Mahindra is no stranger to electric cars in India, but the company has taken things up a notch with the launch of two brand-new, ground-up electric SUVs built on its newly-developed INGLO platform. In fact, these local boys are taking the fight to Europe and beyond. I recently tested one of these exciting models, the BE 6e, and it was a special moment for me; not just because of the SUV itself but also because I had donned an IAF Rafale t-shirt during the experience. Curious about the connection? Well, let’s start with the design first.
Mahindra BE 6e review: On-ground, electrified fighter jet!
The answer is simple. Mahindra’s BE 6e (Be sexy, as they call it) design both on the outside and the inside has a lot of inspiration from fighter jets. The model’s design immediately commands attention, especially in its vibrant, youthful colour palette. Up front, sharp creases and bold lines dominate, creating a busy yet balanced look. The LED DRLs stretch across the width, with a distinctive gap at the center. The hood features deep curves and an overall very aggressive-looking design. When you put all of this together with a windscreen that has got a sharp rake to it, you get a front end that looks really sporty.
When you look at it from the side you will notice a similar design to what you see on fighter planes where you have got the radar cone or in layman’s terms the nose. So that’s where the fighter plane inspiration comes from, I think it just looks fabulous. The sharp creases continue on the sides, with a strong shoulder line running from front to back, aggressive wheel arches, and a sloping roofline with a dual-tone finish.
Mahindra BE 6e electric SUV Walkaround: Knockout EV Punch | TOI Auto
At the rear, the LED lighting mirrors the front’s pattern, and the lower bumper draws further inspiration from fighter jets, adding a dynamic metallic finish. Add all these things and what you get is an SUV that looks fast, young, modern, desirable and that’s exactly what young buyers want especially if a brand wants people to adopt EVs. So yes, a car needs to look cool and trust me, pictures don’t do justice, you have to see this in the flesh, it looks super cool.
Mahindra BE 6e review: Cabin and interiors
Step inside, and you’re greeted by 90-degree opening doors for effortless ingress and egress. Now let’s get to the cabin, well first of all, wow, that Fighter Jet feeling continues. You will see a cabin that’s wrapped around you. It feels like a cockpit you are in. Moreover, the flat-bottom steering wheel stands out with its yoke-inspired design. Moving further, dual screens dominate the dashboard, seamlessly integrating the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The displays are vibrant, customizable, and packed with features, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The cabin brims with features: dual wireless charging pads, a fighter jet-style gear selector, and even overhead buttons reminiscent of an aircraft’s control panel.
The plastic quality all around is decent. However, some places in the lower part, I think this plastic quality could have been better, so I hope in coming times, Mahindra is able to improve this plastic quality. While the overall layout impresses with its sporty dark theme, some elements like the piano black finishes are dust magnets and might not age gracefully, especially in polluted environments. Ventilated seats with excellent cushioning and side support ensure comfort, but taller passengers may find rear headroom and under-thigh support slightly lacking. On the plus side, the flat floor, courtesy of the EV platform, enhances space for rear passengers.
Mahindra BE 6e: Drive experience
The BE 6e truly shines on the road. We drove the top-of-the-line Pack Three. It is powered by a 79 kWh battery and delivers 282 PS of power to the rear wheels, it’s an electrifying performer. With 380 Nm of torque on tap, the BE 6E rockets off the line, offering instantaneous and thrilling acceleration. Even at triple-digit speeds, it retains its composure, with no tapering off of power beyond 200 kmph.
Three driving modes—Range, Everyday, and Race—cater to diverse driving styles. Range mode is more than sufficient for daily use, while Race mode turns the SUV into a playful powerhouse. The steering is responsive, offering stability at high speeds and lightness during low-speed maneuvers. The braking system, bolstered by programmable regen up to 0.3G, delivers confident stopping power. As for suspension, it comes equipped with a five-link suspension and adjustable damping, the BE 6e handles rough roads and speed breakers with ease. At higher speeds, it feels planted, with minimal body roll or bounce.
The 79 kWh battery is claimed to give you a real world range of more than 500 km and based on the brief testing that we have done, I think it should easily go beyond 500, won’t be a problem at all, so range anxiety is not going to be an issue, you can also charge it up within 20 minutes from 20 to 80 percent. Besides that, the SUV boasts advanced ADAS features, multiple airbags, and a robust cabin structure that the brand claims will earn a five-star safety rating.
Mahindra BE 6e review: Conclusion
At the end of the day, what is the BE 6e? Some might say it’s a great or possibly the best made in India EV yet, some might say it is a feature loaded EV with phenomenal value for money and some might say it’s an EV with a polarizing design but a great powertrain. For me though, it covers all of these and I actually quite like the way it looks, so in my book, the BE 6e is the product and EV from India that will force the world to take notice and see us as a country with rival car makers and not just as a market to sell their cars in. The Mahindra BE 6e then is the face of the statement for Indian automotive technology that India has arrived.