Last updated on September 1st, 2025 at 02:56 pm
Mahindra has always been the brand that people in India associate with tough, rugged SUVs – you know, cars like the Bolero or the Scorpio. But with the XUV 9, Mahindra has taken a completely different path. This one is electric, futuristic, and to be honest, it feels like something you’d expect 10 years from now.
So, let’s just talk through it – the design, the interiors, the features, the safety stuff, and of course, how it feels to drive.
First up, the design. The thing is, the XUV 9 doesn’t really look like a traditional Mahindra at all. At the front, you’ve got this upright nose with sharp LED lights and really bold DRLs. It almost gives the SUV a “sci-fi” kind of presence. From the side, it’s sleek and coupe-like, which looks cool, but yeah, that also eats into the rear headroom a little bit. Mahindra has also thrown in big 19-inch alloys as standard, which honestly make the stance even stronger. If I had to nitpick though, that glossy black cladding around the bumpers and doors scratches way too easily – so getting a PPF might be the smart move.
Step inside and the vibe changes completely. In my view, the cabin feels more like a luxury lounge than an SUV. There’s a dual-tone dashboard with soft-touch materials, lots of ambient lighting, and these ventilated leather seats that actually feel super comfortable on long drives. The doors open almost at 90 degrees, which is very convenient, and there’s plenty of space overall – though, again, because of the coupe roofline, tall folks in the back might feel a little cramped.
Now, let’s talk about the real showstopper: the tech. Honestly, Mahindra has gone all out here. You’re getting three 12.3-inch screens – one for the driver, one for the central infotainment, and yes, even one for the passenger. And this isn’t just for show – the passenger can literally watch YouTube, use WhatsApp, order from Zomato, or even attend a Zoom call while you’re driving. Pretty wild, right? Add to that a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround system and features like dual wireless charging, auto-park assist, and a panoramic glass roof… it feels like Mahindra wanted to prove that Indian brands can play in the same league as the global big names.
One thing that really stood out to me was the whole “mood mode” concept. Mahindra actually collaborated with AR Rahman to create curated sound and lighting experiences inside the car. And then there’s this playful touch – you can even make the EV sound like a V8 engine through the speakers. It’s small things like these that make the XUV 9 fun to experience.
On the safety front, it’s no compromise either. The SUV has already scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and Mahindra has loaded it with 6 to 7 airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX, and a 360-degree camera system. And since we’re talking future, yes, it also has Level-2 ADAS – so adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alerts, the works. The Secure 360 system is another clever touch – it basically records what’s happening inside and outside the car, doubling up as an integrated dash cam.
Coming to the drive, the XUV 9 feels very refined. The steering is light and responsive, and the high driving position gives you that SUV confidence. Though, to be fair, rear visibility is not the best because of that sloping roof. Power delivery is smooth, and the car feels composed on the road. Some buyers might still worry about range – and I get that, because EV infrastructure in India is still growing – but for daily use, it’s honestly practical.
So, who’s this SUV for? In my view, the Mahindra XUV 9 is for people who want something futuristic, tech-loaded, and premium. It’s not going to be cheap, but it gives you a sense that you’re driving the future today.
To sum it up, the pros are pretty obvious – the design turns heads, the triple screens are a game-changer, the sound system is top-notch, and the safety kit is confidence-inspiring. The cons? Well, those gloss black panels are scratch magnets, rear visibility could have been better, and of course, the pricing might put it out of reach for some.
Vipin Jaiswar is the founder of EV Car Autos, a platform dedicated to covering the latest news, updates, and insights on electric vehicles. With a keen interest in the future of mobility, he writes about new launches, technology trends, and practical tips for EV enthusiasts. Through EV Car Autos, Vipin aims to make information about electric cars simple, reliable, and accessible to everyone.