Is this the most futuristic car India has ever seen? From a 3-screen dashboard to a 5-star safety rating, here is everything you need to know about Mahindra’s new electric beast.
If you have seen the new Mahindra XEV 9e on the road, you probably turned your head. With its coupe-like sloping roof and sharp LED lights, it doesn’t just look like a car; it looks like something from a sci-fi movie. But is it just about looks, or does it have the power to match?
Here is a friendly, deep dive into what makes the XEV 9e special, what it’s like to drive, and a few things you should watch out for.
1. A Cockpit Straight Out of the Future
The first thing you will notice when you step inside is the dashboard. It isn’t just one screen; it is three 12.3-inch screens running from coast to coast.
- For the Driver: A crisp display for speed and navigation.
- For the Centre: The main infotainment hub.
- For the Passenger: A dedicated screen to stream movies or music via apps like Disney+ Hotstar.
It is powered by the MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture) system, which acts like a smart assistant. It even has a selfie camera inside that monitors driver fatigue and, yes, takes photos of you and your family.
2. Power and Range: No More Anxiety?
Mahindra has built this car on its new INGLO architecture, which is designed purely for electric vehicles.
- The Battery: You get two options—a 59 kWh pack and a massive 79 kWh pack.
- The Range: The bigger battery claims a range of 656 km (MIDC cycle). In real-world conditions, reviews suggest you can comfortably expect 450–500 km, which is great for road trips.
- The Speed: It is fast. The XEV 9e sends power to the rear wheels (RWD), launching from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds.
Charging Speed: It supports super-fast charging. You can juice it up from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 175kW DC fast charger.
3. Safety: A 5-Star Fortress
Safety is a massive priority here. The XEV 9e recently created history by scoring a perfect 32/32 for adult occupant protection in the Bharat-NCAP crash tests, earning a solid 5-star rating. It comes loaded with 7 airbags, Level 2+ ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and a 360-degree camera to keep you safe.
4. What is it Like to Drive?
Because it is a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), it offers a fun and sporty driving experience that is rare in the mass market.
- The Ride: The suspension is generally sorted and offers good stability at high speeds. However, some users have noted that the ride can feel a bit “firm” or “bouncy” on bad roads, especially if you opt for the larger 20-inch wheels.
- The View: The coupe design looks amazing from the outside, but the sloping roofline and thick pillars mean rear visibility is quite poor through the rearview mirror. You will definitely need those cameras!
5. Price and Verdict
The XEV 9e starts at an introductory price of ₹21.90 Lakh (ex-showroom).
Should you buy it? If you want a car that stands out, offers a “luxury” feel with features like a panoramic skyroof, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and excellent range, this is a top contender. It is more premium than the Tata Curvv EV and aims for a higher segment.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
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