A Mahindra XEV 9e electric SUV became stranded in wet sand at Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach as the tide rose, before a modified Bolero towed it to safety.
A Mahindra XEV 9e electric SUV became stuck on Kerala’s Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach after rising tides surrounded the vehicle. A video shared on social media shows the SUV struggling to move through wet sand. A modified Mahindra Bolero eventually pulled the electric vehicle to safety using a tow rope.
What Happened to the Mahindra XEV 9e?
The footage shows the electric SUV stranded on soft sand as waves approach. Its rear wheels spin when the driver attempts to move forward, but the tyres fail to gain enough grip. As a result, the vehicle remains stuck while the sand around its wheels becomes more difficult to cross.
The rising tide then brings water closer to the SUV. The footage appears to show water reaching the vehicle’s underside, although the extent of any water entry into the cabin has not been confirmed.
A modified Mahindra Bolero later arrives to assist with the recovery. Using a thick tow rope, the older SUV pulls the XEV 9e out of the waterlogged sand.
Why Did the Mahindra XEV 9e Get Stuck?
The incident highlights the challenges of driving on soft beach sand. The XEV 9e is a road-focused electric SUV, and its weight and road-oriented tyres may make movement difficult on loose surfaces. Once the wheels lose traction, applying more power can cause them to dig deeper into the sand.
The vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive layout may also have contributed to the difficulty. However, the footage alone does not establish every factor behind the incident.
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Beach driving requires different techniques from driving on normal roads. Lower tyre pressures can increase the contact area between the tyres and sand, improving traction in suitable conditions. The exact pressure depends on the vehicle, tyres and surface, and drivers should follow appropriate guidance.
Rising Tide Adds to Beach Driving Risks
Muzhappilangad is known as a drive-in beach in Kerala, where vehicles can travel along a stretch of sand. However, beach conditions change with the tide, making it important to plan visits carefully.
Kerala Tourism advises visitors to go during low tide, when more sand is exposed. Driving too close to the waterline can leave vehicles vulnerable when the tide rises.
Saltwater exposure can also be a concern for vehicles. If seawater enters electrical components or the cabin, it may cause corrosion or other damage. The extent of any damage to the XEV 9e in this incident has not been confirmed.
Mahindra XEV 9e Battery, Range and Features
The Mahindra XEV 9e is a five-seat electric SUV built on the company’s dedicated INGLO electric vehicle platform. It is available internationally in configurations featuring 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery packs, according to the provided information.
The claimed MIDC range is around 542 km for the smaller battery and up to 650 km for the larger option. Actual driving range can vary with road conditions, driving style and other factors.
The SUV is offered in Pack One, Pack Two and Pack Three trims. Its features include a triple-screen dashboard, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connected-car functions and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. The starting price is approximately ₹21.90 lakh, ex-showroom, according to the supplied information.
What the Incident Means for Electric SUV Owners
The beach rescue serves as a reminder that electric SUVs require suitable driving conditions, just like conventional vehicles. Drivers should avoid soft sand and areas near the waterline unless local conditions and vehicle suitability have been assessed.
Owners should also avoid repeatedly accelerating when the wheels lose traction. If a vehicle becomes stranded, a safe recovery method is preferable to continued attempts to drive out.
The available footage does not confirm whether the XEV 9e suffered mechanical or electrical damage. Any assessment of the vehicle’s condition would require further information from its owner or a qualified service centre.
