Mahindra BE 6: A Brave First Step Into Electric SUVs That Is Stylish Yet Practical RE Autocar – es-CVS Write…” The BE6 is another chapter in mahindra “The BE 6 is the beginning of a new chapter.
Unveiled today as part of Mahindra’s “Born Electric” (BE) model range, the BE 6 was crafted with buyers in mind who are looking for futuristic styling, advanced tech, and a good amount of performance.
With a coupe-SUV profile and a long list of features, it’s definitely a head-turner. But, as with any ambitious product, it also has somewhat of a strengths and compromises list.
Design and Styling
At first glance, the Mahindra BE 6 is not a traditional Mahindra SUV at all. Its a dramatic road presence is enhanced with its sharp LED signature lights, coupe-like roofline and aggressive stance.
It isn’t just all show, either, with the aerodynamic profile designed to cut down on drag and improve efficiency.
Its EV credentials are stamped with large alloy wheels, flush door handles and a bold grille-less front end.
But this sporty design does come at a cost. Its sloping roofline, although becoming, results in rear headroom being down on the wide Indica.
The back seat can be a little snug for taller passengers, especially on longer trips. That said, there’s a nice airiness up front, thanks to a broad expanse of glass and well laid-out dash.
Interiors and Features
You sit down, and the BE 6 doesn’t let you down. With double-decker integrated screens (one for the digital instruments, the other a large infotainment touchscreen), the cabin has an air of tech-forwardness.
The materials chosen comprise a blend of soft-touch panels and hard plastics that appear well but do not always match the premium hand feel of some competitors in its price range.
Mahindra has garnished the BE 6 with goodies such as wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, connected car technology, Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), and a premium audio system.
A head-up display and 360-degree camera further its high-tech allure. With a load lip that is useful for everyday baggage and a useful boot, it begins to reveal its practicality, though
the coupe’s styling does squash the vertical space somewhat, making the loading of taller luggage a tad trickier.
Performance And The Driving Experience
Beneath the BE 6’s bonnet, or floor in this case, lies Mahindra’s latest INGLO platform, which according to Autocar will come with a choice of battery capacities from around 59 kWh to 79 kWh.
That larger battery is claimed to afford a range of more than 600 km from a single charge, which will position such a car in direct competition with other new EV SUVs launching in the segment.
It’s a quick performer, as electric motors provide instant torque. Its acceleration is relatively smooth and whisper-quiet, and the BE 6 feels settled on the highway.
The suspension is a nice compromise between comfort and sportiness, although with taller wheels and a firm suspension, the hard stuff is felt a bit more inside the cabin.
For charging, there are fast DC charging capabilities which can charge the battery from 20 per cent to 80 per cent depending on the charging capacity of the charger in about 30 minutes.
This translates to long-distance traveling being a practicality.
Safety
Mahindra has given high attention to safety already with multiple airbags, ESP, ADAS functions and strong body structure.
Official crash test ratings are yet to be released, but with pressure from Mahindra’s recent models, one would hope for good things.
Pros:
Bold coupe-SUV design that turns heads on the road
Promising long range (more than 600 km announced with the large battery pack)
And chock full of modern tech: dual displays, ADAS, connected features
Great power with quick acceleration and quiet ride
Fast charging function provides the convenience desired when running on long trips
Cons:
Rear headroom impeded by the angled roofline
Ride can be noisy over rough roads
Fit and finish of some interior plastics doesn’t live up to the car’s premium pricing
Boot practicality for taller items is restricted by coupe design
Real-world charging infrastructure is still limited in some areas
Mahindra BE 6: Final Verdict
The Mahindra BE 6 is the Indian automaker’s bold step into the future. With brash styling, a lengthy feature list, and promising EV performance, it sets itself up as an attractive choice for those ready to make the leap into electric mobility. But coupe styling, its firm ride and some sacrifices in rear comfort and interior finish might make it not the perfect one for everyone in the family. So for EV buyers looking to make a style statement while also getting modern tech and enough range to reassure those nervous about the capabilities of an electric car, the BE 6 is definitely worth a close look.