Will Mahindra XEV 9e And BE 6 Destroy Chinese Electric Cars? Australian Reviewer Explains [Video]

Mahindra has been having a strong presence in the Australian market. The carmaker's latest launches- the BE6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs too have gathered good interest there. The duo went on sale in India, in November last year. At around the same time, Mahindra hosted a comprehensive experience drive in Chennai, in which the electric SUVs impressed automotive journalists and influencers from across India.

A recent video shared by CarSauce, a major automotive media outlet in Australia, shows that their team was impressed by the BE6 and the XEV 9e. The team experienced these vehicles in Chennai, and came to the verdict that they would outsmart many Chinese EVs abroad.

The video starts with the host explaining the exterior design of the EVs. He says that the design of the BE6 in particular, is stunning. He seems surprised and adds that he has seen some 'ugly Mahindra cars' in Australia 'like the Scorpio Pik-Up which is a terrible design'.

The sharp lines and clean surfaces of the BE6 are impressive. The LED DRLs, sleek headlamps, good-looking LED tail lamps, integrated spoiler, and the integrated aerodynamic element on the hood- all pack great visual appeal. CarSauce seems to love each of these! In his closing remarks, the host even says that the BE6 is one of the best-looking cars he has ever seen!

Soon, the host opens the boot and checks out the space inside. He further makes the remark 'Mahindra says that this vehicle has the best-in-segment boot space, but I don't think so. The Tesla Model Y definitely has a lot more space'. This makes us believe that this video was likely filmed at the event organized by the carmaker, where it briefed the Indian media with the 'best-in-class space' claim- specific to our market, where the Model Y isn't on sale yet! If you're wondering, the BE6 has a claimed boot capacity of 455 liters!

The two SUVs are based on the same platform- the INGLO that Mahindra developed in-house. Two battery packs, both sourced from BYD, are offered- 59kWh and 79 kWh.

Circling back to the video, we see the XEV 9e. Interestingly, the host calls it the 'BE 9' instead of the 'XEV 9e'. He explains how it stands longer and looks good but less radical than the BE. He then checks out its boot space and the space-saver spare wheel.

The presenter then gets inside the XEV and checks out its cabin. We see him getting impressed by the huge triple-screen cluster. These displays function as digital dials, central infotainment unit and an entertainment screen for the front passenger.

The carmaker has provided a lot of connected car and internet-based functions in the passenger screen. It even has LinkedIn, which gives the presenter a pleasant shock! The vehicle comes with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well.

We see the host experience each and every feature in detail, and cast comments on the same. Mahindra has given the XEV ( and the BE) a sea of features- wireless smartphone charger, panoramic glass roof with integrated lighting elements, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio with Dolby Atmos, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, climate control, ambient lighting, selectable drive and regen modes with a dedicated Boost button, Level 2 ADAS and support for OTA updates are just some of them.

Later in the video, we see the host checking out the room at the rear. He finds the seats to be quite comfortable for his height.

Next, he gets inside the BE6. The wraparound design of the cabin, the aviation-inspired partition, switches and toggles- all manage to impress him instantly. Most features are shared between the two electric SUVs. He then checks out the rear seat and finds the BE's rear row to be not as spacious as that of the XEV. He further says that the BE 6 will outrun many electric cars when it debuts in Australia, especially the Chinese ones...