Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has officially launched the XEV 9S, its highly anticipated three-row electric SUV, in the Indian market. The vehicle enters the scene with a compelling starting price of ₹19.95 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning itself as a family-friendly electric vehicle (EV) option. This marks the third model in Mahindra's ambitious 'Born Electric' series, slotting between the BE 6 and the XEV 9e in both positioning and price.
Price Positioning and Variant Strategy
The Mahindra XEV 9S comes with a broader variant spread than its siblings, with prices ranging from ₹19.95 lakh to ₹29.45 lakh (ex-showroom). This strategic pricing makes its base variant, the Pack One, ₹1.95 lakh more affordable than the base model of the sportier XEV 9e, which starts at ₹21.9 lakh. The cost advantage extends to the top-end trim as well, where the XEV 9S undercuts the top-spec XEV 9e by approximately ₹1 lakh.
Design and Practicality: A Family Focus
The most significant distinction between the XEV 9S and the XEV 9e lies in their body styles and core purpose. While the XEV 9e embraces a coupe-SUV design with a sloping roofline for a sportier aesthetic, the XEV 9S adopts a conventional, upright SUV silhouette that closely mirrors the popular Mahindra XUV 700.
This design choice is driven by practicality. The XEV 9S is heralded as India's first all-electric three-row, seven-seater SUV. It replaces the XEV 9e's five-seater layout with a more versatile cabin that includes a third row of seats, catering directly to larger families. Further enhancing its family appeal are features like a sliding and ventilated second-row seat, a powered 'Boss mode' for premium comfort, and a fully retractable panoramic sunroof.
Exterior differences are also notable. The XEV 9S rides on larger wheels compared to the 18-inch units on the XEV 9e and includes practical additions like a rear wiper with washer. The taillight designs diverge as well; the XEV 9e features a connected LED bar with an inverted U-shape, while the XEV 9S sports split LED units that pay homage to the XUV 700. The colour palette sees the XEV 9S introducing a new 'Desert Myst' shade while discontinuing the Deep Forest and Tango Red options available for the 9e.
Powertrain and Performance Options
Under the hood, or more accurately, under the floor, the Mahindra XEV 9S offers buyers greater flexibility. It is available with three different battery pack options: the standard 59 kWh and 79 kWh packs, plus an exclusive 70 kWh battery. This mid-tier 70 kWh battery is offered on the Pack Two Above trim and generates an impressive 241 bhp of peak power and 380 Nm of torque, providing a robust performance for a family-oriented vehicle.
The launch of the Mahindra XEV 9S significantly expands the choices for Indian consumers looking to adopt electric mobility without compromising on space and practicality. By offering a seven-seater electric SUV at a competitive price point, Mahindra is poised to create a new niche in the country's rapidly growing EV market.
