Mahindra XEV 9e vs XUV700 – EV vs ICE Comparison

Mahindra has finally launched its first two born-electric SUVs – XEV 9e and BE 6e, and the deliveries are slated to commence from the end of February or the start of March

In this post, I am comparing the Mahindra XEV 9e and XUV700. Note that the XEV 9e is an electric coupe SUV which is based on the XUV700. However, only the basic silhouette is similar. In terms of the mechanicals, platform, powertrain, features, and cabin, they differ significantly. The XEV 9e uses the EV-specific INGLO platform which Mahindra will deploy to spawn the next breed of electric SUVs not just for India, but also for the global market. On the other hand, the XUV700 is already a success in India, as well as in markets like Australia and South Africa. For now, let us compare these two thoroughly.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs XUV700 – Price

I must mention that Mahindra has only currently announced the introductory price of the base model of the XEV 9e electric SUV. It bears a retail sticker of Rs 21.90 lakh, ex-showroom. This price doesn’t include the cost of the charger. The details about the prices of the entire range will be out in January at the Bharat Auto Expo. On the other hand, the XUV700 sells between Rs 13.99 lakh and Rs 26.04 lakh, ex-showroom.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs XUV700 – Specs

Since these two use completely different powertrains and fuel sources, they distinguish themselves totally in this aspect. The XEV 9e uses Mahindra’s scalable and modular born-electric INGLO platform and BYD’s Blade Cell technology with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry. Furthermore, there are two variants on offer – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. According to MIDC, the electric coupe SUV offers a range of 656 km with a larger battery. This translates to a decent 533 km as per the European WLTP cycle. Regardless, the Indian SUV maker claims a real-world range of over 500 km which is impressive. On the other hand, the smaller battery is good for a claimed MIDC range of 542 km on a single charge.

Taking care of the charging capabilities, the XEV 9e supports a 175 kW DC charger which can juice up the battery from 20% to 80% in a mere 20 minutes. That will be quite handy on those long highway journeys. The smaller battery can do the same with a 140 kW charger. In addition to this, buyers can opt for either a 7.2 kW or an 11 kW AC charger. The latter takes 6 hours to charge the smaller battery and 8 hours to charge the 79 kWh battery pack. For the initial buyers, Mahindra is offering a warranty of 10 years / 2,00,000 km. Using 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. In the most powerful settings, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h comes up in just 6.8 seconds. Using disc brakes on all wheels and a brake-by-wire system, the EV can come to a standstill from 100 km/h in just 40 m.

On the other hand, the XUV700 comes in two powertrain options – a powerful 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol mill which churns out a mammoth 200 hp and 380 Nm, OR a 2.2-litre turbo mill which is available in two states of tune – 155 hp / 360 Nm and 185 hp / 420 Nm (450 Nm with automatic transmission). These engines car pair with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission. In the top trims, the large SUV offers an all-wheel-drive configuration.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs XUV700 – Interior and Features

The new Mahindra XEV 9e has taken the world by storm with its ultra-futuristic interior and cabin layout along with a slew of innovative tech. To be honest, describing the features of the XEV 9e feels like explaining the specifications of a high-end smartphone or tablet. There is so much electronics. The top 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 XUV700 is also a feature-laden SUV with top amenities including:

• 10.25-inch Dual Touchscreen Infotainment and Instrument Cluster
• Amazon Alexa Virtual Assistant
• Panoramic Sunroof
• AdrenoX Connected Car Tech System
• Wireless Charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 360-degree Camera
• Sony 3D Surround Sound System
• Auto Booster Headlights
• Air Purifier
• Smart Door Handles
• Powered Front Seats with Memory Function
• ADAS Active Safety Features
• 6 Airbags
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Driver Drowsiness Detection
• 6-way Powered Driver’s Seat
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Reverse Camera and Park Assist
• Electric Parking Brake

Design and Dimensions

The production-spec Mahindra XEV 9e has been able to embody the silhouette from its concept model. At the front, we get to see a full-width LED light bar which culminates into the 7-shaped LED DRLs on either side. These encapsulate the LED headlamps with a massive sealed-off section at the front. This is there as EVs don’t need fresh air to operate. The lower section is sporty. On the sides, the XEV 9e bears rugged wheel arches with sturdy cladding which houses ginormous 20-inch alloy wheels and the door panels also wear the heavy cladding. However, the most fascinating aspect has to be the sloping roofline to achieve that coupe shape. The tail section contains an extended bootlid-mounted spoiler which doubles up as an LED light bar which runs across the width of the EV and a striking lower section.

On the other hand, the XUV700 carries that familiar broad fascia with attractive LED DRLs on the extreme edges of the bonnet flanking the LED headlamps and vertical slats on the noticeable grille along with a sturdy skid plate at the bottom. The side section consists of black alloy wheels and massive wheel arches, flush-fitting door handles, black side pillars and faux roof rails. At the rear, we get to see a shark fin antenna, shark LED taillamps and a sporty bumper. All in all, both these have their distinct road presence.

My View

These two are widely different SUVs despite sharing the basic foundation. Therefore, choosing between these two SUVs really depends on your requirements and budget. If you are in the market for a traditional 7-seat ICE SUV, there is nothing wrong with the XUV700. It has proven itself in our market since the beginning. On the other hand, if you want an electric SUV and want to experience the best that Mahindra has to offer, the XEV 9e should be your pick. Of course, we will have to wait to know the details of the entire price range in the coming months.

Also Read: World Exclusive! Mahindra XEV 9e 0-100 km/h Test in All Modes