The king is dead; long live the king. The iconic XUV700 has officially evolved into the Mahindra XUV 7XO, and it didn’t come alone. Mahindra has dropped a bombshell by launching its electric twin, the XEV 9S, right alongside it.

This isn’t just a facelift; it’s a statement. With 93,000 bookings in just 4 hours, the hype is real. But as a buyer, you are likely confused. Do you stick to the proven Petrol/Diesel power of the XUV 7XO (starting ₹13.66 Lakh), or do you take the leap into the future with the 7-seater electric XEV 9S (starting ₹19.95 Lakh)?

I drove both these beasts back-to-back from Mumbai to Lonavala—handling city traffic, expressway speeds, and broken ghat roads. Here is the unfiltered truth.

QUICK SPECS COMPARISON (The Duo)

Feature	Mahindra XUV 7XO (ICE)	Mahindra XEV 9S (Electric)
Engine/Motor	2.0L Turbo Petrol / 2.2L Diesel	Perm. Magnet Sync Motor (RWD)
Power	200 BHP / 185 BHP	231 BHP / 282 BHP
Torque	380 Nm / 450 Nm	380 Nm (Instant)
Transmission	6MT / 6AT / AWD Option	Single Speed Auto
0-100 kmph	~9.8 Seconds	6.8 Seconds (claimed)
Mileage/Range	9-14 kmpl (Real World)	450-500 km (Real World)
Price (Ex-Showroom)	₹13.66 Lakh – ₹26.56 Lakh	₹19.95 Lakh – ₹31.25 Lakh

EXTERIOR DESIGN: Evolution vs. Revolution

The XUV 7XO (The Evolution):

If you loved the XUV700, you’ll like this. Mahindra hasn’t messed with the silhouette. The front gets a sharper piano-black grille with “jewel” inserts and new Bi-LED projector headlamps that look menacing in the rearview mirror. The C-shaped DRLs are sharper now. It still commands respect and says, “Move out of my way.”

Read More: Tata Nexon

The XEV 9S (The Revolution):

This is the head-turner. It looks like a spaceship landed in traffic.

• Closed Grille: No air vents upfront, just a smooth, aerodynamic nose with a connecting LED light bar.
• Copper Accents: The distinct copper ‘Twin Peaks’ logo and roofline accents scream “Electric Premium.”
• Aero Wheels: The 19-inch wheels are almost fully closed off to reduce drag.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES: The “Triple Screen” Era

Step inside, and both cars feel like a tech fest. Mahindra has standardized the Triple Screen Cockpit (three 12.3-inch screens) across the top variants.

• The Dashboard: It’s a glass wall. You get a Digital Cluster, a Central Infotainment, and a dedicated Passenger Screen (for Netflix/YouTube). It looks stunning but is a fingerprint magnet.
• Seating Comfort:
  • Front: Both cars offer ventilated seats. The “Boss Mode” button allows the rear passenger to push the front seat forward.
  • 2nd Row: The XEV 9S has a flat floor (no transmission tunnel), making it much better for 3 adults than the XUV 7XO.
  • 3rd Row: This is where the XUV 7XO wins. The battery pack in the XEV 9S raises the floor slightly, forcing a “knees-up” position for adults. Kids will be fine, but adults will struggle on long trips in the EV’s 3rd row.

DRIVING DYNAMICS: Petrol Punch vs Electric Glide

Driving the XUV 7XO (Diesel AT AWD):

It feels heavy, planted, and familiar. The 2.2L mHawk Diesel is still the best diesel engine in India—period.

• Suspension: The new DAVINCI suspension system (frequency selective damping) is magic. It eats up potholes that would rattle a Seltos.
• Handling: There is body roll (it’s a tall SUV), but it feels predictable.

Driving the XEV 9S (79kWh Pack):

This is a different animal.

• Acceleration: Put it in ‘Race’ mode, and the instant torque pins you to the seat. It makes the XUV 7XO feel lazy.
• Silence: The cabin is eerily quiet. Mahindra has done an excellent job with sound insulation.
• Center of Gravity: Because the heavy battery is in the floor, the XEV 9S handles corners better than the 7XO. It feels like a sedan in an SUV body.

SAFETY (Crucial Section)

Mahindra isn’t playing games. Both cars are built for 5-Star B-NCAP ratings.

• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, ESP, and ISOFIX are standard from the base model. Top models get 7 Airbags (Knee airbag added).
• ADAS Level 2: It now works better in Indian traffic. The “Adaptive Cruise Control” actually slows down smoothly instead of panic braking when a biker cuts in.
• Build Quality: The doors have that reassuring “thud.”

REAL WORLD MILEAGE & RANGE (The Truth)

This is the deciding factor for 90% of you.

Mahindra XUV 7XO (Diesel AT):

• ARAI Claimed: ~16.5 kmpl
• Real City: 10.5 – 11.5 kmpl
• Real Highway: 14 – 16 kmpl
• Verdict: A full tank (60L) gives you a realistic range of 800 km. Reliable for Ladakh trips.

Mahindra XEV 9S (79kWh Battery):

• ARAI Claimed: 656 km
• Real World (100% to 0%):
  • City (AC On): 480 – 510 km
  • Highway (at 100kmph): 420 – 440 km
• Charging: Supports 175kW fast charging (20-80% in 20 mins). But good luck finding a 175kW charger in rural India.

THE COMPETITION

We are comparing the XUV 7XO (Diesel) and XEV 9S against their biggest rival, the Tata Safari / Harrier EV.

Feature	Mahindra XUV 7XO	Mahindra XEV 9S	Tata Safari (Accomplished)
Price	₹24.92 L (AX7L Diesel)	₹24.90 L (Mid Spec)	₹25.49 L
3rd Row	Useable for Adults	Kids Only	Useable for Adults
Tech	Triple Screens	Triple Screens	Single 12″ Screen
Ride Quality	Excellent (FSD)	Stiff but Stable	Good
Wow Factor	High	Highest	Moderate

Winner:

• Value for Money: Mahindra XUV 7XO. It offers the complete package without range anxiety at a lower entry price.
• Tech & Future Proofing: Mahindra XEV 9S. If you have a home charger and a second car, this is the superior driving experience.

FINAL VERDICT

Mahindra has effectively competed with itself. The XUV 7XO is the pragmatic choice; the XEV 9S is the emotional one.

Buy the XUV 7XO if:

• You do frequent road trips to remote areas (Ladakh/Spiti) where chargers don’t exist.
• You need a proper 3rd row for adults.
• You want the raw feel and reliability of a Diesel engine.

Buy the XEV 9S if:

• Your daily running is over 50km (the fuel savings will pay the EMI).
• You want the fastest, smoothest 7-seater under ₹35 Lakh.
• You love tech and want that “Triple Screen” flex.

Skip both if:

• You want a compact city car. These are massive vehicles (4.7m+ length) and parking in crowded markets is a nightmare.

My Score:

• XUV 7XO: 9/10 (The Safe Bet)
• XEV 9S: 8.5/10 (The Future Leader)

FAQs (People Also Ask)