Mahindra XEV 9S: India’s First 7-Seater Electric SUV Launched at ₹19.95 Lakh
On November 27, 2025, Mahindra & Mahindra dropped India’s first-ever 7-seater electric SUV — the XEV 9S — at its 'Scream Electric' event in Bengaluru. Starting at ₹19.95 lakh and climbing to ₹29.45 lakh for the top-tier Pack Three variant, this isn’t just another EV. It’s a direct challenge to the notion that electric family vehicles must be compromises. With a 79 kWh battery, 500 km real-world range, and 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds, the XEV 9S doesn’t just compete — it redefines expectations.
More Than Just a Bigger EV
The XEV 9S isn’t a stretched XEV 9e. It’s built on Mahindra’s new INGLO architecture — a flat, skateboard-style platform that unlocks space in ways traditional SUVs can’t. The result? A cabin that feels like a luxury lounge, not a crowded minivan. Second-row sliding seats, a full-length sky roof, ventilated and massaging chairs, and a 540-degree camera system make it feel like a premium sedan, but with room for seven. Even the frunk (front trunk) adds 80 liters of storage — something you rarely see in this segment.
Under the hood, a single electric motor delivers up to 286 PS and 380 Nm of torque. That’s more power than many V6 internal combustion engines. The three battery options — 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh — offer ranges of 400 km, 450 km, and 500 km respectively, all using LFP chemistry, known for safety and longevity. And here’s the kicker: every battery comes with a lifetime warranty. No other Indian EV maker offers that.
Safety and Tech That Sets the Bar
Seven airbags? Standard. ADAS Level-2? Standard. The 540-degree camera? Standard. Mahindra didn’t save these for the top trim — they made them baseline. The AQUI air purifier with VR-assisted LED monitoring isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a response to urban pollution concerns, especially in cities like Delhi and Mumbai where air quality remains a daily worry. And with four drive modes and five regenerative braking levels, drivers can fine-tune everything from energy recovery to ride feel.
The suspension? Intelligent adaptive dampers up front, 5-link independent setup at the rear. That’s the same architecture used in high-end German SUVs. Ground clearance? 205 mm — enough to handle India’s worst potholes without scraping. Even the 65W fast charging is a nod to real-world usage: 10 minutes gives you 100 km of range. That’s faster than most petrol stations can refill.
Who’s It For? And Who’s It Fighting?
Mahindra isn’t targeting budget buyers. This is a bridge between mass-market EVs like the BYD Atto 3 and luxury players like the Tesla Model Y. The competition? The upcoming Tata Safari EV, Kia’s Carens Clavis EV (currently the only 7-seater EV on sale), and Mahindra’s own smaller XEV 9e. But the XEV 9S isn’t just bigger — it’s smarter. The flat floor means no hump in the middle, no sacrificed legroom for the middle seat. Parents can actually buckle three car seats across the second row without a wrestling match.
And the pricing? ₹19.95 lakh for the base model is aggressive. For context, petrol prices in India stand at ₹94.72/litre (Indian Oil Corporation Limited, November 2025). Over 10,000 km, a diesel Safari costs roughly ₹8,760 in fuel. The XEV 9S? Around ₹1,500 in electricity. That’s over ₹7,000 saved every 10,000 km. Multiply that by five years — and the savings start to look like a down payment.
What’s Next? Bookings, Deliveries, and the Future
Customer bookings open on January 14, 2026. Deliveries begin January 23, 2026. That’s a tight window — just six weeks from announcement to sales. Mahindra is clearly betting on momentum. And they’re not done. Executives hinted at a future 6-seater variant with captain’s chairs, likely for the ultra-premium market. They’re also exploring V2L (vehicle-to-load) tech, which could let the XEV 9S power a home during outages — a feature that could be huge in rural India.
This launch isn’t just about selling cars. It’s about proving that Indian families don’t have to choose between space, safety, and sustainability. For years, EVs were seen as city commuter toys. The XEV 9S says: family road trips, school runs, weekend getaways — all electric now.
Why This Matters
Mahindra’s move signals a turning point. Until now, 7-seater EVs in India were either imports (like the upcoming Hyundai Staria EV) or unaffordable luxuries. The XEV 9S brings premium features to a price point that’s within reach of middle-class families earning ₹15-20 lakh annually. It’s not just a product launch — it’s a social shift. And with India’s EV adoption growing at 85% YoY (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, 2025), this could be the model that finally pushes EVs into mainstream family garages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the XEV 9S compare to the Tata Safari EV in terms of range and pricing?
While Tata hasn’t officially revealed the Safari EV’s specs, early estimates suggest a range of 400-450 km and a starting price around ₹22 lakh. The XEV 9S offers up to 500 km on its top variant and starts at ₹19.95 lakh — undercutting expectations. More importantly, the XEV 9S includes ADAS Level-2, 7 airbags, and a lifetime battery warranty as standard — features Tata may charge extra for.
Is the XEV 9S suitable for long-distance travel across India?
Yes. With 500 km real-world range on the 79 kWh battery and 65W fast charging, a 500 km journey requires just one 20-minute stop. Mahindra’s charging network now covers over 1,200 stations across 150 cities, including key highways like NH44 and NH48. The 540-degree camera and adaptive suspension also make long drives safer on India’s patchy roads.
Why does Mahindra offer only automatic transmission?
Electric motors deliver instant torque, making manual gear shifts unnecessary and inefficient. Automatic transmission simplifies driving — especially in city traffic — and improves energy efficiency. Mahindra’s decision aligns with global EV trends, where 98% of electric vehicles are automatic. It also reduces maintenance costs, a key selling point for Indian families.
What’s the warranty coverage beyond the battery?
Mahindra offers a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty on the vehicle’s overall structure and electronics. The electric motor and powertrain are covered for 8 years or 160,000 km. The lifetime battery warranty is unprecedented — it covers degradation beyond 70% capacity, meaning if your battery drops below that threshold within ownership, Mahindra replaces it free.
Will there be a 6-seater version?
Mahindra has not confirmed it, but executives hinted at a future 6-seater variant with captain’s chairs and a center aisle — likely aimed at premium buyers and corporate fleets. The INGLO platform’s flexibility makes this feasible without redesigning the entire vehicle. If launched, it could compete with the Mercedes-Benz V-Class EV in India’s luxury MPV segment.
How does the XEV 9S impact India’s EV adoption goals?
India aims for 30% EV sales by 2030. But adoption has stalled among families due to range anxiety and lack of space. The XEV 9S solves both. With its premium features, competitive pricing, and family-focused design, it could accelerate EV uptake in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where SUVs dominate. If it sells 20,000 units in its first year, it could become the best-selling EV in India’s 7-seater segment — a game-changer for the market.
