MAHINDRA XEV 9S

Mahindra XEV 9S is essentially a rebadged and slightly redesigned Mahindra XUV700 with an electric heart. The masculine and rugged appeal is still there, just like the ICE sibling. Also, despite being a more or less EV version of the XUV700, the XEV 9S is more aligned with its Born Electric series electric SUVs - XEV 9e and BE 6. The design is, of course, revamped in sync with the EV design philosophy. Beyond that, the typical EV characteristics are present, making it distinct from the ICE-powered XUV700.

It gets an identical LED DRL and LED projector headlamps to the XEV 9e, but at the same time, it comes with tons of distinctiveness as well. While the XEV 9e is more inclined towards the premium sportiness, the XEV 9S is focused on practicality. Visual differences with the XEV 9e include the split LED taillight, which is more in sync with XUV700, but not XEV 9e, since the latter model gets a connected inverted U-shaped taillamp. Surprisingly, Mahindra has not walked the crowded way of using an LED strip to connect the taillights, a design philosophy almost every carmaker has adopted. The aero alloy wheels also stand out distinctly from both the XEV 9e and the BE 6.

Enter the cabin and the Mahindra XEV 9S plush vibe, without compromising the practicality. If you are not a fan of the coupe SUV design of the XEV 9e, which actually eats the headroom for the rear occupants, the XEV 9S will surely impress you. If you are familiar with the XUV700, the XEV 9S will seem identical.

Mahindra has dubbed it a family SUV, and the three-row seats, generous amount of space, and seven-seater layout - all these factors testify to that. The homegrown auto giant claims that space was the most important factor while designing the interior of the XEV 9S. From the driver's seat to the second-row seats and the third-row seats - the statement can be felt effortlessly.

The second-row occupants get ample leg room, head space and knee room. If the space doesn't feel adequate, the passenger sitting right behind the front passenger can opt for the Boss mode, something available in models like the Tata Sierra and the Hyundai Creta Electric. With this feature, the leg room for the second-row occupant can be increased significantly. Speaking of the third row, it feels cramped with minimal leg space and headroom, but it actually varies from person to person, depending on the height of the occupant. The positioning of utility storage spaces, along with the features, across the interior also portrays clever design philosophy.

The key highlight inside the cabin is the triple-screen digital display, comprising the fully digital driver display, touchscreen infotainment systems at the centre and at the front passenger side. This gives an enhanced digital surface vibe. The mammoth retractable panoramic sunroof, unlike the XEV 9e's fixed glass roof, enhances the spacious vibe, letting in more light and air if opened.

The driver's console and centre console come with a vibe that looks like it has taken inspiration from the aircraft. While the design is futuristic, the material quality is plush. For the rear occupants as well, retractable sunshades, a wireless charging mobile dock, retractable worktables for tablet or laptop, centre armrest with cup holders are practicality-focused utility features, enhancing convenience.

The Mahindra XEV 9S is available in four broad trim choices and three battery pack options - 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh. The real-world range of the XEV 9S is expected to be up to 400 km, 450 km and 500 km, respectively, for the three battery pack options. I drove the 79 kWh battery pack-powered top-end trim of the SUV, the Pack Three Above.

Being an electric car, power delivery is smooth and linear from the very first slight push you give to the accelerator. Despite being a big SUV, the XEV 9S drives effortlessly. The steering is ultralight and very responsive.

I had the chance of driving the SUV on smooth surfaces and roads with a few patches. Also, I took the SUV to the top of a hill and came down, tackling the narrow and sharp bends. Some of the hairpin bends were pretty steep. While driving there, the Mahindra XEV 9S never disappointed me. Tried to accelerate as fast as I could amid the traffic, and there again, the XEV 9S performed pretty well. Despite being a family car, the powertrain's response is bound to give you a fun driving feeling.

I must mention the features and tech that smooth out the driving. The HUD, the front camera and reverse camera, blind-spot monitor, lane changing camera, Level 2 ADAS altogether make driving easier.

As I already mentioned, the car performed well on the patchy roads, smooth surfaces, and while climbing a hill as well. Honestly, the ride quality was smooth enough to like the SUV. The steering, being ultralight and precisely responsive, helps in effortless driving. The suspension setup, I must say, is very good, as I tried tackling a speed breaker at high speed, and didn't feel much hiccup from the SUV. In a nutshell, the suspension is tuned to offer a plush and cushioned ride. The seating position is comfortable and allows you a commanding view of the road.