KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- India's first mass-market three-row born-electric SUV with prices starting at Rs. 19.95 lakh
- Gets a modern EV design, triple-screen cabin, openable panoramic sunroof and a 150L frunk
- Offered with 59kWh, 70kWh and 79kWh battery packs delivering up to 679km ARAI range
Mahindra has officially introduced the XEV 9S, its first mass-market, three-row electric SUV built purely on the INGLO architecture. With prices starting at Rs 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it arrives as India's first dedicated seven-seater born-electric SUV and interestingly costs almost Rs. 2 lakh less than the XEV 9e despite offering more cabin space and added versatility. Test drives begin on December 5, bookings open on January 14, 2026, and deliveries commence from January 23. But beyond the positioning and pricing, the one aspect that stands out immediately is the design, a clear, confident evolution of Mahindra's new EV identity. Let's take a closer look at the design in this first look review, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also Read- Mahindra XEV 9S Variant-Wise Features Explained- Leading The Class?
Mahindra XEV 9S First Look Review: A Modern, Mature Take on the Electric SUV Design Language
The Mahindra XEV 9S takes a distinctly measured approach to styling. Rather than pushing extreme futurism, it adapts the familiar SUV proportions that Indian buyers gravitate toward and blends them with clean, modern EV cues. The front is where this philosophy becomes most evident. The fascia is dominated by Mahindra's signature L-shaped connected DRLs, which give the SUV a strong and recognisable lighting signature. The triangular LED projector headlamp clusters positioned lower in the bumper add a bit of drama without overwhelming the design. A closed-off grille and an illuminated Twin Peaks logo reinforce the car's electric credentials, while the long, flat bonnet and upright stance maintain that classic SUV presence.
From the side, the XEV 9S carries over the broad silhouette and overall stance of the XUV700, but the surfacing is noticeably cleaner and more streamlined. Flush door handles, subtle character lines, and EV-spec aero-focused alloys help distinguish it from its internal-combustion counterparts. Despite its generous footprint, the XEV 9S manages to look balanced and purposeful thanks to its long 2,762mm wheelbase and well-judged overhangs. The generous 219mm ground clearance also contributes to a tall, confident visual stance.
The rear design continues this theme of restrained sophistication. The tail-lamps are slimmer and sharper, finished in a smoked effect that suits the SUV's modern aesthetic. The bumper has been reworked to look neater and more structured, and the branding has been cleaned up to align with Mahindra's new EV direction. There is nothing overly experimental here, yet the XEV 9S looks contemporary, premium, and immediately identifiable as part of Mahindra's next-gen electric family.
Interiors & Cabin- A Bigtime Step-Up
Inside, the cabin architecture mirrors the same blend of familiarity and futuristic detailing. The dashboard features a sweeping single-piece panel that houses a trio of digital screens, a layout inspired by the XEV 9e but adapted to the XEV 9S' more family-oriented character. The light black and white cabin finish enhances the sense of space, while the openable panoramic sunroof adds airiness. The two-spoke steering wheel is lifted from Mahindra's BE lineup, and the overall dashboard layout maintains a clean, uncluttered look. While climate controls are screen-based rather than physical, which is a bummer, the overall design feels cohesive and premium. Second-row passengers benefit from generous knee room and sliding-recline adjustment, and while the third row is best suited for kids or short trips, the cabin does feel significantly roomier thanks to the long wheelbase and upright seating posture. With the third row folded, the 527-litre boot is genuinely practical, and the 150-litre frunk is a welcome EV advantage.
Also Read- Bharat NCAP 2.0: India's Crash-Safety Norms Set For A Major Overhaul
The design also contributes heavily to real-world usability. Large windows, a tall seating position, and a carefully contoured dashboard ensure excellent visibility. The third-row access is manageable, and cabin height is among the best in the segment, which means tall passengers enjoy substantial headroom. Even the gloss-black exterior trim pieces, though visually premium, underline the SUV's attention to detail, though buyers may want to protect them to prevent scratching.
Verdict
In this first encounter, the Mahindra XEV 9S impresses most with its visual maturity. Rather than chasing extreme styling or concept-car dramatics, it delivers a thoughtfully balanced design that feels premium, practical and well suited to Indian tastes. It looks every bit a modern electric SUV without abandoning the familiar SUV form factor that buyers trust. If the on-road performance and ride experience live up to the promise of the design, the XEV 9S could quickly establish itself as one of the strongest contenders in India's emerging three-row electric SUV space, and perhaps even set a new benchmark for how mainstream EVs should approach styling and presence in the years to come.
