I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of ₹25 lakh on-road for an EV and ₹20 lakh on-road for a petrol car. I am considering petrol expenses of around ₹5 lakh. I am confused between the Sierra and the 9S. Please advise.

Asked by: Rikkin

The Tata Sierra engine worth going for is the 1.5-litre turbocharged one, but that is outside the budget you’ve mentioned. At this price point, you’ll have to make do with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which puts out 105hp. The performance is smooth and linear, but it isn’t very exciting.

Instead, we recommend the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack One Above 79kWh. Its claimed range of 521km (with an expected real-world range of around 420km) is sufficient for daily usage, and the fast-charging capability ensures highway trips are not stressful. It also delivers strong performance, a comfortable ride, well-weighted steering, and an overall enjoyable driving experience, with enough space for family and friends to travel comfortably.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra XEV 9S

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Autocar India Team

Dec 25, 2025

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