The Indian electric vehicle market has just witnessed a massive disruption with the arrival of Mahindra’s new BE and XEV range. Among them, the Mahindra XEV 9e stands out as the more luxurious, grandeur-focused sibling. With its coupe-like silhouette and futuristic technology, it promises a lot. But for the average buyer, the biggest question remains: Is it practical for the family?
Here is a deep dive into the cabin space, comfort, and interior features of the XEV 9e to see if it earns the badge of the "Perfect Family Car."
The "Wow" Factor: The Triple-Screen Dashboard
The moment you step inside the XEV 9e, the first thing that grabs your attention is the dashboard. Mahindra has integrated a massive triple-screen setup.
- Driver Display: Sharp and informative.
- Central Infotainment: Controls the car's primary functions.
- Passenger Screen: This is a game-changer for families. The front passenger can watch movies, stream content, or navigate without distracting the driver. On long road trips, this is a massive plus for keeping the spouse or kids entertained.
Front Row Comfort: Business Class Feels
Mahindra has focused heavily on making the XEV 9e feel premium. The cabin utilizes high-quality soft-touch materials, and the color themes (often lighter shades) make the cabin feel airy and spacious.
- Seating: The front seats are sculpted for long-distance comfort. They come with ventilation and memory functions, ensuring that summer drives are sweat-free.
- Floating Console: Thanks to the INGLO EV platform, there is no transmission tunnel. This allows for a floating center console with ample storage space underneath for handbags or snack packs—a practical touch for family usage.
Rear Seat Experience: Space vs. Coupe Design
The XEV 9e is a Coupe-SUV, which usually raises concerns about rear headroom. However, Mahindra seems to have balanced style and substance well.
- Legroom: With a wheelbase of around 2,775mm, the legroom is generous. Even with tall passengers in the front, rear passengers have plenty of knee room.
- Floorboard: Being a born-electric car, the floor is completely flat. This makes the XEV 9e a genuine 5-seater. The middle passenger will be much more comfortable here than in a traditional ICE SUV.
- Headroom: While the roof slopes down for that sporty look, the cabin ceiling is scooped out cleverly. Passengers up to 6 feet tall should fit comfortably, though it might feel slightly cozier than the boxy XUV700.
- Recline: The rear seat backrest offers a recline function, adding to the comfort for sleeping passengers on highway runs.
The Airy Feeling: Panoramic Skyroof
A major selling point for Indian families is the sunroof. The XEV 9e features a massive panoramic sunroof (often referred to as a Skyroof in this segment). It floods the cabin with light, reducing any feeling of claustrophobia caused by the sloping roofline and making the car feel massive inside.
Storage and Practicality
A family car is useless without storage.
- Boot Space: While official real-world testing is pending, the boot is deep and flat, easily capable of swallowing luggage for a weekend getaway.
- Frunk: Being an EV, it also offers a "Frunk" (Front Trunk) for storing charging cables or small bags, freeing up the main boot for suitcases.
The Verdict: Is it the Perfect Family Car?
The Mahindra XEV 9e is more than just a style statement. It offers a flat floor for three rear passengers, a dedicated screen for passenger entertainment, and ventilated comfort. While the coupe roofline is a slight compromise compared to a boxy SUV, the sheer amount of tech and luxury features makes up for it.
If you are a tech-savvy family looking for a car that offers a premium lounge experience and turns heads on the road, the XEV 9e is a fantastic contender.
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