Mahindra XEV 9S Overtakes Tata Punch EV and Becomes August 2026’s Best Selling Electric Car

The Mahindra XEV 9S has taken the top spot in India’s electric car sales chart for August 2026, narrowly moving ahead of the Tata Punch EV. With 4,508 units dispatched, the electric SUV shows how quickly buyer interest is growing in larger EVs. Neu Auto takes a closer look at the August sales numbers, pricing, range, and what this result means for India’s fast changing EV market.

Mahindra Takes No. 1, But Tata Fills The Chart

The Mahindra XEV 9S took the No. 1 position in August 2026 wholesale dispatch data, but the result was incredibly close. Neu Auto reported 4,508 XEV 9S units dispatched to dealers, compared with 4,430 Tata Punch EV units. That is a difference of only 78 cars, so this was hardly a runaway win.

The bigger story is what happened behind those two models. Tata Nexon EV recorded 3,975 dispatches, while the MG Windsor reached 3,705. Tata Harrier EV also crossed 2,000 units. For Neu Auto readers, this makes August an interesting month because the EV market is no longer controlled by just one or two familiar names. New electric SUVs are now entering the sales chart and taking meaningful volumes.

How Mahindra XEV 9S Overtook Tata Punch EV

The Mahindra XEV 9S overtook Tata Punch EV because its August dispatch volume reached 4,508 units, while the Punch EV stood at 4,430. The XEV 9S also improved from 4,131 dispatches in July, giving it month on month growth of about 9.1%. Customer deliveries of the XEV 9S started in January 2026, so the model has built its volume fairly quickly.

There is an important detail here. These figures are wholesale dispatches, meaning vehicles sent to dealerships, rather than confirmed customer registrations. That distinction matters when you read an EV sales headline. A manufacturer may send more cars to dealers in one month because it expects stronger demand, while registrations can appear later. So, if you are comparing models, always check whether the source is reporting dispatches or retail registrations.

Mahindra XEV 9S Price and August Sales Data

The Mahindra XEV 9S price has changed since its original launch. Mahindra launched the electric SUV in November 2025 with a starting price of ₹19.95 lakh, ex showroom. Current listings show the starting price around ₹20.65 lakh, with higher variants costing considerably more.

Windsor Holds Strong as New EVs Spread Across the Market

The MG Windsor EV did not lead the August chart, but it remained a major volume player. Neu Auto recorded 3,705 dispatches, placing it fourth behind the XEV 9S, Punch EV and Nexon EV. Its August number was lower than its 4,511 units in August 2025, showing that the arrival of newer electric cars is creating more competition.

This is where the current EV market becomes interesting. The Tata Punch EV is a much smaller and more affordable product, while the XEV 9S is a large three row SUV. Yet both reached almost the same monthly dispatch volume. That tells you something about how quickly India’s EV customer base is splitting into different groups. You can now shop for a small city EV, a family SUV, a premium electric SUV, or a three row electric vehicle without looking at the same two or three products.

Top 10 Best Selling Electric Cars in India August 2026

The top 10 best selling electric cars in India in August 2026 show just how quickly the market is changing. Neu Auto recorded 36,593 electric passenger vehicle dispatches for the month, up from 19,792 in August 2025. The top five models alone accounted for 18,721 units.

Why Premium Electric SUVs Are Leading EV Sales in India

The rise of premium electric SUVs is one of the most interesting parts of the August data. The XEV 9S, Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e all appeared inside the upper half of the chart. Buyers who previously wanted a large petrol or diesel SUV now have more electric choices. That is helping EVs move beyond the small city car category. The XEV 9S has another advantage for family buyers: space. Mahindra describes it as a seven seat electric SUV built on the INGLO platform, while current specifications list 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh battery choices. The largest battery has a claimed 679 km range under test conditions.

Of course, claimed range is not the same as real world range. Your speed, weather, traffic, air conditioning, passenger load, and driving style can all change the result. That is why Neu Auto recommends looking at owner experiences alongside official specifications.

FAQs

How did Mahindra XEV 9S overtake Tata Punch EV?

The Mahindra XEV 9S overtook Tata Punch EV in August 2026 wholesale dispatches with 4,508 units compared with 4,430 Punch EV units. The difference was only 78 vehicles. XEV 9S dispatches also increased from 4,131 units in July, showing about 9.1% month on month growth.

Is Mahindra XEV 9e a success?

The Mahindra XEV 9e has gained meaningful customer acceptance and strong owner feedback. It recorded 2,001 wholesale dispatches in August 2026, while Neu Auto’s current user review page lists a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 25 ratings and 24 reviews.

Which is better, the Tata Harrier EV or the Mahindra XEV 9S?

The answer depends on what you need. The XEV 9S offers up to seven seats and Rear Wheel Drive, while the Tata Harrier EV offers an All Wheel Drive configuration. Compare the exact variants, seating needs, range, charging setup, and price before choosing.

Has the Mahindra XEV 9S price increased?

Yes. Mahindra launched the XEV 9S at ₹19.95 lakh ex showroom in November 2025. Current listings show the starting price around ₹20.65 lakh, and CarWale reported a price hike of up to ₹70,000 in July 2026.

What is the Mahindra XEV 9S range?

The Mahindra XEV 9S has three battery options. The 59 kWh version has a claimed 521 km range, the 70 kWh version has a claimed 600 km range, and the 79 kWh version has a claimed 679 km range. Actual range will vary with traffic, speed, weather, passengers, and driving style.

Is Mahindra XEV 9S a good family electric SUV?

The XEV 9S is designed as a three row electric SUV and can seat up to seven people, making it relevant for larger families. Owner reviews also highlight comfort, performance, and styling. Before buying, you should test the third row, check luggage space, and confirm that your home and regular highway routes support convenient charging.