Until now, India’s most popular EV car was Tata Nexon, but now Mahindra XUV400 has been launched, and people are wondering if the most popular EV car in India has finally got some competition.
At this point, Tata Nexon needs no introduction. It has taken over the EV market in India single-handedly. And that is not just because it was the only one present when it was needed, but because of the features it provided. Now, with the introduction of Max, with a better-performing battery and longer ranger, it would take a lot to beat this.
Launching the XUV400 was long overdue, and this promising car can give healthy competition to Tata Nexon. Mahindra has come to expertise in this area as they were the first one to introduce the first generation of electric cars in India.
XUV400 has a nearly identical formula to the Nexon. Both cars are compact and have almost similar charging capacities and near-identical batteries; their power outputs are also similar, and after a price cut by Tata Motors, their prices are the same.
So without any delay, let’s check out their performance and features to figure out now if Mahindra XUV 400 can take over Nexon’s market in India.
Tata Nexon and Madindra XUV400 use the same body frame, but Nexon is 3993 mm long, and XUV400 IS 4.2 meters long. The added 200 mm is noticeable, and there are some other differences.
XUV4000 has a lower air dam and no fog lamps; the added length gives it a three-dimensional look.
The added length of XUV400 gives a better boot space, and since the extension is entirely at the rear axle, it has all gone into the boot and has grown from 121 to 378 L, which is almost 28L more than Nexon. But Nexon has the added advantage of a lower-loading lip.
The rear seat of the XUV400 is flawed because of the flat cushioning, using of elastic bands to hold them in place, and no charging point at the back and no AC vent at the rear seat.
The cabin width of Nexon is down, but the seat is contoured into two individual seats, and the headroom is similar to the XUV400, but the knee room is a little constrained but not uncomfortable. Nexon has no seatback storage, while Mahindra XUV400 has.
Mahindra’s 150Hp is higher than Nexon’s 143Hp, but Nexon has outgunned XUV400 with its 250Nm to 310Nm. There is not much difference in their performance, and it has been seen in test runs that XUV400 is just half a second faster in reaching 100kph.
Braking and acceleration are quite similar in both cars and in Nexon, you will get a measured response on tapping the break but instantly, with a better brake blending system. Mahindra has a slightly improved braking system than Nexon.
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Equipment List | Tata Nexon | Mahindra XUV |
---|---|---|
Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
Regen Modes | Yes | Yes |
Touchscreen | 7 Inch | 7 Inch |
Auto climate control | Yes | NA |
Wireless phone charger | Yes | NA |
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | Yes/Yes | Yes/NA |
Drive Modes | Yes | Yes |
Wiper & auto headlamps | Yes | Yes |
Ventilated front seats | Yes | NA |
Airbags | 2 | 6 |
Night/Day rear-view mirror | Auto-dimming | Manual |
Wireless phone charger | Yes | NA |
Connected car tech | Yes | Yes |
Leatherette upholstery | Yes | Yes |
Tyre pressure monitor | Yes | NA |
Auto Hold, ESC, HSA, TCS | Yes | NA |
Electronic parking brake | Yes | NA |
Digital instrument screen | Partial | NA |
The Mahindra XUV400 has the obvious advantage because of its added space over Tata Nexon, with a larger boot as well. It also has a stronger performance, but once you get on an uneven road and pace up, it will bounce a lot. With time the needle moves towards the Nexon EV.
Nexon EV has a lot more equipment than Mahindra XUV400. It has charging points and AC vents at the rear seat, which XUV400 lacks. It also lacks independent regen adjustment, a helpful feature of Nexon. But XUV400 lacks traction control which gives it away to the Nexon. So according to EV Authority, ata Nexon is a better pick than Mahindra XUv400.
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