Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Two can play this game
Mahindra’s new cars are proof that it is prepared to go both futuristic and classic to charge up India’s electric motor dreams
Mahindra two new electric vehicles couldn’t be more different from each other. But both have a common mission: To redefine India’s EV landscape.
The BE 6e (meant to sound like Be Sexy) has a design that seems straight out of a sci-fi flick: Futuristic, angular lines, wide stance, flush door-handles, aerodynamically optimised wheels, trapezoidal window line, bold geometric detailing. It’s a head turner.
But it may not be to everyone’s tastes. So, Mahindra has cleverly launched the more conventional-looking XEV 9e as well. This is the electric cousin of the XUV700, but with a SUV-coupe design, illuminated accents and a dramatic-looking blanked-out grille. The BE 6e grabs more attention. Let’s dive into this model first.
The design is futuristic on the inside too. The BE 6e has sports car like cockpit, a unique halo loop and a hexagonal steering wheel. Highlights include a twin 12.3-inch screen setup and features that even most luxury cars don’t have. It offers augmented reality for its head-up display, a 360-degree camera, auto parking, and a Dolby Atmos-enabled 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The panoramic roof, with customisable ambient lighting, will be a hit with many customers, along with the on-board camera for selfies. How cool is that?
The user interface is unnecessarily complicated. Essential functions like adjusting the air-con or drive modes are multi-step processes. Mahindra is working on improving the interface before the car goes on sale in January. The mechanical side is thankfully sorted. There’s a strong electric motor driving the rear wheels, powered by two battery pack options (59 kWh and 79k Wh). With the smaller 59 kWh pack, the motor delivers 231 hp; the 79 kWh pack (which I drove) gets a big bump up to 286 hp. Race mode unlocks its full potential, achieving 0-100 kph in a claimed 6.7 seconds and 200 kph-plus top speed. This makes the BE 6e the fastest Indian-made car today. Boost mode provides a power surge for quick overtakes, while regenerative braking offers four adjustable levels, including a seamless one-pedal mode.
The ride quality is outstanding. Ground clearance of 207mm makes it practical for Indian roads. The BE 6e is for those who love to stand out, love to drive, and love the future.
For a more familiar vibe, there’s the XEV 9e, plush, with ample space for five adults. Even on bad roads, it’s so quiet that it feels like you’re gliding. A big selling point on the XEV 9e is the third screen for the front passenger, for games or videos on the move.
Both models show Mahindra’s dual approach to electrification. One redefines what’s possible; the other blends EV tech with practicality. The true shocker is the starting price of ₹18.9 lakh for the BE 6e and ₹21.9 lakh for the XEV 9e. If that doesn’t entice people to buy an EV, nothing will.
