Quick Highlights:

  • XUV 3XO EV offers higher power and quicker acceleration than the Nexon EV
  • Nexon EV 45 kWh delivers a longer real-world driving range
  • Mahindra undercuts Tata by up to Rs 2.33 lakh in top variants
  • Nexon EV counters with premium features like V2L, V2V and ventilated seats

Introduction

Mahindra has entered the entry-level electric SUV space with the XUV 3XO EV, positioning it as an electric alternative to the ICE-powered XUV 3XO. With minimal cosmetic changes and a focus on performance and pricing, it goes head-to-head with one of India’s most established electric SUVs, the Tata Nexon EV. Here’s how the two compare on paper.

Mahindra XUV 3XO EVTata Nexon EV
Battery Capacity39.4 kWh30 / 45 kWh
Motor Power150 hp129 / 144 hp
Torque310 Nm215 Nm
Claimed Range456 km275 / 489 km
0 to 100 kmph time8.3 s9.2 / 8.9 s
7.2 kW AC Charging6.5 hr (0-100)4.3 / 6.6 hr (10-100)
50 kW DC Charging50 min (0-80)56 min (10-80)
Price (INR, Lakh)13.89 to 14.9612.49 to 17.29
XUV 3XO EV vs Nexon EV

Battery, Range and Efficiency

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is offered with a 39.4 kWh battery pack, neatly slotting between the Nexon EV’s 30 kWh and 45 kWh options.

ARAI-claimed range

  • XUV 3XO EV: Lower than Nexon EV 45 kWh by 33 km
  • Nexon EV 30 kWh: Falls short of XUV 3XO EV by 181 km

Real-world range

  • XUV 3XO EV: 285 km (claimed by Mahindra)
  • Nexon EV 45 kWh: ~350 km (tested average)

The real-world gap of 65 km is significantly smaller than what the claimed figures suggest.

Performance and Acceleration

Performance is where the XUV 3XO EV clearly pulls ahead.

  • Produces 6 hp and 95 Nm more torque than the Nexon EV 45 kWh
  • Claims a 0–100 kmph time that’s 0.6 seconds quicker

For buyers prioritising acceleration and outright performance, the Mahindra has a distinct advantage.

Charging Capabilities

Charging comparisons are slightly complicated due to differing test parameters.

AC Charging (7.2 kW)

Similar charging times, though the Nexon EV 45 kWh is marginally quicker

DC Fast Charging

  • XUV 3XO EV: 50 kW
  • Nexon EV 45 kWh: 60 kW

It’s also worth noting that Tata quotes charging times from 10 percent SoC, while Mahindra starts from 0 percent, making direct comparisons less straightforward.

Dimensions, Wheels and Practicality

Length: Nexon EV is 95 mm longer

Wheelbase: XUV 3XO EV is 102 mm longer, aiding cabin space

Ground clearance:

  • Tie between XUV 3XO EV and Nexon EV 45 kWh
  • Nexon EV 30 kWh sits higher at 205 mm

Wheels

  • XUV 3XO EV: 16-inch alloys standard, 17-inch on AX7L
  • Nexon EV: 16-inch alloys across variants

Boot and frunk

  • Nexon EV: 11.6-litre frunk
  • XUV 3XO EV: No frunk, but 14 litres more boot space, giving it slightly higher total luggage capacity

Features and Equipment

The XUV 3XO EV impresses with a strong standard feature list, including:

  • Panoramic sunroof
  • 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 6-speaker sound system
  • Dual-zone climate control

The Nexon EV counters with select premium features on higher trims:

  • Ventilated front seats
  • Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging
  • Larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen

Price and Value Proposition

Pricing is where Mahindra makes its strongest case.

Base variant

  • XUV 3XO EV is Rs 1.4 lakh more expensive than Nexon EV Creative+ MR
  • Justified with larger battery, stronger performance and more features

Top variants

  • XUV 3XO EV AX7L is Rs 2.33 lakh cheaper than Nexon EV Empowered+ A 45

One important consideration: Tata includes the AC fast charger as standard, while Mahindra charges an additional Rs 50,000 for it.

Verdict

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV emerges as a value-driven, performance-focused electric SUV, especially appealing for buyers looking at higher variants. The Tata Nexon EV, meanwhile, still holds the edge in range, charging tech and premium features, making it a solid choice for long-distance and tech-savvy users.

Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritise performance and aggressive pricing or range and added EV-specific functionality.

FAQs

Q. Which EV has better real-world range, XUV 3XO EV or Nexon EV?

  • The Nexon EV 45 kWh offers a better real-world range of around 350 km, compared to 285 km for the XUV 3XO EV.

Q. Is the XUV 3XO EV faster than the Nexon EV?

  • Yes, the XUV 3XO EV is quicker, with higher power and torque and a 0.6-second faster 0–100 kmph time.

Q. Which EV offers better value for money?

  • The XUV 3XO EV, especially in top-spec AX7L form, offers significantly better pricing with more performance-focused hardware.

Q. Does the XUV 3XO EV come with a fast charger as standard?

  • No, Mahindra charges Rs 50,000 extra for the AC fast charger, while Tata includes it with all Nexon EV variants.

Q. Which EV has more practical storage space?

  • The Nexon EV offers a frunk, but the XUV 3XO EV’s larger boot gives it slightly higher total luggage capacity overall.