Mahindra has packaged in a new drive mode on the XEV 9S electric SUV in response to media feedback regarding suspension settings. We at Autocar India had highlighted the softness of the Pack Three trim’s semi-active suspension in our first drive review observing ‘on gently undulating tarmac a constant vertical movement becomes quite apparent and can get disconcerting as speeds rise. The firmer damping in Race mode reduces this and better controls this vertical body movement.’
- Mahindra XEV 9S gets new ‘Custom’ drive mode
- New mode allows for individual setting for powertrain, steering, suspension
Mahindra has made amends with a new ‘Custom’ drive mode that allows individual settings for the powertrain, steering, suspension and climate system. In effect, drivers have the option to mix and match settings for the different parameters. For instance, it is now possible to keep the powertrain and steering in relaxed Comfort mode with the suspension in firmer Race mode.
The new Custom mode is in addition to Default, Everyday, Range and Race modes that were part of the package on pre-production test cars that we reviewed. Do note, this update is only on XEV 9S Pack Three trim versions that use semi-active dampers and not on the Pack One and Pack Two that use passive damping.
The new drive mode is a factory inclusion on the production model, customer deliveries for which commenced on January 26. We will drive the production-spec XEV 9S in the coming days and will update the review with our findings.
