Mahindra XUV 3XO EV: Affordable Electric SUV With Premium Features Shakes Up Sub-₹15 Lakh Segment

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV has entered the Indian electric vehicle market as a new compact electric SUV aimed at urban buyers. With a starting price of ₹13.89 lakh, the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV focuses on affordability, daily driving range, and modern features like ADAS and dual digital screens. The launch comes at a time when interest in electric SUVs is rising due to fuel costs and growing charging infrastructure.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is based on the petrol XUV 3XO but brings electric-specific styling, a 39.4 kWh battery pack, and a claimed real-world range of 285 km. Buyers are now comparing it with popular models like the Tata Nexon EV to decide which compact electric SUV offers better value.

Key Takeaways

• Mahindra XUV 3XO EV launched in January 2026 with two variants AX5 and AX7L.
• It offers a 39.4 kWh battery with 285 km real-world driving range.
• Positioned as an affordable urban electric SUV under ₹15 lakh.
• Competes directly with Tata Nexon EV and other compact EVs.
• Public opinion is mixed with praise for features and concerns over reliability.

Also Read: Tata Xpres Fleet Sedan Launch: Affordable Entry With Bigger Boot And Lower Running Cost

Launch Details And Market Position

Mahindra launched the XUV 3XO EV on January 6, 2026. It is positioned as an entry-level electric SUV for city users who want modern design and practical range at a controlled price. Deliveries are expected to begin from February 23, 2026.

The model replaces the older XUV400 and becomes part of Mahindra’s growing electric vehicle portfolio. It joins models like the BE 6 and XUV.e8, which show Mahindra’s long-term plan to expand in the electric mobility space.

The focus of the XUV 3XO EV is not long highway touring. It is designed mainly for daily urban travel, short highway trips, and family use. With its sub-4-meter length, it also benefits from lower tax slabs and easier city parking.

Design And Exterior Changes

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV looks very similar to the petrol version. Mahindra has kept the same bold shape and compact SUV stance. However, small details help identify it as an electric vehicle.

Key exterior changes include a closed grille with copper accents instead of chrome. The front bumper has pixel-style design elements that replace open cooling vents used in the ICE model. The charging port is placed on the left front fender.

From the side profile, the alloy wheels and door handles remain the same. EV badging is subtle and does not change the overall look much. At the rear, the LED tail lamps remain unchanged, but the antenna design and small badging differ slightly.

Color options include shades like Tango Red, Nebula Blue, Galaxy Grey, Everest White, and Stealth Black. All EV colors can be paired with a copper-colored roof, giving it a distinct identity from the petrol version.

Interior And Cabin Experience

Inside the cabin, the XUV 3XO EV carries forward the same dashboard layout as the petrol model. The twin-screen setup remains a major highlight. It includes a 10.25-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital driver cluster.

The main difference inside is the color theme and trim accents. The EV uses beige interiors instead of the white shade seen in the ICE version. Copper highlights are added around AC vents, dashboard controls, and seat stitching. These small touches give the cabin a premium electric feel.

Comfort features include dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and push-button start. The cabin is quiet due to the electric motor, which improves overall driving comfort in city traffic.

Battery, Range And Performance

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is powered by a 39.4 kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor. The motor produces around 147 bhp and 310 Nm of torque. This setup allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour in about 8.3 seconds.

Mahindra claims a real-world driving range of 285 km on a single charge. In mixed driving conditions, efficiency is reported to be around 7 to 8 km per kWh. This makes it suitable for daily commuting and short trips without frequent charging.

The car offers three drive modes called Zip, Zap, and Zoom. These modes adjust throttle response and power delivery for city driving or faster performance.

Charging support includes DC fast charging up to 50 kW. With this, the battery can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 45 to 50 minutes. Home charging can be done using a 7.2 kW AC charger, which is available as an optional extra.

Variants And Pricing Structure

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is offered in two variants.

Variant List

1. AX5
2. AX7L

Both variants use the same battery and motor but differ in features and comfort equipment.

Price Table

Variant	Ex-Showroom Price	Key Highlights
AX5	₹13.89 lakh	LED lights, dual screens, basic safety features
AX7L	₹14.96 lakh	Panoramic sunroof, ADAS, 360-degree camera, premium audio

On-road prices in cities like Mumbai and Delhi can go up by ₹1 to ₹2 lakh due to registration and insurance charges.

Features And Safety Technology

The XUV 3XO EV offers a strong feature list for its price segment.

Main features include:

• Dual 10.25-inch displays
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Harman Kardon sound system
• Wireless charging
• Panoramic sunroof in top variant
• Ventilated seats
• 360-degree camera

Safety is a major focus area. The SUV comes with six airbags as standard. It also offers Level 2 ADAS with features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Other safety systems include electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, and parking sensors.

This makes the AX7L variant one of the most feature-rich EVs in the sub-₹15 lakh category.

Comparison With Tata Nexon EV

The Tata Nexon EV remains the strongest competitor of the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV. The Nexon EV offers two battery options and a higher claimed range.

Comparison Table

Feature	XUV 3XO EV	Tata Nexon EV
Battery	39.4 kWh	30 kWh and 45 kWh
Range	285 km real-world	Up to 325 km claimed
Price Range	₹13.89 to ₹14.96 lakh	₹12.49 to ₹17.49 lakh
ADAS	Yes in top variant	Yes
Sunroof	Panoramic	Single pane

The XUV 3XO EV is cheaper in top variant compared to the Nexon EV top trims. However, Nexon EV offers more battery options and longer claimed range.

Trends In Compact Electric SUVs

The Indian EV market is seeing fast growth in the compact SUV segment. Sales increased by around 25 percent year-on-year in late 2025. Buyers now expect at least 250 km of real-world range and fast charging support.

Key trends include:

• Demand for affordable electric SUVs under ₹15 lakh
• Focus on ADAS and digital displays
• Expansion of fast charging stations
• Interest in non-Chinese EV brands

Mahindra’s partnership with charging infrastructure providers also supports this growing demand.

Public Opinion And User Feedback

Public response on social media platforms like X shows mixed reactions.

Many users praised the pricing and feature list. Some called it a game changer for budget EV buyers. Reviews highlighted smooth acceleration, silent cabin, and good city performance.

However, criticism mainly focused on service quality and electronics. Some users reported issues with reliability in the petrol version and expressed concerns that similar problems could appear in the EV variant.

Forums and discussion groups show divided opinions. Some buyers feel the battery size is small compared to rivals. Others appreciate the balance between price and features.

Overall sentiment shows optimism about affordability but caution about long-term ownership experience.

Who Should Consider Buying It

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is suitable for:

• City commuters with daily usage under 150 km
• Buyers looking for premium features at lower price
• Families wanting a compact electric SUV
• First-time EV buyers

It may not be ideal for long highway touring due to limited range compared to some competitors.

Final Thoughts

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV brings together modern design, advanced features, and an affordable price point. It targets urban buyers who want an electric SUV without crossing the ₹15 lakh mark. While it does not offer the longest range in its class, it compensates with comfort, safety, and technology.

The success of the XUV 3XO EV will depend on Mahindra’s after-sales support and long-term reliability. If service quality improves, it has the potential to become a strong option in the compact electric SUV segment.

Tags: Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, Electric SUV India, Compact EV Cars, Tata Nexon EV Rival, EV Range 285 km, Mahindra Electric Cars, Sub 15 Lakh EV

About Author