The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market felt like a predictable two-horse race. On one side, you had the veteran Tata Nexon EV, and on the other, the disruptive MG Windsor with its innovative “Battery-as-a-Service” (BaaS) model. But as of February 2026, the status quo hasn’t just been shaken—it’s been completely dismantled.
The Mahindra XEV 9S, the homegrown giant’s first “Born Electric” 7-seater SUV, has officially sprinted to the top of the charts, unseating the MG Windsor to become India’s best-selling electric vehicle.
The Numbers That Silenced the Critics
When Mahindra first unveiled the XEV 9S late in 2025, skeptics wondered if a premium 7-seater could ever achieve the mass-market volumes of smaller crossovers. The February 2026 sales data has provided a resounding answer.
| Model | Feb 2026 Sales (Units) |
| Mahindra XEV 9S | 3,539 |
| MG Windsor | 2,599 |
| Tata Nexon EV | 2,410 |
In its first full month of deliveries, the XEV 9S didn’t just win; it dominated, outselling the MG Windsor by nearly 1,000 units. This performance propelled Mahindra to a staggering 96% month-on-month growth in the EV segment, closing the gap with market leader Tata Motors to a mere few hundred units.
Why the XEV 9S is Winning the “Space” Race
The MG Windsor’s success was built on its “Cloud Car” comfort and the psychological trick of a lower upfront price via BaaS. However, Mahindra identified a gap that MG and Tata missed: the authentic 7-seater electric SUV.
1. The Power of the INGLO Platform
Unlike modified petrol-to-EV conversions, the XEV 9S is built on the INGLO architecture. This allows for a completely flat floor, a massive 4,076-liter cabin volume, and “frunk” space that actually fits more than just a charging cable. For the Indian joint family, the 9S isn’t just a car; it’s a mobile living room.
2. Range Anxiety? Not with 679 Kilometers
While the MG Windsor Pro tops out at around 449 km (claimed), the XEV 9S offers a range-topping 79 kWh battery that boasts a certified range of 679 km. Even in real-world conditions, users are reporting a solid 500 km on a single charge. When you combine that with 175 kW DC fast charging—capable of 20% to 80% in 20 minutes—the “long trip” argument against EVs finally begins to evaporate.
3. The “Triple Screen” Wow Factor
Step inside the 9S, and the Windsor’s minimalist tablet feels a generation old. The Mahindra features a triple-screen setup stretching across the dashboard, powered by the “MAIA” AI engine. With Google Built-in and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos, it offers a level of digital luxury previously reserved for cars costing twice as much.
The MG Windsor: A Victim of Its Own Success?
Does this mean the MG Windsor is a failure? Far from it. With 2,599 units sold in February, it remains a formidable player. However, the Windsor’s momentum has shifted toward non-metro cities, where its affordability is a key driver.
The XEV 9S, meanwhile, has captured the imagination of the urban elite and premium buyers. At a starting price of ₹19.95 Lakh, the 9S offers a “Big SUV” status that the crossover-styled Windsor simply cannot match. In India, size and road presence still dictate the pecking order, and the XEV 9S has plenty of both.
The Road Ahead: Can Mahindra Sustain the Lead?
Mahindra currently sits on a mountain of over 93,000 pending bookings for the XEV 9S and its sibling, the XUV 7XO. The challenge now isn’t demand—it’s production.
The MG Windsor is also preparing a counter-attack with the rumored “Windsor Max” update, and Tata is readying the Harrier EV to reclaim its lost glory. But for now, the crown belongs to the “Big Boy” from Nashik. The XEV 9S has proven that Indian buyers are ready to pay a premium for an EV, provided it offers the space, tech, and “muscle” they’ve come to expect from a Mahindra.
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