Are you confused between the Mahindra XEV 9S and XEV 9E while searching for the best value electric SUV? You’re not alone—this comparison has become one of the most asked questions among EV buyers in India.
If you want a clear, simple, and honest breakdown of looks, cabin space, features, performance, and overall value, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you understand exactly what each model offers so you can decide confidently.
I’ve been following Mahindra’s EV journey closely, and the buzz around these two SUVs has grown even more since the XEV 9S launched on 27 November 2025, with bookings starting 14 January 2026 and deliveries from 23 January 2026.
In this post, I’ll simplify everything you need to know—so by the end, you’ll know which SUV truly suits your needs and gives better value for your money.
Looks and design: presence vs sportiness
When you see the two side by side, the styling tells the first story. The XEV 9S takes a more traditional SUV stance. It’s taller at 1,747 mm and borrows cues from Mahindra’s XUV700 family look. That gives it a strong road presence. If you want a vehicle that looks like a classic family SUV, the 9S appeals.
The XEV 9e goes the other way — a coupe‑SUV profile that’s sleeker, longer and wider. It looks sportier and more premium at a glance. If style and an athletic shape matter to you more than a boxy presence, the 9e will likely win your heart.
In short: choose the 9S for conventional SUV looks and presence at a lower price, or the 9e if you want a sportier silhouette and don’t need a third row.
Space and practicality: seats, boot and real use cases
This is where the two differ most in everyday life. The XEV 9S is a 7-seater — India’s first mass-market three-row electric-origin SUV. The XEV 9e is a 5-seater with a much larger boot. That difference alone decides this for many buyers.
| Spec | Mahindra XEV 9S | Mahindra XEV 9e |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (ex-showroom) | Rs 19.95 lakh | ~Rs 21.90 lakh |
| Seating | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Boot (with 3rd row up) | ~150 L (+150 L frunk) | ~633 L |
| Boot (3rd row folded) | ~500–527 L | Not applicable |
| Battery options | 59, 70, 79 kWh | 59, 79 kWh |
| Claimed max range (MIDC) | Up to ~679 km (79 kWh) | Up to ~656 km (79 kWh) |
Practical examples I use when helping friends decide:
- If you’re a family of five who takes weekend trips with 3 medium suitcases and a stroller, the 9S with the third row folded gives you enough space (around 500–527 L) to fit luggage and still seat everyone comfortably.
- If you often carry large items — say a foldable bike and two big bags — the 9e’s ~633 L boot removes the need to fold seats and makes loading easier.
Powertrain, battery and real-world range
Both SUVs share the same architecture and similar rear-wheel-drive motor choices. That means performance and efficiency are close across equivalent battery packs.
The XEV 9S gives buyers three battery choices: 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh. The 9e offers 59 kWh and 79 kWh. Mahindra’s claims show the 9S can reach up to ~679 km on the largest pack under MIDC testing, while the 9e’s top MIDC claim is roughly ~656 km. Real-world numbers will be lower — expect city/highway averages to be 20–30% less depending on conditions, speed and load.
Charging is fast on both cars. With high‑power DC chargers the larger pack can go from 20–80% in about 20 minutes (Mahindra quotes power figures up to ~180 kW for the 79 kWh pack). For home AC charging, full charges range roughly from 6 to 12 hours depending on pack size and charger.
Features, comfort and tech: who gets more kit?
On tech the two are closely matched. Both use a triple‑screen front layout and a strong infotainment stack. But Mahindra has loaded the 9S with family-focused features to match its 7-seat role.
Notable 9S extras include:
- Rear entertainment screens and sliding, ventilated 2nd row seats with a powered “boss” mode
- Panoramic sunroof and foldable trays
- High-end audio: Harman Kardon 16-speaker with Dolby Atmos on upper trims
- AR HUD and advanced cabin features on top packs
Safety and ADAS also scale with trim. You’ll find up to seven airbags and Level‑2 to Level‑2+ ADAS depending on the pack. This is strong for the segment and important if you want driver assists like highway assist and adaptive cruise.
Price and value: which one gives more for your money?
The value story is simple on paper: the XEV 9S undercuts the XEV 9e on price while offering seven seats and a lot of family-focused kit. The introductory XEV 9S base is priced at Rs 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom) versus the XEV 9e base at around Rs 21.90 lakh. Even top-spec 9S variants are priced to undercut equivalent 9e trims.
That makes the 9S a strong choice if you want maximum utility for the money. The 9e remains the pick for buyers who value cargo space and a sportier style and are okay with five seats.
Final Thoughts
So what’s my short take? If you’re choosing between the Mahindra XEV 9S vs XEV 9E I’d summarize like this:
- Buy the XEV 9S if you need seven seats, family-friendly features and the best price‑for‑equipment. It’s the practical value pick.
- Buy the XEV 9e if you want a sportier, coupe-like look and larger boot space for cargo. It’s the pick for style and luggage capacity.
Remember that the XEV 9S launch pricing may be promotional, so check dealer variant-by-variant equipment and final pricing before you buy. If you want, I can give you a one-line recommendation based on whether you prioritize family use, style, or cargo — or build a detailed variant-price table for your city. Which would you like?
