Mahindra has taken the automotive world by storm with its first ground-up electric vehicle, the BE.6e. From its radical design to its impressive features, this EV signals Mahindra’s bold step into the future of sustainable transportation. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the BE.6e stand out.
Mahindra BE 6e Design That Demands Attention
At first glance, the BE.6e is impossible to ignore. Its aggressive front end, complete with angular LED DRLs, creates a striking presence on the road. The compact bonnet and forward-leaning stance enhance its aerodynamic appeal, while the chunky gloss-black cladding adds a rugged touch. However, this glossy finish could prove difficult to maintain due to its susceptibility to scratches.
Other thoughtful design elements include flush door handles on the front and rear, cleverly concealed charging ports, and dual spoilers at the rear. Notably, the rear features a sloping coupe-like roofline and unique smoked tail lamps that blend seamlessly into the design when unlit. Although the rear lacks a wiper, the steep rake of the windscreen negates the need for one.
Practical Space and Clever Features
The BE.6e boasts practicality with its spacious boot, though its high loading lip and limited vertical space may restrict stacking luggage. Additionally, it offers a front storage area or “frunk,” ideal for smaller items like charging cables. Inside the cabin, Mahindra maximizes the EV platform’s space advantage with abundant storage, including cooled compartments and multiple wireless charging pads.
The rear seat offers decent knee and foot room, though taller passengers may find headroom and overall comfort slightly lacking due to the vehicle’s compact design and thick door panels.
Radical Interiors with a Hint of Quirk
The interior design is just as bold as the exterior. A square-shaped, two-spoke steering wheel and an aircraft-style drive selector set the tone for a futuristic cockpit. A “halo loop” surrounds the driver, giving a race-car-like feel, although it slightly compromises passenger access to USB ports and cup holders.
Dual screens dominate the dashboard, providing a wealth of information and features. The user interface is loaded with apps, ambient lighting customization, and even a selfie camera with AI filters. While innovative, the sheer number of features and slightly complicated navigation may overwhelm some users.
The seats, a mix of leatherette and sustainable fabric, are ventilated and provide decent support, though the cushioning might feel firm for some. Unique to the BE.6e is the ability to adjust seat ventilation via the touch screen.
Mahindra BE 6e Driving Experience: Quiet, Comfortable, and Powerful
Mahindra has paid special attention to the BE.6e’s driving dynamics, offering an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride. The cabin is well-insulated, with no road or motor noise, creating a serene driving environment. Complementing this is a high-quality Harman Kardon sound system, which stands out as one of the best in its segment.
Under the hood, the BE.6e comes with two battery options: a 59.9 kWh variant producing 231 hp and a 79 kWh version with 286 hp. Both versions offer 380 Nm of torque, delivering strong and seamless performance. Acceleration is impressive, with the larger battery version hitting 0-100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds.
Mahindra BE 6e Range and Charging Efficiency
The BE.6e boasts an ARAI-certified range of 535 km for the smaller battery and a massive 682 km for the larger one. Real-world usage suggests a range of over 500 km, making it suitable for long trips without significant range anxiety. Charging times are equally impressive, with the battery recharging from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 175 kW fast charger.
Mahindra BE 6e Tech and Safety Features
The BE.6e is packed with advanced technology. A highlight is its fully automatic park assist, which allows the car to park itself, controlled either from inside or remotely. The lane assist function, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring add to the convenience and safety.
The vehicle also incorporates a unique AI-based driver monitoring system that tracks focus, alerting drivers if they’re distracted for too long. Additionally, the 360-degree camera setup doubles as a dashcam, recording footage that can be downloaded via USB.
Ride Quality and Handling
The BE.6e features multi-link rear suspension and adaptive dampers, ensuring a comfortable ride. Its smooth handling and variable geometry steering provide confidence at high speeds and around corners, making it surprisingly fun to drive.
Price Details
Starting at ₹18.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mahindra BE.6e offers tremendous value with its futuristic design, abundant features, and impressive performance. While it has minor drawbacks—such as tricky ingress and egress, less comfortable rear seating, and a slightly complex interface—the overall package is well-rounded.
For those seeking a unique EV with exceptional range, performance, and standout looks, the BE.6e is a compelling choice. With final tweaks expected before its official launch, Mahindra seems poised to redefine the EV segment with this groundbreaking offering.
