As someone who’s passionate about cars and the future of driving, I’m thrilled to share everything you need to know about the Mahindra BE 6, India’s first born-electric SUV from Mahindra. Launched in November 2024, this coupe-style SUV is a game-changer in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Built on the INGLO platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles, the Mahindra BE 6 combines bold styling, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance. In this article, I’ll walk you through its design, features, performance, safety, and how it stacks up against competitors, all in simple English. Let’s get started!
Introduction to the Mahindra BE 6
The Mahindra BE 6 is not just another SUV—it’s a bold step into the future of electric mobility in India. Unlike many EVs that are adapted from petrol or diesel models, the Mahindra BE 6 is built from the ground up as an electric vehicle. This gives it a unique edge in terms of efficiency and design. Launched on November 26, 2024, the Mahindra BE 6 is part of Mahindra’s new BE lineup, aimed at dominating the electric passenger vehicle market.
What makes the Mahindra BE 6 special? It’s a coupe-style SUV, which means it has a sleek, sporty look while still offering the practicality of an SUV. With a starting price of Rs 18.90 Lakh (ex-showroom), it’s competitively priced, and its range of up to 683 km makes it one of the longest-range EVs in India. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone looking for an eco-friendly ride, the Mahindra BE 6 has something for everyone.
Design and Styling: A Head-Turner on the Road
The Mahindra BE 6 is designed to stand out. Its exterior is bold and futuristic, with a squarish front that gives it a confident stance. The C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) add a modern touch, while the piano black elements around the front and sides give it a premium look. The wide track ensures the Mahindra BE 6 looks planted and stable, whether it’s parked or cruising down the highway.
The sloping roofline is a key feature of the Mahindra BE 6, giving it that sporty coupe vibe. This design not only looks cool but also improves aerodynamics, helping the car go farther on a single charge. The Mahindra BE 6 comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with an option for 20-inch wheels, fitted with 245/55 Goodyear ElectricDrive tyres. Even the base variant gets 18-inch steel wheels with aero inserts, ensuring style across all trims.
Other cool features include a 45-litre frunk (front trunk) for extra storage, flush door handles that open electrically and support NFC cards, and a panoramic glass roof that lets in plenty of light. The Mahindra BE 6 is available in four vibrant colors: Everest White Satin, Firestorm Orange, Desert Myst, and Tango Red. There’s also a unique “Groove Me” feature that syncs the car’s lights with music, adding a fun touch to the Mahindra BE 6 experience.
Exterior Features | Details |
---|---|
Dimensions | 4,371 mm (L), 1,907 mm (W), 1,627 mm (H), 2,775 mm wheelbase |
Ground Clearance | 207 mm (unladen), 222 mm (battery clearance) |
Wheels | 19-inch alloy (standard), 20-inch option, 18-inch steel (base) |
Tyres | 245/55 Goodyear ElectricDrive |
Colors | Everest White Satin, Firestorm Orange, Desert Myst, Tango Red |
Unique Features | 45-litre frunk, flush door handles (NFC compatible), panoramic glass roof, Groove Me light sync |
Interior and Features: A Cabin That Feels Like the Future
Step inside the Mahindra BE 6, and you’ll feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie. The interior is radical, with a driver-focused cockpit that’s both functional and futuristic. Mahindra has used recycled materials to make the cabin sustainable, which is a big plus for eco-conscious buyers. The centerpiece is a two-spoke flat steering wheel with an illuminated “BE” logo and touch capacitive controls. It’s adjustable for height and reach, ensuring comfort for all drivers.
The dashboard features a twin-display setup: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (MID) that shows your speed, range, and power usage, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen packed with features. The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 5G connectivity, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. The 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos delivers crystal-clear audio, making every drive a concert-like experience. There’s also an inbuilt dashcam and a 360-degree camera, though the 3D mode can be a bit slow.
Comfort features in the Mahindra BE 6 include wireless mobile charging, automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats are narrow but offer good side support, with the driver’s seat being ventilated and equipped with memory and manual lumbar adjustment. There are two wireless charging pads and two USB Type-C ports, but only one cupholder in the front, which might be a minor inconvenience.
The rear seats can fit three adults, but the sloping roofline means tall passengers (over 5’10”) might find headroom tight. The high floor results in a knees-up seating position, which could be less comfortable on long drives. The boot space is 455 litres (VDA-ISO V211), which is decent for an SUV, and the rear seats can be folded to increase cargo space. There’s also an 18-inch space saver spare tyre under the boot.
One downside is the poor rearward visibility due to the coupe roofline, so you’ll rely heavily on the 360-degree camera for parking. The piano black elements inside the Mahindra BE 6 also tend to attract scratches and fingerprints, which might bother some owners.
Interior Features | Details |
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Displays | 12.3-inch MID, 12.3-inch infotainment |
Audio | 16-speaker Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos |
Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 5G, OTA updates |
Comfort | Ventilated driver seat, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof |
Boot Space | 455 litres (foldable rear seats) |
Drawbacks | Limited rear headroom, poor rear visibility, single front cupholder |
Performance and Driving Experience: Power Meets Efficiency
The Mahindra BE 6 is not just about looks—it’s a performer too. It comes with two battery options: a 59 kWh battery and a 79 kWh battery, both using BYD blade cells with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry for safety and durability. The 79 kWh variant is the star, delivering 282 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. This allows the Mahindra BE 6 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 202 km/h. That’s impressive for an SUV!
The Mahindra BE 6 is rear-wheel-drive (RWD), which gives it a sporty feel and better handling, especially in corners. It offers three driving modes: Range, Everyday, and Race. Range mode is smooth and efficient, perfect for city driving. Everyday mode balances performance and efficiency, while Race mode sharpens the throttle and makes the steering heavier for a more engaging drive. There’s also a Boost function that gives you an extra 10 seconds of power for quick overtakes.
The adaptive dampers in the Mahindra BE 6 adjust every 15 milliseconds to road conditions, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The brake-by-wire system with an integrated electronic booster recovers energy during braking, improving range by up to 18%. The Mahindra BE 6 is agile in city traffic, making it easy to navigate tight spaces, and it’s relaxed on highways, with enough power for high-speed cruising.
However, there are a couple of minor issues. The high floor can make getting in and out of the Mahindra BE 6 a bit tricky, especially for older passengers. The piano black elements, while stylish, are prone to scratches and fingerprints, which might require extra care.
Performance Specs | 59 kWh Variant | 79 kWh Variant |
---|---|---|
Battery Capacity | 59 kWh | 79 kWh |
Power | 228 bhp | 282 bhp |
Torque | 380 Nm | 380 Nm |
0-100 km/h | Not specified | 6.7 seconds |
Top Speed | Not specified | 202 km/h |
Range (MIDC) | 557 km | 683 km |
Charging (20-80%) | 20 mins (140 kW) | 20 mins (140 kW) |
Technology and Safety: Packed with Smart Features
The Mahindra BE 6 is loaded with technology that makes driving safer and more convenient. It comes with Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which includes five radars and one camera. This system is tuned for Indian roads, detecting cows, pedestrians, barricades, and other vehicles. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking make the Mahindra BE 6 a safe choice.
The Mahindra BE 6 also has seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), and an electronic parking brake (EPB). The 360-degree camera with 3D mode helps with parking, though the 3D mode can be laggy. The Mahindra BE 6 has not yet been tested for crash ratings, but its safety features suggest it’s built to protect.
Charging is a highlight of the Mahindra BE 6. It supports DC fast charging, going from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes with a 140 kW charger. For home charging, it takes about 8 hours with an 11.2 kW AC charger or 11.7 hours with a 7.2 kW charger. The claimed range of up to 683 km (MIDC cycle) is one of the best in its class, making the Mahindra BE 6 ideal for long trips.
Technology & Safety | Details |
---|---|
ADAS | Level 2+ with 5 radars, 1 camera |
Safety Features | 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, EPB |
Camera | 360-degree with 3D mode (laggy) |
Charging | 20 mins (20-80%, 140 kW DC), 8-11.7 hrs (AC) |
Range | Up to 683 km (MIDC) |
Comparison with Competitors: How Does the Mahindra BE 6 Stack Up?
The Mahindra BE 6 faces stiff competition from other electric SUVs like the Tata Harrier EV and MG ZS EV. Here’s how it compares.
Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Harrier EV
The Mahindra BE 6 and Tata Harrier EV are both homegrown EVs, but they cater to slightly different buyers. The Mahindra BE 6 starts at Rs 18.90 Lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), while the Harrier EV starts at Rs 21.49 Lakh, making the Mahindra BE 6 more affordable. The Mahindra BE 6 offers a longer range (683 km vs 622 km) and a larger battery (79 kWh vs 75 kWh). However, the Harrier EV has more power (390 bhp vs 282 bhp) and torque (504 Nm vs 380 Nm), and it’s quicker (0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds vs 6.7 seconds).
The Harrier EV has a larger boot (502 L vs 455 L) and is bigger in size, which might appeal to those who want a more imposing SUV. The Mahindra BE 6, however, has a more modern interior with a larger touchscreen (12.3 inches vs 14.5 inches) and more speakers (16 vs 5). Both SUVs offer strong safety features, but the Mahindra BE 6 has an extra airbag (7 vs 6).
Comparison | Mahindra BE 6 | Tata Harrier EV |
---|---|---|
Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 18.90 Lakh | Rs 21.49 Lakh |
Range (km) | 683 | 622 |
Battery (kWh) | 79 | 75 |
Power (bhp) | 282 | 390 |
Torque (Nm) | 380 | 504 |
0-100 km/h (s) | 6.7 | 6.3 |
Boot Space (L) | 455 | 502 |
Mahindra BE 6 vs MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV is another competitor, starting at Rs 16.48 Lakh, which is cheaper than the Mahindra BE 6. However, the Mahindra BE 6 offers a much longer range (683 km vs 461 km) and more advanced features like Level 2+ ADAS and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The Mahindra BE 6 also has a sportier design, making it more appealing to younger buyers. While the MG ZS EV is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, the Mahindra BE 6 offers better performance and technology.
Latest Updates and Future Plans
As of July 2025, the Mahindra BE 6 is making headlines. Mahindra has announced that deliveries of the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e Pack Two variants will begin by the end of July 2025. The company has also made the 79 kWh battery pack more affordable by introducing it in the Pack Two variant, priced at Rs 23.50 Lakh (ex-showroom). This move makes the Mahindra BE 6 even more accessible to buyers.
Excitingly, Mahindra is planning hybrid versions of the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e, which will use a 1.2L turbo engine alongside the electric powertrain. This could appeal to buyers who want the flexibility of both electric and petrol power. The Mahindra BE 6 has already seen strong demand, with over 10,000 units sold in just 70 days since its launch, showing that Indian buyers are embracing this futuristic SUV.
Conclusion: Why the Mahindra BE 6 Is a Game-Changer
The Mahindra BE 6 is a bold step forward for Mahindra and the Indian EV market. Its futuristic design, long range, and advanced features make it a standout choice in the electric SUV segment. While it has some minor drawbacks, like limited rear seat space and poor rear visibility, these are small trade-offs for what you get: a stylish, powerful, and tech-packed SUV that’s built for the future.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an eco-conscious driver, or someone who loves a sporty ride, the Mahindra BE 6 has something to offer. With its competitive pricing, impressive range, and strong sales figures, the Mahindra BE 6 is set to redefine electric mobility in India. If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, I highly recommend taking the Mahindra BE 6 for a test drive—you might just fall in love with it.
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