9 Big Problems in Mahindra XUV 9EV – Don’t Buy Before Reading!
Welcome to another exciting review by Car War! Today, we’re diving deep into the real-world performance and practicality of Mahindra’s highly anticipated electric SUV – the Mahindra XUV9. After driving this EV for over 2,000 km out of the total 4,000 km on the odometer, we’ve gathered significant insights into what this vehicle offers – and what it lacks.
While most reviews online glorify the XUV9 for its features and futuristic appeal, we’re here to share an honest, hands-on perspective, including its drawbacks that only become visible after extended usage.
1. Real-World Range vs. Claimed Range
Mahindra claims the XUV 9 has a range of 650 km with its 79 kWh Type-3 battery. However, in real Indian conditions — full cabin, traffic, AC usage — the range drops to about 450 km. While that’s better than some rivals, it’s still a significant gap from the advertised figure.
2. Low-Profile Tires & Puncture Woes
The car comes with 19-inch low-profile tires that look great but are impractical for Indian roads. I’ve already had two punctures within 4,000 km. The spare tire is a small run-flat, which is not ideal for long-distance travel or emergency situations.
3. Rear Visibility Is Poor
The sporty rear design sacrifices functionality. Rear visibility is minimal, especially with the center headrest installed. A third-eye or reverse camera would’ve been a practical addition for safer reversing.
4. Charging Infrastructure Challenges
This is a general EV problem in India, but it hits hard with the XUV 9. I’ve encountered several non-functional charging stations that appeared active on apps. On one occasion, I had to reset an MCB myself to get the charger working. Not everyone can do that.
5. Manual Driver Seat Adjustment
It’s surprising to find manual seat adjustment in a car at this price point. While the rest of the interior feels premium, this feels like a cost-cutting measure.
6. Light-Colored Interiors Get Dirty Easily
The white upholstery may look elegant, but it stains fast. Even slightly dirty clothes leave marks, and over time, the seats start to fade.
7. No Apple CarPlay Support
Apple users, beware — the XUV 9 only supports Android Auto (wired and wireless). There’s no Apple CarPlay support, not even with a cable. In this price range, that’s a big miss.
8. Touch-Sensitive Controls Are Frustrating
While futuristic, the all-touch interface has practical downsides. It’s easy to accidentally honk when trying to access the menu. Mahindra promises a fix via software, but this feels more like a hardware design flaw.
9. Complicated AC Controls
Accessing basic functions like AC requires navigating through menus, especially if Android Auto is active. Sometimes the touch-based AC controls don’t even respond properly.
10. Privacy Concerns: Secure 360 Feature
The Secure 360 camera system records continuously. While it’s marketed as a safety feature, it raises serious privacy concerns. Anyone with access to the system can see what’s happening in and around the car, even when you lend it to someone else.
Conclusion: Should You Still Consider the XUV 9?
Mahindra XUV9 is a bold step into the electric future. It has a lot going for it – impressive design, solid real-world range, and futuristic features. However, it’s not without flaws. From software bugs and missing conveniences to practical usability challenges, the XUV9 needs refinements.
For early adopters and Mahindra enthusiasts, it’s a promising vehicle. But if you prioritize flawless user experience and premium feel, you might want to wait for the next software and hardware upgrades.
Would you still buy the Mahindra XUV9? Or are you considering other options in the same segment? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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