Mahindra XUV 400: Electric SUV Smackdown – Should You Plug In?
In real-world driving, expect a more realistic range of 300-320 km, depending on how you drive and how often you use the AC.
Mahindra just threw their hat into the electric SUV ring with the XUV 400. This brand-new ride is ready to battle it out with the big boys like the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV. But is the XUV 400 all hype, or can it hold its own? We took it for a spin to find out.
At First Glance: Looks That Could Kill (But in a Good Way)
The XUV 400 isn’t messing around when it comes to looks. It’s got that bold, muscular vibe Mahindra’s been rocking lately. Think mean headlights with fancy daytime running lights (DRLs) and a grille that screams “Don’t mess with me.” The whole package is finished off with sporty wheels that make it look like a real SUV, not some eco-friendly afterthought.
Inside Scoop: Comfy and Packed with Tech
Hop inside, and you’ll find a cabin that feels surprisingly luxurious. Mahindra isn’t skimping on materials here – we’re talking leatherette seats and soft-touch plastics that make it feel way nicer than your average car. The layout is easy to navigate, with all the buttons and knobs right where you need them. The big touchscreen infotainment system is the star of the show, with a modern interface that’s easy to use (although a few more physical buttons for things like climate control wouldn’t hurt).
Space is another big win for the XUV 400. The front seats are comfy and have plenty of legroom, even for taller folks. The back seats are just as spacious, offering enough room for three adults on shorter trips. Plus, a giant sunroof makes the whole cabin feel nice and airy.
When it comes to practicality, the XUV 400 holds its own. There’s enough cargo space in the back for a weekend getaway’s worth of luggage. Fold down the rear seats, and you’ve got a ton of space for bigger hauls. Plus, there are plenty of cubbyholes and cup holders scattered throughout the cabin to keep all your stuff organized.
The Drive: Chill Vibes and Efficiency Focus
The XUV 400 packs a punch with its electric motor, churning out 203 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. While it might not be the fastest electric SUV out there, it’s all about efficiency here, not neck-breaking acceleration. Still, it gets you from 0 to 100 km/h in a decent 8.3 seconds, which is plenty for zipping around town or cruising on the highway.
The whole driving experience is smooth and comfortable. The electric motor gives you instant torque, making city driving a breeze. The suspension soaks up bumps nicely, keeping the ride nice and composed. The steering feels light and responsive at low speeds, making manoeuvring in tight spots easy. However, at higher speeds, the steering can feel a bit numb, so you might need to adjust your grip a bit.
Now, let’s talk about the big question for any electric car: range. The XUV 400 boasts a 39.4 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of around 370 km according to ARAI standards. In real-world driving, expect a more realistic range of 300-320 km, depending on how you drive and how often you use the AC. While it might not be the range king, it should be enough for most daily commutes and occasional highway trips. Plus, the XUV 400 supports fast charging, so you can juice up the battery from 0 to 80% in about 50 minutes using a DC fast charger.
Tech and Safety: Geared Up for the Modern Driver
The XUV 400 isn’t lacking in the tech department. The 17.78 cm touchscreen infotainment system lets you connect your phone via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can use your favourite navigation apps, listen to music, and even adjust vehicle settings. The instrument cluster is a mix of digital and analogue displays, giving you all the essential info like speed, battery level, and trip data.
Safety is a top priority for Mahindra, and the XUV 400 is loaded with features to keep you and your passengers protected. We’re talking six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). There’s even a 360-degree parking camera system to make those tricky parking manoeuvres a breeze.
The Verdict: A Promising Debut, But Not Flawless
The Mahindra XUV 400 is a solid first attempt at an electric SUV. It’s got a head-turning design and offered great value in return for your money. If this is your first EV car and wish to have a all round performance, the Mahindra XUV 400 will not disappoint you.
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