Why I chose the Mahindra XUV400 after testing all mainstream EV rivals

I have test driven almost all the “mainstream” EV models (viz. BYD E6 and Atto3, MG ZS EV, MG Comet, XUV400 and my colleague’s Hyundai Kona).

BHPian Contrapunto recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Legwork” before I decided to buy the XUV400 EL Pro

I have test-driven almost all the “mainstream” EV models (viz. BYD E6 and Atto3, MG ZS EV, MG Comet, XUV400, and my colleague’s Hyundai Kona). I exercised restraint in not “tasting” the EV6/ E6 in spite of “temptations” by friends.

My observations from driving the updated and “refreshed” XUV400 EL Pro which is what I am actively considering for purchase.

Positives

• A little wider than almost all cars in its segment and even from a price segment above. I specifically mean the interior volume for driver and rear seat passengers. It’s not only wider, but it’s also “perceptively” wider and feels more airy with the new light-coloured seats and dual-tone interior. This really makes a difference in perceived space, especially if you have a full car or you have a chauffeur driving you around.
• The balance of ride and handling is the best sorted one among all cars in this cohort listed above, and definitely better than ZS EV which is more expensive. The BYD E6 was the “floatiest” and crashed through at slightly taller speed breakers - which are dime a dozen in Bangalore. This feels like driving a “normal” car.
• There is a general solidity about the build and a sense of rigidity once you are sitting inside that’s difficult to find in most crossovers after the EcoSport days.
• The seats, especially in the front, and wide and very comfortable- I would again say the best in the segment. The dimensions are correct for an average height and unfit Indian (“me :-) ). I personally found the ergonomics really troublesome in the latest version of Nexon.
• Strong AC- true to all Mahindras.
• Rear AC vents and USB charging points. I understand this was missing in all the trims so far. …and ….
• Good safety- but that is table stakes these days. It's comment-worthy only if it's absent. This does not have the ADAS Level 2 features, but considering that I propose to use it mostly in the city and suburbs, I am OK with this.
• Last but not least- it comes with a spare tyre. This is a boon when most EVs are completely skipping this. BYD E6, Nexon, and ZS EV have a spare tyre, but Tiago EV, Punch EV, and others do not.

Even the more expensive models do not even have any provision for it. I wonder how buyers find the confidence to drive on Indian roads with just a puncture repair kit. I have experienced a punctured sidewall 4 times in the last 7-8 years, thrice in the middle of nowhere on perfectly good roads!! The absence of a spare tyre would be a dealbreaker for me. This was the main reason why I did not want to wait for the MG4 or the BYD Dolphin - neither of them has a wheel well to place a spare tyre, even if you are open to paying for it yourself.

Negatives/ “Meh” points - but I would keep this section in perspective to its price point of INR 18.5 Lakh OTR

1. The “bite” of the brake was a bit too sharp, this can be a bit more progressive perhaps
2. Spare tyre is a space saver - this needs an upgrade on Day 1
3. The rear seats could have done with a bit more under-thigh support.

and that’s about it.

The choice made, now it is time to tie up the financing, etc, and I hope no new model suddenly comes out in the next 2 months sending me back to the drawing board.

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