The XEV 9e feels remarkably well-sorted mechanically for Indian road conditions. BHPian Mechanto recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Having spent considerable time driving the Tesla Model Y extensively in the Bay Area, I recently had the opportunity to test drive the new Mahindra XEV 9e here in India. My initial impressions were quite surprising, and I feel compelled to share my thoughts, especially for those considering premium EVs in our market. Frankly, I found there isn't a significant difference in the overall driving experience between the two, which is a testament to how far Indian EVs have come. Here are my key observations: Interiors: This is where the XEV 9e truly shines. Its interior design and execution feel miles ahead of Tesla's famously minimalist (and, in my opinion, rather boring) approach. The XEV offers a more premium, feature-rich, and visually engaging cabin experience, which is a big draw for me. The multi-screen setup and overall material quality felt very impressive. Mechanicals & Ride Quality for India: The XEV 9e feels remarkably well-sorted mechanically for Indian road conditions. This is a crucial point, as international cars often struggle with our diverse surfaces. The Mahindra feels robust and competent, absorbing bumps and handling broken patches with a confidence that a global product might not inherently possess. Value Proposition & Pricing: With the Tesla Model Y now retailing at around Rs 70 lakh OTR (On-The-Road) in India for certain variants, I genuinely believe it will struggle to find many takers, especially when directly compared to the XEV 9e, which offers a compelling package at a significantly lower price point. The perceived value, coupled with local market suitability, strongly favors the Mahindra. While the Tesla Model Y is a global EV icon, for the Indian buyer looking for a premium electric SUV, the Mahindra XEV 9e or for that matter the newly launched Harrier.ev presents a surprisingly strong alternative, particularly interior quality and tuning for local conditions. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information. View Forum Discussion