Will Mahindra's upcoming XEV 9S impact sales of XEV 9e?
What's the story
Mahindra is gearing up to launch its third electric vehicle (EV) under the Born Electric series. The new model, XEV 9S, will make its Indian debut on November 27. It will come after the BE 6 and XEV 9e models, which have together sold over 30,000 units in their first seven months of availability. Positioned as a seven-seater, the upcoming XEV 9S will be a more practical version of the already popular XEV 9e.
Design details
Boxy design and advanced tech
The XEV 9S will sport a boxy design, unlike the coupe SUV styling of its sibling, the XEV 9e. It is expected to feature LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillights, chunky bumpers with sporty skid plates and a powered tailgate with gesture control. The interior will be similar to that of the XEV 9e model and come with a triple screen setup including two touchscreen infotainment systems at the center and passenger side.
Interior features
Premium features and safety
The XEV 9S will come with ventilated and massaging front seats, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, multi-zone climate control, head-up display and multiple wireless chargers. It is also expected to get sliding second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof and a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo. The car will also have remote parking functionality for added convenience.
Platform details
XEV 9S to be built on INGLO architecture
The Mahindra XEV 9S will be built on the INGLO architecture, which also underpins the XEV 9e and BE 6 models. The EV is expected to come with a choice of two battery packs - a smaller one with a capacity of up to 59kWh and a larger one up to 79kWh. These batteries are expected to offer an impressive range of between 542km and 656km on a single charge.
Safety specs
Mahindra XEV 9S to offer advanced safety features
On the safety front, the Mahindra XEV 9S will come with a host of advanced features. These include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), a 360-degree surround view camera and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). The EV is also likely to feature a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup for improved performance on the road.
Scenario
Potential effect on XEV 9e
The Mahindra XEV 9e has gained popularity among buyers seeking a powerful electric SUV, as reflected in its strong sales. However, its aggressive design and coupe-SUV styling may not appeal to everyone. The XEV 9S would offer a more conventional alternative, with pricing and specifications likely determining its success. It could rival the Hyundai CRETA Electric and Tata Harrier EV, and may impact XEV 9e sales, though the effect will only become clear in the coming months.