Mahindra XEV 9S vs Kia Carens Clavis EV: Buying an electric car for the whole family just got more interesting. Two new models have entered the Indian market, and they’re both aiming to be your next main car. On one side, we have the Mahindra XEV 9S, a spacious three-row electric SUV. On the other, there’s the Kia Carens Clavis EV, a practical electric MPV. Both can carry seven people, but they go about it in very different ways.
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This isn’t about finding a winner. It’s about helping you figure out which one fits your life better. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
First Look: What Are You Really Paying For?
The price tag is often the first thing we check. The Kia Carens Clavis EV starts at a very attractive Rs. 17.99 lakh. The top model goes up to Rs. 24.49 lakh. It’s positioned as a smart, value-for-money choice for a modern family.
The Mahindra XEV 9S starts a bit higher at Rs. 19.95 lakh, and its most expensive variant reaches Rs. 29.45 lakh. Why the higher price? You’re paying for a bigger battery, more power, and some extra luxury tech. It’s for the family that wants their electric car to feel like a premium upgrade.
Simply put: If keeping the initial cost lower is your top priority, the Kia has the clear edge. If you’re willing to spend more for extra performance and range, start looking at the Mahindra.
Variant-Wise Price Comparison (Ex-Showroom)
| Feature | Mahindra XEV 9S | Kia Carens Clavis EV |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Rs 19.95 Lakh | Rs 17.99 Lakh |
| Top Model Price | Rs 29.45 Lakh | Rs 24.49 Lakh |
| Total Variants | 6 (Pack One to Pack Three Above) | 6 (HTK+ to HTX+ ER) |
Range Anxiety: Who Wins the Highway Test?
This is where the two cars show their true colours. Think of it like this: the Kia is an efficient, smart city runner, while the Mahindra is built for longer adventures.
The Kia Carens Clavis EV comes with two battery sizes. The bigger one promises a range of about 490 kilometres on a full charge. It has enough power (up to 169 bhp) for comfortable city drives and smooth highway cruising. It gets the job done reliably.
The Mahindra XEV 9S plays in a different league. It offers three battery options, with the largest one boasting an impressive 679 kilometres of range. That’s a huge difference. It also packs a lot more punch, with up to 282 bhp. This means quicker acceleration and more power for overtaking or climbing hills. It can charge much faster too, taking about half the time of the Kia at a fast charging station.
What this means for you: If your longest trips are within 400 km and you mostly drive in the city, the Kia’s range is plenty. If you regularly drive between cities or just hate worrying about the battery, the Mahindra’s massive range is a game-changer.
Space and Practicality: Carrying People and Their Stuff
Both seat seven, but the space feels different. The Mahindra XEV 9S is longer and wider. It has more of a traditional, tall SUV feel. It also has a brilliant feature: a 150-litre “frunk” (front trunk) under the bonnet. This is perfect for storing your charging cables, shopping bags, or a small weekend bag, keeping the main boot free.
Speaking of the boot, the Mahindra’s is much larger, offering up to 527 litres of space with the third row up. The Kia Carens Clavis EV has a more compact, car-like design that might be easier to park in tight spots. Its “frunk” is smaller at 25 litres, and the main boot is 216 litres.
For your family: If you need maximum cargo space for luggage, sports gear, or a big grocery haul, the Mahindra is the more practical choice. If you value easy maneuverability in crowded places and your cargo needs are more modest, the Kia’s design makes sense.
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Inside the Cabin: Tech and Comfort
Sitting inside these cars feels different. The Mahindra XEV 9S feels like a tech showroom. Its biggest highlight is a massive triple-screen setup that stretches across the dashboard for the driver and front passenger. It has a fantastic 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an augmented reality display that projects navigation onto the windshield. It’s very futuristic.
The Kia Carens Clavis EV is also high-tech but in a more familiar way. It has two large screens and a very good 8-speaker Bose audio system. A clever feature is the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel that let you control how much the car slows down when you lift off the accelerator, which can help save battery.
The Verdict: Which EV Should You Choose?
The choice between the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Kia Carens Clavis EV ultimately boils down to your primary use case.
Choose the Kia Carens Clavis EV if:
- You are budget-conscious and want to save that extra Rs 2-5 lakh.
- Your usage is primarily within city limits with occasional highway trips.
- You prioritize the “MPV” practicality of easy ingress/egress for elderly family members.
Choose the Mahindra XEV 9S if:
- You want a “no-compromise” primary vehicle that can handle long highway road trips without range anxiety.
- You desire the road presence of an SUV and the thrill of high-performance driving.
- You want the latest tech and are willing to pay a premium for future-proof charging speeds and safety features.
The Mahindra XEV 9S is essentially offering a luxury EV experience at a mass-market price point, while the Kia Carens Clavis EV solidifies its position as the sensible, value-for-money family hauler.
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