Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review: The Ideal Electric SUV for the Family?

Mahindra’s newest EV slots into the lineup as the brand’s latest three-row offering. Visually, it comes across as the electric sibling of the XUV700—or the SUV version of the XEV 9E, depending on your

perspective. But visuals aside, the key question remains: can the XEV 9S fill the role of a proper family-focused electric SUV? After a few hours behind the wheel, it certainly feels like most families will be pleased with what Mahindra has created. That said, if you’re expecting it to thrill you as an enthusiast, temper those expectations. It’s quick, yes, but it doesn’t spark excitement. Let me break it down.

Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review – Design: Looks You Already Know

From almost any angle, the XEV 9S gives off a sense of déjà vu. Up front, the inverted L-shaped LED DRLs, projector lamps, cube-like fog lamps, and large body-coloured fascia closely resemble the XEV 9E—though Mahindra has subtly tweaked the DRL proportions and moved the logo around.

Walk to the side or rear, and the sense of familiarity only grows stronger. The silhouette is unmistakably reminiscent of the XUV700, right down to the sculpted tailgate. Even the tail-lamp profile is nearly identical, although Mahindra has added an internal hexagonal lighting pattern to distinguish the EV. The similarities are intentional: the XEV 9S rides on Mahindra’s INGLO architecture, but the wheelbase has been shrunk so that XUV700 body panels could be reused on this electric platform.

Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review – Interior: Spacious, Comfortable and Packed with Tech

Inside, the sense of familiarity continues, blending cues from both the XEV 9E and XUV700. The standout impression is comfort—the seats are plush and supportive, and the driving position is decidedly SUV-like, offering a high vantage point and great visibility of the road ahead.

Tech enthusiasts will immediately gravitate to the triple-screen setup, which dominates the dashboard. The screens are sharp, responsive, and well laid out. The passenger display is a fun addition—perfect for catching up on shows—though its visibility to the driver can be a distraction. Another downside is the absence of physical controls for climate and seat ventilation, which forces you to rely on touch inputs and momentarily takes your eyes off the road.

Second-row passengers get an impressive set of conveniences, including magnetic mounts for tablets or phones behind the front seats, 65W Type-C charging ports, wireless charging, sunshades, and sliding/reclining seats for added flexibility.

Accessing the third row is straightforward once the left seat in the second row is folded correctly. However, the step up into the final row may be a bit much for elderly passengers. Space-wise, the third row is suitable mainly for kids, though the sliding second row allows for minor adjustments. The seating position is knees-up, which limits comfort over long drives. On the bright side, third-row occupants get their own AC vents, blower control, power socket, and cupholders.

Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review – Performance: Smooth, Swift and Comfort-Oriented

The XEV 9S uses the same rear-mounted electric motor as the XEV 9E and BE6. Mahindra has added a new 70 kWh battery size to the lineup, complementing the existing 59 kWh and 79 kWh options. The new pack delivers a claimed 600 km range. Our drive was in the 79 kWh variant, and performance felt pleasantly brisk.

Throttle response is well-judged: step on the accelerator and the SUV builds speed cleanly without the shove that pins you to your seat. This tuning feels ideal for family duties — effortless yet controlled. For those moments when you need quicker acceleration, Boost mode delivers a 10-second surge of maximum power. Alternatively, switching to Race mode unlocks the full torque instantly.

As quick as it is, the weight of the XEV 9S is hard to ignore. Push it through corners and you can feel the mass shifting, though the cabin remains impressively insulated from tyre noise thanks to excellent NVH tuning. This makes the ride serene but also reduces feedback for the driver—a trade-off that prioritises comfort over engagement.

The independent suspension setup at all four corners helps the XEV 9S float over rough patches with ease. During our drive, the ride felt plush, almost cloud-like. At higher speeds, especially above 100 km/h, the ride quality can feel a bit floaty, but it should diminish with a full passenger load.

Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review – Verdict: A Strong Package at a Smart Price

Mahindra seems to have gotten the pricing spot-on, particularly for the entry variants. Starting at Rs 19.95 lakh, the XEV 9S offers excellent value—especially considering features like a panoramic sunroof and the full triple-screen setup come as standard from the base trim. The fact that it undercuts the five-seat XEV 9E only sweetens its appeal.

The top-end price of Rs 29.45 lakh also feels reasonable given the features and usability on offer, though price increases over time seem inevitable. For now, the XEV 9S checks nearly all the boxes for families seeking a spacious, feature-rich, refined electric SUV that’s kinder on running costs and the environment. However, if driving pleasure ranks high on your list, you may want to explore other options.