Mahindra Challenges the Elon Musk Cybertruck Meet the BE 6 and XEV 9e
Mahindra & Mahindra, an iconic name in the Indian automobile industry, has jumped giant strides into the EV space with its latest products-the BE 6 and the XEV 9e. It is a symbol of commitment to innovation and sustainability as well as to rapidly evolving preferences of modern consumers.
Let’s dive into the features, price, and impact of the groundbreaking vehicles.
Mahindra BE 6: The Compact Electric Marvel
The Mahindra BE 6 is a compact electric SUV that perfectly balances sporty design and everyday practicality.
Design and Features
The BE 6 has a fashionable coupe-style SUV design that’s both aerodynamic and modern. Sharp lines and a future face ensure that this one will grab your attention wherever it goes. Inside the cabin, it’s a technology enthusiast’s delight, with a dual integrated screen setup in the form of a touchscreen infotainment system combined with a digital driver’s display. Other features include:
1. Multi-zone auto climate control.
2. Dual wireless chargers for phones.
3. A top-of-the-line 1,400-watt Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system.
4. A fixed glass roof with ambient lighting.
5. An augmented reality heads-up display for enhanced convenience for the driver.
Performance and Range
The BE 6 comes in two battery options:
1. A 59 kWh pack giving 228 horsepower.
2. A 79 kWh pack giving 281 horsepower.
Both variants provide 380 Nm of torque, so it’s a thrilling drive. The bigger battery offers an ARAI-certified range of 682 km, and the smaller one provides 556 km. The BE 6 also supports 175 kW DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Safety Features
Built on Mahindra’s INGLO platform, the BE 6 is designed with safety as a priority, targeting a 5-star Global NCAP crash rating. Key safety features include:
1. Up to seven airbags.
2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
4. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with Level 2 features, such as lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Pricing and Availability
The BE 6 is priced competitively at ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It will be available for booking by the end of January 2025, and the deliveries are expected to take place by late February or early March 2025.
Mahindra XEV 9e: The Top of the Premium Electric SUVs
Mahindra XEV 9e is the entry of the brand into the premium electric SUV segment with luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
Design and Features
The XEV 9e looks pretty classy, with an aggressive design and a generous amount of space inside. It’s the three-screen layout, with each screen measuring 12.3 inches, that powers Mahindra’s Adrenox software. Some other premium features are as follows:
1. Panoramic sunroof.
2. Multi-zone automatic climate control.
3. Ventilated and powered front seats.
4. Wireless phone charging.
5. The same 1,400-watt Harman Kardon audio system as the BE 6.
6. Augmented reality-based heads-up display for the enhanced driver engagement.
Performance and Range
Like the BE 6, the XEV 9e offers two battery packs: 59 kWh, and a larger 79 kWh. This latter one claimed to give a range as high as 656 kilometers. In terms of technology, this car supports up to 175 kW fast DC charging, which, in this case, has made the long-distance movement easy for users.
Safety Features
The XEV 9e also uses the INGLO platform for its construction and safety, targeting a 5-star Global NCAP crash rating. It comes with:
1. Up to seven airbags.
2. ESC and TPMS.
3. ADAS Level 2, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Pricing and Availability
The XEV 9e is available at an introductory price of ₹21.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The bookings will start in late January 2025, and the deliveries will start by March 2025.
Strategic Implications and Market Impact
Mahindra’s BE 6 and XEV 9e are a step in the journey of the brand towards sustainable mobility. With these, the brand is set to shake the compact and premium SUV segments with these electric vehicles that bring forward great technology at great value.
The electric vehicle market in India is growing gradually.
India’s electric vehicle market is going upwards. The government has aimed for a 30% share of EVs in the total car sales by 2030.
Currently, EVs account for approximately 2% of the market. So, the entry of Mahindra in this space with BE 6 and XEV 9e comes at a very opportune time as the demand for green vehicles is increasing.
Production and Investment
Mahindra will manufacture 90,000 units of the BE 6 and XEV 9e per year, with the goal of increasing this number to 200,000 units by March 2026. This aggressive goal is supported by a $500 million investment in these EVs, part of a larger $2 billion program through 2027.
Competitive Advantage
Mahindra puts itself in a strong position in the electric SUV market with the introduction of models like the BE 6 and XEV 9e. Currently, the electric SUV market is dominated by players like Tata Motors and Hyundai.
The focus on lower running costs, advanced features, and sustainability gives Mahindra a unique edge.
Why the BE 6 and XEV 9e Deserve Appreciation
Mahindra’s new offerings are not just futuristic in terms of features, but they also represent the vision. Here’s why these SUVs are good:
1. Innovative Design: Both cars have the future in their designs, appealing to the taste of the modern consumer.
2. Technology-Driven: Augmented reality heads-up display to advanced ADAS, Mahindra has taken technology to its next level.
3. Sustainability: The EV will reduce carbon emissions, working in the direction of sustainable goals worldwide.
4. Affordability: It is feature-rich, yet pricing is competitive, making the electric vehicle more accessible to a wider audience.
5. Commitment to Safety: INGLO’s strong platform and extensive safety features ensure peace of mind for Mahindra customers.
The Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e mark a huge leap for the company in the electric vehicle market. With cutting-edge features, a massive range, competitive pricing, and commitment to sustainability, these SUVs address the needs of contemporary consumers.
In alignment with the government’s green initiatives in transportation, Mahindra is not just selling cars but building pathways for a cleaner and sustainable future. With these vehicles, Mahindra reinstates its leadership in the Indian automotive industry and commits to spearheading electric mobility.
