Electrifying the Family Ride: Kia Carens EV, Mahindra XEV 7e, and MG M9 Poised to Revolutionize India’s MPV and SUV Segments
Delhi, India – June 22, 2025 – The electric vehicle (EV) revolution in India is accelerating, extending its reach beyond compact cars and sedans to encompass more versatile, family-oriented segments. As environmental consciousness grows and supporting infrastructure develops, the demand for spacious, three-row EVs is surging. This burgeoning market is set to witness significant new entries from prominent manufacturers, including Kia, Mahindra, and JSW MG Motor India, all vying to electrify family mobility across the nation.
1. Kia Carens EV: Pioneering India’s Electric MPV Segment
Kia, a brand that has successfully cemented its position in the Indian market with stylish and feature-rich vehicles, is poised to make a pioneering move into the electric MPV space. Following the recent introduction of the Carens Clavis – a more premium iteration of its popular MPV already lauded for its family-centric design and features – Kia is now preparing for the highly anticipated launch of the Carens EV as early as July 15, 2025. This makes it the first electric MPV in the Indian market, a strategic and bold step that underscores Kia’s commitment to leading the charge in diverse EV categories.
The Carens EV is expected to inherit the competent and spacious design of the new Carens Clavis, which offers flexible 6- and 7-seat configurations. Distinguishing it as an EV, expect subtle yet significant styling updates. Spy shots from its multiple testing appearances in India hint at a reworked front fascia, potentially a closed-off grille, and aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin is anticipated to offer a premium experience, mirroring the Clavis’s dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation, ventilated front seats, and a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite.
Underneath, the Carens EV will likely share its major powertrain components with the recently launched Hyundai Creta Electric, leveraging the robust platform synergy within the Hyundai-Kia group. The Hyundai Creta Electric offers two battery options: a 42 kWh pack with a claimed range of 390 km and a larger 51.4 kWh unit promising a claimed range of 473 km (MIDC cycle). Considering the Carens EV’s slightly larger dimensions and potential weight, a real-world range of over 400 kilometers (with some projections around 450 km for the top-spec variant) is highly anticipated. This range would make the Carens EV a practical and compelling option for both urban commutes and longer family excursions, including trips from Delhi to nearby states.
2. Mahindra XEV 7e: Electrifying the Mass-Market 7-Seater SUV
Mahindra, a stalwart in the Indian automotive landscape, particularly renowned for its SUVs, is gearing up to introduce a significant player in the electric family vehicle segment with the Mahindra XEV 7e. This electrified version of the immensely popular XUV700 is slated to go on sale by the end of 2025, marking its entry as the first mass-market 7-seater electric SUV in India. The XEV 7e is positioned as an ideal choice for family-oriented buyers, promising the XUV700’s acclaimed ample cabin space, a rich array of features, and a comfortable ride, all bundled with a zero-emission powertrain.
Built on Mahindra’s advanced INGLO skateboard platform, the XEV 7e will incorporate EV-specific design elements while retaining the commanding road presence and robust silhouette of the XUV700. Expect distinctive styling cues such as inverted L-shaped connected LED DRLs and a refreshed front end. The interior is set to offer a futuristic and premium experience, likely featuring a triple-screen setup with dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and driver information, complemented by a large co-passenger screen. High-end features like multi-zone climate control, a premium sound system (potentially from Sony, as in the XUV700), ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof are expected to be carried over or enhanced.
Performance-wise, the XEV 7e is projected to be formidable. Drawing insights from the BE.07 concept (on which the XEV 7e is based), power output figures are anticipated to be around 245 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque, ensuring a responsive and powerful drive. The vehicle is expected to offer a claimed WLTP range of 430 kilometers on a single charge, with possibilities of larger battery pack options (59kWh and 79kWh) that could extend the MIDC claimed range to over 500 km for select variants. This combination of power and range will establish the XEV 7e as a strong contender for families seeking a capable, spacious, and environmentally conscious SUV.
3. MG M9: The Ultra-Premium Electric MPV Challenger
Adding another exciting dimension to India’s electric family vehicle market is the MG M9, a premium electric MPV that JSW MG Motor India officially unveiled at the 2025 Auto Expo. With pre-bookings already underway and a launch expected in the coming months (some reports indicate July 2025), the M9 is targeted at discerning family-oriented customers who prioritize a premium and ultra-comfortable cabin experience. Once launched, the MG M9 is set to directly rival luxury MPVs like the Kia Carnival (currently priced from approximately ₹63.91 lakh ex-showroom in Delhi) and the Toyota Vellfire (starting around ₹1.41 crore ex-showroom in Delhi).
The India-spec MG M9 will come equipped with a substantial 90 kWh battery pack. This large capacity is expected to deliver a claimed WLTP range of 430 kilometers on a single charge. Power output figures for the M9 are stated to be 245 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque, mirroring the performance data of the XEV 7e, which indicates robust power delivery suitable for a vehicle of its stature.
The M9’s true appeal lies in its luxurious appointments. It is designed to offer an unparalleled cabin experience with features like reclining ottoman seats, three-zone climate control, rear entertainment screens, dual sunroofs, and power sliding rear doors for enhanced convenience. Its size is notably larger than both the Kia Carnival and Toyota Vellfire, translating into significantly more interior space and potential 7- or 8-seater configurations. The M9 will be retailed through MG’s ‘Select’ premium outlets, signaling its positioning as a high-end electric mobility solution.
The Road Ahead for Electric Families in India
The imminent arrival of the Kia Carens EV, Mahindra XEV 7e, and MG M9 signifies a pivotal moment for electric mobility in India. These vehicles are not merely electric adaptations but are purpose-built to meet the evolving demands of Indian families, who seek a harmonious blend of space, comfort, and sustainable transportation. Their launches will significantly enrich the options available in the three-row EV segment, a space that has been relatively untapped until now.
As India continues its aggressive push for EV adoption through supportive policies and expanding charging infrastructure, these new family-centric electric offerings from Kia, Mahindra, and JSW MG Motor India are perfectly timed. They represent a crucial step towards a future where electric vehicles are not just an eco-conscious choice, but also a practical, luxurious, and desirable option for families across Delhi and the entire nation. The competition among these manufacturers is set to intensify, promising a compelling future for family electric vehicles in India.