The Indian electric SUV market has seen a boom never witnessed before and two of the most prominent competitors have come into the limelight and they are the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV. Both cars claim to change the way Indians look at electric mobility, so which one is worth selecting? This comparative review is the breakdown of everything that you have to know.
Premium vs. Value Positioning Price Battle
In terms of pricing, both SUVs shared the same approach to the premium electric vehicle market but have their margins.
The Tata Harrier EV is the more affordable one, with a starting price of 21.49 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. Being priced at 22.62 lakh rupees on the road, it should be a good beginning for an electric car buyer shifting from ICEs.
The Mahindra XEV 9e, in its turn, has a starting price of 21.90 lakh ex-showroom, going as high as 30.50 lakh in the Pack Three variant. Its top variants have an on-road price of 32.23 lakh, as it is a premium car with multiple features.
Range and Battery — The Electric Heart
The range anxiety is still a sensitive issue for Indian LEV consumers and both manufacturing companies have solutions to this in a sensible manner.
It is the Mahindra XEV 9e that has an impressive range of 656km utilizing a large 79 kWh battery pack. This long range also makes it perfect for intercity journeys and requires fewer charging stops.
The Tata Harrier EV has a competitive battery pack of 622km due to its 65 kWh capacity. Although 34km shorter than the XEV 9e, the range that this type offers will cover most of the everyday commuting and weekend trips of most Indian families.
Both also have smaller battery options, with the XEV 9e having a 59 kWh option so those with a tighter budget but who do not require maximum range can afford them.
Charging Speed: Time is Everything
The ability to fast charge can play a big role in your ownership experience. It has already started to break new records with the charge time of 20 minutes at 180 kW DC fast charging with the Mahindra XEV 9e. It is an industry-leading charging speed, so it has limited downtime when on a longer trip.
The Tata Harrier EV has a charging time of 25 minutes to charge 20-80 percent with kW DC charging. This slower charging speed (taking five more minutes) is not ideal but is still relatively good enough to compete with most real-life contexts.
Design and Dimension
The concepts of the design of these electric SUVs are quite different. The Mahindra XEV 9e is 4789mm (L) x 1907mm (W) x 1694mm (H) and it has a 2775mm wheelbase. It also has coupe-inspired design with flush door handles, linked LED tail lamps and the option of 19 inch wheels or 20 inch wheels. It has 207mm ground clearance that gives it SUV capability without losing aerodynamic efficiency.
The Tata Harrier EV also boasts a more conventional SUV posture with the dimensions being 4598mm (L) * 2132mm (W) x 1740mm (H) and a wheelbase of 2741mm. Although it is shorter, it is wider, which makes it look more imposing as a road. It has a design that resembles the ICE Harrier a lot and is therefore well known by the existing Tata customers.
Performance: Delivery of Power And Torque
Both SUVs provide very good performances. The Mahindra XEV 9e comes out with a single motor combination that gives 286 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. Such ability in power delivery makes acceleration and highway performance smooth.
The Tata Harrier EV is said to provide one- and dual-motor AWD systems. It will have the AWD model, which will produce 500 Nm of torque, which would be perfect off-road and in tough situations with traction.
Technology and Features
Modern electric vehicles are technology showcases, and both models excel in this area.
The Mahindra XEV 9e features:
- Triple 12.3-inch screens creating an immersive digital cockpit
- 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos
- Panoramic sunroof with pattern lighting
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Level 2 ADAS features
- Remote parking functionality
- 7 airbags for comprehensive safety
The Tata Harrier EV focuses on practical luxury with:
- Comprehensive connectivity features
- Wireless phone charging
- Intuitive infotainment system
- 360-degree camera
- Summon mode for remote vehicle control
- 6 airbags standard
- Over-the-air updates
Safety: Protection First
The family SUVs still value their credentials on safety. The Mahindra XEV 9e has recently been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, which means this car is one of the most secure EVs in India. It has a full safety package in the form of adaptive cruise control, electronic stability, and various airbags.
The Tata Harrier EV has the advantage of the proven track record of superior safety of its ICE cousin that includes high-quality construction, full airbag coverage, and excellent driver-assistance systems.
Running Costs
Electric vehicle ownership extends beyond purchase price. The Mahindra XEV 9e has a running cost of ₹1.20 per kilometer, while the Tata Harrier EV achieves ₹1.05 per kilometer. This 15-paisa difference can accumulate significantly over years of ownership.
Insurance costs also vary, with the XEV 9e requiring ₹1.39 lakh annually compared to the Harrier EV’s ₹87,744. These operational costs should factor into your total ownership calculation.
Which Electric SUV Should You Choose?
Choose the Mahindra XEV 9e if you:
- Prioritize maximum range and fastest charging
- Want cutting-edge technology and premium features
- Don’t mind paying extra for advanced capabilities
- Prefer coupe-inspired styling
Choose the Tata Harrier EV if you:
- Want proven brand reliability and service network
- Prefer traditional SUV styling
- Prioritize value for money
- Need lower running and insurance costs
Keynotes
The Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV are both fine options in the developing Indian electric SUV segment. The XEV 9e is aimed at the customers who are interested in getting the most aggressive technology and performance, and the Harrier EV is focused on the customers who want to ensure the adherence to the principles of reliability and low cost.
The final decision will be based on your priorities: how much range do you need, how much money can you spend, what technology do you want and what brand do you prefer? Both cars are able to alleviate the issue of range anxiety and charging that has plagued EV usage in India in the past.
The electric high-end SUV market is as competitive as never before and it is the Indian market that is the ultimate beneficiary of this race of technologies.
