Mahindra XEV 9S: Standard Features That Make It VFM

Mahindra has positioned the XEV 9S as “India’s Big New Electric” – a three-row, all-electric SUV. With a starting price of Rs 19.95 lakh and going all the way to 29.45 lakh, ex-showroom, Mahindra offers a total of six variants of the XEV 9S, which also comes in three different battery options. However, it seems that Mahindra has bundled a lot of features into the vehicle, which, even in their lowest variants, provide true SUV capabilities.

Big SUV Footprint

The XEV 9S has a body size that translates to a classic large SUV, and all models share this size. Measuring 4,737 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,747 mm in height, the model uses a 2,762 mm wheelbase.

Also, it has a ground clearance of 205 mm, with the battery positioned 222 mm above the ground.

This means that all models, including those that are most budget-friendly, provide a true SUV posture as well as protection for the underbody. The three-row configuration has been offered as a standard feature, with as much as 4,076 litres of passenger space for the first and second rows, 527 litres in the third row folded position for a bigger boot, and 150 litres in a frunk.

INGLO Platform And Suspension Setup

The entire lineup of XEV 9S models rests on Mahindra's “INGLO” skateboard platform, which is a specifically designed EV platform for enhanced efficiency, safety, and stability. This design has a flat floor and a packed battery for optimised weight distribution as well as increased passenger space. The suspension components in models of this lineup are standard. These consist of Mahindra-iLINK suspension in front, along with a five-link independent suspension in the rear.

Higher variants provide adaptive damping, but this, in standard hardware, offers a perfect correlation between comfort and control, which suits driving as well as highway cruising. 

Powertrain, Battery Options, And Range

In all models of XEV 9S, rear wheel drive with a permanent magnet motor is used. The horsepower for models with 59 kWh batteries stands at 231 PS, for those with 70 kWh batteries, it is 245 PS, and for those with 79 kWh batteries, it reaches 286 PS. However, similar to other models, a constant 380 Nm of torque is produced. 

Noteworthy in this respect is that all models come with DC fast charging. The high-end model of 79 kWh range charges with a speed of 180 kW, while others support 140-160 kW. A 20-80% charge takes about 20 minutes with an appropriate charging point, so that even the lower-end models are also efficient for long journeys. The real world range of the larger battery pack is an estimated 500 km owing to the LFP battery tech that also comes with the surety of a lifetime warranty.

Tech-Rich Cabin with a Modern Digital Layout

One of the most interesting features of the XEV 9S has to be its triple-screen in-car tech. The car is equipped with a 12.3-inch driver instrument screen, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a third 12.3-inch passenger screen that creates a coast-to-coast screen. Even those models that do not offer all three displays offer the same contemporary in-car design and MAIA software interface, which runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon technology.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are offered in all models, as are other features of a connected vehicle, in-car apps, navigation, and voice commands. 

Comfort and Daily Usability as Standard Highlights

Mahindra has made it a point that the XEV 9S remains a family-friendly vehicle from day one. This has been incorporated in all models, starting with a sliding and reclining second row of seats that split 60:40 and a third row with a 50:50 split.

Other features that make it ideal for daily use are rear AC vents, sufficient storage space, and a noise-reduced cabin area. Higher models offer other luxury features like cooled first and second-row seating, a panoramic Skyroof, dual wireless charging ports, 65W USB-C ports, sun shades, and a snack tray that folds out.

Safety, ADAS, and Driver Assistance

Safety has been done uniformly. In all XEV 9S variants, there is a high-strength body, all disc brakes, brake-by-wire systems, electronic parking braking, and six airbags. The highest model also gets seven airbags with a driver knee airbag.

A Level 2, Level 2+, and a series of other features related to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are added progressively in higher models, which comprise functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring, blind spot monitoring, front- and rear-cross traffic alerts, and emergency steering.

Why The Standard Features Make It VFM

Core strengths of the XEV 9S are attained in terms of space, performance, charging, interior space, triple screen design, and a solid foundation of safety features, which are all delivered without requiring buyers to step up beyond their purchase. While luxury features are layered progressively, the basics are consistent in all models, which marks a distinguishing factor for XEV 9S with value for money in a class where electric vehicles are usually charged extra for even entry-level features.

Families in search of a move to an electric SUV without compromising functionality, speed, and security will find the standard features in XEV 9S quite attractive compared to other models available in the market.