As a family person who has driven more than 50,000 km in my XUV700 – taking my kids from Mumbai to Lonavala many times – I know how hard it is to choose the right SUV. My Mahindra XUV700, which has good styled-diesel-powerful engine and some features that my ego always felt satisfied with… I purchased it in the year 2021. But now Mahindra’s new electric SUV has me considering a switch.
It is the Mahindra XEV 9S, a 7-seater electric SUV unveiled on November 27, 2025. It is the country’s first 3-row big electric SUV based on INGLO platform. It is the future of the XUV700 – it’s cleaner, smarter and still affordable.
The price starts at ₹19.95 lakh, and the SUV gives up to 286 hp with a range of 500+ km, while the XUV700 diesel gives 182 hp and up to 800 km on a full tank. Both look bold and premium, but one runs on electricity and the other on fuel.
Based on the latest December 2025 reports from Autocar India and CarDekho, here is a simple comparison of price, performance, features, and daily use. If you are confused between diesel power and electric savings under ₹30 lakh, this guide will help you decide.
Mahindra XEV 9S vs XUV700 Price in India: EV Premium vs Diesel Value – Which Is Better?
Price is the main difference. The XUV700 diesel is cheaper to buy, while the XEV 9S EV costs a bit more but saves money later because charging is cheaper (₹1/km vs ₹8/km).
As of December 2025, these are the ex-showroom prices (Delhi). On-road costs add 10–15% extra. Mahindra also gives ₹1 lakh discounts on XUV700 and ₹50,000 EV rebate on XEV 9S.
| Aspect | Mahindra XEV 9S | Mahindra XUV700 | Winner |
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹19.95 lakh (Pack One Above 59kWh) | ₹13.66 lakh (MX Petrol MT) | XUV700 (cheaper start) |
| Top Price (ex-showroom) | ₹29.45 lakh (Pack Three Above 79kWh) | ₹28.01 lakh (AX7L Diesel AT AWD) | XEV 9S (more premium options) |
| On-Road Price Est. (Delhi) | ₹22.5 – 33 lakh | ₹15.5 – 31.5 lakh | XUV700 (better for base budget) |
The XEV 9S comes in four battery packs (59 kWh, 70 kWh, 79 kWh) and gets FAME-III subsidies, which bring the on-road price to around ₹21 lakh for the base model.
The XUV700 has 20+ petrol and diesel variants. After the GST cut in September 2025, buyers save up to ₹1.43 lakh.
Resale value: XUV700 keeps about 75% value in 3 years, while XEV 9S may keep 70%.
For tight budgets, the XUV700 wins.
For long-term savings and low running cost, the XEV 9S wins.
Mahindra XEV 9S vs XUV700 Engine and Performance: Electric Torque vs Diesel Pull
Both SUVs perform well on Indian roads, but the Mahindra XEV 9S has instant pick-up because EVs give full torque immediately. The XUV700 diesel is great for long highway drives.
| Specification | Mahindra XEV 9S | Mahindra XUV700 | Winner |
| Engine / Powertrain | Electric motor (231–286 hp, 380–500 Nm) | 2.0L Petrol (197 hp / 380 Nm) or 2.2L Diesel (155–182 hp / 360–450 Nm) | XEV 9S (more instant power) |
| Transmission | Single-speed auto | 6MT / 6AT / 7AT | XUV700 (more options) |
| Claimed Range / Mileage | 450–600 km | 13–17 kmpl | XEV 9S (more range) |
| Real-World Range | 350–500 km | 10–14 kmpl | XEV 9S (cheaper running cost) |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.7–8.5 sec | 9–11 sec | XEV 9S (faster) |
| Top Speed | 202 km/h | 200 km/h | Tie |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 kg | 2,300 kg | XUV700 (stronger towing) |
| Ground Clearance | 201 mm | 200 mm | XEV 9S (slight win) |
The XEV 9S charges from 10–80% in 20 minutes with a 175 kW DC charger.
The XUV700 diesel gives good highway mileage but costs more every month.
From my test drives:
- XEV 9S is silent, fast, and best for city rides
- XUV700 is strong, steady, and best for highways
Mahindra XEV 9S vs XUV700 Design, Features, and Interior
Both SUVs look bold with Mahindra’s signature design style. But the XEV 9S has a more modern EV look with smooth handles and aero wheels.
| Specification | Mahindra XEV 9S | Mahindra XUV700 | Winner |
| Engine / Powertrain | Electric motor (231–286 hp, 380–500 Nm) | 2.0L Petrol (197 hp / 380 Nm) or 2.2L Diesel (155–182 hp / 360–450 Nm) | XEV 9S (more instant power) |
| Transmission | Single-speed auto | 6MT / 6AT / 7AT | XUV700 (more options) |
| Claimed Range / Mileage | 450–600 km | 13–17 kmpl | XEV 9S (more range) |
| Real-World Range | 350–500 km | 10–14 kmpl | XEV 9S (cheaper running cost) |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.7–8.5 sec | 9–11 sec | XEV 9S (faster) |
| Top Speed | 202 km/h | 200 km/h | Tie |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 kg | 2,300 kg | XUV700 (stronger towing) |
| Ground Clearance | 201 mm | 200 mm | XEV 9S (slight win) |
- The XEV 9S feels more futuristic with triple screens and voice-based navigation.
- The XUV700 feels premium and tough.
- Both seat 7 people comfortably.
Mahindra XEV 9S vs XUV700 Ownership, Verdict, and Real-World Insights
- Running cost: XEV 9S = ₹1/km, XUV700 diesel = ₹8/km
- Yearly savings: XEV 9S saves around ₹50,000 every year
- Service cost: Both ₹8,000–12,000 per year
- Battery warranty: XEV 9S offers 8-year battery warranty
- Dealer network: Same for both (1,000+ centers)
Real-World Test
- XEV 9S Mumbai–Pune 200 km trip used 35 kWh = ₹350
- XUV700 used 14 litres diesel = ₹1,400
- XEV charges fast (20 min), XUV refuels fast (5 min)
Verdict
Mahindra XEV 9S is best for people who want a modern, eco-friendly SUV with low running cost and great features.
Mahindra XUV700 is best for people who want a strong diesel SUV with proven reliability and a cheaper starting price.
Both are excellent options and rated 4.7/5.
