Mahindra XEV 9S Launches at ₹19.95 Lakh as India’s First Ground-Up Electric 7-Seater SUV

At exactly 12:25 IST on November 27, 2025, Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled the XEV 9S—India’s first ground-up electric 7-seater SUV—during its 'Scream Electric' event in Pune. Priced from ₹19.95 lakh ex-showroom, the vehicle isn’t just another EV addition; it’s a direct challenge to the status quo in India’s rapidly shifting family mobility market. With a 281 hp motor, 380 Nm of instant torque, and a 59 kWh battery option, the XEV 9S isn’t playing it safe. It’s betting everything on being the most practical, tech-rich, and affordable electric SUV for large Indian families—and it might just win.

Why This SUV Changes the Game

Most electric SUVs in India are either compact five-seaters or converted ICE platforms with cramped third rows. The XEV 9S, built on Mahindra’s proprietary INGLO EV platform, was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. That means no compromises: the third row isn’t an afterthought—it’s spacious enough for adults, the battery sits low for a center-of-gravity advantage, and the interior layout prioritizes passenger comfort over cargo space. NDTV Auto called it a "three-row electric-first layout," and that’s not marketing fluff. This is a vehicle engineered for Indian roads, Indian families, and Indian budgets.

What’s surprising is how aggressively Mahindra priced it. At just under ₹20 lakh, it undercuts rivals like the Tata Safari EV (expected) and the upcoming MG Comet EV 7-seater by a wide margin. Even more telling: the XEV 9S comes standard with features most competitors charge extra for—one-touch single pedal drive, frequency-dependent damping, and even SonicSuite, a virtual engine sound system designed to reassure nervous EV newcomers. It’s not just competitive—it’s generous.

Production, Scale, and the Chakan Plant

All variants of the XEV 9S will roll off the assembly line at Mahindra’s Chakan plant in Pune, Maharashtra. That facility, once a hub for diesel engines and ICE SUVs, has been completely retooled for EV production. According to R Velusamy, President of Auto Tech & Product Development at Mahindra & Mahindra, the plant currently produces 4,000–5,000 EVs per month. By March 2026, that number will nearly double to 8,000 units. "We’re not just scaling production," he said during the launch. "We’re building a system that can handle volume without sacrificing quality."

That’s a bold claim—and one that matters. India’s EV adoption has been uneven. Urban buyers are enthusiastic, but rural and semi-urban demand still lags, partly due to charging anxiety and high upfront costs. Mahindra’s bet is that if they can deliver a high-quality, affordable, and practical EV at scale, they can pull those buyers in. The timeline is tight, but not unrealistic. By March 2026, they aim to hit 8,000–9,000 units monthly, a production rate that would make the XEV 9S India’s best-selling EV in its segment within a year.

The Bigger Picture: Three Products, One Platform

The XEV 9S isn’t a one-off. It’s the third vehicle on Mahindra’s INGLO platform, following the B6 and 9E. Velusamy confirmed these two additional models are "on the launch pipeline," with the B6 likely a compact SUV and the 9E a more premium, possibly luxury-oriented variant. This isn’t just a product launch—it’s a platform strategy. By reusing the same architecture, Mahindra slashes R&D costs, streamlines supply chains, and accelerates time-to-market. It’s a playbook Tesla and BYD mastered years ago. Now, Mahindra is catching up.

The company’s strategy is clear: dominate the mid-market with volume, then use the platform’s flexibility to move upmarket. And they’re doing it fast. The Born EV platform launched in November 2024. In just one year, Mahindra has gone from zero to three EV models—all on the same architecture. That’s unprecedented in India’s auto industry.

What’s Missing? And Why It Still Works

There are gaps. Mahindra hasn’t disclosed exact range figures for the 59 kWh battery. They’ve teased "multi-step regeneration" and "variable gear ratio steering," but no official WLTP numbers yet. Charging speed? Unclear. Fast-charging capability? Not confirmed. The details are still unclear—but that’s not unusual for Indian EV launches. Most manufacturers release specs gradually, especially when they’re confident in demand.

And here’s the twist: they don’t need to. Indian buyers, especially families, care more about space, reliability, and price than kilowatt-hours per charge. The XEV 9S delivers on all three. With bookings opening January 14, 2026, and deliveries starting January 23, Mahindra is creating urgency. That’s smart. They’re not waiting for perfect specs—they’re building momentum.

What’s Next for India’s EV Market?

If the XEV 9S sells well—expect 5,000+ units monthly within six months—it will force competitors to respond. Tata Motors, Hyundai, and MG could be pressured to slash prices or accelerate their own 7-seater EVs. The government’s FAME scheme will likely see increased uptake as more affordable options emerge. And if Mahindra hits its production targets, it could become India’s top-selling EV brand by 2027, surpassing Tata in overall volume.

This isn’t just about one SUV. It’s about proving that India doesn’t need to import EV technology to lead in EV adoption. The XEV 9S is made in India, designed for India, and priced for India. That’s the real victory.