Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUV Detailed In 20 Pics

We take a closer look at the second homegrown electric SUV

The first mass-production electric SUV from Mahindra has been unveiled as the XUV400. Largely based on the subcompact XUV300, the XUV400 has a very similar appearance except the rear end which has a new look that has also increased the car’s overall length. The XUV400 has an impressive claimed range of over 400km and will enter the market in January 2023. We’ve already spent some time with the electric SUV and you can explore it in detail in the gallery below:

EXTERIOR

Front 

While most brands adopt a colour theme of white or blue to represent a car’s electric nature, Mahindra has opted for copper which is a core component in anything that runs on electricity. The front end of the XUV400 is very similar to the XUV300 but differentiated by the copper-coloured details and an EV-centric fascia. It still has the tear-drop design but most of it is just cladding while the front bumper has also been reshaped for increased aero-efficiency. The headlamps and the bonnet of the XUV400 seems the same as that of the XUV300.

Until we collectively decide on a new name for this part of an EV’s front end, the panel between the headlamps and below the bonnet’s edge, we are likely to keep calling this area the ‘grille’. The XUV400’s panel has the new Mahindra twin peak logo, also in copper, and a number of Xs (as an XUV model) engraved into it, some of which half-finished in copper as well.

The smooth and integrated bodywork of the XUV400 also includes the area that would have otherwise been the air dam on the XUV300. 

Headlamps

The headlamps of the XUV400 are the same shape as those of the XUV300, but it now features integrated daytime running lights along its top and outer edges.

Side

In profile, the XUV400 is harder to distinguish from its XUV300 cousin. It gets more copper details to replace the usual chrome bits in the bodyside cladding. Pay close attention to the rear of the car and then you’ll see the difference in design for the XUV400’s more proportionate rear end.

Also read: Mahindra XUV400 EV Vs Tata Nexon EV - 5 Key Differences Detailed

Charging flap

Mahindra has positioned the charging port to be on the front right fender rather than in the same place as the regular fuel filler would be, i.e. on the rear haunches. This positioning makes it easier to access EV chargers at whatever position.

Wheels

The XUV400 gets the same 16-inch alloy wheels as the XUV300. While it does not need aero-optimised wheels, we feel Mahindra could have offered a more distinctive design for its electric SUV.

Rear

This is where the XUV400 looks most different from the XUV300. Its new rear end has a lot more creases in the metal and the rear bumper is chunkier with a more noticeable skid plate and further from the rear wheels. The rear end of this electric SUV looks more appealing and more proportionate than that of the XUV300 whose rear design was shortened to fit the sub-4m criteria.

Taillamps

The basic shape of the taillamps of the XUV400 is the same but the light signature is different. These look modern and crisp.

Related: Mahindra Debuts 5 New EVs! All-electric XUV700 To Arrive First In 2024

INTERIOR

Mahindra opted to give the XUV400 an all-black cabin as opposed to the lighter theme of the XUV300. It continues the copper highlight theme for various controls and the AC vent surrounds. Here we do see a hint of blue for its EV nature in the form of blue cross-stitching in the upholstery. There are some changes across the dashboard but the layout remains untouched. As a whole, the XUV400’s cabin looks well built and the new theme makes it look more premium than the XUV300.

The storage bay built in to the passenger side of the dashboard ups the practicality quotient for the front occupants.

Steering wheel

There is no EV specific change to the steering wheel of the XUV400 except for the copper twin peaks logo in the centre. It has the same controls for the media, telephony and cruise control. There are no controls on it or behind it to adjust the regenerative braking.

Gauge cluster

While Mahindra has done a lot to make the XUV400’s cabin look good, it has missed out on some premium touches. For instance, the multi-information display in between the backlit analog dials is still not a multi-colour unit. The right dial is for speed while the left dial is for the amount of power being used. The lighting behind the inner circle of both dials changes depending on the drive mode.

Central console

The XUV400 gets the same 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which looks outdated in comparison to most sub-compact SUVs. It is due to get EV-specific themes and visuals in the final market-ready model. Among the controls on either side of the hazard lights, we have the button for the drive modes located nearest to the driver..

The copper-coloured dial stands out in the all-black cabin of the XUV400. It is the control for toggling the manual AC and rotating it for fan speeds. There is a switch above it to raise or lower the temperature of the AC but misses out on auto AC, or even the dual zone climate control offered in the XUV300.

Drive selector

The drive selector for the XUV400 is the most premium-looking detail of the cabin. It is a blend of copper surfaces and plush black materials, with a shape similar to a drive-selector in most global models.

Console tunnel

The console between the front seats has a central armrest with storage underneath. It has a manual handbrake and cupholders to the left of it. There is no wireless charging pad but it has a storage tray under the central console, 1 USB port and a 12V power socket. 

Rear seat

The XUV400 gets headrests for all rear seats and a fold out centre armrest as well. It does however miss out on a three-point seatbelt for the middle seat. The Mahindra electric SUV also misses out on rear seat comforts such as rear AC vents or a rear charging port.

Sunroof

While missing out on some practical comforts and conveniences, the XUV400 does come with a sunroof.

Under the hood

The XUV400 packs its electrified propulsion components where the engine would be in a XUV300. Its 39.4kWh battery pack is under the floor that powers the 150PS electric motor for a claimed range of up to 456km. The battery also has a fast-charge capacity of up to 50kW that can top the battery from 0 to 80 percent in under an hour.

Boot space

The most user-centric benefit of the rear-end redesign is the increased boot space over the XUV300 by nearly 50 percent. The boot of the XUV400 has a luggage capacity of 387 litres, but no rear parcel shelf.

The Mahindra XUV400 is expected to arrive with a starting price of Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom) and it will rival the Tata Nexon EV Max, while being affordable than the likes of the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

• Nexon EV Max price
• MG ZS EV price