The company’s next big leap into electric vehicles is shaped by real customer stories and daily realities in India – showing that an SUV is more than just a body style; It’s a state of mind.
Author: T. Mulally
Mahindra’s electric SUV journey has rewritten the script of the Indian electric vehicle market and its electric SUVs have now covered over 200 million kilometers. Mr. R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., said that two-thirds of the owners drive their vehicles at least 20 days a month, which proves that these electric vehicles have transcended curiosity and become a part of daily life. More than 9,000 customers even drove 400 kilometers in a day, validating Mahindra’s promise of genuine 500-km range and 20-minute fast charging. In just seven months, 30,000 electric SUVs with Mahindra’s iconic design were sold, marking a major milestone in the history of electric vehicles in India.
However, “Mahindra soon realized that something bigger was going on. Customers were no longer buying electric cars because of the attention they attracted (likes, clicks or social buzz). They were buying them out of love. They emotionally connected with the cars and wanted them to reflect who they were, their aspirations and how they wanted to be seen. This shift from ‘attention’ to ‘love’ has become central to Mahindra’s thinking on future electric vehicles,” noted Mr. Velusamy.
Conversations with customers reveal deeper truths about the Indian market. A northern businessman wants a “big, commanding Mahindra electric SUV”. A family from Delhi wanted a larger vehicle with a true third row that would allow every passenger, not just the driver, to enjoy comfort, functionality and space. These insights once again prove that in India, SUVs are not just a body style but a state of mind. It represents confidence, ability, family togetherness, a sense of freedom and the belief that you can go anywhere, anytime.
To meet these changing expectations, Mahindra turned to the INGLO platform – an Indian global architecture designed for the future. The result, Mr. Velusamy said, is a new 7-seater electric SUV – XEV 9S – built around the real needs of Indian families. The new SUV offers a spacious cabin, a flat floor, a lower center of gravity for better ride and handling, and a quiet driving experience that allows passengers to “hear their inner voices.” He noted that the vehicle’s range of more than 500 kilometers, 20-minute fast charging, and support from 180 high-speed chargers deployed eliminate the biggest concerns about electric vehicles.
The real novelty of this SUV is its focus on inclusivity. Features are designed for everyone in the cabin, including second and third rows, with thoughtful details like screens and charging options for children. At its core is “the most powerful idea in the automotive world today” – a suite of advanced technologies that enhance the entire driving experience.
Mahindra’s new 7-seater E-SUV is built on real customer insights and built on the INGLO platform, giving everyone the freedom to participate and explore more. Mr Velusamy added that it blends Mahindra’s heritage with modern technology, comfort and strong on-road performance, showcasing the true appeal of an electric SUV to India’s next generation of drivers.