The XUV400 EL Pro brings a zest of electrification!
Mahindra has launched the EL Pro version of its popular XUV400 EV. With the new version, there come a host of changes including new features, better interiors and a whole lot more! With all these changes, it demands a review from us- is it good or is it enough? Let’s find out.
Exteriors
Talking of the design, it looks handsome and classy. Mahindra has used classy copper accents to add a unique touch all over the car. The front end is smart-looking with edgy headlamps and squared-off proportions. Towards the side, it is proportionate and the strong crease over the rear wheels brings forward character. Towards the rear however is the best angle of the car. With the clear lens taillamps and a strong bodyline, it presents a muscular and sharp stance.
Interiors
Inside is where Mahindra has made the most changes. The all-new dashboard now looks a lot more up to date and the 10.25 inch touchscreen is cherry on top. The response from the unit is slick and it also contains many useful features such as wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, In-built navigation, hands-free voice control and a whole lot more! Also new is the fully-digital instrument cluster which presents the data in a smooth, yet sharp manner. The dual-tone interior theme also brings forwards a feeling of serenity and classiness to the cabin. The presence of dual-zone climate control presents as a huge relief in our tropical, hot and dry climate most of our country usually experiences adding to the calmness and peace-of-mind to tackle any obstacle in any weather.
Performance
Its motor with either battery pack makes 150hp and 310Nm of torque and it mechanically feels the same like the earlier pre-facelift variant. The car also supports 50kW DC fast charging which can top it up from 0-80% in a matter of minutes!
The 3 drive modes continue to do their job – Fun (Eco), Fast (Normal) and Fearless (Sport) – with Fun being the default setting. What’s nice is that power delivery is linear and performance feels more than adequate even in Fun mode. Incase you wish that the car sprints to glory, you will have to toggle it to Fearless mode, it goes on to hit a top speed of 160kph, however, its restricted to 90kph in Fun mode which has a positive correlation on the range.
The now-flat-bottom steering wheel weighs the least in fun mode and the most in fearless mode. However, it’s only in the fearless mode that the right weight distribution is achieved. Even though regeneration cannot be adjusted independently (unlike the competition) of the drive modes, you can shift to ‘L’ mode where regen feels strong, and the car will also come to a complete halt, without any brake pedal input. The XUV400 Pro’s suspension is tuned for comfort, and it feels soft and supple at low speeds, push the A pedal ambitiously on potholes and you could end up hearing the slight thud from the tyres. That said, the seats are genuinely comfortable like most Mahindra cars and leave you with very little room to complain about on longer drives.
Verdict
Overall, Mahindra has improved the XUV400 EL Pro by leaps and bounds. With the extended range, super fast charging capabilities and the connected features its a better package now than it ever was. Further, the electrifying performance makes sure that the driver does not feel a need ever for more power or torque. Practical, efficient, safe yet thrilling is how we would describe the updated XUV400. And I am confident most of you will too!
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