I spent time checking the Mahindra XEV 9S and honestly the price looked tempting at first but the real test drive revealed a few things you should know before booking one
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Quick note November 2025 edition
2025 buyers are thinking differently now. Electric seven-seaters are suddenly a proper option for families who earlier never considered EVs.
The XEV 9S is Mahindra’s big push into a mass-market seven-seater electric SUV space. It looks roomy, techy, and priced to cut through the usual excuses people give for not switching to electric. Mahindra announced a starting price of about ₹19.95 lakh ex-showroom and it’s being presented as a family EV with multiple variant packs.
File Photo: Real world charging setup used during range check drive where AC load affected claimed mileage
Variant line-up and how Mahindra positions them
Mahindra keeps things simple with tiered pack options. There are entry packs and two higher packs that add kit in sensible stages more infotainment, more driver aides, better upholstery. On paper the top variants get a long feature list that tries to match premium feel without the premium price. That’s the pitch.
Real-world read on features
Don’t trust a spec sheet only. For example the big panoramic roof looks lovely in the showroom light, but the rear AC vents blow less cold when the cabin is full and Mumbai traffic turns hot. I remember a demo where the third row felt tight for adults fine for kids, not for a six-hour highway run. Short trips, no drama. Long trips, think twice.
claimed range vs reality what they say and what to expect
Mahindra claims a long single-charge range for the top battery option numbers that look impressive. But real traffic, AC on, three rows occupied, and a few highway hills will bring that down. Data Insight: around 62 percent compact SUV buyers now prefer turbo petrol. Use that to judge buyer priorities range is one of many trade-offs.
Booking, test drive and delivery timeline
Here’s the practical part people care about. Mahindra has laid out a phased timeline early previews, test drives, booking window, then deliveries. Official test drives and booking windows differ slightly by outlet, but the company’s press notes and dealer portals show bookings starting mid-January and deliveries in late January. If you want to experience it first-hand, register for a test drive early.
Dealer reality a short anecdote
Funny thing during one launch preview in Pune, a dealer handed me a glossy brochure and then apologised because the demo car’s software had rolled back to an earlier build. We waited, joked, sipped tea, then went for a short drive with a Goliath of a steering wheel that felt different from the brochure impressions. Dealers are excited, and sometimes under-prepared. That’s life on ground.
File Photo: Booking and delivery update as per dealer input taken in November 2025 before official test drives begin
Test drive tips what to watch
When you test drive, check these things in person: software responsiveness, infotainment lag, regenerative braking feel, real AC performance with full load, and third-row access. If you’re used to long drives, try a drive that includes an uphill patch. Anecdote number two: once during a long test I noticed a small software glitch where the sentry camera asked to reboot after switching drive modes. It corrected after a restart, but a six-figure purchase deserves fewer surprises.
Variant-wise callouts what matters to buyers
Entry packs give you the basics and the EV experience. Mid packs add comfort and convenience that most families notice day-to-day better seats, a smarter UI, extra safety features. Top packs add the wow bits bigger infotainment screens, premium audio, more ADAS, and leather-ish trims. If you use three rows often, don’t skimp on middle-pack space and AC upgrades.
Price reality
Street price starts close to ₹19.95 lakh. Expect the higher variants to run up significantly depending on battery and pack choices. On paper it undercuts premium rivals, but real ownership costs charging patterns, charger availability, and service network decide long term value.
Charging and ownership notes
If your city has home charging, life gets easy. For folks depending on public fast chargers, check the network along routes you drive often. Battery warranties and service packages vary by variant and early booking offers sometimes include attractive service credits. A practical tip ask the dealer about the nearest fast charger and whether they provide a mobile charging solution during the first few months.
Pros, cons short honest list
Pros: roomy cabin, competitive starting price, seven-seat practicality, strong feature list on higher packs.
Cons: claimed range will drop in real traffic, third row is best for kids, early software niggles possible, dealer readiness varies.
Who should buy it
If you’re a family looking to step into EVs without losing space or daily comfort, this is tempting. If you’re a long-distance regular who needs full third-row adult comfort, re-evaluate. Also think about charger access where you live. If you can charge at home overnight and want roomy EV life, go test drive one quick.
Data pulse two quick facts
Data Insight: early signals show buyers want space first, tech second. That’s why a seven-seat EV makes sense now.
Data Insight: many buyers will choose mid packs over top packs to balance price and everyday usability.
Final, personal note
I liked the XEV 9S’s ambition. It’s a grown-up EV in many ways. But expect a few real-world bumps software polish, real-world range, and dealer readiness. If I had to pick right now, I’d test drive a mid-pack variant, take a longer route with family on board, and only then decide. Honest talk EVs are getting better, but the human bits around them still decide whether you keep smiling or end up annoyed on day two of ownership.
