Mahindra XUV 7XO & XEV 9S Review: Prices, Real Range, & 2026 Updates

Mahindra has kicked off 2026 with a massive bang, dropping not one but two blockbusters: the XUV 7XO (the heavily updated XUV700) and the futuristic XEV 9S (their flagship Electric Coupe SUV).

If you are confused by the names, here is the simple breakdown: The XUV 7XO is the petrol/diesel powerhouse you know and love, but sharper and smarter. The XEV 9S is the all-electric, sci-fi coupe that looks like it drove straight out of a Cyberpunk movie.

With the XUV 7XO starting at ₹13.66 Lakh and the XEV 9S starting at ₹19.95 Lakh, Mahindra is attacking both the traditional SUV market and the booming EV space simultaneously. But are these just name changes, or has Mahindra actually fixed the niggles of the past? We drove both extensively to find out.

2. Quick Specs: XUV 7XO vs XEV 9S

3. Exterior Design: Evolution vs Revolution

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XUV 7XO (The Evolution)

The “XO” badge brings subtle but effective tweaks. The front grille is busier with chrome slats, and the new C-shaped DRLs are sharper, cutting deep into the bumper. The biggest upgrade is the lighting—the new Bi-LED projector setup finally offers the throw that night drivers complained about in the old XUV700. It sits on massive 19-inch diamond-cut alloys that fill the arches perfectly. It still has that upright, “get out of my way” road presence.

XEV 9S (The Revolution)

The XEV 9S is a head-turner. It’s a Coupe-SUV, meaning the roofline slopes aggressively at the back. It features a blanked-off grille with the new “Infinity” logo illuminated. The “aero-scoop” on the bonnet isn’t just for show; it channels air for better range. With flush door handles and 20-inch aero wheels, it looks significantly more premium than anything else in the sub-30 Lakh segment.

4. Interior & Features: The “Triple Screen” War

Mahindra has gone all out with the “Super Screen” layout. Both cars feature a massive glass pane housing three screens:

1. Driver Display: Crisp instrumentation.
2. Central Infotainment: 12.3-inch responsive touch.
3. Passenger Screen: Yes, the co-driver gets their own screen for Netflix/YouTube (active only when the car is parked or via privacy filter).

Cabin Quality:

• Soft Touch: The dashboard is wrapped in leatherette. The XUV 7XO gets a warm “Chestnut Brown” theme, while the XEV 9S gets a futuristic “Grey-White” theme (be careful with stains!).
• Sound: The 16-Speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos is, hands down, the best in this segment. The bass is punchy without being distorted.
• Cool Factor: The XEV 9S features an Augmented Reality HUD (Heads-Up Display) that projects navigation arrows virtually onto the road.

Space:

• XUV 7XO: The 3rd row is still best for kids. However, the new Ventilated 2nd Row Seats (Captain seats variant) are a godsend for Indian summers.
• XEV 9S: Being a dedicated EV on the INGLO platform, it has a flat floor. Rear legroom is massive, but the sloping coupe roof eats into headroom for anyone taller than 6ft.

5. Performance & Driving Dynamics

Driving the XUV 7XO (Petrol/Diesel)

If you love raw power, the 2.0L mStallion Petrol is still the king. With 200 BHP, it pulls like a freight train on the highway. Overtaking is effortless.

• Suspension Upgrade: Mahindra has added FSD (Frequency Selective Damping). In simple terms, the car stiffens up at high speeds for stability but remains soft over city potholes. The “thud” sound from the suspension is largely gone.
• Steering: It’s feather-light in the city but weighs up nicely on the highway.

Driving the XEV 9S (Electric)

This is where the future lies. The RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) setup makes it incredibly fun.

• The Launch: Put it in “Sport Mode,” and the 380 Nm torque is instant. It does 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, leaving most sedans in the dust.
• Ride Quality: Because the heavy battery is on the floor, the center of gravity is low. It corners flatter than the XUV 7XO. However, the suspension is slightly stiffer to support the battery weight, so you will feel sharp bumps more.

6. Real World Mileage & Range (The Truth)

This is the data you actually need before signing the cheque.

Mahindra XUV 7XO (ICE)

Mahindra XEV 9S (Electric)

7. Comparison: XUV 7XO / XEV 9S vs The Rivals

We have auto-selected the toughest competitors: Tata Safari (Diesel King) and BYD Atto 3 (EV Specialist).

The VFM Verdict:

• The XUV 7XO undercuts the Safari significantly in price while offering a more powerful petrol engine (which Safari lacks).
• The XEV 9S offers a bigger battery (79kWh) than the BYD Atto 3 (60kWh) at a lower price point. It is the clear value winner in the EV space.

8. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Mahindra has effectively covered all bases. The XUV 7XO is the perfect “One Car Do It All” for families who do long road trips where charging is a worry. The XEV 9S is for the tech-savvy buyer who wants performance and low running costs.

Buy the XUV 7XO if:

• You do frequent inter-state road trips (1000km+) where EV charging is a hassle.
• You need a 7-Seater for family usage.
• You love the raw punch of a Turbo Petrol engine.

Buy the XEV 9S if:

• Your daily running is high (50km+), and you want to save ₹5,000+ monthly on fuel.
• You want the latest tech (AR HUD, Triple Screens) and “Cool Factor.”
• You want a silent, vibration-free drive with sportscar-like acceleration.

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)