Mahindra’s ambitious seven-seater electric flagship, the XEV 9S, is getting its first major software refinement just weeks after its market debut. Following feedback from automotive journalists and early adopters, the company has rolled out a ‘Custom’ drive mode. This update directly addresses a specific critique of the SUV’s “INGLO” platform—a ride quality that was often described as too soft for high-speed highway stability.
The addition aims to provide the “best of both worlds,” allowing the XEV 9S to behave like a sharp, stable performer on open roads without sacrificing the ease of city driving.
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Bridging the Gap: The New Custom Mode Logic
Before this update, the XEV 9S featured four preset modes: Default, Everyday, Range, and Race.
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The Dilemma: Drivers had to choose between “Everyday” (soft suspension, light steering) and “Race” (firm suspension, heavy steering, aggressive throttle). There was no way to get a firm ride with comfortable steering.
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The Solution: The Custom Mode allows a “Mix and Match” approach. A driver can now select Race-level damping (firm) for the suspension to eliminate vertical bobbing, but keep the Steering in Comfort and the Powertrain in Range to maximize efficiency.
Hardware Limitation: Pack Three vs. Lower Trims
It is important to note that this update is not universal.
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Intelligent Adaptive Suspension: Only the top-tier Pack Three (starting at ₹27.35 lakh) and Pack Three Above (₹29.45 lakh) feature semi-active dampers capable of being electronically adjusted.
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Passive Damping: The more affordable Pack One and Pack Two use traditional passive dampers (FSDs). These variants do not have the hardware to support a “Custom” suspension setting, although they still benefit from steering and powertrain adjustability.
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INGLO Performance: Range and Power Specs
The XEV 9S remains a powerhouse in the Indian EV space.
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Battery: The top-spec 79 kWh battery offers an ARAI-certified range of 679 km (Real-world expected: ~500 km).
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Motor: A rear-axle mounted motor produces 282 bhp and 380 Nm, propelling the 7-seater to 100 km/h in roughly 7 seconds.
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Charging: Using a 180 kW DC fast charger, the 79 kWh battery can jump from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Reality Check
The addition of the Custom mode is a win for driver agency. Still, the “vertical movement” noted by experts at high speeds is a fundamental trait of a long-wheelbase, heavy electric SUV. Therefore, while firmer damping helps, the XEV 9S will likely never feel as “car-like” as a lower-slung EV. In fact, if you primarily drive in the city, the Default/Everyday modes remain superior for soaking up potholes and speed breakers.
The Loopholes
Mahindra mentioned OTA (Over-The-Air) updates for early owners. In fact, this is a “Hardware-Software Loophole”—while the software can be pushed remotely, some early production units may require a dealership visit for a “hard reset” of the suspension control module to enable the new parameters. Therefore, don’t expect the mode to appear on your screen overnight without checking with your service manager. Still, the “Pack One” loophole—where lower-spec buyers don’t get the feature—is a clear strategy to push customers toward the high-margin ₹27 lakh+ variants.
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What This Means for You
If you have already booked a Pack Three XEV 9S, ensure your delivery unit is a “Post-February” production model to get the feature pre-installed. First, realize that for highway drives, setting the Suspension to Firm via the Custom menu is non-negotiable for passenger comfort. Then, if you are a “chauffeur-driven” owner, ask your driver to keep the Powertrain in Everyday but the Suspension in Race to prevent rear-seat motion sickness.
Finally, understand that Renault is launching the new Duster on March 17, 2026. You should wait to see the Duster’s pricing and suspension setup if you are still undecided, as the Duster is known for its legendary “magic carpet” ride quality. Before you finalize your XEV 9S purchase, take a test drive specifically on a highway with the new Custom mode engaged to see if the “vertical movement” is sufficiently contained for your liking.
What’s Next
Mahindra is expected to release a firmware patch for existing Pack Three owners by the first week of March. Then, look for a “Track Mode” or “Off-Road Mode” for the AWD versions (if launched later this year). Finally, keep an eye on March 17 for the Renault Duster’s India price reveal, which will provide a clear ICE alternative to the mid-size SUV segment.
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