Mahindra surprises with the launch of two new electric SUVs: BE 6e and XEV 9e

The Indian manufacturer Mahindra has made headlines with the presentation, in its home country, of two new electric coupé-style SUVs, the BE 6e and the XEV 9e. Two models that, as the company itself has explained, have been developed from scratch on the “INGLO” platform of the brand dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles.

As announced at the presentation event, the new BE 6e and XEV 9e will initially arrive on the market with rear-wheel drive, even though Mahindra’s new INGLO platform has been developed for both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive electric vehicles. Both models will also be equipped with a MacPherson front suspension and a five-link rear suspension with semi-active dampers that respond in just 15 milliseconds, thus providing a smooth and reliable ride.

With dimensions of 4.4 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width and 1.6 metres in height, the BE 6e is a vehicle that does not go unnoticed thanks to its angular, futuristic design. Its 2.8-metre wheelbase also allows for a fairly spacious interior despite it not being a very large vehicle, offering 455 litres in the rear boot plus another 45 litres in the small front boot. Its ground clearance is 21 cm and it fits 20-inch wheels, among the largest in its segment.

For its part, the XEV 9e is a slightly larger model, measuring 4.8 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width and 1.7 metres in height. It keeps the same wheelbase, but offers greater cargo space with 663 litres in the rear and a front boot that increases its capacity up to 150 litres. An important point to note, however, is that despite being somewhat taller and longer, it offers less head and leg room for passengers, as Mahindra has prioritised luggage space on this model.

Main technical specifications

The Indian manufacturer will offer two versions of both models, with standard and extended range, powered by electric motors capable of delivering between 170 and 210 kW, with 380 Nm of torque. The BE 6e is thus capable of reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in 6.7 seconds, while the XEV 9e, being somewhat larger, performs slightly worse, with 6.8 seconds. Mahindra claims that both models are not only quick but also agile and fun to drive, with a turning circle of just 10 metres that allows them to move with great agility through the notoriously chaotic traffic of India’s large cities.

Regarding energy storage, Mahindra has opted for the prestigious Blade battery pack from BYD, with capacities of 59 kWh for the standard-range versions of both models and 79 kWh for the extended-range ones. The manufacturer promises up to 682 km of range for the BE 6e and 656 km for the XEV 9e, in both cases according to the MIDC homologation cycle used in the country. The reliability of these Blade batteries from BYD has also allowed the Indian manufacturer to offer a lifetime warranty on them.

Both the BE 6e and the XEV 9e also stand out for coming loaded with technology even in their base versions, including features such as digital displays, fast-charging options, and level 2+ driver assistance systems. This technology level will push their price above the average budget of many Indian drivers. That is why Mahindra will market both models within the Premium segment. According to the company, the BE 6e will be available from 1.89 million rupees, roughly 21,000 euros, while the XEV 9e will cost no less than 2.19 million rupees, around 25,000 euros. The first deliveries of both models will take place towards the end of February 2025.