HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026: Mahindra XEV 9S Wins Electric Car Of the Year

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) presents the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026, one of the industry’s most anticipated events from Times Network, has revealed their winner across multiple categories. The Mahindra XEV 9S has bagged the top honour of the Electric Car of the Year. The SUV went on sale in India last year as the first the three-row EV from Mahindra, based on INGLO platform, which also underpins the BE 6 and the XEV 9e. Its win highlights rising demand for premium electric SUVs in the market. The event, powered by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, recognised top performers across cars, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and new-age mobility. Winners were evaluated on parameters such as performance, technology,

design, and consumer relevance. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India (MoRTH) graced the event as a chief guest, and addressed the future direction of the industry. The second edition of the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026 emerged as a major platform celebrating progress in the mobility segment.

HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026: Mahindra XEV 9S Key Details

The Mahindra XEV 9S offers multiple battery options, with strong ranges credentials to support the requirements of different Indian buyers. For instance, the SUV can be had with a 59kWh, 70kWh, or 79kWh battery. These advanced LFP battery packs are all backed by a lifetime warranty. Power output varies with figures ranging from 228bhp to 282bhp, while torque remains fixed at 380Nm. The car has a 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 7 seconds and a top speed of 202km/h. It supports fast charging, and the larger 79kWh battery can charge from 20% to 80% in 20 minutes using a 180kW DC charger.

The claimed MIDC range goes up to 679 kilometres and a real-world range stands up to 500–550 kilometres, making the XEV 9S a practical choice for both city and long-distance commutes across the country.

The Mahindra XEV 9S is a striking premium EV, having a sleek LED light bar, sharp L-shaped DRLs, and aero-optimised alloy wheels. Inside, it offers triple 12.3-inch screens, a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, wireless connectivity, Alexa integration, sliding rear seats, ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control. It comes equipped with up to seven airbags, Level 2 ADAS and a 360-degree camera.

HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026 Other Key Attractions

The second edition of the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026 centered around the theme ‘India’s Mobility Mission 2030: Clean Tech, Smart Manufacturing, Global Vision.’ It highlighted the industry’s shift towards sustainable and future-ready mobility, and on emerging trends and innovations, while the awards will celebrate excellence across various automotive categories.