India’s mainstream EV market now has two clear front runners in the compact SUV space. Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV. Both promise practical range, city friendly size, and the comfort features Indian families want. If you are planning an electric upgrade in 2025, this deep dive compares design, cabin experience, performance, battery and range, charging hardware, safety, pricing, and everyday usability to help you decide with confidence.
Quick Summary
Item |
Tata Nexon EV |
Mahindra XUV400 EV |
|---|---|---|
Body style |
Compact SUV with coupe inspired surfacing |
Compact SUV derived from XUV300 with EV accents |
Battery and range* |
Long Range variant quoted at 60 kWh with about 465 to 470 km claimed range |
About 39.4 kWh pack with about 456 km claimed range |
Fast charging* |
10 to 80 percent in about 50 minutes on a compatible DC fast charger |
10 to 100 percent in about 60 minutes on a compatible DC fast charger |
Cabin highlights |
10.25 inch touchscreen, digital cluster, ventilated seats, wireless charging |
Large touchscreen, connected features, dual zone climate control |
Safety |
Six airbags, ESP, rear camera, driver assists by variant |
Six airbags, ESP, rear camera, driver assists by variant |
Price band** |
About ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh ex showroom |
About ₹14.5 lakh to ₹19 lakh ex showroom |
Official sites |
Design and Road Presence
Tata Nexon EV
The refreshed Nexon EV leans into modernity. A sleek light signature, sharper LED headlamps, and a cleaner closed grille area emphasize its electric identity. The body surfacing is taut and youthful, with strong character lines that add width and stance. From most angles, the Nexon looks like a new age EV rather than an ICE conversion, which will appeal to buyers who want a future facing aesthetic.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
XUV400 EV inherits the robust proportions of the XUV300 and adds copper and blue accents to signal electrification. The upright stance, confident bonnet, and classic SUV cues give it a tough road presence. It feels familiar and reassuring to those who like traditional SUV lines but want to go electric. In side profile, the XUV400 reads as a practical, no nonsense compact SUV.
Verdict on looks
Nexon EV feels more modern and tech forward. XUV400 EV looks sturdy and conventional. Choose based on whether you prefer a contemporary EV statement or an old school SUV vibe with EV touches.
Interior Experience and Features
Nexon EV cabin
The layout is clean and minimal, centered around a sharp 10.25 inch infotainment screen paired with a digital instrument cluster. Materials and color palettes feel youthful without being flashy. Ventilated front seats and wireless charging ease daily life in hot urban climates. The steering and switchgear have a crisp, premium tactility. Seating position is commanding, visibility is good, and storage spaces are thoughtfully placed.
XUV400 EV cabin
Mahindra offers a big screen, connected car tech, and dual zone climate control on higher variants. The dashboard feels familiar to XUV300 owners, which makes the learning curve easy. The color accents lift the ambience and the seats are supportive for long commutes. The overall theme is practical and robust, with the right tech in the places you use most.
Verdict on features
Both deliver essential comfort and connectivity. Nexon EV has the edge for ventilated seats, wireless charging, and the cohesive new age UI. XUV400 EV counters with dual zone climate and a straightforward, user friendly interface.
Battery, Range, and Real World Usability
- Tata Nexon EV Long Range
Quoted at about 60 kWh with a claimed range near 465 to 470 km. The larger pack gives more buffer for highway sprints and summer AC usage. Daily users who drive 40 to 60 km will likely charge less frequently. - Mahindra XUV400 EV
About 39.4 kWh with a claimed range near 456 km. Despite the smaller battery, the quoted figure is competitive. Urban users who primarily do short hops should find it adequate, with occasional top ups before longer trips.
On the road
Both deliver smooth, linear acceleration typical of EVs. The Nexon EV often feels marginally more efficient and polished in power delivery, which adds to the perception of refinement. The XUV400 EV feels eager and confident, with a predictable throttle map that is easy to modulate in traffic.
Charging Hardware and Time
- Nexon EV
The stated fast charge window is 10 to 80 percent in about 50 minutes on a suitable DC charger. This is a convenient coffee and stretch break on a highway run. - XUV400 EV
The reported DC fast charge time is about 60 minutes to 100 percent on compatible hardware. That longer full top up can be helpful if your end destination has limited charging.
Home charging tip
Install a 7 kW AC wallbox where possible. Overnight charging will comfortably cover a typical week of commutes for most owners. Public DC fast charging is best used for intercity travel or unexpected schedule changes.
Performance and Driving Character
- Nexon EV
Steering is light in the city and gains confidence at speed. Ride quality is absorbent, and cabin isolation is calm for this class. Regenerative braking feels natural once you acclimate to it, making one pedal style driving pleasant in dense traffic. - XUV400 EV
The chassis feels planted, with a slightly more traditional SUV feedback through the wheel. It is easy to place in city lanes and remains composed on expressways. Power delivery is steady and confidence inspiring for new EV drivers.
Verdict on driving feel
Nexon EV tilts toward polished and techy. XUV400 EV tilts toward robust and familiar. Both will keep a family comfortable across city and highway duty.
Safety and Driver Assistance
- Six airbags, electronic stability control, and rear parking camera are available across the ranges.
- Driver assistance features vary by variant. Basic aids intended to reduce fatigue and aid parking are present on both lineups.
- Body structures are engineered with safety as a priority and both nameplates have strong safety reputations in their ICE counterparts.
Takeaway
In everyday use, both SUVs cover the core safety hardware well. Always verify the exact feature list on your chosen variant before booking.
Pricing and Value
- Tata Nexon EV
About ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh ex showroom depending on variant and incentives. - Mahindra XUV400 EV
About ₹14.5 lakh to ₹19 lakh ex showroom depending on variant and schemes.
Ownership lens
Nexon EV often commands a slight premium for its larger battery option and feature mix. XUV400 EV positions itself as competitive value with a robust package at a marginally lower entry point. Factor in local incentives, exchange bonuses, and charging installation costs to see your true net outlay.
Which One Should You Buy
- Pick Tata Nexon EV if
You want the most contemporary design, a cohesive new age cabin, slightly stronger range headroom in the Long Range variant, and tech touches like ventilated seats and wireless charging. - Pick Mahindra XUV400 EV if
You prefer a traditional SUV stance, want a practical and sturdy feel, and appreciate a value leaning price ladder that still packs the essentials.
There is no wrong choice here. The better EV is the one that aligns with your commute pattern, charging access, feature priorities, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which has the longer claimed range
A. The Nexon EV Long Range quotes about 465 to 470 km. XUV400 EV quotes about 456 km. Real world range varies by traffic, climate, driving style, and load.
Q2. Which charges faster on DC fast chargers
A. Nexon EV is stated at about 50 minutes from 10 to 80 percent. XUV400 EV is stated at about 60 minutes to full. Actual times depend on charger rating and battery temperature.
Q3. Which is more comfortable for families
A. Both ride well. Nexon EV feels a shade more refined and offers ventilated seats on select trims. XUV400 EV offers dual zone climate control and a familiar, practical cabin.
Q4. Do both support home charging
A. Yes. A 7 kW AC wallbox is recommended for predictable overnight top ups.
Q5. Which feels sportier to drive
A. Both are quick off the line. Nexon EV feels a touch more polished in power delivery. XUV400 EV feels planted and reassuring with classic SUV feedback.
Q6. What about maintenance costs
A. EVs generally have lower routine service costs than ICE vehicles due to fewer moving parts. Tyres, brake fluid, and cabin filters remain periodic expenses.
Q7. Which offers better value
A. XUV400 EV often starts lower on the price ladder. Nexon EV may justify its premium with feature richness and range headroom. The best value is the variant that meets your needs without paid extras you will not use.
Q8. Where can I check official specifications and variants
A. Visit the official Tata and Mahindra EV pages linked below.
Official Sites
- Tata Passenger Electric Mobility: https://ev.tatamotors.com
- Mahindra XUV400 EV: https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/xuv400
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