Shopping for an electric compact SUV under ₹18 lakh? For a long time it came down to two names: the Tata Nexon EV and the Mahindra XUV400. On paper they look closely matched, with claimed ranges of 489 km and 456 km. Out on real roads, the gap is a lot bigger than that.
The Spec’d doesn’t run its own range tests, so the real-world numbers here come from Autocar India, which ran each car through its own range test and published the results. We name them wherever their figures appear.
30-Second Verdict: Which EV Goes Further?
The Verdict: The Tata Nexon EV 45 goes clearly further. In Autocar India’s real-world test it covered about 350 km on a full charge in mixed city and highway driving. The Mahindra XUV400 (39.4 kWh) managed about 251 km in Autocar India’s test. That’s roughly 100 km more between charges for the Tata.
Charging: The Nexon EV 45 also takes faster DC charging, up to 60 kW against the XUV400’s 50 kW.
Worth knowing: Mahindra has since replaced the XUV400 with the XUV 3XO EV, so if you’re buying new, that’s the Mahindra to put up against the Nexon EV now.
Spec Comparison: Claimed vs Tested
| Metric | Tata Nexon EV 45 | Mahindra XUV400 (EL Pro 39.4 kWh) |
| Battery Pack | 45 kWh | 39.4 kWh |
| Motor Output | 144 PS and 215 Nm | 150 PS and 310 Nm |
| Claimed Range (MIDC) | 489 km | 456 km |
| Real-World Range (Autocar India test) | About 350 km | About 251 km |
| City Efficiency (Autocar India test) | 7.9 km/kWh | 7.1 km/kWh |
| Highway Efficiency (Autocar India test) | 7.67 km/kWh | 5.8 km/kWh |
| Max DC Charging | 60 kW | 50 kW |
| Boot Space | 350 Litres | 368 Litres |
| Starting Ex-Showroom Price | ₹14.34 Lakh (45 kWh versions) | ₹15.49 Lakh (last listed) |
1. Range: Why the Gap Grows on the Highway
- In town: The two are closer than you’d think. Autocar India saw 7.9 km/kWh from the Nexon EV 45 and 7.1 km/kWh from the XUV400 in city traffic, where regenerative braking claws energy back at every slowdown.
- On the highway: This is where the Nexon pulls away. It held on to 7.67 km/kWh at highway speeds in Autocar India’s test, while the XUV400 dropped to 5.8 km/kWh. Add the Nexon’s bigger 45 kWh pack and it simply has more in the tank for long runs.
One thing to keep in mind: these were two separate tests on different days, not a same-day run on one route, so treat the exact gap as a guide. The direction is not in doubt.
2. Charging on the Road
- Tata Nexon EV 45: Takes up to 60 kW from a DC fast charger. Autocar India puts a 10 to 80 per cent top-up at about 48 minutes.
- Mahindra XUV400: Takes up to 50 kW. Mahindra claims 0 to 80 per cent in 50 minutes.
Both use the common CCS2 plug, so either one works at the same public fast chargers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the real-world range of the Tata Nexon EV 45?
Tata claims 489 km on the MIDC cycle. In Autocar India’s real-world test, the Nexon EV 45 covered about 350 km on a full charge in mixed city and highway driving.
What is the real-world range of the Mahindra XUV400?
Mahindra claims 456 km for the 39.4 kWh version. Autocar India got about 251 km in mixed city and highway driving.
Which electric SUV charges faster?
The Nexon EV 45. It accepts up to 60 kW of DC fast charging against the XUV400’s 50 kW.
