Mahindra XUV400 review: Gets its most significant updates

Mahindra launched the XUV400 in 2023 and in a short span, it has updated the electric SUV a few times already. But despite the frequent updates as well as massive discounts to push inventory, sales haven’t taken off. Now, in 2024, the Indian carmaker has given the XUV400 its most significant enhancement to date, to make it a compelling proposition. Here’s what’s new.

Mahindra XUV400 interior

Even though an ‘EV’ badge on the boot is the only new addition on the outside, changes to the XUV400 Pro’s interior are substantial. First, the all-black interior of the outgoing version makes way for a two-tone, ivory-and-black colour scheme, which not only looks upmarket but light colours also accentuate the cabin’s sense of space and airiness. Tasteful treatments like the chrome door handles and splashes of copper highlights, as well as interesting details like the twin-peaks pattern and copper stitching on the upholstery feel special.

The talking point of this update is its new steering wheel and redesigned dashboard. The former looks like it has been lifted off its premium cousin, the XUV700, and to give it an ‘electric’ flavour, it houses a copper colour ‘twin peaks’ logo bordered in blue. Analogue dials of the outgoing car are replaced by a new, neatly executed digital instrument cluster; it is easy to read and its coloured MID comes loaded with information.

There’s now a free-standing, horizontally oriented touchscreen, while the climate control panel is also new. The latter gets large physical buttons as well as knobs, which look much better than the outgoing version’s design and continue to rank high on functionality and usability. Finally, there’s a dedicated tray to stow a modern smartphone.

The front and rear seats are very comfortable and supportive. What’s nice is that space at the rear is plenty, and it’ll even accommodate three adults easily. The 378-litre boot remains unchanged, and is still well-shaped and quite practical.

Mahindra XUV400 new variants and features

Two new variants will be added to the electric SUV’s existing line-up – EC Pro with a 34.5kWh battery and EL Pro with either a 34.5kWh or 39.4kWh battery option. New features with this update include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay as well as connected car features. It also gets a wireless charging pad, rear air-con vents, USB-C charging and a 12V charging port at the rear. It also gets a tyre pressure monitoring system; the earlier iteration only had a tyre loss indicator.

A few months ago, features like front fog lamps, ESP, cruise control and auto-dimming mirror were added, which have been carried forward. The XUV400 Pro still lacks kit like LED headlamps, ventilated front seats and premium speakers.

Mahindra XUV400 battery, range, drive impressions

Since there aren’t any mechanical changes, the XUV400 Pro feels very familiar from behind the wheel. Its motor with either battery pack makes 150hp and 310Nm of torque. We’ve also tested the long range version (with the 39.4kWh battery) and in our real-world tests, it has achieved 251km in a mixed, city and highway cycle.

Like before, there are three drive modes – Fun (Eco), Fast (Normal) and Fearless (Sport) – with Fun being the default setting. What’s nice is that power delivery is linear and performance feels more than adequate even in Fun mode. You’ll seldom yearn for stronger acceleration, however, you can switch to Fearless mode, it unlocks the full potential of the motor and you will experience stronger acceleration and a relentless pull. In Fearless mode, it goes on to hit a top speed of 160kph, while it is restricted to 90kph in Fun mode.

Steering weight is also altered based on the drive modes; it feels lightest in Fun and heaviest in Fearless mode, however, there’s no feel or feedback in either mode. Even though regeneration cannot be adjusted independently of the drive modes, you can shift to ‘L’ mode where regen feels strong, and the car will also come to a complete halt, without any brake pedal input. The XUV400 Pro’s suspension is tuned for comfort, and it feels soft and supple at low speeds, although it tends to get bouncy at higher speeds. What isn’t nice is that you can hear the suspension quite prominently, each time the car crashes into a pothole.

Mahindra XUV400 price, verdict

With significant updates to its interiors and equipment list, this is the best iteration of the XUV400 and frankly, this is how the XUV400 should have been from day one. These, along with strengths like strong performance, respectable real-world range, impressive low speed ride quality and a spacious cabin and boot, now put the XUV400 Pro in a far better position to take on the Tata Nexon EV head-on.

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