Mahindra unveils XEV 9S electric SUV with NZ export potential

Mahindra has unveiled the XEV 9S, positioning it as India’s first authentic electric origin 7-seater SUV.

The company has indicated it expects to export its electrified products, though the local distributor was unable to comment at this point.

The XEV 9S launches with pricing starting at ₹19.95 lakh (approximately NZ$37,000) and offers up to 500km of claimed range with 180kW fast charging capability. For comparison, the equivalent petrol model, the XUV700, starts at ₹13.66 lakh in India and NZ$49,990 locally.

Based on the XUV700’s pricing differential between India and New Zealand, the XEV 9S could potentially start around NZ$73,000 if it reaches the local market.

Built ground-up on Mahindra’s INGLO electric platform and powered by the MAIA AI system, the SUV is available in six variants across three battery options: 59kWh, 70kWh, and 79kWh configurations. The platform uses technology from Volkswagen’s MEB platform, while the LFP battery is assembled in India using BYD cells.

“We have always believed that technology is meaningful only when it expands human possibility. The XEV 9S built on the INGLO electric origin platform does exactly that by creating space – more than anyone else and gives a smooth and noise free ride,” says R Velusamy, President – Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Performance and technical specifications

The XEV 9S delivers best-in-class power of 210kW with the 79kWh battery pack and 380Nm of torque. The company claims 0–100km/h acceleration in 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 202km/h.

Fast charging capability varies by battery size, with the 79kWh pack supporting 180kW DC charging for 20–80% charging in 20 minutes. The 70kWh version supports 160kW charging, while the 59kWh option charges at 140kW.

The SUV features intelligent adaptive suspension with 15-millisecond reaction time, brake-by-wire technology, and a turning circle diameter of 10 metres. Ground clearance stands at 205mm with 222mm battery ground clearance.

“The future of Indian mobility will belong to brands that don’t just electrify vehicles, but reimagine categories. With the XEV 9S, we’re not just playing in the EV segment, we’re expanding it,” says Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

The vehicle offers cabin space of 4076 litres for front and second rows, boot space up to 527 litres, and best-in-class frunk space of 150 litres with 50:50 split seats in the third row.

Safety features include up to seven airbags, Level 2+ ADAS with five radars and one vision camera, driver drowsiness detection, and a high-strength steel body structure.

Technology highlights include three 31.24cm screens, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio with Dolby Atmos, 5G connectivity, and over 140 connected features including digital key and charge scheduler functionality.