CARVERSAL

Mahindra’s always been the go-to brand for folks who treat potholes like speed bumps. But their latest electric SUV—the XEV 9e—isn’t just tough; it’s fancy. Picture this: a car that winks at Mercedes’ luxury but winks harder at your bank account. Is it all smoke and mirrors, or does this SUV actually deliver? Buckle up—we’re taking this for a spin.

Design: Swagger on Wheels

Let’s cut to the chase: the XEV 9e looks like it’s dressed for a red carpet. Sleek LED strips, a roofline that’s slinkier than a Bollywood dance move, and doors that sit flush like they’re glued shut. Sure, it’s got hints of Mercedes’ DNA—swoopy curves, that chiselled grille—but Mahindra’s playing mixologist here, blending luxury with street-smart swagger.

Park it next to your neighbour’s GLB, and honestly? The XEV 9e won’t blush. It’s got that “I’m expensive” vibe without the “I sold a kidney” price. Chrome accents? Check. Aggressive wheel arches? Double-check. For under ₹25 lakh, it’s like Mahindra cracked the code on looking rich.

Interior: Tech Heaven (with a Learning Curve)

Open the door, and bam—three screens glare back at you. One for speed, one for Spotify, and one so your passenger can argue over the map. It’s like Tesla snorted an espresso. The materials are plush enough to make your couch jealous. Ambient lighting shifts colours like a mood ring, and the panoramic roof? Perfect for stargazing while stuck in traffic.

But let’s keep it real: the touch controls are fiddly. Want to adjust the AC? You’ll tap twice, swear once, and then finally ask the voice assistant. Wireless charging? Yeah, but where’s the damn cupholder? Still, once you’ve memorized the menus, it’s a tech paradise. Bonus: the Meridian sound system slaps harder than your uncle’s conspiracy theories.

Performance: Silent But Deadly

Under the hood (or, uh, floor), there’s magic. With two battery options, the 59 kWh feels like a bull on coffee, and the 79 kWh is straight up that bull on a red bull bender. Going from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds…that’s faster than your dog racing after a squirrel. Rear-wheel drive makes corners fun, and the suspension? So smooth, it turns potholes into pillow fights.

Switch to Sport mode, and suddenly you’re Vin Diesel. Eco mode? More like “Grandma’s Sunday drive.” Regen braking feels weird at first—like the car’s judging your driving—but you’ll learn to love one-pedal driving. Highway stability? Rock-solid. City agility? Dodges rickshaws like a pro.

Safety: Your Overprotective Parent

Airbags everywhere. ABS? Obviously. But the XEV 9e goes full helicopter parent with Level-2 ADAS. Drift slightly? It’ll yank the wheel like you’re failing a driving test. Spot a cow mid-road? It’ll brake faster than you can say “Paneer Tikka.” The 360 camera is so crisp, you’ll wonder if Mahindra installed a drone. Blind-spot alerts? Loud enough to drown out your mother-in-law.

Is it as polished as a Mercedes safety suit? Almost. But for the price, it’s like getting a AAA membership thrown in for free.

Price: Sinfully Cheap for What You Get

Starts at ₹23.19 lakh. Let that sink in. A Mercedes GLB starts at ₹65 lakh. Sure, you’re missing the star logo, but you’re getting heated seats, a sunroof, and enough tech to launch a spacecraft. Mahindra’s basically yelling, “Why overpay?!” And honestly, they’ve got a point.

Real-World Verdict: Quirks and All

Owners love the stares at traffic lights. One guy said, “It’s like driving an iPhone.” But gripes? The high floor makes getting in a squat workout, and the rearview mirror is as useful as a chocolate teapot. Infotainment lags sometimes, but hey—no car’s perfect. To them, these are bumps on the road, not dealbreakers. 90% of buyers can overlook these.

FAQs

1. Is this a Mercedes killer?

Nope. It’s not a Mercedes killer but a mimic with a 50% discount.

2. What is the range of its battery?

It has a 656 km on the big battery. Delhi to Shimla. Round trip. Without any supplements. 

3. Does its backseat have legroom?

Yes, this car is perfectly fit to accommodate 3 people in the backseat with enough legroom.

Final Take: Who’s This For?

Snobs? Nope. Pragmatists? Hell yes. The XEV 9e is for anyone who wants luxury-lite specs without the “I’m bankrupt” meltdown. Test drive it. Floor the throttle. Giggle at the speed. Then ask: Do I really need a Mercedes badge, or is smug satisfaction enough? Mahindra’s betting on the latter—and honestly, they’re winning.

Bonus: From its daring design to its superb performance, every detail of the XEV 9e in one way or the other supports the notion that luxury and affordability can peacefully coexist. The XEV 9e is not just a car, it is a revolution. Riding the XEV 9e makes you fully immersed in a new era where style integrates with smart technology. The experience is absolutely unimaginable pleasure.

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