The electric vehicle (EV) market in India is growing rapidly, and Mahindra’s entry into this segment with the XUV400 marks a significant milestone. Designed to offer a seamless blend of modern technology, practicality, and performance, the Mahindra XUV400 presents itself as an attractive choice for those looking to transition to electric mobility without compromising on driving experience. In this review, we explore the key features, performance, and driving experience of the XUV400, offering an in-depth look at how this electric SUV stacks up in the competitive EV market.
Futuristic and Bold Design
The Mahindra XUV400 sports a bold and futuristic design that combines modern styling with a rugged SUV aesthetic. Its aggressive front grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights, gives the vehicle a strong road presence. The muscular wheel arches and sharp lines along the body add to the SUV’s dynamic and contemporary look. With its wide stance and aerodynamic profile, the XUV400 projects a sense of power and agility, making it a visual standout in its segment.
The signature Mahindra styling is evident throughout, with a robust build that speaks to the brand’s SUV heritage. At the rear, the XUV400 features a unique light bar that connects the taillights, giving the vehicle a premium feel. Overall, the design is bold yet functional, offering both style and practicality in equal measure.
Spacious and Tech-Laden Interior
Inside, the Mahindra XUV400 combines practicality with modern design elements. The cabin is spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for long drives. The seats are ergonomically designed, providing adequate support during extended journeys.
The dashboard is clean and modern, with a large touchscreen infotainment system that serves as the heart of the vehicle’s tech suite. The system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it easy to integrate your smartphone for navigation, media, and hands-free communication. The XUV400 also comes with a digital instrument cluster that provides critical driving information in a clear and easy-to-read format.
In terms of storage, the XUV400 does not disappoint. The boot space is generous, with enough room to carry luggage for a weekend getaway. The cabin also boasts plenty of smaller storage compartments, ensuring that personal items are securely stowed away.
Electric Powertrain and Performance
One of the standout features of the Mahindra XUV400 is its electric powertrain, which is engineered to deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience. Powered by a 39.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, the XUV400 offers a claimed range of up to 456 kilometers on a full charge, making it an ideal choice for both city commutes and longer trips. This range, coupled with the convenience of home charging, makes it one of the more practical electric SUVs on the market.
The electric motor in the XUV400 generates 150 bhp of power and 310 Nm of torque, allowing for smooth and brisk acceleration. The instant torque from the electric motor ensures that the SUV feels quick off the line and responsive at higher speeds. With a 0-100 km/h time of around 8.3 seconds, the XUV400 offers solid performance, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions, from urban traffic to highways.
The XUV400 offers a smooth and refined ride, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The suspension system absorbs bumps and undulations with ease, ensuring comfort for passengers. The steering is light and precise, making the XUV400 easy to maneuver in tight spaces while offering a planted feel on highways. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on open roads, the XUV400 delivers a composed and comfortable driving experience.
Fast Charging and Convenience
Charging the XUV400 is a straightforward process, with Mahindra offering both AC and DC fast charging options. Using a DC fast charger, the XUV400 can be charged from 0 to 80% in just 50 minutes, making it convenient for long-distance travel and quick stops. For home charging, the vehicle can be fully charged overnight using a standard 15A socket, ensuring that the car is ready to go each morning.
Additionally, Mahindra provides a mobile app that allows users to monitor the charging status, set charging schedules, and remotely control certain functions of the car. This enhances convenience for owners, especially those who prefer to plan their charging sessions.
Safety Features
Safety is a key priority in the design of the Mahindra XUV400. The electric SUV is equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and hill hold assist. The XUV400 also features a reinforced body structure, ensuring strong protection for occupants in the event of a collision.
Other safety technologies include a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). These features work together to enhance the overall safety of the vehicle, providing peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
Driving Modes for Versatility
The Mahindra XUV400 offers multiple driving modes, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Sport, and Eco modes based on their preferences and driving conditions. Comfort mode strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it ideal for everyday driving. Sport mode unleashes the full potential of the electric motor, offering a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. Eco mode optimizes energy usage to extend range, making it ideal for longer journeys where conserving battery life is a priority.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the EV Market
The Mahindra XUV400 is an impressive addition to India’s electric vehicle landscape, offering a well-rounded package that combines range, performance, comfort, and advanced features. With its bold design, spacious interior, and seamless driving experience, it is a perfect choice for those looking to make the switch to electric driving.
The range of 456 kilometers ensures that the XUV400 is more than capable of handling daily commutes as well as longer trips, while the fast-charging capabilities and modern features add to its appeal. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly electric SUV or a vehicle that’s fun to drive, the Mahindra XUV400 is a standout option that delivers on its promise of an eco-friendly yet thrilling driving experience.
