Mahindra has made an interesting move with the XEV 9S. The electric SUV, currently positioned as a seven-seater, is now available with a six-seat configuration featuring captain seats for the middle row.
This move comes just a week ahead of the MG Hector Hawk EV’s launch in India. The Hector Hawk electric SUV, which is based on the Wuling Starlight/Eksion, is expected to be sold with 6 seat and 7 seat layouts. It will be based on MG’s new ADAPT new energy platform, which will host both electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Coming back to the Mahindra XEV 9s 6 seater, the new seating layout is offered in three variants: Pack Two Above, Pack Three and Pack Three Above. This gives buyers looking for a more premium, chauffeur-friendly cabin another reason to consider the XEV 9S.
The XEV 9S was launched as Mahindra’s first dedicated three-row electric SUV, built on the INGLO platform. It offers three battery options depending on the variant, with the largest 79kWh battery offering an ARAI-certified range of up to 679km.
Smaller battery packs include 59 kWh and 70 kWh capacities. The lower battery pack comes with an electric motor rated for 228 Bhp-380 Nm while the larger packs get an electric motor that puts out 280 Bhp-380 Nm.
The biggest change with the new six-seat version is the second row. Instead of a conventional bench, buyers get two individual captain seats with a central aisle between them.
This should make the second row more comfortable, particularly for buyers who prioritise individual seating, easier access to the third row and a more upmarket cabin experience.
Mahindra already offers several comfort-focused features on higher XEV 9S variants, including ventilated second-row seats, powered co-driver seat with Boss Mode and second-row sunshades.
The six-seat configuration therefore makes sense for buyers who don’t necessarily need to carry seven people but want a more premium three-row SUV.
The timing of this update is particularly interesting. The upcoming MG Hector Hawk/Tomahawk EV will be launched in India on the 26th of August, 2025.
The Hawk/Tomahawk is expected to be positioned as a large electric SUV with a strong focus on space and premium features. Offering the XEV 9S with captain seats could therefore be Mahindra’s way of strengthening its proposition before a new rival enters the segment.
The XEV 9S already has one major advantage. It is a purpose-built three-row EV rather than an ICE SUV converted to electric power. Mahindra’s INGLO platform also allows the company to make better use of the cabin space, with a flat-floor architecture and flexible second-row seating.
The seven-seat XEV 9S has effectively given Mahindra a strong foothold in India’s three-row electric SUV market. Adding a six-seat version allows it to target a slightly different customer without requiring a completely new model.
For families, the seven-seat version remains the practical choice. For buyers who want more comfort and a premium second-row experience, the new captain-seat configuration could be the more attractive option.
With the MG Hector Hawk/Tomahawk EV arriving soon, Mahindra appears to be making its move early. And for XEV 9S buyers, more choice is certainly a good thing, especially given the fact that the electric SUV was always big on choice even in battery terms.