Mahindra BE 6e review, first drive: The game changer?

Mahindra has just launched two new electric SUVs, and we got a chance to try out both. Here is how the smaller of the two, the Mahindra BE 6e faired.

It has been a while since most manufacturers have got their act together concerning electric vehicles. Mahindra too offered the Mahindra XUV 400 in India, but it was not quite as potent as the competition which included the likes of the Tata Nexon EV, Tata Punch EV or even the MG ZS EV. But it is now time for the company to take on the challenge with a new set of electric-origin SUVs that include the BE 6e and the XEV 9e. In this review, we shall tell you all about the BE 6e which is fondly referred to as "Be Sexy."

Mahindra BE 6e: Design details

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer – Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, told us that for this project, he was given free rein. Now, we all know what happens next; the BE 6e! The BE 6e then is a mix of a sports coupe and a crossover. The front end is dominated by the large LED light signatures which look splendid. Then the bonnet has two sections to it and the top half looks like a spoiler no less. The good thing is that all this flash aids aerodynamics which in turn helps the SUV perform better. Additionally, the sleek bonnet also offers a 45-litre frunk which is quite useful. In profile one can spot the long 2,775mm wheelbase and the fact that the INGLO platform allowed engineers to push the wheels to the far corners of the SUV, thus reducing overhangs and increasing space in between. The profile also showcases the radical design of the coupe crossover with prominent wheel arches and a sweeping roof line. The rear door handles are hidden in the upper part of the door thus allowing a smooth coupe-like design. At the back, the tail lights take centre-stage and so does the new Mahindra Electric logo. But what looks smashing are the spoilers atop the rear window. These SUVs also offer a ‘Groove Me’ function which syncs all the lights to the tune playing thus turning your car into a disco! The boot on the other hand offers a respectable 455 litres of cargo space which is flat and useable.

Mahindra BE 6e: Interiors and features

If you thought the exteriors were radical, wait till you see the interiors! The entire cockpit is aircraft-inspired and it shows. The front end is divided into two parts very clearly and the driver gets the prime real estate. There is a marked difference in textures for the driver and the front passenger which add to the sporty feel. The gear lever is again inspired by the thrust levers seen in aircrafts and looks ravishingly. While it is good to hold, we would have been even happier if the quality of plastic used on this lever could be better. Also, a little bit of a soft touch feel here would have worked wonders. On the centre console sits a rotary knob to access various vehicle functionalities and right next to it is the start stop button. But the clincher here is the key which resembles a spaceship and on top of that it gets its landing pad. Brilliant!

The dash on the other hand houses twin 12.3-inch screens, one for the infotainment and one for the instrument panel. In a bid to keep the dash clean, the designers have integrated all functionalities within the infotainment system and this includes the climate control system and the ventilated seats as well! I beg to differ but accessing these on the go is quite difficult and I would have preferred dedicated buttons. The steering too is a work of art and is rectangular and a joy to hold. Adding to it are the pull-type door handles which sure took my breath away! When it comes to space, the BE 6e is decent at the back. Though ingress/egress is a tad difficult thanks to the sweeping roofline, it is not a dealbreaker. The rear seat passenger also gets multiple Type-C charging ports and also an armrest. The seat squab though is at an angle and again I would have preferred a better design for more comfort. However, adding to the roomy feeling is the moon roof which also gets light motifs, adding to the fun quotient. What we would like to add here is the excellent NVH packaging, which makes the cabin incredibly quiet. But if you want sound, Mahindra is offering a magnificent 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system as well.

Mahindra BE 6e: Platform, battery packs, range, charging

The BE 6e is based on Mahindra’s new INGLO platform which is a dedicated electric platform. The company uses a blade-style battery and the motor is mounted at the back making the BE 6e an RWD SUV. Yum Yum! Mahindra is offering two battery pack options for the SUV which includes a 59kWh pack and the second one being a 79kWh battery pack. The former offers a range of 682km while the latter offers a range of 535km. Power outputs differ as well with the smaller packed vehicle offering 170kW and the bigger one tending 210kW! Torque outputs remain the same at 380Nm. Apart from all this, Mahindra has also added semi-active suspension on the SUV and a rather clever steering set up which changes as per speed and mode.

Mahindra BE 6e: How is it to drive?

Once in the driver’s seat, it is clear that the BE 6e is built for the driver. The view up front is good, but the same cannot be said for the rear. The sweeping roofline eats up on visibility and adding to it is the third headrest mounted on the rear seat. However, get going and you will forget all that. The SUV takes off with zest and the feeling is epic. The way this thing gathers speed is incredible. The three modes are a bit spaced out but we sure enjoyed the fruitiest of them the most. The SUV also sits at high speeds with confidence and feels rock solid even as speeds climb over 150kmph! Top speed is a speedo indicated 202kmph. But if range is a concern, even the ‘Everyday’ mode is a good combination of speed and efficiency. But there is a ‘Boost’ function as well which unleashed all the power for quick overtakes.

We loved the way the steering morphed as per the situation. The BE 6e is easy to turn into tight parking spots thanks to the variable gear ratio steering system, and at the same time offers ample feedback at high speeds. The suspension is a bit on the stiffer side, but it is a good mix of comfort and performance. The BE 6e is a joy around corners and one cannot fault it much as it has a very controlled body roll around corners.

Mahindra BE 6e: Auto Park system works great

Mahindra has also added an auto park system which works rather well. Just select the spot and the SUV does the same automatically without the need of any driver involvement. It can also be parked when the driver is not in the car using the remote key and this comes in handy to get the SUV into a tight space where opening the door is not an option.

Mahindra BE 6e: Verdict

The BE 6e is sure a sexy SUV to own. The thing looks brilliant, comes with a potload of exotic features and at the same time is a joy to drive. Surely the only hindrance is the ingress/egress and that my friends, is not a deal breaker. Priced at Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level variant, the BE 6e is sure a game-changing SUV.