Auto9 Awards 2026: Mahindra XEV 9e Crowned Car of the Year, Here's Why It Stands Out

The Mahindra XEV 9e has won the prestigious Car of the Year title at the Auto9 Awards 2026, organised by the TV9 Network. The award ceremony was attended by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, who was present as the chief guest.

Launched in India in November 2024, the Mahindra XEV 9e has quickly made a strong impact in the electric SUV segment. It was introduced alongside the Mahindra BE 6 and has since received an impressive response from buyers.

Strong customer response since launch

Mahindra has already delivered more than 30,000 electric SUVs

, including the XEV 9e and BE 6, highlighting growing customer confidence in the brand’s electric lineup. The XEV 9e is priced between ₹21.90 lakh and ₹30.50 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium yet competitive option in the EV SUV category.

What makes the Mahindra XEV 9e special?

One of the biggest attractions of the XEV 9e is its coupe-style SUV design

. Unlike conventional boxy SUVs, it features a sleek and modern silhouette that looks bold without being overdone. This balanced and futuristic design helps the XEV 9e stand out clearly on Indian roads. The interior styling further enhances its premium appeal.

Key features of the XEV 9e

The Mahindra XEV 9e is loaded with advanced technology and comfort features, including:

• Three large 12.3-inch digital screens

• Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD)

• Panoramic glass roof

• Ventilated front seats

• Multi-zone climate control

• Wireless phone charging

Selfie camera

16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

On the safety front, the SUV offers seven airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, parking sensors, TPMS, and Level-2 ADAS. It has also secured a 5-star rating in the India NCAP crash test, scoring a perfect 32 out of 32 in adult occupant protection.

Battery options and driving range

The Mahindra XEV 9e is available with two battery packs: 59 kWh and 79 kWh

. The larger battery delivers a claimed range of up to 656 km on a single charge, making it one of the longest-range electric SUVs in its segment. The SUV is rear-wheel drive, offering smooth performance and strong road presence.

A rising star in India’s EV market

With its striking design, long driving range, high safety standards, and feature-rich cabin, the Mahindra XEV 9e has quickly become a strong contender in India’s electric SUV space. Winning the Auto9 Car of the Year 2026

award further cements its position as one of the most impactful EV launches in recent times.