I finally managed to test drive both the BE6 and the XEV 9E – and I have to say, âHats Off Mahindra and Mahindraâ – both the cars are truly outstanding.
BHPian Hayek recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
First the BE6. It looked great in the pictures, and even more drool worthy in real life. If ever there was an India car worthy of the monicker â6Eâ, this is it!
You sit down in the driverâs seat and the car genuinely seems built around you. My test drive unfortunately was a short 5 km spin on Marine Drive – not even the entire length. But the car seemed great to drive – zero body roll, going exactly where you wanted it, and fantastic power even in Everyday mode. The regeneration implementation was outstanding too – as good as that in the Ioniq 5. The only negative was the wheel spin and squeal when you accelerated quickly. A similar squeal was heard while braking – and not extreme braking – just normal everyday 80-20 deceleration. The SA claimed it was because it is a powerful rear wheel drive – I didnât buy that; but the car seems extremely under-tired relative to the power it puts out. It clearly deserves better tyres than the 245/55 R19 Goodyears it was shod with. But that is a minor quibble – as a driverâs car, this is far better than what I had imagined even after seeing and reading all the reviews.
However, the rear seat is a joke. Despite the warnings, I hit my head the first time I got in – and hit my head again despite trying to avoid it the next time (yes, I need to work on my flexibility – but am sure there will be people fatter and less flexible than me). And rear seat knee room was atrocious – my knees dug into the driverâs seat behind my driving position (and I am just 5â10â).
Boot space was atrocious as well – so think this is a really a European style hot hatch and wonder how many Indians will ultimately buy it.
Next the XEV 9E. If Mahindra planned their strategy as draw them in with the BE6, and sell the XEV 9E, I think it will work. While not as 6E as the BE6, it looks much better in real life than it does in pictures.
The front seat is nice – with a seating position very similar to that in my X3. You donât feel the extra bulk of the car even while driving it immediately after the BE6. Power delivery is great, interiors are fantastic, the frunk is huge, and boot even if it didnât look 650 l is extremely deep (but not very tall). I found the same issue with the squeal on launch and braking as in the BE6. But more positively, like in the BE6, body roll was negligible – not as planted as an X3, but great compared to most crossovers of similar size. This car will certainly be in our consideration set for the next purchase in a couple of years.
Once again, Hats Off Mahindra!!!
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
