Mahindra XUV400 EC and EL: Which variant should you buy

Mahindra has finally launched its much-awaited electric compact SUV XUV400 at a price range of ₹15.99-18.99 lakh (ex-showroom), which is the introductory pricing applicable for the first 5,000 bookings of each of the variants of the car. Mahindra XUV400 is available in two different variants - EC and EL. The EC comes available in two charger options - 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW, which are priced at ₹15.99 lakh and ₹16.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

The compact SUV comes in a segment where Tata Motors dominates with its Nexon EV. Also, the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV too are positioned in the same segment. Mahindra aims to sell 20,000 units of the XUV400 within the first year of the launch of this model. However, clearly, it won't be a cakewalk for the homegrown SUV specialist to grab a chunk of the pie in this category. In fact, Mahindra would have to do a lot of hard work to grab a noteworthy position in the segment.

Mahindra XUV400 will be available for bookings in 34 cities across India from 26th January 2023. Deliveries will commence from March 2023 for the EL, while the EC variants' deliveries are slated to commence during Diwali this year. While there are still a few more days left before its booking begins, here are the variants explained to help you choose the right variant if you have decided to buy the Mahindra XUV400 EV.

XUV400 - Specs and price	Battery size	MIDC range	Charger Option	Price
XUV400 EC	34.5 kWh	375 kms	3.3 kW	₹15.99 lakh
			7.2 kW	₹16.49 lakh
XUV400 EL	39.4 kWh	456 kms	7.2 kW	₹18.99 lakh

Mahindra XUV400 EC

The Mahindra XUV400 EC is the lower variant of the electric SUV, and it comes available in two different charger options - 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW. These are priced at ₹15.99 lakh and ₹16.49 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. In terms of design, the EC trim gets halogen MFR headlamps, KLED taillights, sill cladding, R16 steel wheels, wheel arch cladding and a spoiler, among others.

Inside the cabin, the XUV400 EC gets fabric seat upholstery, height-adjustable seatbelts, a four-way adjustable driver seat, 60:40 split second-row seats, electrically adjustable ORVMs, singe-zone manual AC etc. Also, it comes equipped with multiple drive modes and connected car technologies. The EC gets City Assist technology christened as L-mode.

On the safety front, the Mahindra XUV400 EC gets disc brakes on all four wheels, ISOFIX for child seats, a PAB deactivation switch, and three-point seatbelts. The EC offers a 375 km range on a single charge, charged by a 34.5 kWh battery pack that works in tandem with an electric motor that pumps out 150 PS of power and 310 Nm of torque.

Mahindra XUV400 EL

Mahindra XUV400 EL is the top variant of the electric compact SUV, and it is priced at ₹18.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The EL variant gets various additional design elements and features over and above the EC model. It gets projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, R16 alloy wheels with diamond cut, roof rails, and door cladding at the exterior.

Moving inside the cabin, the Mahindra XUV400 EL features leatherette seats, an electric sunroof with an anti-pinch function, a height-adjustable driver seat, a rear windshield wiper and washer, a rear demister, a front and rear passenger armrest with storage etc. The EL variant gets a 17.38 cm touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other features include electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, auto headlamp and wiper, smartwatch connectivity, and passive keyless entry with a push button.

Adding safety to the cabin are features like side and curtain airbags, follow me home headlamps, and a reverse camera with adaptive guidelines. On the powertrain and performance front, the EL offers a 456 km range on a single charge. It draws energy from a more powerful 39.4 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor, which churns out 150 PS of peak power and 310 Nm of peak torque.