Mahindra XEV 9S Short Review: What We Liked & What Needs To Improve

The third introduction on Mahindra‘s INGLO pure-electric car platform is the most sensible yet. While the BE 6 and the XEV 9e made big headlines with their style and tech (creating plenty of debate in the process), the XEV 9S packages those same values in a more subtle form.

Why XEV 9S?

To be honest, we’re a bit confused as well. While it isn’t just an electrified XUV700, the packaging and placement will have most people perceive it as exactly that. A value for money, tech-loaded family 7-seater SUV, that’s as strong on safety as it is on performance - what part of that statement doesn’t describe the XUV700 as well, after all?

Presumably, Mahindra’s called it XEV 9S to give this car its own identity. Also, perhaps calling it ‘XEV 7S’ could have some perceive its placement as below the XEV 9E. Whatever it is, it’s confusing.

By the way, some internal sources indicate that come January 2026, the XUV700 will be renamed to XUV7XO.

Mahindra XEV 9S Looks

The silhouette of the car is shared with the XUV700. Viewed especially from the side or rear profiles, a layperson would think they are the same car. 

The front though is entirely different, with a large connected LED DRL that flows into a new set of dual LED headlights. While the DRL pattern is the same as the XEV 9E, the light housing is chunkier, which is more in line with the boxy shape of the 9S.

Unlike the BE6 or XEV 9E, INGLO’s first 7-seater rides on 18-inch wheels (235/60 tyres) across all variants i.e. no 19 or 20-inch wheel options. While the wheel size is appropriate, the aero-styled wheel covers just don’t hit the spot when it comes to design. 

Behind, the XEV 9S gets a new set of tail lights which dress the rear end tastefully.

Mahindra XEV 9S: The 3rd Row & Boot

Can you seat adults in the third-row? Yes, at least if they’re of an average height. But they will sit with their knees right up, so short journeys are preferable. The backrest has 3 recline angles and irrespective of which one you set it at, there’s space for a few backpacks at most with the last row in use. Prudent to note, the lever to adjust the backrest is on the seatback so it’s not easy to reach. Last row occupants do get cupholders, AC vents and blower speed control too - thoughtful. To get into the third-row, the seat behind the front passenger gets a one-touch tumble down lever, while the one behind the driver can only have the backrest dropped.

Use the XEV 9S as a 5-seater and there’s 500 litres of space - plenty for airport runs with a 150-litre frunk under the bonnet for smaller bags.

Mahindra XEV 9S Space & Quality

The cabin feels as rich as the XEV 9e’s. The choice of materials is premium with new touches to aid the sense of luxury like ventilated 2nd row seats, roller sunblinds and a powered boss-button to adjust the front passenger’s seat from behind.

Both middle row seats are slide-adjustable (if a bit fidgety to use) and there’s enough space for a 6 footer behind their own driving position. Armrest with cupholders aside, you also get phone mounts behind the front seats along with 65W USB type-C chargers right below them. Look below the rear AC vents and you’ll spot the wireless phone charging pad too.

Mahindra XEV 9S Tech Beyond Belief

Mahindra’s biggest play with their born electric cars is how much tech finds its way on board. All three 12.3-inch touchscreens come as standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a given and there’s plenty to either label a must-have or a gimmick, depending on who you are. 

Here are just some of the things you can do:

• Use the on board camera to take selfies, videos or video calls.

• Watch videos on popular streaming apps including YouTube and Amazon Prime.

• Order food, groceries or clothes from the on board apps.

• Use GrooveMe to have the car put on a light show to music you’re playing.

• Use PawPal to keep your pets cool in the car while you’re away.

• Enjoy immersive sound through the 16-speaker Harman Kardon setup.

• Unlike the XEV 9e or BE 6, open the sunroof to let in some fresh air (if you’re fortunate enough to have clean air).

• Features also included ventilated and powered front seats with 3 memory settings for the driver.

Mahindra XEV 9S Drive & Ride

The one key difference/point of improvement is the ride. The XEV 9S is decidedly tuned for comfort and runs a relatively soft suspension setup. This makes bump absorption good but the issue is on the post-bump recovery. The car feels bouncy with both vertical and lateral movement being more apparent than they are in the XEV 9e, even over speed breakers. 

It’s not something you’d necessarily pick up on during a short test drive but it is important to consider especially if you have people in the family who get motion sickness easily. In the Pack 3 variants, the XEV 9S gets adaptive dampers and setting the car to Race mode helps the car settle quicker but there’s still room for improvement.

Otherwise, the drive experience is flexible, switching between calm and quick as and when you need it. 0-100kmph takes a claimed 7 seconds flat and considering the ease of power delivery, driving with a full load is also effortless. You can also choose between no regenerative braking to a full one-pedal mode.

Mahindra XEV 9S Safety

6 airbags, ISOFIX, ABS, ESP, a rear defogger, washer and wiper, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera come as standard, as do all-wheel disc brakes. Higher variants get 7 airbags and a 5 radar + 1 camera advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). 

ADAS Feature Highlights

The car also gets Secure360 that uses the surround-view camera for live surveillance and recording. Owners can also send voice notes and have the car’s exterior speakers play them to make people get away from their car or just entertain.

To Summarise

The Mahindra XEV 9S may not be just an electric XUV700 but is the same kind of all-rounder in EV form. It’s more a 5+2 than a pure 7-seater but delivers great value for money with the sheer amount of tech balanced with sensibilities. If they just correct the overtly soft ride quality, it’s a hard deal to fault.

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