These days, electric SUVs are no longer simply being judged on range alone. The design, comfort and road presence of a vehicle matter just as much. The Mahindra XEV 9e has stepped into the electric SUV world with bold styling, tech-led features, and a cabin that is hard to miss. With bold features galore, the ultimate question you may be asking is: Does the XEV 9e boast standout features for good reasons, or is it trying too hard?
This blog takes a closer look at the XEV 9e’s design language, breaking down the good, the potentially contentious, and what makes it visually striking.
Understanding the Design Approach
Mahindra has taken its new direction with the design of the Mahindra XEV 9e in a confident direction, different from its old style. The SUV coupe shape means it will be sleek, and with the addition of LED headlights and some clean surfaces, it is evident that Mahindra has tried to bring things up to date. The blending of the roofline with the rear and the amount of sculpting of each line and crease tell me that there is a difference between understanding the principles of shaping an SUV versus understanding how to style an SUV.
The XEV 9e uses Mahindra’s INGLO electric architecture, which gives the designers more freedom with respect to the proportions. This helps provide the feel of a wide stance, low profile, and strong character, mainly reflected in the overall visual and aesthetic qualities.
Exterior Styling: A First Look That Lasts
Let’s understand the exterior features:
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Striking Face with Futuristic Details
The face of the XEV 9e is extremely unique looking. It does so with the combination of the high DRLs and the low headlamps, which makes for a great contrast. The back has the illuminated Mahindra logo in the centre to remind you of its EV credentials.
But it is not just about lights. The bumper and bottom grille are cut angularly, though from the clamshell bonnet right to the flush door handles, the front of the car was free from fuss and refreshingly modern.
Side Profile and Roofline
From the side, the XEV 9e shows its coupe influence. The roofline tapers smoothly into the tailgate without compromising the rear headroom too much. The wheel arches are flared but not exaggerated. Paired with 19-inch alloys, the side silhouette feels mature and confident.
Rear Design and Finish
The rear of the XEV 9e stays consistent with the overall theme. The tail-lamps are connected with a light bar, and the bumper is kept neat. It avoids over-decoration, which many modern cars fall into. That restraint works in its favour.
Colour Choices That Match Personality
The XEV 9e is available in seven colours: Tango Red, Nebula Blue, Desert Myst, Deep Forest, Ruby Velvet, Everest White, and Stealth Black. These options are well-balanced, offering bold choices for those who like to stand out and subtle tones for those who prefer elegance.
Each colour complements the coupe design differently. For instance, Ruby Velvet adds depth, while Everest White enhances the clean surfacing. The paint quality, based on visual observation, looks consistent with premium standards.
Interior Design: Clean, Minimal and Focused
Here are the interior highlights of the XEV 9e:
Dashboard Layout and Screens
Inside, the XEV9e is just as forward-thinking. The dashboard is dominated by a wide-screen display system that runs across the front, offering separate sections for the driver, infotainment, and passenger interface.
The interface blends well with the dashboard; it doesn’t look like a tablet placed on top. Instead, it feels built-in and part of the whole design.
Materials and Cabin Feel
The materials used inside are soft to the touch and well-finished. Leatherette seats, padded armrests, and a soft-wrapped dashboard give it a premium feel. The overall look is calm, with minimal physical buttons and a layout that focuses on comfort and ease.
Ambient lighting plays a significant role in the mood of the cabin. With the Infinity Roof above and the LightMeUp system offering customisable hues, the interior turns into a personal space that can shift tone as needed.
Space and Practicality with Style
Let’s know the storage facility of the car:
Room to Stretch and Store
Even with its sporty silhouette, the cabin inside is still spacious with 663 litres in the boot, 150 litres in the frunk, and legroom to spare in both rows. In short, the XEV 9e is not a compromise on practicality. The coupe roofline has been well taken care of so that the rear cabin does not feel too cramped.
Air and Silence
Another area where the design affects the experience is the insulation. The cabin is quiet, even as speeds rise. The climate control system cools the cabin with rapid cooling, and it includes 95% PM 2.5 filtration. Just adding to the comfort and silent elegance.
Ambient Themes and Modes
Mahindra has rolled out “activator” modes called “Liv Your Mood”- Calm, Cosy, and Club. These are not just ambient lighting presets; they are scripted modes that change the settings for ambient lighting, sound, and visual info screen features. The feel is in the quality of execution, not in cheap gimmicks.
Balance Between Flash and Function
The XEV 9e has many dramatic elements, but it doesn’t lose its sense of function. Design choices like the gesture-controlled tailgate, flush door handles, and rear seat comfort show that style hasn’t come at the cost of usability.
Even the digital display system, while large and modern, remains easy to use and logically arranged. The design team has clearly thought about daily use, not just how things look.
Conclusion:
The Mahindra XEV 9e offers a new twist on its design. It appears to be edgy and contemporary and is obviously trying to be sensational. Between the slick front lights, the sweeping roof, and the classy cabin, there is a lot going on, but it all seems intentional.
Although not everyone will be attracted to its design, it is not cascaded with fancy design. Rather, it combines a daring appearance with standard functionality. The information does not seem to be forced.
The XEV 9e is a perfect vehicle for people who want something distinct in the look and feel of an electric SUV. Its design makes a statement but is not too complicated.