Mahindra XUV400: India’s Affordable Electric SUV Turns Heads
If you're scouting for an electric SUV that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet but still delivers the goods, the Mahindra XUV400 might just hit the sweet spot. Born from Mahindra’s XUV300 chassis but stretched out for extra road presence and utility, this five-door front-wheel-drive (FWD) contender is built in India and targets buyers who want range, performance, and safety—without sticker shock. Rolling off the lines in 2024 with a starting price of $19,360 (£15,230 / €17,980), it positions itself below the MG ZS EV and just undercutting the Tata Nexon EV’s long-range trim. Whether you're commuting across town or road-tripping on a budget, it promises big things without the big ego.
- Mahindra started production of the XUV400 in early 2024, building on its prior XUV300 platform while optimizing it for EV efficiency.
- The model was officially unveiled in India in 2023 and received key cabin upgrades in January 2024.
- Price starts at $19,360 (£15,230 / €17,980) and tops out around $22,000 (£17,300 / €20,400), depending on battery and trim.
- The XUV400 is aimed squarely at cost-conscious urban buyers looking for a reliable EV SUV with solid safety credentials and decent specs.
XUV400 Specs Breakdown: Battery and Performance Details
Battery: Charging and Range Simplified
The Mahindra XUV400 comes with two battery options, but the real juice lies in its 39.4 kWh pack, giving you a claimed MIDC range of 456 kilometers (283 miles). Real-world use? Expect closer to 350 km (217 miles) under conservative driving, which is respectable given its budget pricing. Charging is refreshingly flexible—hook it to a 50 kW DC fast charger and you’ll be juiced from 0 to 80% in roughly 50 minutes. A 7.2 kW AC wall box brings you to full in about 6.5 hours, while your basic 3.3 kW plug will stretch that to 13 hours. The battery also holds an IP67 rating, guarding against water and dust like a champ.
- Battery Capacity: 39.4 kWh (usable)
- Claimed Range: 456 km (283 mi) MIDC
- Real-world Range: ~300–350 km (186–217 mi)
- Fast Charging: 0–80% in 50 mins (50 kW DC)
- Home Charging: 6.5 hrs (7.2 kW AC) / 13 hrs (3.3 kW socket)
Performance: Zippy Where It Counts
With 150 horsepower (112 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque funneled to the front wheels, the Mahindra XUV400 doesn’t lag when you hit the pedal. It hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds—swift enough to zip past city traffic and still hold its own on the open road. Top speed clocks in at 150 km/h (93 mph), and the ride feels confident, thanks to a low center of gravity and a well-tuned suspension. That said, don’t expect much steering feedback at higher speeds—it’s calm and predictable, but not exactly engaging. The lack of traction control on spirited drives can make things squirrelly.
- Power Output: 150 hp (112 kW)
- Torque: 310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
- 0–100 km/h: 8.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
There are two trim options: EC Pro and EL Pro. The EL Pro variant with the larger battery offers the best mix of range and features, starting at around $21,800 (£17,150 / €20,250).
Mahindra XUV400 Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior: Practical with a Hint of Flair
At a glance, the Mahindra XUV400 strikes a balance between rugged and urban-ready. It’s based on the XUV300 platform but stretched to 4.2 meters (165 inches), giving it a more SUV-like stance. The sealed-off grille, flanked by sharp LED DRLs, accentuates the clean electric look. The copper accents—while polarizing—are bold and unmistakable, found on the roof rails, logos, and fog lamp housings. While some may wish for full LED headlights, the available six monotone and six dual-tone color options do plenty to turn heads. The sculpted lines and muscular proportions give it a planted, confident appearance despite its compact DNA.
Interior: Surprisingly Upscale for the Price
Inside, the XUV400 got a major facelift for 2024. The dull all-black layout has been swapped for an ivory-and-black two-tone cabin with copper stitching, chrome accents, and a tidier dash layout. Two crisp 10.25-inch screens handle the digital chores—one for infotainment and the other for driver readouts. The wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (enabled via OTA updates), dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, and a wireless charging pad all deliver on the promise of modernity. While there’s no ventilated seating or rear charging ports, the materials and layout feel a step above its price tag, with a 378-liter (13.3 cu ft) boot that outclasses competitors like the Tata Nexon EV.
Mahindra XUV400 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong real-world range of up to 350 km (217 mi) with the 39.4 kWh battery
- Quick acceleration (0–100 km/h in 8.3 sec) and torquey city drive
- Premium interior update with dual 10.25-inch displays and wireless features
- Fast charging to 80% in 50 minutes and IP67-rated battery durability
- 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating with top-notch occupant protection
Cons
- No LED headlights or ventilated seats at this price point
- Infotainment system suffers occasional lags and glitches
- Absence of ADAS features like adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist
- Limited availability of fast-charging infrastructure in some regions
- Steering feedback could be improved for better highway confidence
XUV400 Conclusion: Does It Deliver?
So, is the Mahindra XUV400 the EV sweet spot under twenty grand? For buyers in India—and even outside who can get their hands on it—the answer leans toward yes. It offers good range, strong performance, family-friendly space, and premium tech at a budget price. If you can look past a few missing niceties and the copper bling, this compact SUV delivers the essentials with enough flair to justify its badge. And in today’s EV market, that’s saying something.
Exterior and Interior photos of Mahindra XUV400
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Comparison:
In the sub-$25K electric SUV space, the Mahindra XUV400 is toe-to-toe with some tough competitors like the Tata Nexon EV Long Range, MG ZS EV, BYD Yuan Plus, and Hyundai Kona Electric (India-spec). Each one targets the cost-conscious driver who still wants solid range and tech—but which one gets the nod on range, speed, and value? Let’s break it down.
Range
The XUV400’s larger 39.4 kWh battery nets you a MIDC-certified range of 456 km (283 mi), but real-world numbers average closer to 350 km (217 mi). The Tata Nexon EV Long Range ekes out about 437 km (272 mi) certified with a 40.5 kWh battery, but reports suggest lower consistency in range. The MG ZS EV and BYD Yuan Plus edge ahead, with up to 461 km (286 mi) and 510 km (317 mi) respectively, though both command a higher price tag. The Hyundai Kona Electric offers around 452 km (281 mi) certified, making it a solid mid-pack option.
Acceleration
With a 0–100 km/h sprint of 8.3 seconds, the Mahindra is zippy enough for daily duties and occasional highway punches. The MG ZS EV clocks in slightly slower at 8.5 seconds. BYD Yuan Plus is quicker at 7.3 seconds, thanks to its more robust motor, while Hyundai Kona comes close with 7.9 seconds. Tata Nexon EV trails a bit with a 9.4-second run.
Power
The Mahindra XUV400 delivers 150 hp (112 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft), matching well with the Tata Nexon EV’s 143 hp and MG ZS EV’s 176 hp. The BYD Yuan Plus flexes hardest at 204 hp (152 kW), and the Kona Electric sits at 136 hp (100 kW), favoring efficiency over brawn. All are FWD except the Yuan Plus, which is available in both FWD and AWD variants abroad.
Charging Time
Fast-charging the XUV400 from 0–80% takes about 50 minutes using a 50 kW DC charger. The Tata Nexon EV has similar numbers. MG ZS EV and Kona Electric support up to 100 kW, reducing charge time to around 40 minutes. BYD Yuan Plus with an 80 kW charger tops up in 35–45 minutes depending on conditions.
Price
Here’s where the XUV400 shines: at $19,360 (€17,980 / £15,230), it undercuts the MG ZS EV ($26,000+), BYD Yuan Plus ($27,500+), and Kona Electric ($24,000+). Only the Tata Nexon EV comes close, starting around $20,500 (€19,000 / £16,200), but the Mahindra still edges it out on top-tier trim value and usable space.
FAQ:
What is the real-world range of this electric SUV?
The Mahindra XUV400 with a 39.4 kWh battery typically delivers a real-world range of 300–350 km (186–217 mi), depending on driving habits and conditions.
How powerful is the electric motor?
The XUV400 comes with a single front-mounted motor generating 150 horsepower (112 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque.
What’s the top speed and acceleration like?
The Mahindra XUV400 reaches a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds.
What’s the battery capacity and type?
The battery capacity is 39.4 kWh, offering an MIDC-certified range of up to 456 km (283 mi) and IP67 water/dust resistance.
How long does the battery take to charge?
A 50 kW DC fast charger takes the battery from 0 to 80% in 50 minutes, while a 7.2 kW home charger takes 6.5 hours to fully charge.
How much does the vehicle cost?
The Mahindra XUV400 starts at $19,360 (€17,980 / £15,230) and goes up to around $22,000 (€20,400 / £17,300) for the top EL Pro trim.
Is there fast charging support?
Yes, the Mahindra XUV400 supports DC fast charging up to 50 kW, allowing quick top-ups in less than an hour.
How many people can it seat?
The XUV400 seats five adults comfortably, with good legroom and 378 liters (13.3 cu ft) of boot space.
What safety features are included?
It features dual airbags, ABS with EBD, all-four disc brakes, and six airbags in top trims. It has a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
What are the available drive modes?
The vehicle includes Fun (Eco), Fast (Normal), Fearless (Sport), and a Lively mode for low-speed city traffic.
