The Indian EV market is buzzing with excitement as electric SUVs become increasingly popular for their eco-friendly credentials and low running costs. The Tata Nexon EV, India’s best-selling electric SUV, faces stiff competition from the Mahindra XUV400 EV, a spacious and powerful contender. Both vehicles cater to families and urban commuters, offering a blend of practicality, modern technology, and competitive pricing. With recent updates enhancing their appeal, this article compares the 2025 Tata Nexon EV (Long Range) and Mahindra XUV400 EV (EL Pro) across key parameters to determine which one deserves your money.
Design and Dimensions
Tata Nexon EV
The Tata Nexon EV sports a futuristic and modern design, especially after its 2023 facelift. Its sleek LED light bar, split headlamp setup, and sequential turn indicators give it a premium and contemporary look. The compact dimensions—3,995 mm in length, 1,804 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height—make it ideal for navigating tight city streets. The Nexon EV’s coupe-like roofline and stylish 16-inch alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication, while the connected LED tail-lamps and V-shaped rear light bar enhance its visual appeal. The design aligns closely with other Tata EVs like the Punch EV and Curvv EV, creating a cohesive brand identity.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
The Mahindra XUV400 EV, based on the XUV300 but extended to 4,200 mm in length, exudes a more traditional SUV stance. Its larger dimensions—1,821 mm wide and 1,634 mm tall—give it a commanding road presence. The copper accents on the logo, door claddings, and roof add flair, though the design feels slightly dated compared to the Nexon EV’s sharper aesthetics. The XUV400’s blocky, muscular silhouette and faux silver skid plates appeal to buyers seeking a rugged look. However, its halogen headlights (on lower trims) and lack of connected lighting make it less modern than the Nexon EV.
Verdict
The Nexon EV wins in the design department with its sleek, futuristic styling and premium lighting elements. The XUV400’s larger size and bold stance appeal to those prioritizing presence over polish, but its design lacks the Nexon’s modern edge.
Interior and Comfort
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon EV’s interior is a highlight, featuring a premium two-tone dashboard, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. The two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo adds a touch of class. Ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger enhance comfort. However, the rear seat is contoured for two passengers, making it less ideal for three adults. The 382-litre boot is sufficient for weekend trips but trails the XUV400 in capacity. Fit and finish have improved, but some plastic elements could be better.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
The XUV400’s 2024 update introduced a refreshed interior with a dual-tone black and beige theme, replacing the dated all-black cabin. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital driver’s display are responsive and feature-packed, though the interface is simpler than the Nexon’s. The XUV400 excels in space, with a wider cabin and a 102 mm longer wheelbase (2,600 mm vs. 2,498 mm), making it more comfortable for three rear passengers. Rear AC vents and charging ports were added in 2024, addressing previous shortcomings. The 378-litre boot is slightly smaller than claimed figures suggest, and the lack of a parcel shelf is a minor drawback.
Verdict
The XUV400 takes the lead for interior space and rear-seat comfort, ideal for families. The Nexon EV counters with a more premium cabin, better front-seat comfort, and a tech-heavy interface, appealing to tech-savvy buyers.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon EV Long Range features a 45 kWh battery, delivering 148 bhp and 215 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed range of 489 km, with real-world tests yielding 299–350 km depending on conditions. The Nexon EV has three drive modes—Eco, City, and Sport—with adjustable regenerative braking via paddle shifters. Its suspension is firmer, offering better handling and stability on highways but feeling lumpy at low speeds. The steering is precise, making it fun to drive in corners, though it lacks the reach adjustment found in some rivals. Acceleration from 0–100 kmph takes around 9.2 seconds.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
The XUV400 EL Pro uses a 39.4 kWh battery, producing 148 bhp but a higher 310 Nm of torque, enabling a quicker 0–100 kmph sprint in 8.3 seconds. Its claimed range is 456 km, with real-world figures around 289–350 km. The XUV400’s drive modes—Fun, Fast, and Fearless—tie regenerative braking to performance, with an L mode for one-pedal driving. Its softer suspension excels in city comfort, absorbing bumps well, but it feels bouncy at high speeds with noticeable body roll. The light steering requires constant corrections, reducing highway confidence.
Verdict
The XUV400 edges out slightly in performance due to its higher torque and faster acceleration. However, the Nexon EV’s sharper handling and adjustable regen make it more engaging to drive, especially on highways.
Range and Charging
Tata Nexon EV
With a 45 kWh battery, the Nexon EV claims a 489 km range, though real-world tests show 299 km in mixed conditions and up to 350 km in city driving. It supports 50 kW DC fast charging (10–80% in 56 minutes) and 7.2 kW AC charging (6 hours for 0–100%). The Nexon EV’s unique vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities allow it to charge other EVs or power appliances, adding versatility.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
The XUV400’s 39.4 kWh battery offers a 456 km claimed range, with real-world results of 289–350 km. It charges slightly faster than the Nexon EV, taking 50 minutes for 10–80% with a 50 kW DC charger and 6.5 hours with a 7.2 kW AC charger. Unlike the Nexon, it lacks V2V/V2L features. The XUV400’s range management is efficient, with speed restrictions at low battery levels to maximize distance.
Verdict
The Nexon EV offers a slightly longer claimed and real-world range, plus innovative V2V/V2L features. The XUV400 charges faster but falls short in range and lacks bidirectional charging.
Features and Technology
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon EV is a tech powerhouse, boasting a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Arcade.ev for gaming and streaming, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and a 9-speaker JBL sound system. Other highlights include a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, and a “Hey Tata” voice assistant compatible with Alexa, Google, and Siri. The 10.25-inch digital cluster displays navigation and regen data, though minor software glitches have been reported.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
The XUV400’s 2024 update added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with over 55 connected car features via Adrenox, dual-zone climate control, and a 6-speaker sound system. It supports wireless smartphone connectivity (with Android Auto OTA updates pending). However, it lacks advanced features like a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, or a premium audio system, making it less tech-forward than the Nexon EV.
Verdict
The Nexon EV dominates with its extensive feature list and cutting-edge tech, while the XUV400 offers a solid but less comprehensive package.
Safety
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon EV comes with 6 airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability program (ESP), all-disc brakes, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Features like blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold enhance safety. Its robust build and Tata’s safety reputation add confidence.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
The XUV400 EL Pro offers 6 airbags, ESP, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and all-disc brakes, but lower trims get only 2 airbags. It has a rearview camera and hill-hold assist but misses advanced features like a 360-degree camera. Mahindra’s safety credentials are strong, but no Bharat NCAP rating is available yet.
Verdict
The Nexon EV takes the lead with standard 6 airbags, advanced safety tech, and a proven 5-star rating, while the XUV400 is competitive but less comprehensive.
Pricing and Value
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon EV (Long Range) ranges from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom). Its lower starting price and extensive features make it a value-for-money option, though top variants are pricier than the XUV400.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
The XUV400 EL Pro is priced between Rs 15.49 lakh and Rs 17.69 lakh (ex-showroom), making it more affordable at the top end. Its lower feature count balances the price advantage.
Verdict
The Nexon EV offers better value for tech enthusiasts, while the XUV400 is a budget-friendly choice for those prioritizing space and performance.
Practicality and Ownership
Both SUVs are practical for urban and intercity use, with ground clearances (208 mm for Nexon EV, 200 mm for XUV400) suitable for Indian roads. The XUV400’s larger cabin and boot make it better for families, while the Nexon EV’s compact size aids parking. Tata’s widespread service network and proven EV reliability give it an edge in ownership experience, though Mahindra’s service reach is also robust.
In Summary
The Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV are formidable contenders in India’s electric SUV market, each with distinct strengths. The Nexon EV shines with its modern design, feature-rich cabin, superior handling, and innovative V2V/V2L capabilities. Its 5-star safety rating and slightly longer range make it ideal for tech-savvy buyers and highway drivers. The XUV400 EV counters with a spacious cabin, punchy performance, faster charging, and a lower top-end price, appealing to families and budget-conscious buyers.
If you prioritize features, safety, and a premium experience, the Tata Nexon EV is the better choice. For those seeking space, comfort, and raw performance on a budget, the Mahindra XUV400 EV is the winner. Your decision depends on whether you value tech and refinement or space and affordability.