Mahindra Unveils First All-Electric 7-Seater SUV in India
India’s journey towards transportation electrification has been sluggish, despite its ambitious declaration to become the first fully electric nation. While Norway and China have made significant strides, India lags behind. However, Mahindra Group, a leading Indian automaker, is attempting to change this narrative with its latest launch.
The Mahindra XEV 9S, a fully electric seven-seat SUV, marks a significant milestone as “India’s first authentic electric origin 7-seater SUV built ground-up on the INGLO architecture,” according to Mahindra. This new model is designed to provide ample space and comfort, breaking away from the trend of smaller Indian electric vehicles.
Equipped with a 70 kWh battery (or 79 kWh in higher trims), the XEV 9S offers 380 Nm of torque and 180 kW fast charging capacity. Mahindra emphasizes the vehicle’s role in offering “space for everything they want to do and everything they want to be” as a key selling point.
According to Mahindra, “The XEV 9S arrives as India’s Big New Electric — a bold idea crafted into an intelligently spacious SUV for people whose lives, dreams, and daily journeys are getting bigger.” It is designed for a range of users including families, travelers, and creators.
Remarkably, the XEV 9S is priced at just $32,900, making it a competitive choice in the electric SUV market, which has been dominated by Chinese models in the affordable segment. Mahindra seems to be focusing on building its future customer base, possibly at the expense of short-term profits.
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of Automotive Division at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., stated, “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.” The vehicle is set to open for bookings on January 14, with deliveries starting on January 23.
The XEV 9S is built on the proven INGLO platform, featuring intelligent adaptive dampers and advanced battery technology. It offers a real-world range of 500 km and comes with a lifetime battery warranty.
Key Features of the Mahindra XEV 9S
Spacious Design
- Cabin space of 4076 L
- Boot space up to 527 L
- Best-in-class frunk space of 150 L
Advanced Safety and Comfort
- 7 airbags and L2+ ADAS
- Driver drowsiness detection
- Ventilated second-row seats with sunshade
Performance and Technology
- 0–100 km/h in 7.0 seconds
- Top speed of 202 km/h
- 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
The introduction of the Mahindra XEV 9S could signify a turning point for India’s electric vehicle market, promising both innovation and affordability for a wide range of consumers.
Original Story at cleantechnica.com