Indian automaker Mahindra is gearing up to strengthen its electric vehicle portfolio with the launch of the Mahindra XEV 9S on November 26. This new electric SUV will become the latest addition to the company's Born Electric series, joining the existing XEV 9e and BE 6 models that have already made significant market impact.
Mahindra's Electric Expansion Gains Momentum
The homegrown automotive giant has been making waves in the electric vehicle segment with its Born Electric series. The current models, Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6, have collectively achieved over 30,000 unit sales, with the XEV 9e accounting for 59% of bookings and the BE 6 securing the remaining 41%. Building on this success, Mahindra aims to elevate its electric game with the XEV 9S, which will serve as an all-electric version of the popular XUV700.
Positioned as a premium offering, the Mahindra XEV 9S is expected to start at ₹21 lakh (ex-showroom). Unlike its coupe-style siblings, this new entrant will feature a three-row configuration, offering enhanced practicality for families and group travelers. The SUV will compete with established models like the Mahindra XEV 9e and the upcoming Tata Harrier EV in the growing electric SUV market.
Top Features That Define the XEV 9S
Sharing the INGLO platform with its siblings, the Mahindra XEV 9S promises to deliver a similar level of technological sophistication and premium experience. Here are the key features expected in this upcoming electric SUV:
Advanced Exterior and Lighting
The XEV 9S will mirror the front design of the XEV 9e, featuring identical boomerang-shaped connected LED DRLs and LED projector headlamps. This consistent design language helps establish a strong brand identity across Mahindra's electric vehicle lineup.
Smart Convenience Features
Among the most practical features is the powered tailgate with gesture control, allowing drivers to open the boot hands-free by simply waving their foot under the rear bumper. This technology, already available in the XEV 9e and BE 6, enhances convenience during loading and unloading scenarios.
Premium Interior Technology
Inside the cabin, the centerpiece will be a triple-screen dashboard layout combining a 12.3-inch driver's display, 12.3-inch center touchscreen, and 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen. This sophisticated setup creates a futuristic cockpit environment that rivals premium international models.
Comfort features include ventilated front seats that have been increasingly popular in mass-market segments, along with a premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive sound experience. The cabin ambiance will be further enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting, similar to the illuminated glass roof feature in the XEV 9e.
Safety and Autonomous Driving Capabilities
Mahindra has prioritized safety in the XEV 9S, equipping it with seven airbags in top-spec variants (lower trims get six airbags), matching the safety standards of its electric siblings. The SUV will also feature a 360-degree surround view camera, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces significantly easier.
Perhaps the most technologically advanced feature is the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), comprising five radars and one camera. This system will offer semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing both safety and driving comfort.
The XEV 9S will also incorporate smart parking technologies including Auto Park mode for automated parking in challenging situations and Summon mode that allows the vehicle to exit parking spots when adjacent vehicles are parked too close for doors to open comfortably.
Positioning in Mahindra's Electric Strategy
The launch of the XEV 9S represents a strategic move by Mahindra to capture a broader segment of the electric vehicle market. By offering a three-row configuration, the company addresses the practical needs of Indian families while maintaining the premium features and advanced technology that have defined its Born Electric series.
With the INGLO platform serving as the foundation for all Born Electric vehicles, Mahindra demonstrates its commitment to a scalable and efficient electric vehicle architecture. This approach allows for shared technology and components across models while enabling distinct positioning for each vehicle in the lineup.
As the November 26 launch date approaches, automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers await detailed specifications about battery capacity, range, and performance figures. The XEV 9S is poised to become a significant player in India's evolving electric vehicle landscape, combining practicality with cutting-edge technology in a segment that's rapidly gaining consumer interest.
