3 Of India's Quickest Cars Are All Electric: And All Are In Affordable Segments

Written By: Kailash Jha
Published: June 8, 2025 at 09:12 AMUpdated: June 8, 2025 at 09:12 AM
fastest made-in-india cars tata harrier.ev mahindra be6 xev 9e featured

Not long ago, hitting 0 to 100 kmph in under seven seconds was a performance stat you would associate with a luxury sports sedan or a high-end German SUV. But in a sign of how rapidly the automotive landscape is shifting, three of the quickest cars on sale today are not petrol-powered and not luxury-badged either. They are electric, homegrown, and surprisingly, quite affordable for what they offer.

The Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XUV 9e, and the newly launched Tata Harrier.EV are all midsize electric SUVs that promise 0 to 100 kmph acceleration in under 6.7 seconds. With ex-showroom prices starting from ₹18.90 lakh and topping out around ₹30.50 lakh, they are redefining the notion of performance for the mainstream segment. It’s not just about saving the environment or reducing running costs anymore. These EVs deliver instant torque, sharp responses and a genuinely fun-to-drive experience without breaking the bank.

Here’s how each of these EVs makes its mark.

Tata Harrier.EV: A Serious Step-Up in Speed and Sophistication

tata harrier ev front fascia

Launched on June 3, 2025, the Tata Harrier.EV is the newest of the three, but also the quickest. It sprints from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.3 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating Tata passenger vehicle to date. This electric version of the familiar Harrier SUV is based on Tata’s Gen 2 EV architecture, which supports dual-motor all-wheel drive and larger battery options.

With a starting ex-showroom price of ₹21.49 lakh, and a top-end variant expected around ₹27.05 lakh, the Harrier.EV offers a strong mix of tech, range, and performance. It comes with 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery options offering up to 627 km of ARAI-certified range. The instantaneous power delivery and all-wheel grip make it feel composed and quick off the line, while still maintaining SUV-like practicality.

Tata’s move here is not just about numbers. It signals a deeper shift in what the brand wants its EVs to be, aspirational, dynamic, and not just a green alternative.

Mahindra XUV 9e: Style and Speed Rolled Into One

mahindra xev 9e

The Mahindra XUV 9e, launched earlier in 2025, is based on Mahindra’s INGLO EV platform and sits in a new space for the brand, blending coupe-like styling with strong electric performance. It promises a 0 to 100 kmph time of 6.7 seconds and features dual motors, all-wheel drive and either a 59 kWh or 79 kWh battery pack.

Priced between ₹21.90 lakh and ₹30.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV 9e aims to offer a premium electric experience at a value-driven price. Its 542 to 656 km ARAI range, depending on the variant, is competitive, while its tech-packed cabin and fast-charging capabilities make it a versatile daily driver.

But it’s not just flash. The acceleration figures show that Mahindra is backing its design efforts with serious hardware. On the road, the XUV 9e feels planted and responsive, offering confident power delivery whether you're darting through traffic or cruising on highways.

Mahindra BE 6: Performance in a Bold New Shape

mahindra be6 electric SUV

The BE 6 is Mahindra’s most daring electric SUV yet. Unlike the XUV 9e which has some ICE design carryovers, the BE 6 was built as an EV from the ground up. Also based on the INGLO platform, it shares its performance credentials with its sibling, 6.7 seconds to 100 kmph, but presents it in a sleeker, coupe-style SUV form.

Launched earlier in 2025 and priced from ₹18.90 lakh to ₹26.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the BE 6 is currently the most affordable of the three. It offers 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery options, with ARAI-certified ranges of 557 to 683 km, making it a strong contender for those looking for both style and substance.

Under the skin, it gets the same dual motor setup and fast-charging compatibility. But the BE 6 stands out for its aggressive design language, C-shaped lighting and more experimental dashboard layout. It appeals to buyers who want to make a statement and still get to 100 kmph in under seven seconds.

Quick, Capable and Surprisingly Attainable

What makes this trio so important is not just their straight-line speed, but the fact that they make performance feel accessible. These are family-friendly midsize SUVs with ample space, good ride comfort and usable real-world range, not stripped-down performance toys.

The fact that they deliver acceleration typically seen in premium European cars, yet come at less than half the price, flips the script on what a performance car can be. And with electric vehicles, that sort of power is not only available more easily, it’s also delivered more cleanly and more consistently.

For years, electric cars in India were seen as sensible but dull. Now, that narrative is changing. With the Harrier.EV, BE 6 and XUV 9e, EVs are no longer just about cost savings or green credentials. They are about fun, style and performance, and all of it at a price that doesn’t seem out of reach.

That’s the real acceleration happening in the Indian car market right now.