Mahindra XEV 9S Problem 2025 – 5 Major Issues Exposed

The Mahindra XEV 9S has finally arrived, promising a 7-seater electric SUV experience with a powerful 282 BHP motor and a massive 79 kWh battery. On paper, it looks like the perfect family car. However, no car is perfect, and the XEV 9S is no exception.

While the pros like the 500 km range and triple-screen setup are impressive, there are significant downsides that potential buyers must consider. If you are planning to spend your hard-earned money, you need to be aware of every XEV 9S problem that could affect your ownership experience. Here are the top 5 cons revealed in our detailed analysis.

1. Third-Row and Boot Space Constraints

The biggest selling point of this SUV is that it is a 7-seater. However, practicality takes a hit when all seats are in use.

The third row is quite cramped and is best suited only for children. Adults will find it uncomfortable for anything other than very short trips. More importantly, with the third row up, the boot space becomes negligible. You basically have to choose between carrying 7 people or carrying luggage. If you have a full house, you will likely need a roof-top carrier for your bags.

2. Stiff Low-Speed Ride Quality

A premium electric SUV is expected to glide over roads, but the XEV 9S struggles slightly here. The low-speed ride is described as “busy,” meaning you will feel the road imperfections inside the cabin.

While the suspension offers good high-speed stability, it is not as absorbent as one would hope at city speeds. When compared to rivals like the Tata Harrier EV, which offers a much plusher ride, this stiffness becomes a noticeable XEV 9S problem for daily commuters.

Also Read –Don’t Spend ₹30 Lakh – The Cheapest XEV 9S Variant Has Everything You Need

3. Missing Key Features

For a car that boasts augmented reality and a 16-speaker sound system, it surprisingly misses out on some basic and advanced utility features.

• No Electric Tailgate: In this price segment, manually opening a heavy tailgate feels outdated.
• No Physical HVAC Controls: You have to use the screen to change the AC settings, which can be distracting while driving.
• No V2L or V2V: Vehicle-to-Load capabilities (using your car to power appliances) are missing, which is a standard feature in many modern EVs.
• Small Spare Tyre: You only get a skinny 135 mm space saver, which limits your speed to 80 km/h.

4. Interior Quality Inconsistencies

The XEV 9S is loaded with tech, but the material quality does not always match the premium price tag. While the screens are high-quality, some plastics in the lower half of the cabin do not feel premium.

Additionally, fit and finish levels, while satisfactory, still have room for improvement compared to global standards. For a flagship EV, buyers expect a flawless cabin experience, and these hard plastics can be a letdown.

5. No All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option

Mahindra is known for its off-road DNA, yet the XEV 9S is currently available only in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration.

There is no AWD option available at launch, unlike the Tata Harrier EV which offers it. For enthusiasts who want that extra grip or off-road capability, this omission is a significant disadvantage.

Also Read –MAHINDRA XEV 9S RUNNING COST: SAVE ₹1.5 LAKH EVERY YEAR VS DIESEL

Conclusion

The Mahindra XEV 9S is undoubtedly a strong package with great range and performance. However, the cramped third row, stiff city ride, and missing utility features are real concerns. Before signing the cheque, we recommend taking a long test drive to see if these issues affect your specific usage.

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