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Mahindra XEV 9e vs VinFast VF7: Should You Wait or Buy Now?

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The electric SUV segment in India is heating up fast, with both domestic giants and global players offering compelling new models. In this in-depth comparison, I take a closer look at two very different contenders: the homegrown Mahindra XEV 9e and the VinFast VF7, a Vietnamese newcomer making waves with its premium positioning. Whether you're after value, performance, or future-forward tech, this article will help you choose the right electric SUV based on real-world needs. Quick Overview: Key Differences Feature Mahindra XEV 9e VinFast VF7 Starting Price ₹21.90 lakh ₹25-50 lakh (expected) Availability On sale now Deliveries from Sept 2025 Powertrain Options RWD, 59kWh/79kWh battery FWD and AWD, 70.8-75.3kWh battery 0-100 kmph (Top Variant) 6.8 sec 5.8 sec (AWD variant) Safety Rating 5-star Bharat NCAP (32/32) Not yet tested Infotainment 43" Triple Display w/ Snapdragon 8295 12.9" Touchscreen + HUD Unique Features AR HUD, 16-speaker audio, AI driver monitor HUD-only, OTA updates Design & Dimensions Mahindra XEV 9e: Coupe-SUV Boldness Mahindra's XEV 9e breaks from its conservative past with a coupe-style silhouette and aggressive detailing. It's imposing at 4,789mm long and sits high with 207mm ground clearance. The LED DRLs, flush door handles, and 19-inch alloys offer serious street presence. VinFast VF7: Italian Flair The VF7, designed by Torino Design, opts for a more traditional SUV form. While it’s shorter (4,545mm), the longer wheelbase (2,840mm) hints at superior rear legroom. It wears its V-shaped DRLs and bird-wing lights with pride, but is less radical than the Mahindra. Performance & Powertrain XEV 9e: Smooth and Swift Built on the INGLO EV platform, the XEV 9e offers: 59kWh: 231PS, 380Nm, 0-100 in ~8s, 400-450km real range 79kWh: 286PS, 380Nm, 0-100 in 6.8s, 500-550km real range The RWD layout and 4-level regen braking deliver an engaging, efficient drive. VF7: AWD Advantage VinFast offers: Eco (FWD): 204hp, 310Nm, 0-100 in 9.5s Plus (AWD): 354hp, 500Nm, 0-100 in 5.8s Battery size ranges from 70.8-75.3kWh. While quicker in the AWD version, India-specific tuning is yet to be seen. Cabin Tech & Features Mahindra XEV 9e: Segment-Breaking Tech This is where Mahindra flexes real muscle: 43" display (three 12.3" screens) Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset Alexa voice integration Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio (Dolby Atmos) OTA updates, auto park assist, fatigue monitoring VinFast VF7: Minimalist and Modern VinFast offers a clean layout with HUD replacing traditional dials: 12.9" touchscreen Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto 360-degree camera, OTA updates Alexa voice integration Safety Systems Mahindra: India-Calibrated ADAS Bharat NCAP awarded the XEV 9e a perfect 32/32 for adult protection and 45/49 for children. ADAS Level 2+ with five radars and a high-res camera is tuned for India: Adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist Auto emergency braking (front & reverse) Lane centering, blind spot monitor 7 airbags (top variants), 360 camera with live view VinFast: Comprehensive, But Untested The VF7 packs a full ADAS suite (22 functions), but no Indian test results yet. Standard features include: Adaptive cruise control Lane keep & centering Auto emergency braking Blind spot, rear cross-traffic alert Charging & Infrastructure Mahindra XEV 9e DC Fast Charging (up to 175kW): 20-80% in 20 mins (79kWh) AC Charging: 7.2kW/11.2kW home charger options Integrated charging support, charger cost from ₹50,000 VinFast VF7 DC Fast Charging (150kW): 20-80% in ~30 mins AC Charging: 7.2kW standard Indian charging roadmap yet to be fully revealed Pricing & Market Position Mahindra XEV 9e Variant Battery Price (₹ lakh) Key Features Pack One 59kWh 21.90 Entry variant, steel wheels Pack Two 59/79kWh 24.90/26.50 Panoramic sunroof, ADAS Pack Three Select 59kWh 27.90 7 airbags, adaptive suspension Pack Three 79kWh 30.50 Full feature set, AR HUD VinFast VF7 (Expected) VF7 Eco FWD: ₹25-30 lakh VF7 Plus AWD: Up to ₹50 lakh Targeting premium buyers, the VF7 competes with Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Atto 3, and upcoming Kia EV5. Interior Comfort & Space XEV 9e Leatherette upholstery Ventilated front seats Dual-zone climate Boss mode with extended rear legroom 663-litre boot VF7 Vegan leather interior Reclinable rear seats Dual-zone climate 537-litre boot (expandable to 1,537L) Availability & Service Mahindra XEV 9e On sale now across India Over 6,500 units delivered 300+ EV-ready dealers 8-year battery warranty VinFast VF7 Deliveries from Sept 2025 Pre-bookings open (token: ₹21,000) 35 dealerships planned by Dec 2025 10-year vehicle + lifetime battery warranty (1st owner) Final Verdict: Which One to Buy? Choose the Mahindra XEV 9e if you want: Immediate delivery and nationwide service India-specific tuning and ADAS Better pricing-to-features ratio Proven brand trust and support Pick the VinFast VF7 if you prioritize: AWD performance and premium image Futuristic design with European flair Strong warranty coverage Willingness to wait for a newer entrant Expert Insight From an Indian buyer’s standpoint, the XEV 9e checks more boxes today. It’s available, affordable, and loaded with class-leading tech. The VF7 is promising, but until we get real-world reviews and service data, it’s best suited for early adopters seeking exclusivity. Either way, these are exciting times for India’s electric mobility landscape.

 

India’s electric SUV market is getting more exciting than ever. On one side, we have Mahindra — a trusted Indian brand — growing its EV lineup with the feature-loaded XEV 9e.

On the other side, Vietnamese company VinFast has entered the Indian market with its premium electric SUVs, the VF6 and VF7.

The company has also announced it will set up a big factory in Tamil Nadu.

VinFast has already started taking bookings for the VF7 in India for an amount of ₹21,000.

This clearly shows the brand is serious about staying in India for the long run.

Meanwhile, Mahindra’s XEV 9e is already available for buyers.

It comes with tried-and-tested features, different battery options, and a strong service network.

In this article, I’ll compare both of these electric SUVs, the Mahindra XEV 9e and the VinFast VF7, based on price, features, range, and value. This will help you choose the one that fits your needs best in 2025.


Mahindra XEV 9e vs VinFast VF7: Key Differences

Feature Mahindra XEV 9e VinFast VF7
Price ₹21.90 lakh to  30.50 Lakh ₹25-50 lakh (expected)
Availability On sale now Deliveries from Sept 2025
Powertrain Options RWD, 59kWh/79kWh battery FWD and AWD, 70.8-75.3kWh battery
0-100 kmph (Top Variant) 6.8 sec 5.8 sec (AWD variant)
Safety Rating 5-star Bharat NCAP (32/32) Not yet tested
Infotainment 43″ Triple Display w/ Snapdragon 8295 12.9″ Touchscreen + HUD
Unique Features AR HUD, 16-speaker audio, AI driver monitor HUD-only, OTA updates

Design & Dimensions

Mahindra XEV 9e: Coupe-SUV Boldness

Mahindra’s XEV 9e breaks from its conservative past with a coupe-style silhouette and aggressive detailing. It’s imposing at 4,789mm long and sits high with 207mm ground clearance.

The LED DRLs, flush door handles, and 19-inch alloys offer serious street presence.

VinFast VF7: Italian Flair

The VF7, designed by Torino Design, opts for a more traditional SUV form. While it’s shorter (4,545mm), the longer wheelbase (2,840mm) hints at superior rear legroom.

It wears its V-shaped DRLs and bird-wing lights with pride, but is less radical than the Mahindra.


Performance & Powertrain

XEV 9e: Smooth and Swift

Built on the INGLO EV platform, the XEV 9e offers:

  • 59kWh: 231PS, 380Nm, 0-100 in ~8s, 400-450km real range
  • 79kWh: 286PS, 380Nm, 0-100 in 6.8s, 500-550km real range

The RWD layout and 4-level regen braking deliver an engaging, efficient drive.

VF7: AWD Advantage

VinFast offers:

  • Eco (FWD): 204hp, 310Nm, 0-100 in 9.5s
  • Plus (AWD): 354hp, 500Nm, 0-100 in 5.8s

Battery size ranges from 70.8-75.3kWh. While quicker in the AWD version, India-specific tuning is yet to be seen.


Cabin Tech & Features

Mahindra XEV 9e: Segment-Breaking Tech

This is where Mahindra flexes real muscle:

  • 43″ display (three 12.3″ screens)
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset
  • Alexa voice integration
  • Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio (Dolby Atmos)
  • OTA updates, auto park assist, fatigue monitoring

VinFast VF7: Minimalist and Modern

VinFast offers a clean layout with a HUD replacing traditional dials:

  • 12.9″ touchscreen
  • Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
  • 360-degree camera, OTA updates
  • Alexa voice integration

Safety Systems

Mahindra: India-Calibrated ADAS

Bharat NCAP awarded the XEV 9e a perfect 32/32 for adult protection and 45/49 for children. ADAS Level 2+ with five radars and a high-res camera is tuned for India:

  • Adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist
  • Auto emergency braking (front & reverse)
  • Lane centring, blind spot monitor
  • 7 airbags (top variants), 360 camera with live view

VinFast: Comprehensive, But Untested

The VF7 packs a full ADAS suite (22 functions), but no Indian test results yet. Standard features include:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keeping & centring
  • Auto emergency braking
  • Blind spot, rear cross-traffic alert

Charging & Infrastructure

Mahindra XEV 9e

  • DC Fast Charging (up to 175kW): 20-80% in 20 mins (79kWh)
  • AC Charging: 7.2kW/11.2kW home charger options
  • Integrated charging support, charger cost from ₹50,000

VinFast VF7

  • DC Fast Charging (150kW): 20-80% in ~30 mins
  • AC Charging: 7.2kW standard
  • Indian charging roadmap yet to be fully revealed

Pricing & Market Position

Mahindra XEV 9e

Variant Battery Price (₹ lakh) Key Features
Pack One 59kWh 21.90 Entry variant, steel wheels
Pack Two 59/79kWh 24.90/26.50 Panoramic sunroof, ADAS
Pack Three Select 59kWh 27.90 7 airbags, adaptive suspension
Pack Three 79kWh 30.50 Full feature set, AR HUD

VinFast VF7 (Expected)

  • VF7 Eco FWD: ₹25-30 lakh
  • VF7 Plus AWD: Up to ₹50 lakh

Targeting premium buyers, the VF7 competes with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the BYD Atto 3, and the upcoming Kia EV5.


Interior Comfort & Space

XEV 9e

  • Leatherette upholstery
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Dual-zone climate
  • Boss mode with extended rear legroom
  • 663-litre boot

VF7

  • Vegan leather interior
  • Reclinable rear seats
  • Dual-zone climate
  • 537-litre boot (expandable to 1,537L)

Availability & Service

Mahindra XEV 9e

  • On sale now across India
  • Over 6,500 units delivered
  • 300+ EV-ready dealers
  • 8-year battery warranty

VinFast VF7

  • Deliveries from Sept 2025
  • Pre-bookings open (token: ₹21,000)
  • 35 dealerships planned by Dec 2025
  • 10-year vehicle + lifetime battery warranty (1st owner)

Final Verdict: Which One to Buy?

Choose the Mahindra XEV 9e if you want:

  • Immediate delivery and nationwide service
  • India-specific tuning and ADAS
  • Better pricing-to-features ratio
  • Proven brand trust and support

Pick the VinFast VF7 if you prioritise:

  • AWD performance and premium image
  • Futuristic design with European flair
  • Strong warranty coverage
  • Willingness to wait for a newer entrant

Expert Insight

From an Indian buyer’s point of view, the XEV 9e makes more sense right now. It’s already available, priced well, and comes with top features in its segment.

The VF7 looks interesting, but since there are no user reviews or service experience yet, it’s better for those who want something new and different.  Read more: Best Electric Cars You Can Buy In India (2025).

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar is a writer and editor at Electric Vehicle Info with over four years of experience. He holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and is pursuing a Master’s in Electric Vehicle Technology, blending technical expertise with clear, informative content on EV trends.

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