Mahindra has added another major achievement to its growing electric portfolio. The Mahindra XEV 9e has won the Green Car of the Year Award at the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026, one of the most respected accolades in the Indian automotive industry.
Often described as the Oscars of Indian motoring, the ICOTY awards celebrate innovation, value, and real-world usability. The XEV 9e’s victory highlights Mahindra’s strong push toward sustainable, high-performance electric mobility under its Born Electric strategy.
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Tough Competition: Beating Global and Domestic Rivals
The Green Car category at ICOTY 2026 was one of the most fiercely contested in recent years. The XEV 9e emerged on top after outperforming a strong lineup of electric vehicles from both Indian and international brands.
ICOTY 2026 – Green Car Category Results
- Winner: Mahindra XEV 9e
- Runner-up: Kia Carens Clavis EV
- Second Runner-up: BMW iX1 LWB
Other shortlisted contenders included the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Harrier EV, BYD Sealion 7, MG Cyberster, and Tesla Model Y, making the XEV 9e’s win even more significant.
Why the Mahindra XEV 9e Impressed the Jury
Built on Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO electric architecture, the XEV 9e stood out for delivering a rare mix of range, performance, technology, and pricing balance tailored for Indian conditions.
Key Technical Highlights
- Battery Options: 59 kWh and 79 kWh
- Power Output: 230 PS to 285 PS
- Peak Torque: 380 Nm
- Claimed Range: Over 500 km per charge
- Platform: INGLO Born-Electric architecture
Technology & Safety
- Triple-screen cockpit layout
- MAIA AI-powered infotainment system
- Level 2 ADAS suite
- Advanced connected-car features
The jury particularly appreciated how the XEV 9e blends premium features with everyday usability, without pushing pricing into unreachable territory.
How ICOTY Winners Are Decided
The ICOTY awards follow a transparent and stringent evaluation process.
- Jury Panel: 19 senior automotive journalists from leading Indian publications
- Scoring System:
- Each juror gets 25 points
- Points must be distributed across at least five cars
- Maximum of 10 points per single model
Evaluation Criteria
- Price and value for money
- Energy efficiency and sustainability
- Design and interior quality
- Comfort and safety
- Performance and drivability
- Technology and innovation
- Suitability for Indian road and usage conditions
The XEV 9e’s consistent scoring across all parameters ultimately secured its win.
What This Win Means for Mahindra
This victory further strengthens Mahindra’s position in India’s rapidly evolving EV space. Notably, it comes just a year after Mahindra won the overall ICOTY title with the Thar Roxx, signaling strong momentum across both ICE and electric segments.
The award was accepted by Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of Mahindra’s Automotive Division, from Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, the long-time sponsor of ICOTY.
For Mahindra, the XEV 9e’s success validates its transition from a traditional SUV brand to a serious premium electric SUV player, capable of taking on established global EV manufacturers.
