The long wait for the Mahindra XUV 9e and BE 6e born-electric SUVs has finally ended, as the indigenous automaker unveiled both models at an event in Chennai. The starting price of the new Mahindra BE 6e is Rs 18.90 lakh, while the XUV 9e comes with a starting price of Rs 21.90 lakh. These prices, applicable to the base variant called “Pack 1,” are introductory and ex-showroom India.
The complete price list for both EVs will be revealed at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show in January. Deliveries are slated to begin by the end of February or early March 2025. Both EVs are built on Mahindra’s all-new modular INGLO platform and come with a compact “three-in-one powertrain,” which includes an electric motor, an inverter, and a transmission.
Mahindra BE 6e – Battery, Range, Power
The new Mahindra electric SUV comes with two battery packs – 59kWh and 79kWh – using LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry. These batteries are enhanced with BYD’s blade cell technology and the compact “three-in-one powertrain,” consisting of a motor, an inverter, and the transmission. The Pack 1 variant is offered with the smaller 59kWh battery, delivering a maximum power of 228bhp and 380Nm of torque. The higher variants come with the larger 79kWh battery, offering 281bhp and 380Nm of torque.
The BE 6e SUV is significantly more powerful than Tata’s Curvv EV, which is available with 147bhp/215Nm (45kWh) and 165bhp/215Nm (55kWh) front-axle-mounted electric motors. The Mahindra XUV 9e and BE 6e have a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. The carmaker claims that the EVs’ batteries can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using fast charging of up to 175kW DC. An 11.2kW AC charger and a 7.3kWh charger are available as standard but are chargeable.
The carmaker also claims that the higher trim of the BE 6e, equipped with the 79kWh battery, can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The BE 9e is equipped with features like a semi-active suspension system, electric power steering with variable gear ratios, regenerative braking, brake-by-wire technology, and all four disc brakes. There are three driving modes – Range, Everyday, and Race. The range of the larger battery pack is claimed to be 628km (ARAI-certified) and 550km (WLTP cycle). The company is offering a lifetime warranty on the battery pack.
Interior and Features
The Mahindra BE 6e features a cockpit-like interior with a dual 12.3-inch screen setup and a floating wraparound element. The unit runs on the new MAIA software with 30+ pre-installed apps. It’s the first car in its segment to feature an augmented reality HUD (head-up display). The electric SUV also comes with a twin-spoke steering wheel bearing an illuminated Mahindra BE logo, a rotary dial for drive modes, a floating center console with an aircraft thrust-lever-style drive mode selector, a large panoramic sunroof with integrated multi-color lighting patterns and laminated glass, auto park assist, ambient lighting, 5G connectivity with in-built Wi-Fi, an in-car camera, an electronic parking brake, and a wireless charging pad.
Another unique feature is the aircraft-like control panel for sunroof controls, roof-mounted lighting, and distinctively designed interior door handles. For entertainment, the SUV boasts 16 high-performance speakers, a 15-channel amplifier, and a 1400-watt Mahindra Sonic Studio with QLI and Dolby Atmos. Additionally, the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) feature allows passengers in the rear seat to plug in external devices and stream desired content. On the safety front, the Mahindra BE 6e offers seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a Level 2 ADAS suite.
Design and Dimensions
Dimensionally, the Mahindra BE 6e measures 4,371mm in length, 1,907mm in width, and 1,627mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,775mm. The electric SUV is equipped with 19-inch aero-optimized wheels with 245/55 section tires, and an option for larger 245/50 20-inch wheels is also available. The EV has a ground clearance of 207mm and a turning radius of less than 10 meters. Boot capacity stands at 455 liters, with an additional 45 liters in the frunk.
The production-ready BE 6e remains true to its concept design, with only a few changes. The SUV features an angular bonnet with an illuminated BE logo. Up front, it sports horizontally stacked LED projector headlamps, C-shaped LED DRLs connected via a light bar, a silver skid plate, and a black bumper with LED fog lamps. Other design highlights include thick gloss black cladding around the prominent wheel arches, full-width wraparound LED taillamps, a two-part split spoiler, a coupe-like roofline, a sporty rear bumper, and a wraparound glasshouse at the rear, enhancing its futuristic appeal.
