New Delhi: Mahindra has introduced the XUV 3XO EV as its most affordable electric car. It is essentially the electric version of the regular XUV 3XO compact
SUV, which means it looks and feels very similar to the petrol and diesel models. There are no major design or feature changes to clearly set it apart as an EV. The XUV 3XO EV’s main competition in the market comes from the Tata Nexon EV.
In terms of dimensions, the Tata Nexon EV is 95 mm longer than the XUV 3XO EV. However, the Mahindra has a 102 mm longer wheelbase, which can help with cabin space. Width and height are fairly similar for both SUVs. Ground clearance is the same for the XUV 3XO EV and the Nexon EV 45 kWh, while the 30 kWh Nexon EV variants sit slightly higher at 205 mm.
XUV 3XO EV and Nexon EV: Battery, range and performance
Powertrain comparison
The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is offered with a single 39.4 kWh battery pack. This places it between the two battery options available on the Tata Nexon EV, which comes with 30 kWh and 45 kWh packs. On paper, the larger 45 kWh Nexon EV claims a much longer range, with a difference of 138 km compared to the Mahindra. On the other hand, the smaller 30 kWh Nexon EV falls short of the XUV 3XO EV by 76 km in claimed range.
In real-world driving, the gap is not as large. Mahindra says the XUV 3XO EV can deliver around 285 km on a single charge. In comparison, real-world testing of the Nexon EV with the 45 kWh battery shows an average range of about 350 km. That puts the difference at roughly 65 km, which is far lower than what the official figures suggest.
Where the Mahindra clearly pulls ahead is performance. The XUV 3XO EV produces more power and torque than even the top-spec Nexon EV. It has 6 hp and 95 Nm more torque, which helps it accelerate quicker. As a result, it is claimed to reach 100 km/h around 0.6 seconds faster than the Nexon EV.
XUV 3XO EV and Nexon EV: Charging speeds
Charging speed comparison
Comparing charging times between the two cars is not straightforward. The battery size of the XUV 3XO EV sits between the two Nexon EV options, making direct comparisons tricky. Using a 7.2 kW AC charger, the charging time difference between the XUV 3XO EV and the Nexon EV 45 kWh is small, with Tata having a slight advantage.
Another issue is how charging data is presented. Tata’s charging figures are measured from 10 per cent battery level, while Mahindra’s figures start from zero per cent. This makes real comparisons harder. For DC fast charging, the Nexon EV 45 kWh supports charging speeds of up to 60 kW, whereas the XUV 3XO EV supports up to 50 kW.
XUV 3XO EV and Nexon EV: Price and features
Price comparison
Pricing is where the XUV 3XO EV gains a clear advantage. Although its starting price is about Rs 1.4 lakh higher than the base Nexon EV Creative+ MR, the Mahindra offers a bigger battery, stronger performance and better range. It also includes features like a sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a digital driver display, a six-speaker audio system and dual-zone climate control.
At the top end, the price gap widens further. The fully loaded XUV 3XO EV AX7L is cheaper than the Nexon EV Empowered+ 45 by around Rs 2.33 lakh. The Tata does offer extra features such as ventilated front seats, vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-vehicle charging, and a larger touchscreen. Buyers should also note that Tata includes the AC fast charger in the price, while Mahindra charges an additional Rs 50,000 for it.
