Hey everyone, if you're an EV lover or just someone who dreams of pushing a car to its limits on a real Formula 1 circuit, buckle up—because I'm about to spill all the details on my unforgettable experience at Mahindra's Unlimit Weekend event. Held on September 20, 2025, at the iconic Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, this was no ordinary test drive. It was a chance to get behind the wheel of Mahindra's premium eSUVs, the XEV 9e and BE 6 and feel the thrill of an F1 track firsthand. As a huge fan of electric vehicles and F1 racing, this event was basically a dream come true. Let me take you through my day, from the buzz of arrival to the adrenaline-pumping laps.
I've always been passionate about EVs—they're the future of driving, right? Cleaner, quicker and just plain fun. But throw in my love for Formula 1 and Mahindra's Unlimit Weekend became a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I couldn't pass up. Driving premium eSUVs like the XEV 9e and BE 6 on an actual F1 track? Sign me up! Plus, it was a golden chance to connect with the EV community—people I've only known by name through online forums and social media. Meeting fellow enthusiasts in person added that extra layer of excitement. If you're into Mahindra EVs, F1 tracks or just high-octane adventures, events like this are where the magic happens.
The event had three time slots: 9 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. I snagged the 11 AM spot and let me tell you, the drive there was already building the hype. As I approached Greater Noida, I spotted a convoy of Mahindra BEVs zipping along—owners heading to the same place, grins plastered on their faces. The vibe at the Buddh International Circuit was electric (pun intended). It wasn't overwhelmingly crowded, but the energy was palpable.
Mahindra nailed the organization. There was a comfy lounge area for all guests, complete with tasty food to keep everyone fueled up. The highlight? Gul Panag was the chief guest—she's a total EV advocate and brought such positive energy to the opening talks. She shared her passion for sustainable driving, which really set the tone for the day.
But the real gems were the interactions. I finally met some amazing EV community members like Ankush Gugnani, Asheesh Arora, Rakesh Kaswan and Anuj Purohit. We geeked out over different OEMs, their visions for the future and all things EV industry. It was like a mini think tank—debating features, sharing tips and even swapping stories about our daily drives. We also chatted with the founders of Hopcharge, Arjun Singh and Arun Rana, diving into their experiences and brainstorming ideas. And the Mahindra staff? Super approachable. We discussed their vision and upcoming plans (though I can't spill the beans due to confidentiality—sorry, folks!). No rigid demos, just genuine conversations that made the event feel personal and community-driven.
There was even a play area for kids, which was a nice touch for families. And of course, plenty of photo ops with the cars, the track and new friends. Mingling was effortless—everyone was there for the same reason: to celebrate EVs and have a blast.
Now, the main event: driving the Mahindra XEV 9e on the Buddh International Circuit. We were handed the EVs, grouped into batches (mine was about 6 cars) and led by three expert instructors. The track is a beast—5 km of twists, turns and straightaways. We did four laps total: the first to learn the layout, where the instructor guided us on nailing those high-speed curves. Laps two and three? Full throttle mode. The fourth was a cooldown.
Holy cow, the acceleration on the XEV 9e was insane—smooth, instant torque that pinned me back in the seat. We hit a max speed of 172 kmph, even with less than 20% state of charge! Handling corners felt effortless; no scary body roll, just planted stability that inspired confidence. Braking was sharp and responsive, letting me attack the turns without drama. I was second in line behind the instructor and keeping up felt like a personal victory—especially since this was my first time on an F1 track. Some slower drivers meant occasional waits at lap ends, but that just built the anticipation.
Fun moments? Absolutely. A couple of surprises: how quiet yet powerful the EV was, zipping through straights without the usual engine roar. And the stability at high speeds blew me away—it exceeded all my expectations. After the track, I tackled the slalom course twice. First run was casual, mimicking everyday maneuvering, clocking 1:15 minutes. Second? Enthusiast mode—drifting around cones for a zippy 58.02 seconds. Mahindra was awesome about letting me do both; it really showcased the car's real-world handling and let me cut loose.
Driving on an F1 track like Buddh? At first, it was a mix of thrill and intimidation—what if I mess up? But once I buckled in, it was business as usual. The instructors used walkie-talkies for one-way guidance, which was a lifesaver for navigating those tricky corners. No two ways about it: the track elevated the whole experience. It's not every day you get to push an EV to its limits on a world-class circuit. Thrilling? 100%. Intimidating? Only for the first minute. After that, it was pure joy.
These Mahindra eSUVs are hands-down the best EVs in their price range. They pack features and driving dynamics that rival way pricier cars—not just other EVs, but even ICE vehicles. Smooth rides, top-notch build quality and that instant EV power make them standouts. Would I buy one? Absolutely, if the budget allows. They're practical for daily use yet exciting enough for track days. If you're shopping for a premium eSUV, the XEV 9e and BE 6 should be at the top of your list.
If you're on the fence about attending a similar Mahindra EV event or Unlimit Weekend, have no second thoughts—just go for it. The drive alone is worth it, but meeting other EV enthusiasts, sharing laughs and building connections? Priceless. I know folks who missed out were kicking themselves when we posted our experiences on X—they were straight-up jealous! Whether you're a Mahindra fan, EV enthusiast or F1 dreamer, this is the kind of day that sticks with you.
Have you been to an F1 track event or driven the XEV 9e/BE 6? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to hear! Safe driving, everyone!
Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training. He holds a Master's degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics and has worked in credit, retail banking, and financial stress testing at Barclays and American Express. He founded ElecTree in 2023 — building it into India's dedicated platform for 4-wheeler EV data, sales analysis, and original reporting. His work sits at the intersection of economic analysis and electric mobility — bringing a banker's rigour to a sector that deserves it.