The Mahindra XEV 9e has been hogging the headlines with its 200 km/h top speed, which is very high for an electric SUV in the Indian market. There is much talk about this high speed capability as proof of the vehicle and the engineering employed in the vehicle. But, others wonder how practical a top speed so high is in a country where the maximum speed limit on most highways is 120 km/h. But the debate is not just about legal considerations, it’s one of safety, battery efficiency, and whether such performance metrics are really needed for everyday driving. To some, it is a proud pitch for the car's high top speed while to others it is an indication of the overall quality (and capability) of the vehicle. This discussion fits into broader questions about the trade offs between performance, practicality and safety in modern vehicle design, particularly in emerging markets such as India.