XUV400 Pro: This Electric SUV Gets Tech Upgrade to Rival the updated Tata Nexon.ev & the MG ZS EV

Mahindra has launched the XUV400 Pro as its answer to the updated Nexon EV. It entered the market in January 2023, positioned to directly challenge rivals like the Nexon.ev and the MG ZS EV at the higher end of the spectrum. Derived from the XUV300, the XUV400 boasts a 200mm increase in length compared to its base model, aligning it with midsize SUVs such as the VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. Acknowledging its size as a significant advantage, the XUV400 delivers robust performance with a commendable 0-100 kmph time of 8.3 seconds, reminiscent of the now-discontinued Skoda Octavia. However, amidst evolving competition, especially with the enhanced Tata Nexon.ev, Mahindra aims to elevate its offering by addressing technological gaps by infusing more kit, and updating the dashboard design. This strategic approach is carefully crafted to enhance the overall user experience while preserving the vehicle's core strengths of robust performance and midsize SUV dimensions.  

Exterior

The exterior retains its familiar appearance, adorned with copper accents on the new twin-peaks logo, arrows between the headlights pointing away from the emblem, and an L-shaped design below the headlights that links to the fog lamps, distinguishing it from its internal combustion engine counterpart. A minor point of contention is the persistence of yellow projector lamps, which might have been more appealing in white. The side profile remains consistent, maintaining the charging port's position in front of the co-driver’s door, equipped with a CCS Type-2 connector for DC-fast charging and Mennekes for Level-2 and Level-1 charging. Moving to the rear, the distinctive penguin head design endures, now featuring an added EV badge. In concurrence with Saumil Shah from Autocar India, the XUV400 exhibits improved proportionality, especially evident at the rear in comparison to the XUV300, presenting a polished finish.  

Interior

The interior undergoes a comprehensive transformation, featuring a new black-ivory dual-tone dashboard, a 10.25” touchscreen, fully digital dials, and a freshly designed steering wheel borrowed from the XUV700. The introduction of the dual-tone color scheme, a thoughtful initiative by Mahindra, contributes to an enhanced sense of space within the cabin. At the helm, the 10.25” unit atop the dashboard operates on the well-known Adrenox UI from the XUV700. This system will have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, accompanied by Alexa voice assistance through an over-the-air update. Mahindra's decision to incorporate physical buttons and a volume control knob for the infotainment screen enhances ease of use while on the move. The new classic inverted trapezoidal design AC vents below the touchscreen contributes to a cleaner aesthetic compared to its predecessor. The top-spec EL Pro trim introduces dual-zone climate control, featuring a small LCD display for temperature readouts and blower speed. Charging amenities include two USB ports, a wireless charging pad below the air con controls. There is a brand-new steering wheel familiar in design from the XUV700, adorned with a copper-colored twin peaks logo outlined in blue. The introduction of a customizable fully digital instrument cluster adds a contemporary touch, distinguishing it from the analog dials in the previous model. Despite maintaining unchanged dimensions, the rear space remains a notable strength. Mahindra addresses comfort with the inclusion of dedicated vents between the front seats, particularly beneficial in warmer climates.

The comprehensive upgrade extends to additional features, encompassing dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera with guidelines, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a wireless charging pad, rear AC vents, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights. While it may not directly match up with the updated Nexon.ev, the XUV400 presents a more appealing proposition than its predecessor. 

Hardware, and Powertrain

The XUV400 continues to offer two battery pack options from the previous car, with capacities of 34.5kWh and 39.4kWh employing NMC cells sourced from LG Chem with a pack voltage of 350V. The 39.4kWh battery pack boasts a stated range of 456 kilometers, whereas the 34.5kWh battery pack offers 375 kilometers, as per the MIDC (Modified Indian Driving Cycle) protocol. Actual range in real-world conditions will vary, influenced by driving habits, and weather dynamics. Despite Mahindra's silence on the cell type, its performance and capabilities remain noteworthy. The XUV400 retains the motor from its predecessor, delivering a robust 150hp and 310 Nm of torque. This maintains its strong performance, showcasing a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 8.3 seconds—more than sufficient for city usage where the XUV400 will be primarily used.

With peak DC-fast charging speeds of 50kW, the XUV400 Pro achieves an 80% state of charge in 50 minutes. An 80% top-up will be more than sufficient for most cases, and we recommend an 80% top-up for NMC cells to help extend the battery pack’s service life. Additionally, a 0-100% top-up on a 3.3kW wallbox charger takes 13.5 hours, while on a 7.2kW charger, it takes 6.5 hours. The XUV400 Pro comes standard with a 3.3kW wallbox charger on the EC Pro variant, while the EL Pro variant gets a 7.2kW wallbox charger as standard. Mahindra's decision to provide a single charge time without specifying for each battery pack is a notable aspect that could give users an insight into its charging stats of both the battery packs. 

Summary

In conclusion, the Mahindra XUV400 Pro emerges as a formidable contender, leveraging its established strengths- mid-size SUV size and performance, while addressing the need for more tech. While the competition has raised the bar, the XUV400 Pro positions itself as a compelling choice in the ever-evolving electric vehicle market.

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