The Mahindra & Mahindra Limited officially unveiled the Mahindra XEV 9S — India’s first authentic electric-origin 7-seater SUV — on the 'Scream Electric' launch eventBengaluru on November 27, 2025. Priced from ₹19.95 lakh (ex-showroom), the XEV 9S isn’t just another EV conversion. It’s built from scratch on the new INGLO architecture, targeting families who demand space, performance, and real electric range — not compromises. And with a 0–100 kmph time of seven seconds and up to 679 km of range, it’s quietly redefining what an Indian electric SUV can be.
Why the XEV 9S Isn’t Just Another EV
For years, Indian automakers slapped electric powertrains onto existing internal combustion engine platforms. The XEV 9S breaks that mold. Mahindra’s product team confirmed the ‘S’ stands for ‘space’ — a direct nod to the 68% of Indian SUV buyers who prioritize third-row seating, according to internal research. At 2,750 mm wheelbase, the XEV 9S fits two adults comfortably in the back, something rivals like the Tata Harrier EV and MG Hector EV struggle with. The sliding second-row seats? A family’s dream. The panoramic sunroof? A luxury touch. And the MAIA AI-powered infotainment? It learns your habits, adjusts climate settings automatically, and even suggests charging stops based on your route.
Under the skin, the XEV 9S offers three battery options: 59 kWh (542 km range, 228 bhp), 70 kWh (656 km, 241 bhp), and 79 kWh (679 km, 282 bhp). All deliver 380 Nm of torque. That top-spec variant? It matches the acceleration of SUVs costing ₹80 lakh. And yes — that’s not marketing fluff. Independent testers from NDTV Auto and CarDekho India confirmed the numbers during pre-launch evaluations. The vehicle’s low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery, makes it feel surprisingly agile for its size.
The INGLO Platform: Mahindra’s Billion-Dollar Bet
This isn’t just a new car. It’s the first product of a ₹3,200 crore investment in the INGLO platform. Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chief Technology Officer of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, called it the result of 42 months of R&D focused on Indian roads, monsoons, dust, and family driving patterns. The platform allows for modular battery packs, scalable powertrains, and even future autonomous features — all baked in from day one.
Manufacturing takes place at Mahindra’s Chakan plant in Pune, which received an ₹1,850 crore upgrade specifically for EV production. The scale is ambitious: Mahindra aims to sell 25,000 XEV 9S units in 2026 alone. That’s more than double the annual sales of the entire premium EV SUV segment in India last year.
Who’s It For? And Who’s It Against?
Mahindra didn’t name competitors during the launch — but everyone in the room knew. The XEV 9S is a direct challenge to the Tata Harrier EV, the MG Hector EV, and even the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7. Unlike those, the XEV 9S doesn’t feel like a retrofit. It’s designed for Indian families who need to haul kids, grandparents, groceries, and luggage — all while keeping their carbon footprint low.
And then there’s the price. At ₹19.95 lakh, it undercuts the Tesla Model Y by nearly ₹10 lakh while offering more seating. It’s also cheaper than the base BMW iX1. That’s the real disruption. Mahindra isn’t just selling an SUV. It’s selling value — with zero compromises.
What Comes Next? The Timeline
Customers won’t be able to drive one off the lot just yet. But the rollout is precise:
- Test drives begin: December 5, 2025
- Preference selection opens: December 14, 2025
- Bookings go live: January 14, 2026
- First deliveries: January 23, 2026
Deliveries will start across all 28 states and 8 union territories. Mahindra’s dealerships are already training staff on the MAIA system, battery maintenance, and fast-charging protocols. The company also offers an industry-leading 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the battery — longer than most global rivals.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
This launch signals a turning point. For too long, India’s EV market was dominated by small city cars and scooters. The XEV 9S proves that families are ready for serious electric vehicles. It also shows that Indian automakers can compete on technology, not just cost. With the INGLO platform now live, expect more models — a compact EV SUV, a pickup, even a commercial van — all built on the same foundation.
And here’s the quiet win: Mahindra didn’t wait for subsidies or government mandates. They built something consumers actually want — and priced it to win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the XEV 9S compare to the Tata Harrier EV in terms of space and range?
The XEV 9S offers a longer wheelbase (2,750 mm vs. ~2,685 mm) and more usable third-row space, making it genuinely suitable for adults. Range-wise, the XEV 9S’s top variant delivers 679 km — significantly higher than the Harrier EV’s estimated 500 km. Mahindra’s INGLO architecture allows for better thermal management and efficiency, translating to real-world range gains.
What’s the charging speed, and where can I charge it?
The XEV 9S supports 150 kW DC fast charging, taking just 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. Mahindra is partnering with public charging networks across India, including Fortum, Ather Energy’s network, and state-run stations. Over 1,200 fast-charging points are already compatible, with plans to add 500 more by mid-2026.
Is the battery warranty reliable, and what does it cover?
Yes — the 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty is among the best in the industry. It covers capacity degradation below 70%, cell failures, and thermal issues. Unlike some competitors that exclude ‘normal wear,’ Mahindra’s policy includes environmental factors like extreme heat or humidity, which are critical in India’s climate.
Why did Mahindra choose Bengaluru for the launch?
Bengaluru is India’s tech and EV adoption hub, with the highest density of early adopters and charging infrastructure. The launch at Mahindra World City — a tech park housing R&D centers — also signals the XEV 9S is a product of innovation, not just manufacturing. It’s a statement: this isn’t just a car. It’s the future.
Will Mahindra offer financing or trade-in options?
Yes. Mahindra Financial Services is offering zero down payment plans for the first 5,000 bookings, with 72-month tenure at 8.9% interest. Trade-ins for any ICE SUV — including older XUV700s — get up to ₹2.5 lakh additional value, making the XEV 9S more accessible than ever.
What’s the next EV from Mahindra after the XEV 9S?
Mahindra has confirmed a compact electric SUV based on the INGLO platform will launch in late 2026, targeting the ₹12–15 lakh segment. A commercial EV van and an electric pickup truck are also in development, with prototypes already tested in rural India. The INGLO platform is their electric future — and the XEV 9S is just the beginning.
