On November 27, 2025, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited unveiled the Scream Electric event in India, marking the debut of the Mahindra XEV 9S — a ground-up, all-electric 7-seater SUV that could redefine family mobility in India. Priced from Rs 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom), the XEV 9S isn’t just another EV add-on; it’s the first vehicle in the country engineered from the ground up as a 7-seater electric SUV on Mahindra’s proprietary INGLO architecture. The launch, timed to celebrate one year of the company’s Born EV platform, signals a bold bet on families who want zero emissions without sacrificing space or performance. And unlike retrofitted EVs, this one was built to be electric — inside and out.
Why This Isn’t Just Another EV
Most electric SUVs in India are adaptations of existing ICE platforms. The XEV 9S changes that. Its wheelbase, seating layout, and battery placement were designed from scratch to accommodate seven adults comfortably — something no other Indian EV has done. Even competitors like Tata’s Safari EV or MG’s upcoming 7-seater are based on gasoline platforms. The XEV 9S’s proportions — muscular haunches, flush door handles, and 19-inch aerodynamic alloys — mirror the XUV700’s rugged elegance, but with cleaner lines and a blacked-out rear bumper that gives it a futuristic silhouette. The LED boomerang taillamps? They’re not just stylish. They’re designed to cut through monsoon fog better than conventional bulbs.Three Batteries, One Goal: Range Without Compromise
Mahindra didn’t just offer one battery option — it gave buyers a choice. The entry-level 59 kWh pack delivers 231 PS and 380 Nm of torque with a claimed 521 km range (MIDC), translating to roughly 400 km in real-world conditions. The mid-tier 70 kWh unit bumps power to 245 PS and extends range to 600 km claimed (450 km real). But the star is the 79 kWh pack — the largest in any Indian EV to date — producing 286 PS and promising up to 679 km of range. That’s more than a Tesla Model Y Long Range. And all variants hit a top speed of 202 km/h, making highway cruising effortless.What’s surprising? No AWD. Mahindra stuck with rear-wheel drive across all trims. It’s a cost and efficiency play — and one that works for India’s mostly flat terrain. But it does raise eyebrows in markets where AWD is standard for SUVs. Still, the 5-link rear suspension and Frequency Dependent Damping tech help smooth out potholes better than most luxury sedans.
Technology That Feels Like the Future
The cabin is where the XEV 9S truly shocks. Higher variants get the Qualcomm 8295 Snapdragon Chipset — the same chip powering premium Android cars in the US. With 24 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, the infotainment system runs apps like Amazon Alexa, YouTube, and Netflix without lag. The 16-million-color LightMeUp ambient lighting can sync to music or change with your mood. Night Trail carpet lamps? They gently illuminate your feet as you step out at night — a small luxury most EVs ignore.Then there’s the tech that feels like sci-fi: Video Calling built into the dash, AutoPark Assist, Secure360 live streaming, and Eyedentity — a facial recognition system that adjusts seat position, climate, and playlist the moment you sit down. Even the steering wheel uses CapTouch switches, eliminating physical buttons. And yes, it has 5G connectivity — preloaded with OTT apps, news, and even shopping portals. This isn’t a car. It’s a rolling smart home.
Who’s It For? And Who’s It Leaving Behind?
The XEV 9S targets upwardly mobile urban families — professionals with two kids, aging parents, and a need for space. It’s not a budget buy. At Rs 19.95 lakh, it’s nearly double the price of a Tata Nexon EV Max. But it’s cheaper than a BMW X5 EV. The real question: Is India ready? The EV market is growing fast, but charging infrastructure remains patchy outside metro cities. Mahindra’s answer? A 400-550 km real-world range and Superfast charging (10-80% in under 30 minutes). That’s enough for a Delhi-Mumbai trip on a single charge — if you can find the right station.What’s missing? No solar roof. No V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability. And while Level 2 ADAS is included — with lane assist, adaptive cruise, and automatic emergency braking — it’s not Level 3 autonomy. Some rivals, like BYD, are already testing higher levels. But Mahindra’s strategy seems clear: dominate the practical family segment first. Then expand.
What’s Next? Bookings, Deliveries, and the Bigger Picture
Bookings open on January 14, 2026, with deliveries starting January 23, 2026. Six variants will be available, spanning three battery options and three equipment levels. Colors? Six — from Stealth Black to Nebula Blue — each chosen to appeal to India’s diverse aesthetic tastes. The XEV 9S joins the XEV 9e and BE 6e in Mahindra’s EV lineup, completing a trio that covers compact, mid-size, and now full-size EVs.For the first time, Indian families have a true electric alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta or Maruti Ertiga — vehicles that dominate the 7-seater market. If Mahindra can deliver on reliability, service network expansion, and charging access, the XEV 9S could become the new family SUV standard. And if it does? It won’t just be a car. It’ll be a cultural shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mahindra XEV 9S really India’s first true 7-seater EV SUV?
Yes. While other EVs like the Tata Safari EV or MG ZS EV are 7-seaters, they’re based on internal combustion engine platforms. The XEV 9S is the first built from the ground up as an electric vehicle on Mahindra’s INGLO architecture, with optimized battery placement, seating ergonomics, and structural rigidity designed specifically for EV use.
How does the XEV 9S compare to Tesla’s Model Y in India?
The XEV 9S offers more seating (7 vs. 5), a lower starting price (Rs 19.95L vs. Model Y’s ~Rs 40L), and features like ambient lighting and Alexa built-in. But the Model Y has faster charging, better software updates, and a more established global service network. The XEV 9S wins on value and space; Tesla wins on tech polish and brand cachet.
Why no AWD in the XEV 9S?
Mahindra chose rear-wheel drive to keep costs down and maximize efficiency — a smart move for India’s mostly flat urban and highway driving. AWD adds weight and complexity, reducing range. For most Indian families, RWD is more than sufficient. The 5-link rear suspension and adaptive damping compensate well for uneven roads.
What’s the real-world range I can expect?
Mahindra claims ranges up to 679 km, but real-world figures are 400–550 km depending on battery size, driving style, and climate. With AC on and highway speeds, expect 450 km from the 70 kWh pack and 500+ km from the 79 kWh. That’s enough for a round trip between Delhi and Jaipur or Mumbai and Pune on one charge.
Will the XEV 9S be available in rural areas?
Mahindra plans to expand its EV service network to over 1,200 touchpoints by 2027, including Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. But charging infrastructure remains a challenge outside metros. The company is partnering with state governments and private operators to install fast chargers along highways — but widespread rural availability won’t happen until 2028 or later.
How does the XEV 9S impact India’s EV adoption goals?
The XEV 9S is a game-changer for family EV adoption. With over 70% of Indian car buyers choosing 7-seaters, this fills a massive gap. If Mahindra delivers on reliability and service, it could push EV penetration from 5% to 15% in the family SUV segment by 2030 — accelerating India’s goal of 30% EV sales by 2030.