Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Detailed Variant Analysis

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max

The Indian market is currently dominated by SUVs and there’s no denying their popularity. However, within that market, there is another trend on the rise – the growth of electric compact SUVs. Within the home grown competitors within the aforementioned market, Tata Motors was the first to rise to the occasion with the launch of the Nexon EV. While Mahindra had been on a roll with the launch of vehicles like Thar, XUV 700 and Scorpio – the EV sector was still in its crosshairs but vehicles to fulfill it. However, the company recently launched the new Mahindra XUV 400 and is a firm answer to what the Nexon EV has to offer. To make the comparison fair, we will be pitting it against the Nexon EV Max. In this detailed variant analysis, we’ll take a look at both vehicles to see which one comes out on top.

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Dimensions

The Tata Nexon EV Max is identical to the regular Nexon EV in terms of dimensions, with the only difference between the two being ground clearance which stands at 205mm, which is 15 mm less than the regular Nexon EV. However the rest remain the same. It has a total length of 3,993mm, measures 1,811mm wide and stands 1,616mm tall. In terms of its wheelbase, the Nexon EV Max measures 2,498mm.

On the other hand, the new Mahindra XUV400 may be based on the XUV 300 but Mahindra has decided to give it the same length as the original car it is based on – the Ssangyong Tivoli. What that means is that unlike the sub-4m XUV 300, the new electric CUV actually measures 4,200mm in length, measures 1,821mm wide and stands 1,634mm tall. Overall, the Mahindra XUV 400 comes out larger in dimensions and that will also translate to more room for passengers and boot space. Comparatively, the Nexon EV max’s larger battery intrudes 10mm into the cabin, giving it smaller cabin space and knee room compared to the regular version.

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Battery & Motor Specifications

When it comes to the Tata Nexon EV, the motor develops 143bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. Tata Motors claims a 0-100km/h time of 9 seconds. It also gets 4 brake regeneration modes and three drive modes – City, Sport and Eco. The defining features of the Nexon EV Max is its 40.5kWh battery pack, that gets an ARAI-claimed driving range of 453 km. You get the option of a 3.3kW or 7.2kW fast charging capability.

On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV 400 was built to have an upper hand over the Nexon EV from the start. It gets a 150bhp and 310 Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, which can help it accelerate from 0-100kmph in 8.3 seconds. It gets three driving modes as well – Fun, Fast and Fearless. It gets two battery pack options, 34.5 kWh and 39.5 kWh. The former gets a claimed driving range of 375 km and the latter can deliver up to 456 km. Like the Nexon EV max, it also gets two charging options, a 3.3kW AC charger and 7.2kW fast charger.

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Variants

Tata Nexon EV Max and Mahindra XUV 400 are available in two variants, both given the option of regular AC charging or fast charging capability. The Tata Nexon has two broad variants to choose from – XZ+ and XZ+ Lux. On the Other hand, the Mahindra XUV 400 is available in EC and EL trims. In this detailed analysis, we bring you a comparison of what features each has to offer. Let’s start with the Nexon EV Max.

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Tata Nexon EV Max XZ+

The exterior features on the Tata Nexon EV Max XZ+ variant include projector headlamps with tri arrow LEDs, LED taillamps, roof rails, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, shark fin antenna, body-coloured door handles and blacked-out ORVMs with integrated turn indicator.

In terms of interior features, you get Auto AC, rear AC vents, push-button start/stop function, all-4 power windows, wireless smartphone charger, cruise control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system from Harmon, 4 speaker-4 tweeter audio setup, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch TFT digital instrument console and connected car features. The price for the Nexon EV Max XZ+ variant is INR 17.49 Lakh (ex-Showroom), going up to INR 17.99 Lakh (ex-Showroom) with the 7.2kW fast charging capability.

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Tata Nexon EV Max XZ+ Lux

The Tata Nexon EV Max in its XZ+ Lux versions does bring certain changes over what you get in the  XZ+ version, however they remain concentrated inside. The XZ+ Lux trim, on the outside, remains exactly the same as the XZ+.

However, in terms of interior features you now get a sunroof, ventilated driver and co-driver seats, auto-dimming IRVM, air purifier with AQI display, premium leatherette steering wheel, centre console and seat upholstery. The price for the Nexon EV Max XZ+ Lux variant in INR 18.49 Lakh (ex-Showroom), going up to INR 18.99 Lakh (ex-Showroom) with the 7.2kW fast-charging capability.

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Mahindra XUV 400 EC

The Mahindra XUV 400, compared to the Nexon EV Max, brings in more changes between its two variants. Let’s start with the most basic, which is EC. Features include single-pedal drive function, 3 drive modes, 2 airbags, 16-inch steel wheels, fabric seats, connected car tech, electrically-adjustable ORVMs, LED tail lamps and 60:40 split rear seat. In terms of pricing, the XUV400 EC is available with two charging options – the first is the 3.3 kW option which costs INR 15.99 Lakh (ex-Showroom) and goes up to INR 16.49 Lakh (ex-Showroom) for the 7.2kW fast-charging option.

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Mahindra XUV 400 EL

The top-end EL variant of the Mahindra XUV 400 gets all the features you would expect. On top of the EC trim, you get 6 airbags, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, connected car tech and smartwatch connectivity, leatherette seats, electric folding and adjustable ORVMs,  7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electric sunroof, projector headlamps with DRLs and LED tail lamps. The Mahindra XUV 400 EL variant is only available with the 7.2kW fast charging capability and it costs INR 18.99 Lakh (ex-Showroom).

Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon EV Max – Recommendation & Verdict

In our opinion, given the price, performance and driving range available between the Tata Nexon EV Max and Mahindra XUV 400 – the Mahindra XUV 400 EL is the ultimate choice given all the features and added interior space into the pictures. However, for those who want a pure electric vehicle with basic features and relatively less driving range for city-use can also look a bit lower down the Nexon EV range to see what suits them. Both Indian companies have come a long way in terms of electrification and offer a good package for its customers.

Full Video Comparison of Mahindra XUV 400 vs Tata Nexon