concept, the XEV 9S embodies Mahindra’s “Heartcore” design philosophy—upright, athletic, and unapologetically modern. Its electric-focused facade features a seamless blanked-out grille, sharp L-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and vertically stacked projector headlamps that pierce the night with precision. A sleek LED light bar stretches across the fascia, evoking a sense of futuristic connectivity. Flush door handles, aero-optimized alloy wheels, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, and prominent Mahindra Electric badges at both ends lend an air of premium sophistication. At the rear, it diverges from the XEV 9e’s connected tail lamps, adopting the familiar XUV700-inspired layout for a more familiar yet refined silhouette. Available in three colors—Everest White, Tango Red, and Midnight Black—the XEV 9S measures approximately 4.8 meters in length, striking a balance between road presence and maneuverability.
Interior: Unrivaled Space and Tech in a Triple-Screen Haven
Step inside the XEV 9S, and you’re greeted by what Mahindra claims is a “benchmark-setting” cabin: a staggering 4,076 liters of volume across the front and second rows, complemented by an overall 3,941-liter interior space. The 527-liter boot swallows weekend luggage with ease, while the segment-best 150-liter frunk (front trunk) stows valuables securely. Flexible 50:50 split second- and third-row seats enable versatile configurations, from seven-passenger mode to flat-folding cargo hauls. Luxury abounds with ventilated front seats, a powered “Boss Mode” for the second row (reclining captain’s chairs with individual controls), and a panoramic sunroof standard across variants. The dashboard dazzles with a triple-screen setup: dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment, plus an additional rear entertainment screen. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (8155 for most, 8295 for top trims), the system integrates MAIA AI assistance for voice commands, navigation, and over-the-air updates.Safety is paramount, with up to seven airbags (including a driver’s knee bag), Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and intelligent emergency braking. Higher variants add Secure360 Pro—a live vehicle surveillance system viewable via the Adrenox app—alongside brake-by-wire tech and blind-view monitoring.
Market Positioning and the Road Ahead
With no direct three-row EV rivals under Rs 50 lakh—the Kia Carens Clavis EV and BYD eMax 7 being MPVs rather than SUVs—the XEV 9S carves a niche for itself. It overlaps with two-row EVs like the Tata Harrier EV but offers unmatched family practicality. Mahindra’s EV ecosystem, now including the BE 6 and XEV 9e, aims for an annual production of 8,000 units initially, scaling with demand.”This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement on sustainable family adventures,” said Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director of Auto and Farm Sectors at Mahindra. As India accelerates towards EV adoption, the XEV 9S arrives not a moment too soon, blending innovation with everyday usability.For those ready to go electric, the wait ends in January. Until then, mark your calendar for a test drive—the future of seven-seater mobility is here, and it’s charged.
