Mahindra XUV 9e: The Indian automotive market is rapidly shifting toward electric mobility, and Mahindra has stepped up to the challenge with the launch of the XUV 9e. This new premium electric SUV marks a significant step forward in the company’s EV strategy, combining futuristic design, advanced technology, and a strong performance package. The XUV 9e is aimed at customers seeking a modern, sustainable, and feature-rich driving experience.
Mahindra has built a reputation for designing rugged, practical vehicles tailored to Indian road conditions. With the XUV 9e, the brand enters a new phase by targeting the premium EV space, where demand is growing rapidly due to increasing environmental awareness, rising fuel prices, and government incentives for electric vehicles.
Design and Exterior
The Mahindra XUV 9e showcases a bold and futuristic design language that sets it apart from conventional SUVs. It features a coupe-style silhouette with a sloping roofline that adds a sporty touch. The front end is dominated by a full-width LED light bar, sharp headlights, and an aerodynamic bumper. The side profile is enhanced by flush door handles and large alloy wheels that provide a commanding presence on the road.
At the rear, the SUV sports a connected LED tail lamp design and a sculpted boot lid, which complement the overall aggressive styling. The vehicle’s aerodynamic design is not just about looks; it also contributes to better efficiency and range. With a ground clearance of 207 mm and overall length of 4,789 mm, the XUV 9e blends visual appeal with practicality for Indian road conditions.
Interior and Cabin Features
Step inside the Mahindra XUV 9e, and you are greeted with a spacious, tech-filled cabin that feels like it belongs to a segment above. The dashboard houses a triple-screen setup, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. These screens are powered by Mahindra’s latest Adrenox operating system, based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.
Other interior highlights include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting with 16 million color options, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos, and a heads-up display with augmented reality features. The cabin uses premium materials and offers comfortable seating for five adults. There is ample space for luggage as well, with a 663-liter boot and a 150-liter front trunk or ‘frunk.’
Battery, Range, and Performance
The XUV 9e is available with two battery pack options: a 59 kWh and a larger 79 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. These offer a certified range of up to 542 km and 656 km, respectively, under the Indian MIDC testing cycle. The real-world range is slightly lower but still competitive within the segment.
In terms of performance, the SUV is offered with single or dual electric motor configurations. The single-motor variant produces 231 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, while the dual-motor setup bumps the power up to 286 horsepower. Acceleration is brisk, with the 0–100 km/h sprint taking around 6.8 seconds. The driving experience is smooth and silent, and the low center of gravity provided by the floor-mounted battery improves handling stability.
The vehicle supports up to 175 kW fast charging, allowing it to charge from 20 percent to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. It also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing the car to power external devices during outdoor trips or emergencies.
Ride and Handling
One of the standout features of the XUV 9e is its driving dynamics. The SUV is built on Mahindra’s new INGLO platform, a modular EV architecture designed for optimal weight distribution and structural rigidity. The rear five-link suspension setup and semi-active dampers provide a composed ride over rough patches and potholes.
The steering system uses steer-by-wire technology, which gives a light feel in the city and becomes firmer at highway speeds. This allows for effortless maneuvering in urban environments and a more secure feel during highway cruising. The vehicle has a tight turning radius of approximately 10 meters, which is impressive for a car of its size.
Technology and Safety
Mahindra has equipped the XUV 9e with a host of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, and auto parking assist. The SUV also comes with seven airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
In terms of infotainment and convenience, the vehicle offers over-the-air (OTA) updates, built-in apps, remote vehicle monitoring through a connected mobile app, and even an in-cabin camera for selfies or video conferencing. With such a wide range of technology features, the XUV 9e competes directly with luxury vehicles priced significantly higher.
Ownership Experience
Mahindra has ensured that early buyers enjoy a premium ownership experience. The SUV has received a five-star rating under the Bharat NCAP safety test, making it one of the safest electric vehicles in its category. The brand is also expanding its EV service network and fast-charging infrastructure across major cities.
However, being a newly launched high-tech EV, early users have reported occasional glitches such as software bugs in parking mode, infotainment system lag, and inconsistent lane assist behavior. These are expected to be resolved with software updates, but they do point to the importance of post-sale support and refinement.