Last week, I had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of Mahindra's flagship Electric Origin SUVs, the BE 6e and XEV 9e, at Mahindra Research Valley, an innovation powerhouse of the group. These vehicles are built from the ground up on the revolutionary INGLO architecture and powered by MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture), an advanced platform capable of performing 51 trillion operations per second. From the first glance, it was evident that these vehicles represented a blend of innovation, design, and advanced technology.
First Impressions: A Visual Marvel
The BE 6e and XEV 9e embody Mahindra’s Heartcore Design philosophy, creating a balance between bold aesthetics and modern luxury. The BE 6e stands out with its sporty, athletic silhouette and race-inspired agility. In contrast, the XEV 9e exudes sophistication with its coupe design and flowing proportions. Both cars have meticulously curated interiors, blending functionality and elegance seamlessly.
From the outside, the BE 6e’s floating roof and split rear spoiler screamed sportiness, while the XEV 9e’s edge-to-edge DRLs and jewel-like headlamps amplified its premium appeal. The attention to detail in the designs left a lasting impression.
Built For Long Haul
Both vehicles house a 79 kWh LFP battery pack that is integrated with the inverter and motor powering the rear wheels. The BE 6e offers a certified range of 682 km, while the XEV 9e clocks in at 656 km (MIDC). With 59 kWh battery the BE 6e delivers a range of 556 km.
The 3-in-1 integrated powertrain delivers up to 210 kW (282 bhp), enabling the BE 6e to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds, with the XEV 9e close behind at 6.8 seconds. Charging is equally impressive—20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 175 kW fast charger.
Mahindra’s lifetime battery warranty for the first registered owner adds a layer of confidence, though subsequent owners get a 10-year or 200,000-km warranty.
Technology: The Magic of MAIA
The tech in these cars is nothing short of groundbreaking. MAIA, Mahindra’s AI architecture, brings the cars to life with over 130 million lines of code, eclipsing even the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s 6.5 million lines. Features like ADAS Level 2+, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset, and 60+ apps for entertainment, productivity, and navigation ensure these cars are as smart as they are stylish.
The in-cabin experience is powered by a 24 GB RAM system with ultra-fast GPUs, supporting augmented reality (AR) heads-up displays, Dolby Atmos sound, and advanced connectivity. The VisionX AR HUD was particularly striking, projecting essential driving information directly onto the windshield.
Driving Comfort and Safety
Driving the BE 6e and XEV 9e, I experienced comfort and control that rival luxury cars. The intelligent semi-active suspension adjusted seamlessly to road conditions, as demonstrated by a pyramid of water glasses placed on the bonnet that remained unspilled over bumpy terrain. Brake-by-wire technology and variable gear ratio steering added to the precision, especially during sharp turns and quick manoeuvres.
Safety is another highlight. Seven airbags, advanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) control, and secure cabin design ensure peace of mind. The Secure360 feature monitors the surroundings and in-cabin activities, while the Driver Monitoring System tracks fatigue and doubles as a selfie camera.
BE 6e: The Driver’s Car
The BE 6e is a dream for urban explorers and speed enthusiasts. Its sporty profile, short overhangs, and floating roof make it stand out, while its interiors are designed for driver-centric functionality. The rectangular steering wheel and cowl for resting your hand add a race car feel. The second row, however, caters to family needs with spacious seating and storage.
This car is all about versatility. Whether you’re zipping through city traffic or enjoying long road trips, the BE 6e delivers a performance-oriented yet comfortable ride.
XEV 9e: Elegance On Wheels
The XEV 9e is designed for those who value elegance and comfort. Its coupe-inspired design and cinemascope console featuring a three-screen layout caught my attention immediately. The plush Sage Green interiors, ambient lighting, and premium seating create an indulgent atmosphere. Interestingly, reclining options is offered for the second-row seats as well.
Despite its luxurious feel, the XEV 9e is practical too. The flat floor in the rear ensures comfort even for middle-seat passengers, and the frunk offers an impressive 150 litres of storage.
The Ingenuity Behind The Wheel
Both vehicles are a testament to Mahindra’s engineering excellence. During a demonstration, the BE 6e effortlessly pulled a 22-tonne truck, showcasing its raw power. The intelligent design extends to features like auto-park assist, a fast-cooling HVAC system, and UV-filtered glass, which enhance both convenience and comfort.
Final Thoughts
The BE 6e and XEV 9e are not just vehicles; they represent the OEM’s accelerated evolution building on its momentum since the launch of the XUV 700 with refreshed designs and advanced features. From cutting-edge technology and sustainable engineering to luxurious design and robust performance, these SUVs set a new benchmark in electric mobility, as evident from independent tests by IDIADA, comparing them with four German luxury brands.
Mahindra has delivered vehicles that not only meet the needs of today’s drivers but also anticipate the demands of tomorrow. Stepping out of the BE 6e and XEV 9e, I couldn’t help but think—this is the future of driving, and Mahindra has set the ball rolling.
The design, engineering, and manufacturing teams have executed their roles effectively, simplifying the task for the sales and marketing teams. Redefining the ownership experience, Mahindra plans to bring together 500 specialists from luxury and premium brands to deliver innovative pre-purchase drive experience, supported by approximately 400 tech experts to ensure a seamless customer journey. While these initiatives may assist customers in understanding the nuances of the BE 6e and XUV 9e, the service team could face challenges, particularly on the software front, as these vehicles heavily depend on advanced electronics and software systems.
Also Read:
Mahindra Throws Down The Gauntlet With Live EV Crash Test, Setting New Safety Benchmarks