Mahindra XEV 9S Detailed Review: First Electric Seven Seater SUV Experience
The Mahindra XEV 9S is positioned as the electric version of the Mahindra 7OO. It carries the body style and practicality of a full-size seven seater SUV while borrowing the electric powertrain and interior tech from the XEV 9E. Mahindra calls it the XEV 9S, where the letter S stands for SUV. This makes it India’s first proper electric seven seater SUV in this segment.
The article highlights everything from exterior changes and key features to interior space, third row usage, screens and features that most buyers will want to know.
Key Highlights of the Mahindra XEV 9S
Electric version of the 7OO design language
Seven seater configuration
Updated exterior with Mahindra’s infinity logo
150 L usable frunk
18 inch wheels
16 speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Three 12.3 inch screens
Electric boss mode for second row
Wireless charging, ADAS, blind view monitor
First electric sunroof that actually opens in the XEV lineup
Up to 500 L boot space with the third row folded
Exterior Design and Changes
The XEV 9S gets many design tweaks over the XEV 9E and the 7OO.
Front Profile
The Mahindra infinity logo is now placed lower
Camera placement has moved from top to bottom
Revised bumper
Updated DRLs that extend further behind
New white flagship colour
Six ultrasonic sensors at the front
Total sensors on the vehicle
5 radars
5 cameras
12 ultrasonic sensors
These changes make the 9S look like a blend of the 7OO facelift and the XEV 9E electric styling.
Side Profile
18 inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres
Wheel design inspired from aero-style wheels
Gloss black elements around the window line
Pop-out door handles in the front
Regular door handles in the rear
Shark fin antenna finished in gloss black
Rear Profile
The rear design resembles the 7OO more than the coupe-styled 9E.
Honeycomb pattern inside the tail lamp
Dynamic swipe indicators
Updated bumper
Rear washer and wiper added (not available in 9E)
High mounted stop lamp
Regular rear tailgate (not powered)
Frunk, Boot Space and Charging Options
Frunk
150 L usable space
Gas struts
Front hood needs a firm shut
Washer fluid placed inside the frunk section
Boot
| Feature | XEV 9S | XEV 9E |
|---|---|---|
| Boot space | ~500 L (with seats folded) | 663 L |
| Power tailgate | No | Yes |
| Third row AC control | Yes | No |
| Cup holders | Yes | Yes |
The third row reduces boot space but improves practicality for families.
Charging Options
You can purchase home chargers separately:
7.2 kW charger
11.2 kW charger
Price ranges between 50,000 and 75,000 depending on the option selected.
Interior Experience and Features
Inside the XEV 9S, almost everything is shared with the XEV 9E except for a few functional changes.
Cabin Overview
Three 12.3 inch screens
Blind view monitor
Heads-up display
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
EV specific animations, themes and drive-related data
16 speaker Harman Kardon sound system with 400 watt output
Cool storage compartment
Twin cupholders
Wireless charging pad
Physical rotary controller for volume
Touch-sensitive climate controls
USB-C ports in the front and second row
Driver’s Seat and Controls
The driver-focused area feels premium and is feature-rich.
Important Driver Features
Six way power adjustable driver seat
Lumbar support adjustment
Three memory settings
Auto dimming IRVM
Connected car technology with SOS button
Proper dead pedal
Large door pockets
Traction control, downhill assist and parking sensor buttons
Physical lever-type gear selector
Ambient lighting
Second Row Comfort
The second row gets multiple enhancements to improve passenger comfort.
Key Features
Electric boss mode that allows you to slide and recline the seat using dedicated buttons
Rear AC vents
65 watt USB-C fast charging port
Tablet holder
Center armrest with cupholders
Decent under-thigh support
Adjustable headrests
Sun blinds on the rear windows
Height adjustable seat belts
Sliding and Reclining
You can:
Recline the seat for more comfort
Slide it ahead or back to create space for the third row
Third Row Experience
The third row, like most seven seaters, is best suited for children or teenagers.
Space
Under-thigh support is poor
Headroom insufficient for tall adults
AC controls available
Two cup holders
Emergency access knob to open charging port if buttons fail
This makes the XEV 9S a practical family car, especially for city use or occasional trips with all seats occupied.
Screens and Software Experience
Three 12.3 Inch Displays
Driver display
Central infotainment screen
Passenger entertainment screen
Passenger Screen Apps
YouTube
Google Meet
WhatsApp
Instagram
Zomato
Blinkit
Flipkart
Myntra
BigBasket
Multiple browser options
This makes the passenger screen extremely usable, although the lack of a privacy filter means the driver can see the content while driving.
Sunroof
The sunroof in the XEV 9S opens fully, unlike the one in the 9E or BE.
However, the control is not very intuitive because:
One switch handles both blind and glass
It sometimes opens the glass even if you only want the blind
This can be confusing for new users.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XEV 9S feels like a mix of the 7OO’s practicality and the 9E’s premium EV technology. It stands out because it becomes the first electric seven seater SUV in the Indian market with modern tech, a full-size cabin and a usable third row. It brings:
Strong feature list
Attractive interior experience
Three screens
Ventilated seats and boss mode
Practical frunk and boot space
It can improve in a few areas like:
Sunroof control logic
Third row comfort
Boot power operation
Too many touch controls for climate
But overall, the XEV 9S is a very interesting and promising addition for family buyers moving to an EV without compromising on space.
Mahindra XEV 9S FAQ
What does the S stand for in Mahindra XEV 9S
The S in XEV 9S stands for SUV. It is basically the seven seat version of the XEV electric lineup and can be called the electric version of the 7 series SUV.
How do you turn on the Mahindra XEV 9S using the key
You can turn on the XEV 9S by pressing the button on the key twice and then holding it for around five seconds. The mirrors open and the SUV powers up. You can even move the car forward or backward using the key for up to a short distance.
Does the Mahindra XEV 9S have a powered tailgate
No, the XEV 9S does not get a powered tailgate. It has a manual boot while the coupe style 9E gets a powered tailgate.
What is the boot space of the Mahindra XEV 9S
The XEV 9S offers around 500 liters of boot space with the third row folded. The 9E has a larger boot, close to 663 liters, since it does not have the extra two seats.
How much storage does the frunk of the XEV 9S provide
The front trunk or frunk offers around 150 liters of usable space, making it practical for luggage or charging cables.
What are the charging options for the Mahindra XEV 9S
Buyers can choose between a 7.2 kW charger or an 11.2 kW charger. These are paid add ons priced approximately at fifty thousand and seventy five thousand depending on the option selected.
How is the second row space in the Mahindra XEV 9S
The second row offers good legroom, good under thigh support, seat recline, a center armrest, rear AC vents, and an electric boss mode that allows the seat to move ahead and behind using buttons on the side.
Is the third row practical in the XEV 9S
The third row is best suited for children. Adults will find the space limited with very low under thigh support and headroom. This is common in many seven seat SUVs in this price range.
What safety features does the Mahindra XEV 9S have
The SUV is equipped with seven airbags, multiple radars, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, blind view monitor, height adjustable seat belts, and a full ADAS suite that also enables the self park function.
Does the Mahindra XEV 9S have three large screens
Yes, it features a triple screen setup with a 12.3 inch driver display, a 12.3 inch infotainment display, and a 12.3 inch passenger entertainment screen that supports apps like YouTube, WhatsApp, shopping platforms, and meeting apps.
Does the XEV 9S have a panoramic sunroof that opens
Yes, the panoramic sunroof opens fully. This is different from the 9E where the sunroof does not open. However, the blind and glass operation share the same button, which may feel confusing at times.
Does the Mahindra XEV 9S offer premium audio
It comes with a 16 speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a 400 watt output and the sound quality is very impressive according to the reviewer's experience.
