The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is evolving rapidly, and one of the latest additions to the electric SUV segment is the Mahindra XUV400 EV. As Mahindra’s first all-electric SUV, this vehicle aims to compete directly with the likes of Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric.
In this detailed Mahindra XUV400 EV review, we will explore everything you need to know — from design, features, performance, and driving experience to charging options and ownership cost. Whether you’re considering buying this EV or just exploring the future of Indian electric mobility, this comprehensive review will help you make an informed choice.
1. Introduction: The Rise of Mahindra in the EV Space
Mahindra has long been associated with rugged SUVs and reliable performance. With growing concerns over environmental sustainability, the brand took a significant leap forward by introducing the Mahindra XUV400 EV — an electric SUV designed for urban and highway driving.
Based on the popular XUV300 platform, the XUV400 EV extends Mahindra’s expertise into the electric segment. It blends futuristic technology with familiar comfort, aiming to deliver both practicality and performance for Indian consumers.
The SUV is built on Mahindra’s Electric Scalable Modular Architecture (MESMA) platform, offering flexibility, range, and safety — all crucial factors in the electric mobility era.
2. Design and Exterior Styling
The first thing that stands out in the Mahindra XUV400 EV is its striking and modern design. While it retains the silhouette of the XUV300, it incorporates fresh styling elements to distinguish it as a next-generation electric SUV.
Front Profile
The front fascia features a closed grille, signifying its electric identity, with copper accents — Mahindra’s new color theme for its electric range. The twin-peaked logo in copper adds a premium touch, while the LED projector headlamps with DRLs lend it a sharp, futuristic appeal.
Side and Rear Profile
From the sides, the SUV maintains a muscular stance with strong character lines and stylish dual-tone alloy wheels. The copper roof option contrasts beautifully against darker body colors like Arctic Blue or Galaxy Grey.
At the rear, the LED taillamps are connected by a copper strip, giving the car a distinct identity that sets it apart from conventional Mahindra SUVs.
Build Quality
Mahindra is known for robust build quality, and the XUV400 EV is no exception. The SUV feels solidly built and offers a confident presence on the road, which many EVs in this segment lack.
3. Interior and Comfort
Step inside the XUV400 EV, and you are greeted with a familiar cabin layout — spacious, functional, and modern.
Dashboard and Layout
The dashboard carries over the XUV300’s design but adds electric-themed copper inserts around the vents and controls. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is positioned centrally, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Seating and Comfort
The SUV offers comfortable leatherette seats, a high seating position, and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. Even on longer drives, the seats remain supportive and well-cushioned.
Mahindra has ensured good headroom and shoulder space, making the XUV400 EV ideal for Indian families.
Boot Space and Practicality
The XUV400 EV offers a boot capacity of 378 liters, which is larger than its closest rival, the Tata Nexon EV. The rear seats can be folded to further increase storage, adding practicality to everyday usability.
4. Infotainment and Connectivity Features
The Mahindra XUV400 EV comes equipped with a decent feature list that balances modern tech with simplicity.
- 7-inch touchscreen display with smartphone connectivity
- BlueSense Plus app with more than 60 connected car features
- Remote charging status, climate control, and location tracking
- Auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers
- Cruise control for highway convenience
- Electric sunroof for a premium touch
- Push-button start/stop and keyless entry
While the infotainment screen isn’t the largest in its class, it functions smoothly and offers all the essential connectivity features expected from a modern EV.
5. Performance and Driving Dynamics
Performance is where the Mahindra XUV400 EV truly shines. It offers a zippy driving experience that will appeal to enthusiasts and daily commuters alike.
Powertrain and Motor
The XUV400 EV is powered by a 150 PS (110 kW) electric motor delivering 310 Nm of torque. This enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest EVs in its price range.
Battery Options
Mahindra offers two battery variants:
- 34.5 kWh (EC variant)
- 39.4 kWh (EL variant)
Both use lithium-ion batteries, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
Drive Modes
You get three driving modes — Fun, Fast, and Fearless, which adjust throttle response and steering feel. In “Fearless” mode, the SUV delivers maximum power for spirited driving.
Ride and Handling
Thanks to Mahindra’s suspension tuning and chassis balance, the XUV400 EV feels stable at high speeds and composed around corners. The steering feedback is well-weighted, and the regenerative braking system adds to the overall efficiency.
6. Range and Charging Options
Range
Range anxiety is one of the biggest concerns for EV buyers, and Mahindra has addressed this well.
- The 34.5 kWh battery offers up to 375 km (MIDC range).
- The 39.4 kWh battery offers up to 456 km (MIDC range).
Real-world range typically falls between 320-360 km, depending on driving style and conditions — which is impressive for this segment.
Charging Time
The XUV400 EV supports multiple charging options:
- 50 kW DC fast charger: 0-80% in 50 minutes
- 7.2 kW AC charger: Full charge in 6.5 hours
- 3.3 kW AC charger: Full charge in 13 hours
The fast-charging capability makes it practical for long journeys, while the home charger ensures convenience for daily commuting.
7. Safety Features
Safety is a key strength of Mahindra vehicles, and the XUV400 EV continues this tradition.
Key safety features include:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ESP with hill hold assist
- All four disc brakes
- Rear parking sensors and camera
- ISO-FIX child seat mounts
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Mahindra has designed the XUV400 EV with a strong body structure, aiming for high crash-test performance. Its electric components are also tested to meet global safety standards.
8. Driving Experience and Ride Comfort
The XUV400 EV delivers an enjoyable driving experience. The instant torque from the electric motor ensures quick acceleration and smooth power delivery.
In city traffic, it feels effortless and quiet — a major advantage of electric driving. On highways, it maintains strong performance with minimal noise and vibration.
The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride even on rough surfaces. Whether it’s daily commuting or weekend trips, the XUV400 EV offers a balanced mix of comfort and capability.
9. Variants and Pricing
The Mahindra XUV400 EV is offered in two variants — EC and EL.
- XUV400 EC (34.5 kWh battery): Suitable for urban driving
- XUV400 EL (39.4 kWh battery): Premium version with better range and features
The price range starts from approximately ₹15.99 lakh to ₹19.39 lakh (ex-showroom). Considering its performance, range, and features, the pricing is competitive against the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV.
10. Maintenance and Ownership Cost
One of the biggest benefits of owning an EV is low running and maintenance cost. The Mahindra XUV400 EV requires fewer moving parts than an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle, resulting in lower maintenance expenses.
Mahindra also offers:
- 8-year / 1,60,000 km warranty on the battery and motor
- 3-year / unlimited km warranty on the vehicle
This extensive warranty coverage enhances buyer confidence and makes long-term ownership cost-effective.
11. Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent performance with quick acceleration
- Strong build quality and road presence
- Long driving range (up to 456 km)
- Fast charging capability
- Comfortable ride and spacious interior
- Comprehensive safety package
Cons
- Infotainment system could be more advanced
- Lacks ventilated seats or wireless charging
- No 360-degree camera in top variant
- Limited public fast-charging infrastructure in smaller cities
12. Comparison with Rivals
The primary rivals of the Mahindra XUV400 EV include:
- Tata Nexon EV Long Range
- MG ZS EV
- Hyundai Kona Electric
While the Tata Nexon EV offers similar performance, the Mahindra XUV400 EV edges ahead with better acceleration and slightly longer range. The MG ZS EV is more premium but also more expensive. The Hyundai Kona remains efficient but feels dated compared to the newer Mahindra design.
Overall, the XUV400 EV strikes an ideal balance between performance, pricing, and practicality — making it one of the most appealing options in its category.
13. Real-World User Experience
Early owners of the Mahindra XUV400 EV have reported positive feedback, particularly about:
- Smooth and quiet driving experience
- Strong acceleration and instant torque
- Solid build quality and premium feel
- Effective regenerative braking
Some users aso appreciate Mahindra’s connected car app, though there’s room for software improvement.
Charging infrastructure remains a common concern across all EVs, but with India’s growing network of public chargers, this issue is gradually being resolved.
14. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Electric vehicles like the Mahindra XUV400 EV contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Mahindra has also committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and sourcing eco-friendly materials where possible.
By switching to EVs, Indian consumers can play an active role in promoting a greener future while benefiting from reduced fuel costs and government incentives.
15. Verdict: Is the Mahindra XUV400 EV Worth Buying?
After a detailed analysis, it’s clear that the Mahindra XUV400 EV is a well-rounded electric SUV that offers excellent performance, solid build quality, impressive range, and modern features at a competitive price.
Ideal Buyer Profile
The XUV400 EV is ideal for:
- Urban commuters seeking an eco-friendly SUV
- Families looking for a comfortable, feature-rich car
- Buyers transitioning from ICE to electric mobility
Final Verdict
If you’re considering an EV that delivers real-world usability without compromising performance or comfort, the Mahindra XUV400 EV is undoubtedly one of the best options currently available in India.
It successfully combines Mahindra’s legacy of durability with the future of electric mobility.
FAQs on Mahindra XUV400 EV
Q1. What is the real-world range of the Mahindra XUV400 EV?
In real-world driving conditions, the XUV400 EV offers a range of around 320 to 360 km on a full charge, depending on driving style, load, and road conditions.
Q2. How long does it take to charge the Mahindra XUV400 EV?
Using a 50 kW DC fast charger, it can charge from 0 to 80% in about 50 minutes. With a 7.2 kW AC home charger, a full charge takes around 6.5 hours.
Q3. Is the Mahindra XUV400 EV suitable for long drives?
Yes. With its range exceeding 400 km (MIDC), fast-charging support, and comfortable cabin, it’s suitable for both city and highway driving.
Q4. What are the main competitors of the Mahindra XUV400 EV?
The key competitors include the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric.
Q5. Does the XUV400 EV have regenerative braking?
Yes, it offers multiple levels of regenerative braking, which helps recover energy during deceleration and extends the overall driving range.
Q6. What warranty does Mahindra offer on the XUV400 EV battery?
Mahindra provides an 8-year or 1,60,000 km warranty on the battery and motor, ensuring long-term reliability.
Q7. What is the top speed of the Mahindra XUV400 EV?
The top speed is electronically limited to around 150 km/h, making it one of the fastest EVs in its segment.
Q8. Does it come with fast-charging support out of the box?
Yes, the XUV400 EV supports DC fast charging as standard, available through compatible public chargers.
Q9. What colors are available in the Mahindra XUV400 EV?
It comes in multiple color options including Arctic Blue, Everest White, Galaxy Grey, Napoli Black, and Infinity Blue, with optional copper roof finishes.
Q10. Is the Mahindra XUV400 EV value for money?
Absolutely. Considering its features, safety, range, and price, it provides excellent value in the Indian EV market.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV400 EV marks a major step for Mahindra in India’s electric mobility revolution. It combines style, performance, and practicality in one robust package.
Whether you prioritize sustainability or simply want an SUV with strong performance and low running costs, the XUV400 EV offers everything an Indian car buyer could ask for in an electric vehicle.
