Mahindra XEV 9e vs BYD eMAX 7 – Which EV To Go For?

Mahindra has launched its new breed of electric SUVs in XEV 9e and BE 6e, based on a bespoke INGLO platform

In this post, I am comparing the Mahindra XEV 9e with the BYD eMAX 7 on the basis of specs, features, price, design and dimensions. It is interesting to compare the best that Mahindra has to offer with the best that China has. BYD is among the largest car brands in the world. In fact, it briefly overtook Tesla last year in quarterly EV sales. Hence, it has been gaining immense popularity across many international markets. In India, it sells three models – Atto 3, Seal and eMAX 7. On the other hand, Mahindra will launch its latest EVs under two new electric sub-brands – XEV and BE. These EVs will utilize its scalable and modular architecture to spawn more electric SUVs in the coming years. For now, let us compare the two thoroughly.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BYD eMAX 7 – Price

At present, the Indian auto giant has only announced the prices of the base trim of the XEV 9e. It starts at Rs 21.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Note that these prices don’t include the cost of the charger and its installation. The details about the entire lineup will surface at the Bharat Auto Expo in January. On the other hand, the BYD eMAX 7 ranges between Rs 26.90 lakh to Rs 29.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, there will be a significant price overlap.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BYD eMAX 7 – Specs

The Mahindra XEV 9e is available with two batteries with BYD’s Blade Cell technology with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. These are good for 542 km and 656 km of range on a single charge, respectively, as per the MIDC. With the larger battery, the WLTP figure is 533 km, which is quite impressive. However, the most crucial thing is that Mahindra claims a real-world range of over 500 km. That will certainly be a huge bonus. With the compact ‘three-in-one powertrain’ (motor, inverter, transmission), the total power and torque outputs stand at 286 hp and 380 Nm with the larger battery and 231 hp and 380 Nm with the smaller unit.

Taking care of the charging capabilities, the Mahindra XEV 9e’s bigger battery can be charged up from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 175 kW DC fast charger. In fact, the smaller battery pack does the same using a 140 kW DC fast charger. For home charging, there are two options – a 7.2 kW or an 11 kW AC charger. With the latter, it takes 6 hours to charge the smaller battery and 8 hours to charge the larger one. In the most powerful iteration, Mahindra claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.8 seconds. The electric coupe SUV boasts all four disc brakes and a brake-by-wire system allowing a stopping distance from 100 km/h of just 40 m. Mahindra is also offering a warranty of 10 years / 2,00,000 km (whichever is earlier) for the initial batch of buyers.

On the other hand, the BYD eMAX 7 is available with two battery packs – 55.4 kWh and 71.8 kWh. Both these supply power to an electric motor mounted on the front axle to generate 161 hp / 310 Nm and 201 hp / 310 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Due to the power difference, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.1 seconds with the smaller battery and just 8.6 seconds with the larger unit. The smaller battery version supports 89 kW DC fast charging, while the larger battery can be charged using a 115 kW DC fast charger. Finally, the NEDC range figures for the electric MPV are 420 km and 530 km, respectively.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BYD eMAX 7 – Features

Modern car buyers need the latest tech and convenience amenities in their vehicles. In this regard, Mahindra has taken a huge leap ahead with its new range of EVs. The cabin is full of world-class and the utmost tech amenities like Artificial Intelligence, a hardcore performance processor, a triple-screen layout and more. The main highlights include:

• Three 12.3-inch Screens on the Dashboard – Driver’s Instrument Cluster, Infotainment Display and a Passenger’s Screen
• MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture) with Advanced Neural Engine
• 51 TOPS with over 80 billion transistors and 130+ million lines of code.
• WiFi 6.0, 24 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295
• 2 Entertainment Screens for Rear Passengers
• Bluetooth 5.2
• 16-speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System with Dolby Atmos
• 5G Internet Connectivity
• Massive Panoramic Sunroof with Integrated Multi-Colour Lighting Patterns
• Auto Park Assist with 12 Ultrasonic Sensors
• In-car Camera
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Ambient Lighting
• Powered Driver’s Seat with Memory Function
• OTA Updates
• Level 2 ADAS Suite with 5 Radars and 1 Vision Camera
• 360-degree Cameras
• 7 Airbags
• Electric Power Steering with Variable Gear Ratios
• Augmented-Reality (AR) Heads Up Display (HUD)
• Driver and Occupant Monitoring System (DOMS)
• Signature Sonic Tunes Curated by AR Rahman

On the other hand, the BYD eMAX 7 is also a feature-laden EV. Its top amenities include:

• 12.8-inch Rotatable Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 5-inch TFT Full LCD Instrument Cluster
• Panoramic Glass roof
• Regenerative Braking
• Synthetic Leather Seats
• 6-speaker Audio System
• Voice Assistant
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4 USB Slots
• Keyless Entry and Start
• Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Upper AC Vents
• V2L Technology
• Follow Me Home Headlight
• One-touch Up/Down Windows for all 4 Doors with Anti-pinch Function
• Automatic AC
• PM2.5 Air Filter
• Tyre Repair Kit
• Electric Opening of Trunk
• 6- and 7-seat Layout
• 6-way Electric Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• 6-way Manual Adjustable Passenger’s Seat
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Height Adjustable Headrests
• 6 Airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• ABS with EBD
• Electric Parking Brake
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Hold Control
• Brake Disc Wiping System
• ADAS Features
• 360-degree Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Sport Detection

Design and Dimensions

This is where the two differ significantly. In fact, we can say this for any car that is compared to the latest Mahindra EVs due to their unique design. The XEV 9e is based on the XUV700. At the front, there is a neat styling with a thin LED light bar running the width of the SUV and neatly merging into LED DRLs on either side. The sharp LED headlamp housings are placed inside the space created by the large LED DRLs. There is also a noticeable skid plate section underneath the front bumper. On the sides, there are colossal 20-inch alloy wheels with an aero design, massive wheel arches with claddings around them and on the side door panels and a sloping roofline which gives it that iconic coupe silhouette. Finally, the tail section contains a scooped-out bootlid-mounted spoiler which carries the slim LED taillamps and a sporty lower section of the bumper. It will definitely make heads turn.

On the other hand, the BYD eMAX 7 carries the quintessential MPV looks quite confidently. This includes a modern and sleek front fascia with striking LED headlamps connected via a chrome slab with BYD engraving. Apart from that, the lower bumper section boasts a grille section with a shark frame and a fog lamp housing on the extreme edges. Moving down the sides reveals stylish alloy wheels with side body skirting, black side pillars with chrome surrounds and faux roof rails. These lend an adventurous appearance. At the rear, the electric MPV possesses a shark fin antenna, roof-mounted spoiler, chrome belt on the bumper and a connected LED taillamp console which extends the width of the car.

Both these are compelling propositions but have their distinct use cases. We shall revisit this comparison once the entire price list of the Mahindra XEV 9e is out!

Also Read: Mahindra XEV 9e Detailed Test Drive Review – Born Electrified!