Comparison: Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1

Time and again, we have seen mass-market cars luring buyers away from luxury cars; however, every time it happens, it makes for a wonderful rivalry. For example, the Skoda Superb has been buyers’ preference as an affordable alternative to the Audi A4, and the Jeep Compass gets overwhelmingly compared to the entry-level luxury SUVs. This time around, it is a radical electric SUV from the Indian carmaker, Mahindra XEV 9e. Barring the logo of a luxury car brand, the Mahindra XEV 9e packs everything that makes it a captivating alternative to the BMW iX1. So, if you are considering the BMW iX1, it would be wise to weigh it against the Mahindra XEV 9e to make sure you are making the correct choice. To ease things for you, in this comparison of Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1, we compare the two on every vital parameter and find out which one is better for you.

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Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1: Dimensions & Design

As can be seen, the Mahindra XEV 9e is 173 mm longer, 62 mm wider, and 67 mm taller than the BMW iX1. Moreover, the XEV 9e rides higher than the iX1, thanks to the 207 mm ground clearance, and offers a considerably larger 663-litre boot space. While the iX1 has a 25 mm longer wheelbase, there is not much difference in the legroom offered in both cars. Overall, the XEV 9e is substantially larger than the iX1 and offers far more space to passengers. That is not to say the iX1 is not spacious enough. In fact, a long wheelbase is one of the key highlights of the latest iX1, and it is the most spacious car in its segment.  

As far as looks go, the XEV 9e and iX1 are vastly different from each other. The iX1 is a more conventionally designed SUV. It gets the traditional BMW kidney grille, which is closed off, as expected of electric cars. All around, the iX1 features clean panels with some sharp creases to give it a touch of muscularity.

On the other hand, the XEV 9e has a far more eye-catching road presence, thanks to its coupe design. At the front, the main attention-grabber is a long LED DRL strip, which starts low down on the bumper, extends all the way across the bonnet, and then dips back down on the other side. In addition to that, the sharp LED headlamps are placed slightly lower, and the ridges on the bonnet and the piano black bumper give the XEV 9e a dominant as well as a new-age face. Moreover, with a coupe design that traditionally brings the raised boot and sloping roofline, the XEV 9e looks sportier.

The Mahindra XEV 9e is larger and packs more space than the BMW iX1. Moreover, while looks are a subjective element, the Mahindra XEV 9e is a more modern and striking offering overall, and barring the BMW logo, there is nothing that makes the BMW iX1 more attractive than the Mahindra XEV 9e.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1: Battery Pack & Range

Thanks to BYD’s ‘Blade’ battery technology (known to be the best in the world), both 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery packs of the Mahindra XEV 9e are more powerful than the 66.4 kWh battery of the BMW iX1. As far as driving range is concerned, the smaller battery pack of the XEV 9e offers an 11 km more (claimed) range than the iX1’s driving range, while the XEV 9e’s larger battery is far superior in comparison. 

Compared to the BMW iX1, the Mahindra XEV 9e offers more powerful battery packs, more battery options (two), and a longer driving range.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1: Features & Comfort

The cabins of both the Mahindra XEV 9e and BMW iX1 offer premium atmospheres. As expected, there is a luxurious air about the interiors of the iX1, especially because of the rich mocha brown leatherette upholstery. That apart, everything else on the inside spells space, practicality, and, more importantly, traditionalism, especially when compared to the XEV 9e. The front section has a clean dashboard and an integrated dual-screen setup for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, which, again, look contemporary. There is a large glass roof that draws in light to elevate the sense of spaciousness. All the same, since the iX1 is based on the same platform that underpins its ICE cousin, the floor hump can be a problem for the middle passenger on the rear seat.

On the other hand, the Mahindra XEV 9e is based on a dedicated EV platform called INGLO. This means, there is no floor hump and the middle passenger can sit comfortably in the rear seat. What adds to the comfort is appreciable width and ample legroom, which are enough to easily accommodate three adults in the rear seat. While the headroom is a bit compromised due to the sloping roof, there is still enough room for average-size adults. As far as the overall atmosphere is concerned, the XEV 9e looks more futuristic than the iX1. This can be most felt in the front section, where it features a premium triple 12.3-inch screen set-up for the driver’s display, infotainment, and the front passenger display at the dashboard, which is something we have only seen in Mercedes-Benz cars so far. Even the illuminated two-spoke steering wheel looks more modern than the one offered on the iX1.

Not only does the Mahindra XEV 9e look and feel more cutting-edge than the iX1, but it also packs more premium features. While the list of XEV 9e’s features is pretty long, there are many perks that give it a great advantage over the iX1. These include more speakers for the Harman Kardon sound system, ambient lighting for the glass roof, separate infotainment for the front passenger, a 5-camera video recorder that works like a dashcam, an advanced head-up display that projects data on the windshield, auto parking, and some more. Meanwhile, the iX1 misses a 360-degree camera, ventilation for the front seats, and rear sunshades, which are available on the XEV 9e. In addition to that, a notable point is that the iX1 offers the drive modes and navigation system as paid subscriptions, and the spare tyre is also something which does not come as standard and is to be separately paid for if you want to avail it.

On the inside, the Mahindra XEV 9e feels more modern than the BMW iX1. Moreover, while both cars pack enough features to deliver a premium experience, the XEV 9e has more perks in its kit. Meanwhile, both XEV 9e and iX1 competently absorb jerks and deliver a comfortable ride.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1: Safety Features

When it comes to safety, both BMW and Mahindra are known to offer the best. The same is the case here. Both the Mahindra XEV 9e and iX1 have scored respectable 5-star ratings in crashworthiness tests, exhibiting how strongly their bodies can save passengers in case of unfortunate accidents. Nonetheless, while both cars have many safety features, including Level-2 ADAS features, the XEV 9e has a few more features in its ADAS kit, such as the rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.

The Mahindra XEV 9e and the BMW iX1 are equally good in terms of passenger safety.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1: Price comparison

Prices are where the difference between the Mahindra XEV 9e and BMW iX1 gets extensive. The Mahindra XEV 9e is far more affordable than the BMW iX1; even the top variant of the XEV 9e is nearly 18 lakhs cheaper than the single variant of the BMW iX1. Such a vast difference makes the Mahindra XEV 9e a far better value-for-money offering. 

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1: Summary

Overall, the Mahindra XEV 9e beats the BMW iX1 on most fronts. The Indian electric coupe SUV is larger and offers better space for the passengers. Next, it looks more attractive and feels more futuristic both on the inside and outside. In addition to that, it offers more premium features and a longer driving range, especially with the top variant. All these factors, along with the price difference between both cars, make the Mahindra XEV 9e a more appealing offering, and if you do not care for the logo and status of a luxury brand, the XEV 9e should be the better choice for you.

With that being said, the stature that comes with the tag of a luxury brand is more valuable than anything else for many folks in India, and the BMW iX1 certainly offers that. Moreover, in other departments, whether it is space or features, the iX1 is sufficiently capable of delivering what you expect from a luxury electric SUV. As far as driving range is concerned, the iX1 should give you a real-world range of over 400 km, which is enough to cater to most inter-city travelling requirements. However, again, the one thing that makes the BMW iX1 more appealing than the Mahindra XEV 9e is the status of BMW.’ Does this status justify the premium it asks for over the price of the XEV 9e? This is for you to decide.

Mahindra XEV 9e vs BMW iX1: FAQs