Mahindra XEV 9e And BE 6e Electric SUVs: All You Need To Know
Mahindra is days away from launching two of its highly anticipated electric vehicles- the BE6e and XEV 9e. Scheduled to be out on November 26, 2024, these electric SUVs have been teased as many times as their prototypes were spotted on tests. There seems to be a lot to be excited about the production forms of the XEV 9e and BE 6e, including the design and mechanicals. Let’s take a quick dive into the details before having them in the flesh.
BE 6e And XEV 9e: What Are They?
Both these SUVs were originally showcased at Mahindra’s UK design studio in 2022. These were previously called BE.05 and XUV.e9. Closer to the launch, they were renamed to the BE 6e and XEV 9e. The 9e is the first product from the XEV lineup, and will almost be the size of an XUV 700. The BE range takes a unique design approach. Teasers confirm the production form to do justice to the concept. Both vehicles will be based on Mahindra’s electric-origin INGLO platform.
Both the electric SUVs have coupe-like roof lines and are menacing in their looks. The BE 6e has bold contours, smooth surfaces and bold wheel arches. The bonnet is rather edgy, with C-shaped LED DRLs and a slim bumper. There is even a hood scoop for better aerodynamics and an illuminated BE logo. The vehicle will also come with aerodynamic wheels.
The XEV 9e, on the other hand gets a triangular headlamp design, DRLs that run along the vehicle width, coupe roofline, and connected tail lamps. The bodywork gets prominent character lines and robust surfaces. The vehicle would also come with an illuminated ‘Twin Peaks’ logo. The 9e will also come with aero wheels.
Both vehicles will have futuristic cabins filled with tech and features. Going by the teasers and spy shots, the likes of a dual-screen setup comprising two 12.3-inch displays, a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo, a large glass roof, and a catchy centre console are to be expected on the BE 6e.
The XEV 9e would make you draw connections to the XUV 700. It would, however, host a different dashboard layout and interior colourway. It will likely have a triple-screen setup, as suggested by previous spy shots. It will have three 12.3-inch displays, connected and powered by Mahindra’s Adrenox in-car entertainment engine. The center console will likely have resemblances to the one found in XUV 700.
Powertrain Specifications
Mahindra has finally revealed the powertrain details and specifications of the BE 6e and the XEV 9e. Both the electric SUVs will be underpinned by Mahindra’s scalable and modular born-electric skateboard platform- INGLO. The carmaker has taken an ‘electric-first design approach’ with the platform. It has a lightweight flat-floor design and can support diverse body styles. It has a low centre of gravity and makes generous use of ultra-high-strength boron steel.
Two battery packs will be offered- 59kWh and 79kWh, and both will use LFP (Lithium iron phosphate) chemistry. These offer enhanced safety, durability, and efficiency. It should be noted that the XUV 400- Mahindra’s first-ever electric SUV comes with NMC batteries, which are technically inferior to LFPs.Both vehicles will be capable of charging via a 175kW DC fast charger, and a 20-80% recharge would take just around 20 minutes.
Mahindra has given a fancy name to the powertrains of BE 6e and XEV 9e- ‘compact three-in-one powertrain’. It consists of a motor, an inverter and a transmission. It will be able to produce 231hp- 286hp on the rear wheel drive variants. The BE 6e will also have an AWD version, which will have a higher motor output, owing to the presence of a front-axle-mounted motor as well. It will, in fact, be the fastest SUV Mahindra has built to date. We also know that both these SUVs will come with selectable drive modes, semi-active suspension and brake-by-wire tech.
Expected Price And Rivals
While there are no confirmed details of it, the XEV 9E could have a starting price of Rs 38 lakh (ex-showroom), while the BE 6e could start at around 24 lakh (ex-showroom). Key rivals to the XEV 9E will include the upcoming Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV while the BE 6e will battle the likes of Tata Curvv EV and MG ZS E