Mahindra has just done what many said would take years launch India’s first mass-market 7-seater electric SUV. Priced from Rs. 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom), the all-new XEV 9S isn’t just another EV it’s a statement. A big, bold one. With its born-electric platform, family-ready practicality, and a cabin that feels straight out of a tech startup, this one’s bound to shake up the EV landscape.
The Big Debut: Breaking Price Barriers
The XEV 9S’s launch price undercuts its sibling, the XEV 9e, by a solid Rs. 1.95 lakh—despite sharing the same INGLO platform. That’s Mahindra’s way of saying “mass market,” not luxury niche. Bookings open January 14, 2026, with test drives starting as early as December 5, 2025. Deliveries are slated for January 23, 2026, so expect to see the first few 9S SUVs rolling onto city streets just before Republic Day next year.
This also marks Mahindra’s biggest push yet into the electric mainstream. And by pegging a starting price under Rs. 20 lakh, they’ve effectively made “family-size EV” sound affordable—something no automaker had quite managed before.
Exterior Design: Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the XEV 9S clearly channels the design DNA of the XEV 9e and the XUV.e8 concept. It’s clean, upright, and unmistakably modern. The front fascia sports a closed-off grille flanked by connected LED DRLs and sharply cut triangular headlamps. The long bonnet and squared stance lend it that SUV authority you can’t miss in a rearview mirror.
From the side, the proportions are well-balanced—the 2,762mm wheelbase, generous overhangs, and 219mm ground clearance make it look planted yet practical. Around back, you get smoked LED tail lamps and a minimalist bumper treatment, which feels European in execution. And yes, Mahindra’s new butterfly emblem sits proudly front and center—a subtle yet futuristic touch that ties all INGLO models together.
In size, the 9S is a notch larger than the 9e. Fold the third row and you get a cavernous 527 litres of boot space, plus a 150-litre frunk—handy for that extra luggage or charging cables.
Cabin: A Tech Playground for Seven
Step inside, and you’ll quickly see where Mahindra’s aiming. The XEV 9S’s dashboard is a wall of glass—three interconnected displays stretching coast-to-coast. One for the driver, one for the infotainment system, and one just for the front passenger. And if that wasn’t enough, second-row passengers get twin seatback-mounted screens. It’s not a car anymore—it’s a moving media suite.
Top-end trims even get an AR head-up display, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and multi-colour ambient lighting. The materials—soft-touch panels, leatherette upholstery, and satin-metal inserts—bring a near-luxury feel.
The feature list reads like a tech enthusiast’s wish list:
- Dual-zone climate control
- Panoramic openable sunroof (not just a fixed glass panel)
- Level 2 ADAS with lane keep, collision warning, and auto parking
- Driver drowsiness detection
- “Boss Mode” that lets rear passengers slide the front seat forward electronically
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) integration for seamless multi-device connectivity
Even the base trims get sliding and reclining second-row seats and the same premium screens, which is rare at this price.
Powertrain & Battery Options
Here’s where Mahindra flexes its modular muscle. The XEV 9S is available with three battery packs—59kWh, 70kWh, and 79kWh—each offering different range and performance levels.
| Variant Pack | Battery | Price (ex-showroom) | Performance (0–100 km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pack One Above | 59kWh | Rs. 19.95 lakh | 7.7 sec |
| Pack One Above | 79kWh | Rs. 21.95 lakh | 7.0 sec |
| Pack Two Above | 70kWh | Rs. 24.45 lakh | 7.2 sec |
| Pack Two Above | 79kWh | Rs. 25.45 lakh | 7.0 sec |
| Pack Three | 79kWh | Rs. 27.35 lakh | 7.0 sec |
| Pack Three Above | 79kWh | Rs. 29.45 lakh | 7.0 sec |
Every variant supports DC fast charging up to 175kW, and Mahindra claims that with the right charger, you can recover up to 80% juice in under 30 minutes. Buyers can also opt for home wallbox chargers—7.2kW (Rs. 50,000) or 11.2kW (Rs. 75,000)—depending on their setup.
Performance-wise, even the base 59kWh version feels sprightly, doing 0–100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, while higher-spec trims cut that to a neat 7 seconds flat. The top speed? A rather impressive 202 km/h—making this not just a family mover but a highway cruiser, too.
Practicality Meets Performance
While many EVs struggle with space due to battery packaging, Mahindra’s INGLO platform cleverly integrates the pack into the floor, freeing up a flat cabin and generous headroom. The 9S comfortably seats seven adults—something that’s been a persistent challenge in electric SUVs so far.
And yes, with 219mm ground clearance, it’s not afraid of a little rough road either. Mahindra has clearly aimed to make it usable for Indian families, not just urban commuters.
Competition: In A League Of Its Own
Right now, the XEV 9S doesn’t have a direct rival. The Kia Carens Clavis EV and BYD eMax 7 lean more toward MPV design, and the upcoming Tata Harrier EV remains a two-row SUV. In that sense, Mahindra’s carved out a unique niche—a fully electric, three-row SUV at a price that undercuts luxury EVs by a wide margin.
In essence, the XEV 9S gives Indian buyers what they’ve long wanted: EV practicality without sacrificing family space.
The Bigger Picture
This launch also reinforces Mahindra’s electric roadmap. After the BE and XUV.e series, the XEV 9S shows how the company is transitioning from premium EV concepts to real, attainable products. With production slated to ramp up in early 2026, Mahindra’s clearly signaling it wants to dominate India’s growing electric SUV space—not just participate in it.
For buyers who’ve been waiting for a proper 7-seater EV that doesn’t cost the moon, the 9S could be the game-changer.
