The Mahindra XEV 9e is an upcoming electric SUV coupe based on Mahindra’s new INGLO platform. Inside, it gets a modern, tech-heavy cabin with three connected screens, a 360-degree camera, and an AR-enabled heads-up display. Buyers will have a choice of two battery packs, both capable of delivering over 500 km of range. Power output ranges between 228 and 282 bhp, with 0-100 km/h coming up in less than 6.7 seconds. It promises a solid mix of performance, comfort, and efficiency. The Crossover has gained widespread demand for the tech it has on offer. However, here are certain drawbacks to be considered before making a purchase decision:
- One thing that puts us off is the excessive use of piano black inside the cabin. It looks nice for the first few days, but keeping it free from fingerprints, scratches, and dust is a nightmare. On top of that, a few plastic bits don’t feel very premium, which is surprising in an otherwise well-equipped SUV.
- The coupe-like styling is eye-catching, but it comes at the cost of practicality. Rearward visibility is poor, made worse by those tall rear headrests. Reversing or even judging traffic behind isn’t as easy as it should be.
- Another concern is Mahindra’s after-sales experience. It’s always been a mixed bag — some service centers do a decent job, while others leave you frustrated. With such a tech-heavy EV, it’s a bit of a gamble whether every workshop will be able to handle the complexity confidently.
- Speaking of complexity, this car is loaded with electronics and new-age features. That’s exciting, but at the same time, fresh batches from Mahindra have historically had niggles and bugs. Early adopters will need to be a bit cautious.
- Then, the usual EV-related challenges remain — charging infrastructure is still patchy depending on where you live, and setting up a reliable home charging solution isn’t always straightforward for everyone.
- Features-wise, a few misses stand out. You don’t get a proper full-size spare wheel — just a skinny space-saver that limits you to 80 km/h. There’s no cooled glovebox either, and the lack of physical HVAC buttons makes it fiddly to adjust settings on the move.
- And finally, while the SUV’s design is striking and modern, it’s not going to appeal to everyone. Some will love the bold stance, but others may find it too flashy or polarising.