In recent years, the demand for SUVs has gone through the roof. This has led many car makers to offer multiple SUV models, and one such automaker is Mahindra. The Indian brand offers the recently launched Mahindra XEV 9e, a fully electric SUV, and the Mahindra XUV700 which is an ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle. Both of these are full size SUVs, with commanding road presence and the capability to ferry your entire family and their luggage in one go.
Thus, with two big SUVs to choose between, it can become confusing to pick between the XEV 9e and XUV700. To make things easier, we have put together this comparison guide that highlights their advantages and disadvantages based on size, performance, features, safety and ultimately their price. Read on to find out if you should pick the electric or ICE Mahindra SUV.
Mahindra XEV 9e vs Mahindra XUV700: Dimensions
| Mahindra XEV 9e | Mahindra XUV700 | |
| Length | 4789 mm | 4695 mm |
| Width | 1907 mm | 1890 mm |
| Height | 1694 mm | 1755 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2775 mm | 2750 mm |
| Boot space | 663 litres (rear), 150 litres (front) | 240 litres |
| Ground clearance | 207 mm | 200 mm |
The Mahindra XEV 9e and XUV700 are both built using separate platforms. However, their overall size is close to each other. The XEV 9e is longer, wider and has a longer wheelbase, however, its advantage over the XUV700 is relatively minor and won’t translate into a night and day difference in the real world.
The Mahindra XUV700 has an advantage over the XEV 9e in the height department. What makes this a real advantage is the shape of the two SUVs. The XUV700 features a boxy layout whereas the XEV 9e follows a coupe-like design with a roofline that tapers down towards the rear, eating into actual headroom. While those under 6 feet will hardly notice the difference, taller passengers will find the extra head space to their liking in the XUV700.
The XEV 9e however bites back with its own advantage. Being a five seater, the XEV 9e has a massive boot space of 663 litres in the rear and an additional 150 litres in the front because of its front storage area or frunk. The XUV700 being a three row SUV is only able to generate 240 litres of boot space with all rows of seating being used. However, once the third row has been folded down, the XUV700 will offer a similar boot space as the XEV 9e.
The XEV 9e is strictly a five seater and its size makes its interior a highly comfortable space for passengers. The XUV700 is offered in 5, 6 and 7 seater configurations making it highly versatile, however with the third row full of people, there is hardly any space left for storing luggage.
Mahindra XEV 9e vs Mahindra XUV700: Engine & Transmission
| Mahindra XEV 9e | Mahindra XUV700 | |
| Engine options | 1 Electric Motor on Rear Axle | 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 2.2 litre diesel engine |
| Transmission options | Automatic | 6 speed MT, 6 speed AT |
| Power | 231 PS, 286 PS | 200 PS (petrol), 185 PS (Diesel) |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 380 Nm (petrol), 420 – 450 Nm (diesel) |
| Mileage | NA | 10 – 15 kmpl |
| Range | 542 km, 656 km | NA |
| Charging Speed (11 kW AC charger) | 6 hours, 8 hours | NA |
In a comparison between an EV and an ICE vehicle, the powertrain comparison is never balanced. However, both the XEV 9e and XUV700 offer their own advantages. Starting with the power figures, the XEV 9e is a clear winner in the horsepower department. The XUV700 offers a similar torque figure from its petrol engine and even more from its diesel engine, which brings it back into the race. Ultimately though, with the XEV 9e being an EV, the instant torque from its motors will make it the quicker SUV.
The XEV 9e, once again due to its EV nature, is only available with an automatic transmission, whereas the XUV700 can be specced with a manual or an automatic transmission for both its petrol and diesel engines. A manual transmission gives enthusiasts better control over gear shifts and simply increases the overall pleasure of driving.
There is also the question of range in the EV vs ICE debate. The XEV 9e does well to offer a 600+ km range, and is at the same time quite inexpensive to run due to it running on electricity. It can be fully charged overnight. On the other hand, the XUV700 doesn’t have a range problem due to its petrol and diesel engines, however, both these engines are quite thirsty and aren’t fuel efficient in urban areas.
Ultimately, the XEV 9e’s power advantage makes it a great option for those who chase ultimate performance. On the other hand, the XUV700’s engines also offer a power packed performance along with better control over the powertrain and the ability to take on road trips into remote regions without range anxiety.
Mahindra XEV 9e vs Mahindra XUV700: Features & Comfort
| Mahindra XEV 9e | Mahindra XUV700 | |
| Infotainment system | 12.3 inch touchscreen | 10.25 inch touchscreen |
| Music system | 16 speaker Harman Kardon system | 12 speaker Sony system |
| Climate control | Dual Zone Auto AC | Dual Zone Auto AC |
| Ventilated seats | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic |
| Drive modes | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument cluster | 12.3 inch Digital Cluster | 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster |
| Sunroof | Fixed glass panoramic sunroof | Panoramic sunroof |
| Adjustable seats | 6 way power adjustable driver seat with additional lumbar adjustment | 6 way power adjustable driver seat with additional lumbar adjustment |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 split rear seat | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
Being large Mahindra SUVs, both the XEV 9e and XUV700 are packed with modern features. Both cars feature high quality digital screens, Dual Zone AC, a panoramic sunroof, power adjustable driver seat and Adaptive Cruise Control.
However, with the XEV 9e being a recent introduction, its features offer better quality than that of the XUV700. For example, the XEV 9e gets three 12.3 inch screens, one for the driver, one for the infotainment system, and one for the passenger as well. In contrast, the XUV700 only features two screens (driver and infotainment) and at 10.25 inches, they are also smaller in size. The XEV 9e also features an internal camera that monitors the driver and can also click selfies.
Furthermore, the XEV 9e is specced with a 16 speaker audio system from Harman, compared to the 12 speaker Sony system found on the XUV700. Both systems offer great audio clarity but due to its higher number of speakers, the XEV 9e once again forges an advantage over the XUV700. Lastly, the XEV 9e also gets a self parking feature, in which the onboard computers can park or unpark the vehicle from a parking spot. This feature can also be accessed outside the vehicle using the key fob.
The XUV700 isn’t without an advantage over the XEV 9e. Being a modern Mahindra EV, the XEV 9e features a fixed panoramic sunroof which cannot be opened. The Indian car maker seems to have taken this decision for its future cars keeping the safety of passengers in mind. However, the XUV700 is an older model and it comes with a panoramic sunroof that can be opened.
Both the XEV 9e and XUV700 are halo cars for Mahindra, however, with the XEV 9e being a newer model, it gets the latest features. As for the XUV700, it is luxuriously specced and offers all modern amenities but some of its features are one step behind its electric counterpart.
Mahindra XEV 9e vs Mahindra XUV700: Safety Features
| Mahindra XEV 9e | Mahindra XUV700 | |
| Safety rating | 5 stars from Bharat NCAP | 5 stars from Global NCAP |
| Airbags | 7 airbags | 7 airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill descent control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Yes | Yes |
On the safety front, the XEV 9e and XUV700 are evenly matched. Both SUVs have the best crash test rating, are equipped with 7 airbags and offer all modern electronic safety features that work in real time to avoid a collision.
One thing to note here is that the XUV700 was tested by Global NCAP whereas the XEV 9e has been tested by Bharat NCAP. Both agencies use a similar testing method, however, they do have small differences between them. For example, Global NCAP takes into account the seat belt reminder feature which is not taken into account by Bharat NCAP.
Overall, both SUVs are tied neck and neck in the safety department, with both of them offering the best safety scores and features.
Mahindra XEV 9e vs Mahindra XUV700: Price Comparison
| Mahindra XEV 9e* | Mahindra XUV700 | |
| Base Variant | Rs. 21.90 lakh | Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs. 15.49 lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 24.90 lakh | Rs. 15.09 lakh to Rs. 17.99 lakh |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 27.90 lakh | Rs. 18.19 lakh to Rs. 22.24 lakh |
| Top Variant | Rs. 30.50 lakh | Rs. 22.29 lakh to Rs. 25.89 lakh |
*Mahindra charges an additional Rs. 50,000 for a 7 kW AC charger and Rs. 75,000 for a 11 kW AC charger.
Being an EV, the Mahindra XEV 9e is the more expensive of the two due to the cost of its battery pack. On the contrary, the XUV700 is priced across a wide range with a huge difference (close to Rs. 14 lakh) in the ex-showroom price of its base and top variant. When we consider the top variants of both SUVS, the XEV 9e commands an additional Rs. 4.61 lakh.
When you take into account all the factors, the pricing for the XEV 9e feels justified. Even though it’s more expensive than the XUV700, the electric SUV offers better performance, more features and also has a more economical running cost.
On the other hand, the XUV700’s base price makes it a great option for those who want a large SUV on a strict budget. The base variants of the XUV700 offer similar performance as the top spec models, except for the base diesel model which is tuned for a lower output. Thus, the lower variants of the XUV700 will appeal to those who prioritise performance and space. Furthermore, the XUV700 is the only SUV of the two which offers AWD on its top spec diesel automatic model, something the XEV 9e despite its better performance lacks.
Ultimately, the XEV 9e offers great value for its price, however, it doesn’t give the buyers a choice to pick a variant that fits their particular needs and budget. The XUV700 does that with the lower pricing of its base models and the availability of manual transmission for both its engines, along with AWD for those who like to go off the beaten path.
Summary
It’s a close comparison to call, however, the XEV 9e comes across as the better SUV for many people. It offers better performance, better features and a lower running cost, which most people who are looking for a big SUV desire. The only caveat is the price, which is considerably more than the XUV700. However, if you plan on keeping the SUV for a few years, the cost will rationalise over time due to the lower running cost of the XEV 9e.
The XUV700 has been the halo car from Mahindra for a few years, that is until the XEV 9e stepped in. The XUV700 continues to be the halo model for Mahindra’s ICE models. In fact, its use of petrol and diesel engine gives it a unique advantage over the XEV 9e, such as its manual transmission which appeals to driving enthusiasts. Furthermore, while it has a higher per kilometre running cost, an XUV700 can be instantly topped up with fuel in remote regions where EV charging infrastructure does not exist. That, combined with the AWD makes it a better car for people who like to explore unknown roads and regions.
FAQs about Mahindra XEV 9e vs Mahindra XUV700
Q. Which is better, Mahindra XEV 9e or Mahindra XUV700?
The Mahindra XEV 9e is the newer model, offers slightly better features and has a lower running cost over the XUV700, making it the better SUV for most buyers. The XUV700, however, is close behind its electric counterpart, and an update in the coming time could also bring its features on par with the XEV 9e.
Q. What is the size of XUV700 vs XUV 9e?
The XUV700 and XUV 9e are both large SUVS with a minimal size difference between them. The XEV 9e is 94 mm longer, 17 mm wider, and has a 25 mm longer wheelbase. On the other hand, the XUV700 is 61 mm taller than the XEV 9e. In the real world, these differences are miniscule and won’t really matter.
Q. Is the Mahindra XEV 9e a 7 seater car?
No, the Mahindra XEV 9e is a 5 seater vehicle. On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV700 can be had in 5, 6 and 7 seater configurations.
Q. What is the range of the Mahindra XEV 9e?
The Mahindra XEV 9e is available with two battery pack options. The smaller 59 kWh offers a range of 542 km. The larger 79 kWh battery pack offers a range of 656 km.
Q. Is the XUV700 worth buying?
The Mahindra XUV700 makes a great case for itself as an overlanding vehicle, with its ability to traverse diverse terrains. However, it is not economical to use for everyday driving in urban areas. If you undertake a lot of road trips, you should consider buying the Mahindra XUV700.
Q. Is the Mahindra XEV 9e worth buying?
The Mahindra XEV 9e is a great EV which offers size, performance, features and safety all neatly combined into one package. Furthermore, its electric nature means that running costs are far lower than the XUV700. The XEV 9e can be used for both office commutes and highway journeys without worrying about the running cost.
