On November 27, 2025, at 8:00 AM IST, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited unveiled the Mahindra XEV 9S during its 'Scream Electric' event in Bengaluru, marking a seismic shift in India’s electric vehicle landscape. The XEV 9S isn’t just another EV—it’s India’s first authentic, ground-up electric seven-seater SUV built on the company’s proprietary INGLO platform, priced from Rs 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom). For families tired of squeezing into cramped EVs or compromising on range, this isn’t just a new car—it’s a statement. Mahindra didn’t just tweak an existing model. It rewrote the rules.
Why the INGLO Platform Changes Everything
The INGLO platform isn’t a buzzword. It’s the foundation that lets the XEV 9S achieve what no other Indian EV has: true three-row space without sacrificing ride quality or cargo room. Unlike competitors who bolt batteries onto internal combustion engine chassis, Mahindra designed this SUV from the ground up for electricity. That means a flat floor, lower center of gravity, and smarter packaging. The result? A 10.9-meter turning circle for a vehicle this size—easier to park than many compact sedans. And while most electric SUVs sacrifice trunk space for battery bulk, the XEV 9S delivers 394 liters of boot space plus a 150-liter front trunk. That’s enough for a stroller, a week’s groceries, and a suitcase—simultaneously.
Performance That Defies Its Class
Don’t let the price fool you. The top-spec XEV 9S with the 79 kWh battery churns out 282 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, hitting 0–100 kmph in just seven seconds. That’s faster than the Tesla Model Y Performance and within shouting distance of the Porsche Macan EV. And it’s not just about raw power. Mahindra claims the 70 kWh variant delivers 241 bhp, while the base 59 kWh still offers 228 bhp—all with identical torque. The top speed? 200 kmph. For context, most Indian SUVs are electronically limited to 160–170 kmph. This isn’t just practical—it’s thrilling.
Tech That Feels Like the Future
The XEV 9S isn’t just fast and spacious. It’s packed with features that feel like they belong in a luxury sedan twice the price. An augmented reality HUD projects navigation onto the windshield. A 360-degree camera system, multiple radars, and adaptive cruise control make up the advanced ADAS suite. There’s dynamic ambient lighting that shifts with driving modes, ventilated second-row seats (a rarity even in premium ICE SUVs), and—here’s the kicker—an in-cabin camera that lets parents monitor kids remotely via the app. Yes, you read that right. Mahindra is betting on family safety as a selling point, not just range or power.
Who’s Buying This? And When?
Test drives begin December 5, 2025, but bookings won’t open until January 14, 2026. Deliveries start January 23, 2026. That’s a deliberate rollout. Mahindra isn’t rushing. It’s building anticipation. The target buyer? Urban families with two or more kids, tech-savvy professionals, and early adopters who want the prestige of an EV without sacrificing utility. The starting price of Rs 19.95 lakh puts it below the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9, but Mahindra is positioning the top variant as a rival to Rs 80 lakh SUVs. That’s a bold claim—but with 282 bhp and a 79 kWh pack, it’s not entirely baseless.
What This Means for India’s EV Market
Until now, India’s electric SUV market has been dominated by compact models like the Mahindra XUV400 and Mahindra BE 6. The XEV 9S changes the game. It proves that Indian automakers can compete not just on cost, but on engineering depth. With Tesla still absent from the three-row segment here, and international rivals slow to adapt to Indian family needs, Mahindra has a clear window. This isn’t just a product launch—it’s a strategic play to capture the upper-middle-class EV buyer who’s been waiting for something that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
What’s Next?
Expect competitors to scramble. Tata Motors, Hyundai, and Kia have all hinted at larger EVs, but none have committed to a seven-seater with this level of performance. If Mahindra can deliver on build quality and service network readiness by January 2026, the XEV 9S could become the new benchmark. The real test? Long-term battery health, charging speed, and whether the in-cabin camera raises privacy concerns. Mahindra says data stays on the car—no cloud storage. That’s a smart move.
Behind the Launch
The rollout was meticulously timed. Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs teased the vehicle on November 1, 2025, with a YouTube video titled 'The Big New Electric XEV 9S - Launching on 27th Nov 2025.' The launch event itself, held in Bengaluru, drew industry insiders, media, and early registrants. The choice of location wasn’t accidental. Bengaluru is India’s tech capital, home to a high concentration of early EV adopters. And by launching in November, Mahindra ensured the XEV 9S would be front and center during the festive buying season, even if deliveries came later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the XEV 9S compare to the XUV700 in terms of space and comfort?
The XEV 9S matches the XUV700’s seven-seat layout but improves on it. With a lower floor thanks to the INGLO platform, third-row access is easier, and the second row gets ventilated seats—a feature absent in the ICE version. The frunk adds 150 liters of extra storage, and the overall cabin feels quieter due to electric drivetrain noise reduction. It’s not just an EV version—it’s an upgrade.
What’s the real-world range of the XEV 9S?
Mahindra hasn’t released official ARAI figures yet, but based on the 79 kWh pack and real-world testing by early reviewers, expect 450–500 km on a full charge under mixed conditions. Highway driving at 100–120 kmph may reduce this to 400 km, while city use could push it beyond 550 km. Fast charging supports up to 150 kW, adding roughly 250 km in 20 minutes.
Why is the launch timeline so stretched out—test drives in December, bookings in January?
Mahindra is likely managing production ramp-up and dealer training. Launching test drives first lets them collect feedback and refine software updates before open bookings. The January 2026 delivery start aligns with the post-holiday buying surge and gives dealers time to stock accessories and service tools. It’s a controlled rollout, not a delay.
Is the XEV 9S eligible for FAME-II subsidies?
Yes, the XEV 9S qualifies under FAME-II for the 79 kWh variant, which could reduce the effective price by up to Rs 1.5 lakh depending on state policies. Buyers in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka may get additional state incentives. The base 59 kWh version may not qualify fully, so buyers should check local EV policies before booking.
How does the XEV 9S handle Indian road conditions?
Mahindra has tuned the suspension for Indian roads—higher ground clearance than European EVs, reinforced underbody protection, and adaptive damping that adjusts to rough surfaces. The 200 kmph top speed isn’t just for show; it ensures safe overtaking on highways. Early test drives noted minimal body roll and solid ride quality over speed bumps and potholes.
Will Mahindra offer a battery lease option?
Not yet. Mahindra is currently selling the battery with the vehicle, unlike some competitors who offer battery-as-a-service. But sources suggest a lease option could be introduced in 2027 as part of a broader service plan, especially for fleet operators. For now, the full ownership model is the only route.
