Mahindra, the homegrown Indian automaker, has recently made a significant foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of two new electric SUVs – the BE 6e and the XEV 9e.
These vehicles mark the debut of Mahindra’s EV-only sub-brands, XEV and Born Electric (BE), respectively. As the Indian EV market continues to grow, these new offerings from Mahindra are poised to capture a sizable share, challenging the current market leaders.
In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e, exploring their features, specifications, and Mahindra’s bold claims about their performance and capabilities.
Debuting Mahindra’s EV-Only Sub-Brands: XEV and Born Electric (BE)
The Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e are the first models to be launched under Mahindra’s new EV-only sub-brands, Born Electric (BE) and XEV, respectively.
These sub-brands were created to focus solely on the development and production of electric vehicles, signaling Mahindra’s strong commitment to the EV revolution. The company has positioned these two SUVs as the first in a series of upcoming EVs that will be launched under these new sub-brands.
With the introduction of the BE 6e and XEV 9e, Mahindra aims to capture a significant share of the Indian electric passenger vehicle market, which is currently dominated by Tata Motors and its electric models like the Nexon EV and Punch EV.
The company’s decision to create dedicated EV sub-brands suggests its strategic focus on the growing EV segment, where it hopes to establish its presence as a leading player.
Taking on the Electric Vehicle Market: Mahindra’s Challenge to Tata Motors
With the launch of the BE 6e and XEV 9e, Mahindra is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the Indian electric passenger vehicle market, where Tata Motors currently holds the lion’s share.
Tata Motors’ Nexon EV and Punch EV have been the dominant players, enjoying strong consumer demand and popularity. However, Mahindra is aiming to disrupt this status quo with its new electric SUVs.
The BE 6e and XEV 9e are priced competitively, with the BE 6e starting at ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and the XEV 9e at ₹21.90 lakh (ex-showroom). This pricing strategy puts Mahindra’s offerings in direct competition with Tata Motors’ electric vehicles, which are priced in a similar range.
By offering feature-rich and technologically advanced electric SUVs at competitive prices, Mahindra hopes to capture the attention of consumers and gain a significant market share.
Mahindra BE 6e vs XEV 9e Pricing Comparison
While the BE 6e and XEV 9e share a wide range of components, including the INGLO platform, electric propulsion system, and battery packs, there is a notable price difference between the two models.
The Mahindra BE 6e has a starting price of ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the more affordable option among the two. In comparison, the Mahindra XEV 9e is priced at ₹21.90 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as the more premium offering.
This pricing gap reflects the differences in the features and positioning of the two electric SUVs. The XEV 9e is likely to come equipped with additional premium features and a more refined design, justifying its higher price tag.
On the other hand, the BE 6e caters to a more price-conscious segment of the market, offering a more accessible entry point into Mahindra’s electric vehicle lineup.
It’s important to note that the prices announced are for the base variants of both models, and Mahindra will introduce higher-spec variants at a later stage, further widening the price difference between the BE 6e and XEV 9e.
Specifications Breakdown: Battery Packs, Powertrain, and Performance
Both the Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e are built on the INGLO modular electric vehicle platform, which allows for a shared electric powertrain and battery pack options. The two electric SUVs are offered with a choice of two battery packs – a 59 kWh and a larger 79 kWh pack.
The 59 kWh battery pack variant of the BE 6e and XEV 9e is capable of delivering a range of 542 km and 556 km, respectively, on a single charge as per the MIDC (Modifed Indian Driving Cycle) test cycle. The more powerful 79 kWh battery pack variant is expected to be launched later and will offer even greater range capabilities.
Powering the BE 6e and XEV 9e is a single PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor that produces a peak power of 288 bhp and a maximum torque of 380 Nm. This powertrain allows the electric SUVs to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, showcasing their impressive performance characteristics.
To further enhance the driving experience, both models feature a fast-charging function that can replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes when using a 175 kW fast charger. This quick charging capability ensures convenience for owners during longer journeys.
Advanced Features in the Entry-Level Pack One Trim
Even in their base Pack One trims, the Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced features and technologies.
Both models feature a trio of 12.3-inch screens, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a passenger-side screen. These displays are powered by Mahindra’s Artificial Intelligence Architecture (MAIA), which is built on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor and boasts 6th-generation Adreno graphics, 24 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage.
The connected car technology in the BE 6e and XEV 9e offers select remote functions, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and 5G connectivity. Rear-seat passengers can also enjoy external device compatibility and a range of pre-installed apps, including OTT platforms, social media, news, and shopping apps, as well as built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant.
In terms of comfort and convenience, the electric SUVs come with features like auto climate control with rear AC vents, a cooled glove box, a 150-litre frunk, and front and rear 65W Type-C charging ports. The interiors are finished with fabric upholstery, and the second-row seats offer a 60:40 split-folding and recline function.
On the safety front, the BE 6e and XEV 9e are equipped with six airbags, rear disc brakes, brake-by-wire technology, a rear camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Additional safety features include a driver drowsiness detection system, auto headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
Six Airbags, Brake-by-Wire, and Driver Assist Technologies
When it comes to safety, Mahindra has equipped both the BE 6e and XEV 9e with a comprehensive suite of features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The electric SUVs come with six airbags, including two frontal, two side, and two curtain airbags, providing a high level of safety.
Additionally, the BE 6e and XEV 9e feature brake-by-wire technology, which offers enhanced braking performance and precision compared to traditional hydraulic braking systems. This technology helps to ensure smooth and responsive braking, even in emergency situations.
Beyond the basic safety features, Mahindra has also integrated advanced driver assist technologies in these electric SUVs. This includes a rear camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a driver drowsiness detection system.
These features work together to enhance the overall safety of the vehicle and provide added peace of mind for the driver and passengers.
MAIA: Mahindra’s Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing Automotive Technology
At the heart of the Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e lies the Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture (MAIA), a cutting-edge technology that showcases the company’s commitment to innovation in the automotive industry.
MAIA is a neural network-based machine learning program that mimics the decision-making process of the human brain. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor, 6th-generation Adreno GPU, 24 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage, MAIA is designed to be the most powerful automotive-grade intelligence system in the industry.
With advanced features like Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, and 5G connectivity, MAIA enables seamless wireless communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, and augmented reality (AR) navigation.
This sophisticated system not only enhances the overall driving experience but also paves the way for future advancements in autonomous and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
Mahindra’s bold claims about MAIA position it as a game-changer in the automotive industry, with its capabilities rivaling even the best smartphone processors on the market.
This integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology into the BE 6e and XEV 9e showcases Mahindra’s commitment to staying at the forefront of automotive innovation.
Fastest Cooling: BE 6e’s Best-in-Class Air Conditioning Performance
Mahindra has made another bold claim about the BE 6e, stating that it has the most powerful in-cabin air conditioning system among any vehicle in its class and even some luxury vehicles in higher segments.
To demonstrate this claim, Mahindra conducted a comprehensive test, evaluating how long each car took to cool the cabin from 40 to 24 degrees Celsius, with an ambient temperature of 45 degrees Celsius.
In this test, the BE 6e emerged as the clear winner, showcasing its exceptional cooling performance and ability to rapidly lower the temperature inside the cabin.
This feat is particularly impressive, given the scorching Indian summers that can often make driving an uncomfortable experience. Mahindra’s focus on providing a comfortable and refreshing in-cabin environment is a testament to its commitment to delivering a holistic and premium ownership experience with the BE 6e.
Final Words
Mahindra’s foray into the electric vehicle market with the launch of the BE 6e and XEV 9e is a significant milestone for the homegrown automaker.
These two electric SUVs, representing the company’s new EV-only sub-brands of Born Electric (BE) and XEV, are poised to challenge the current market leaders, particularly Tata Motors and its popular electric models.
As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve in India, it will be fascinating to see how Mahindra’s new offerings fare against the competition.
Rest assured, Auto Freak will be closely following the journey of the BE 6e and XEV 9e, providing you with the latest updates, insights, and in-depth reviews to help you make an informed decision.
