Electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly transformed from niche offerings to mainstream options for consumers, thanks to advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainable transportation. Mahindra, a pioneer in the Indian automotive landscape, well and truly announced its entrance into this space with the launch of its new ‘Born Electric’ series cars, the BE 6 and XEV 9e. At their core is the leading-edge INGLO platform that was developed in-house with years of research. The immersive experience of these EVs is characterised by a ton of advanced technological features that cater to the unique needs of Indian consumers. I drove the Mahindra BE 6 and the XEV 9e through the vibrant and bustling suburbs of Chennai, and I have a few thoughts to share.
Design: Aesthetic Meets Functionality
Before diving into the tech, the first thing that catches your eye with both the BE 6 and XEV 9e is their futuristic design language. The BE 6 stands out with its coupe-SUV styling that’s pretty much reminiscent of the Tesla Cybertruck. Its sharp LED lighting and clean aerodynamic lines radiate sophistication. The BE 6 is clearly designed with younger, tech-savvy audiences in mind, blending urban chic with functional aerodynamics. The XEV 9e, on the other hand, takes a more rugged approach. Its bold stance, higher ground clearance, and aggressive front fascia make it a perfect companion for those prioritising adventure and city driving. The interplay of a gloss-black grille and angular LED DRLs gives it a commanding road presence. The low-set headlamps have a premium feel, and the large grille makes it stand out among other cars. These exteriors give the car a sophisticated feel, making it suitable for everyday use by the regular office-goer.
Tech-Packed Interiors: A Glimpse Into the Future
The BE 6 has a dual-screen cockpit setup, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. And the XEV 9e goes beyond that by offering a triple-display setup, with all of them being 12.3 inches in size. The displays are highly responsive and feature Mahindra’s latest AI-powered UI. The Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture, or MAIA, as it’s called, integrates multiple domains, including drive assistance, connected car features, and in-cabin experiences such as audio, lighting, and monitoring. Both cars support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but what truly impressed me was that I was able to issue simple voice commands like “Set temperature to 22 degrees,” and the system responded seamlessly, even in the noisy traffic of Chennai.
Navigating through Chennai’s winding lanes and bustling junctions was an absolute breeze, thanks to the AR-enhanced navigation system. Projected onto the heads-up display (HUD), it provided turn-by-turn directions overlayed on the real-world view. This made it easy to anticipate turns or find hidden lanes without taking my eyes off the road. Lane-changing warnings also appeared in this HUD, along with appearing on the rear-view mirrors. The cabins of these cars are replete with smart ambient lighting, customisable for different moods — from calming blues for late-night drives to energetic reds for a sporty vibe. And the panoramic sunroof amplifies the sense of space and luxury, perfect for enjoying Chennai’s scenic ECR drives.
Mahindra’s INGLO Platform: Silent Yet Mighty
The Mahindra INGLO platform is the company’s innovative EV architecture designed to underpin its next-generation EVs. It combines advanced engineering with sustainable design to deliver high performance, modularity, and safety. The platform supports multiple body styles and offers compatibility with cutting-edge battery technologies, enabling a range of EVs with impressive driving range and fast charging capabilities. With a focus on connected features and driver-assistance systems, INGLO positions Mahindra as a strong competitor in the global EV market, ensuring scalability and adaptability for future automotive trends.
Safety is a cornerstone of the INGLO platform, featuring a strong, lightweight structure and advanced battery management systems to prevent thermal runaway. The platform is also equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity features that enable OTA updates. Apart from Bluetooth, even Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity are supported. Taking care of the heavy operations of MAIA is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor that’s assisted by 28GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
The BE 6 is powered by a rear-axle-mounted electric motor, which produces 228bhp and 380Nm of torque. What stood out during my drive was the car’s stability and agility. Whether zipping past traffic or merging onto the highway, the BE 6 delivered a linear and responsive performance. This powertrain is rated to deliver a 0 to 100 kmph time of under 6.7 seconds, and that’s sure to be true since, during my own test on a straight road, I managed to reach that speed in 7 seconds. The XEV 9e is paired with the same motor but this is an SUV that’s built for Indian roads. That’s evident in its multi-mode regenerative braking system. On stretches long stretches, I tested the highest regen mode, which mimics single-pedal driving. This not only made city commutes smoother but also extended the vehicle’s range considerably.
Range and Charging: Built for Everyday Life
One of the most critical concerns for potential EV buyers in India is range. Mahindra has addressed this head-on with impressive figures. When it comes to the 59kWh versions of the cars, the BE 6 features a range of 535 km on a single charge, while the XEV 9e stretches slightly further to 542 km. As for the 79kWh versions of the cars, the BE 6 can peak at 682 km, with the XEV 9e going 656 km. During my drive, I noticed the range estimator was precise, adjusting dynamically based on driving habits. This transparency is sure to give drivers peace of mind. Both models support quick charging using a 175 kW DC fast charger. This allows them to go from 20 to 80% in just 20 minutes using a.
Safety: High-Tech Protection
Safety is non-negotiable, and Mahindra ensures these EVs are equipped to tackle India’s unpredictable roads. Firstly, there’s ADAS 2.0, which goes beyond basic features and offers adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and even traffic jam assist. Both cars ship with a 360-degree camera system, which brings with it a high-definition feed that’s a huge boon when parking. Speaking of parking, the cars even offer a sick auto parking system. I just had to select the spot, and the SUVs took care of the parking themselves without my involvement. The cars can even be parked when the driver is not inside them using the remote key. This can come incredibly handy to get the SUV into a tight space where opening the door is not an option. For added safety, the cars even boast a camera-based system that monitors the driver for signs of fatigue or distraction, alerting with audible warnings.
Verdict: The EVs India Deserves
The Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e are not just cars; they represent a lifestyle shift. Their thoughtful integration of technology, impressive range, and robust safety features make them ideal for urban and semi-urban users. Driving them through Chennai’s dynamic suburbs showcased their versatility, be it handling chaotic traffic, offering luxurious comfort, or delivering exhilarating performance. For anyone looking to make the switch to electric mobility without compromising on style, comfort, or convenience, these two vehicles are strong contenders.