Mahindra XUV400 EV

Positives

• Powered by a 39.4 kWh battery, the motor delivers 147.5 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, enabling brisk performance with a 0–100 kmph time of 9.18 seconds in Fearless mode.

• The instant torque delivery ensures a silent, smooth, and highly responsive drive, particularly well-suited for city conditions. With the support of ESP and traction control, the car remains composed even on slippery roads.

• Power delivery in ‘D’ mode is linear and predictable, making stop-and-go traffic effortless to manage.

• The regenerative braking system in ‘L’ mode offers a near one-pedal driving experience, adding convenience in urban driving, although it does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

• It features three drive modes – Fun, Fast, and Fearless, allowing drivers to adjust steering feel and throttle response, with Fearless mode offering the most dynamic performance.

• Ride quality stands out, with a well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and rough surfaces effectively while maintaining stability at higher speeds.

Negatives

• In real-world usage, the driving range is around 282 km in default mode, which is significantly lower than the claimed 456 km range.

• The steering lacks sharpness and feedback, even in sportier modes, requiring more input than expected for quick directional changes.

• Additionally, the absence of an adjustable regenerative braking system limits driver control, as users cannot fine-tune the level of energy recovery to suit their driving preferences.

Positives

• Features like the electric sunroof and auto-dimming IRVM enhance overall comfort and convenience, especially during long drives.

  

• The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making extended driving less tiring, while the rear offers generous legroom for added passenger comfort.

  

• It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, paired with six speakers and built-in navigation, along with the added convenience of wireless charging.

  

• Connectivity options are comprehensive, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with Bluetooth, USB, and smartwatch integration.

• Convenience is further improved with keyless entry and push-button start, while the rear parking camera with adaptive guidelines makes maneuvering and reversing easier.

  

• Additionally, the 378-litre boot space is practical and spacious enough to accommodate everyday luggage needs.

Negatives

The rear bench is compromised by a raised floor (due to battery placement), resulting in a slightly awkward, knees-up seating position for passengers.

Practicality is also affected by limited smartphone storage space in the centre console, along with small and less useful rear-seat pockets.

Positives

• The XUV400 comes equipped with six airbags, along with ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and rear disc brakes, offering a solid level of occupant protection.

• It also includes essential safety aids such as rear parking sensors, electronic stability control (ESP), hill hold control, along with speed-sensing door locks and impact-sensing door unlock for added security.

• The battery pack is IP67-rated, ensuring protection against water and dust, which enhances durability and safety in varied conditions.

• Additional features like tyre pressure monitoring and front tyre position display further improve driver awareness and safety.

Negatives

The XUV400 has not yet been tested or rated by any NCAP authority, leaving its crash safety performance unverified.

It also misses out on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane assist or adaptive cruise control, which are becoming more common in this segment.

Positives

• The XUV400’s exterior stands out with distinctive copper-accented elements, including the twin-peak logos, roof rails, and fog lamp surrounds, giving it a premium and unique identity.

• Its chrome-accented checkered grille, paired with projector headlamps and LED DRLs, creates a bold front look, while the muscular proportions enhance its SUV stance.

• Inside, the dual-tone cabin theme complements the EV character well, with copper accents adding a modern and premium touch.

  

• The quality of materials, along with comfortable seats, leatherette upholstery, and copper-stitched detailing on the gear lever, further elevate the overall cabin experience.

Negatives

• The cabin layout and centre console design, largely carried over from the XUV300, feel slightly outdated.

• Additionally, the presence of numerous physical buttons makes the dashboard appear a bit cluttered compared to rivals.