Mahindra XUV 9S Review: All You Need to Know About the New Seven-Seater Electric SUV
Mahindra has launched its brand-new XUV 9S, an evolution of the XUV 9E, with notable changes in design, features, and battery options. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of what you can expect from this seven-seater electric SUV.
Price and Variants
The XUV 9S starts at ₹19.95 lakh and goes up to around ₹29 lakh. Mahindra offers multiple variants, each with its own feature set:
Pack Three (value-oriented)
Pack Three Above (top-end)
360° camera, HUD, and some interior features are missing in the lower packs
Offers great value in mid-range pricing
The base model comes with a 59-kWh battery, while higher variants offer 70-kWh and 79-kWh options.
Exterior Design and Features
The XUV 9S shares its platform with the XUV 9E but has several design updates:
Front Design:
DRLs remain the same size but the housing is slightly thicker
Updated bumper and bonnet
Mahindra logo repositioned, moving the front camera slightly lower
18-inch wheels standard on top-end; no 19-inch option, which slightly improves range
Tyres: MRF or Goodyear depending on batch
Side Profile:
Appears similar to XUV 7O from the middle towards the rear
Slightly taller but shorter and narrower than XUV 9E
Wheelbase is 13 mm shorter, slightly affecting interior space
Rear Design:
Updated tail light design
Fibre accents in rear panel similar to XUV 7O
Limited boot space when all three rows are up
Boot Space:
With all seats up: minimal space, enough for a laptop or small cabin bag
Third-row seats can be folded to provide 500 litres of storage
Spare tyre: space-saver type
Interior Features
The XUV 9S retains most features from the XUV 9E:
Triple-screen setup with HUD
Harman Kardon music system with Dolby Atmos
NFC-based keyless entry
Touch and button interfaces depending on variant
Electric adjustment for front passenger seat (slightly stiff button)
Panoramic openable sunroof (no light-white feature as in XUV 9/B6)
USB ports, wireless charging, fast-charging USB Type-C
Rear ventilation for all passengers with adjustable airflow
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setup for rear passengers
User Experience:
Points of interest displayed on in-built navigation
Option to switch off passenger or centre screen at night
Electrochromic mirrors and Alexa integration available
Drive modes and other in-car features similar to XUV 9E
Seating and Comfort
Seven-seater layout
Third-row seats offer limited comfort; five adults can sit comfortably
Folding mechanism requires manual handling for third-row seats
Rear headroom and floor space are sufficient
Front passenger seat can be adjusted electrically, rear seats have reclining options
No captain seats; currently, all variants are seven-seaters
Observation:
This SUV is ideal for families needing occasional third-row seating, but a six-seater layout with captain seats might have been more practical.
Battery and Charging
Battery Options:
59 kWh – base model
70 kWh – new mid-tier option
79 kWh – top-end variant
Charging Speeds:
59 kWh: up to 114 kW
70 kWh: up to 116 kW
79 kWh: up to 117.5 kW
Home Charging:
Compatible with 7.2 kW and 11 kW chargers
11-kW recommended for faster charging
Static Miles Membership:
₹149/month subscription
10% discount on all public charging using Static network
Benefits recoverable after a single full charge
| Variant | Battery Capacity | Max Charging Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 59 kWh | 114 kW |
| Mid | 70 kWh | 116 kW |
| Top-end | 79 kWh | 117.5 kW |
Performance
Top-end variant: 281 PS, 380 Nm torque
Zero to 100 km/h in approximately 7 seconds (slightly slower than XUV 9E due to added seats)
Torque remains the same across all variants
Key Takeaways
Pros:
Comprehensive feature set with Harman Kardon, HUD, and triple screens
Multiple battery options with improved charging speeds
Value-packed mid-tier variant
Reliable Static Miles membership for charging discounts
Cons:
Third-row seating not ideal for adults on long trips
Boot space limited with all seats up
No six-seater or five-seater variant option
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV 9S is a well-rounded seven-seater electric SUV that brings small but impactful improvements over the XUV 9E. It will appeal to buyers looking for a practical, family-friendly EV with decent range and features. Driving impressions and real-world range will determine the final verdict once the test drive is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions - Mahindra XUV 9S
What is the Mahindra XUV 9S and how does it differ from the XUV 9E?
The Mahindra XUV 9S is a seven-seater electric SUV, based on the XUV 9 coupe design, but with several differences in exterior styling, seating, battery packs, and some interior features compared to the XUV 9E. While both share the same platform, the XUV 9S offers a slightly taller build, different bumper and bonnet design, and updated interior layouts.
What are the price ranges and available variants for the XUV 9S?
The XUV 9S starts at ₹19,95,000 and goes up to around ₹29 lakh. Multiple variants are available with different features, battery capacities, and seating options. The Pack Three variant offers excellent value for money with some high-end features excluded, making it more affordable by around ₹2.1 lakh compared to top-end options.
What are the battery options and charging speeds?
The XUV 9S comes with three battery options: 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh. The maximum fast charging speeds are 114 kW, 116 kW, and 117.5 kW respectively. Home charging is possible with 7.2 kW or 11 kW chargers, with the 11 kW charger recommended for faster charging of larger battery packs. Mahindra also offers a Static Miles subscription giving a 10% discount on charging across the Static network.
How is the interior and seating arrangement in the XUV 9S?
The XUV 9S features a triple-screen setup including a heads-up display, driver attention camera, and infotainment screens. The seats are electrically adjustable for the front passenger, while the third-row seats can fold to increase boot space. Cabin ventilation is available for all rows, and the panoramic openable sunroof adds a premium feel. Comfort is suitable for adults, with limited legroom in the third row for long trips.
What is the boot space and luggage capacity?
With all three rows in use, the boot can fit small items like a laptop or cabin bag. Folding the third row increases space to approximately 500 litres. The spare tyre is a space-saver, requiring manual handling. Overall, the luggage space is sufficient for short trips but may be limited for seven passengers with large bags.
What safety and convenience features are included?
The XUV 9S comes with all standard safety features including radars, cameras, airbags, and electronic stability systems. Convenience features include wireless charging, fast USB-C ports, electrochromic rearview mirror, AR navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and driver assistance features. However, some high-end features like HUD in lower variants or certain autonomous functions are limited to top-end packs.
How does the XUV 9S perform in terms of acceleration and handling?
The top-end XUV 9S produces 281 PS and 380 Nm torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 7 seconds. Lower battery variants are slightly slower due to weight differences. Ride quality and handling are expected to be similar to the XUV 9, offering a smooth and stable driving experience for a large electric SUV.
Is the XUV 9S suitable for long trips with seven passengers?
The vehicle comfortably seats five adults. The third-row is suitable for children or short trips. For six passengers, it can work if seating arrangements are managed carefully. Being an EV, range considerations mean regular charging stops will be required for long journeys.
