Mahindra BE6: The early morning sun glints off the sculpted panels of the Mahindra BE6 as Vikram Desai navigates through Bengaluru’s tech corridor.
“People constantly ask me about it,” he says, glancing at the futuristic cockpit display. “It’s not just another electric SUV—it’s a statement about where Indian automotive engineering is headed.
” After spending two weeks with Mahindra’s groundbreaking electric vehicle, I understand exactly what he means. The 2025 BE6 represents not merely an addition to India’s growing EV landscape but a fundamental reimagining of what an electric SUV can be.
Design Philosophy: Breaking Conventional Boundaries
First impressions matter, and the BE6 makes an unforgettable one. Mahindra’s “Heartcore Design” philosophy manifests in an edgy, athletic silhouette that stands apart in parking lots dominated by conventional SUVs.
Unlike many competitors whose electric vehicles merely adapt existing platforms, the BE6 was conceived from the ground up as an EV, giving designers unprecedented freedom.
“The traditional constraints simply didn’t apply,” explains Meera Sharma, an automotive design consultant who has followed Mahindra’s evolution closely.
“Without accommodating a combustion engine’s cooling and space requirements, the team could prioritize proportions that maximize both aesthetics and interior volume.”
The front fascia features hidden-until-lit lighting elements that create a distinctive signature at night—an almost theatrical greeting when approaching the vehicle.
Short overhangs and muscular wheel arches housing large alloys emphasize the vehicle’s commanding stance while nodding to performance potential.
The sloping roofline gives the BE6 a coupe-like profile without significantly compromising interior headroom—a delicate balance that many manufacturers attempt but few achieve successfully.
Walking around the BE6 during a weekend photoshoot in Lonavala, the pronounced body lines and aerodynamic elements drew curious onlookers who mistook it for a concept car rather than a production model.
This reaction speaks volumes about Mahindra’s commitment to preserving design integrity from concept to showroom—a rarity in mass-market vehicles.
Technology Integration: Intelligence Meets Intuition
Step inside the BE6, and the race-inspired cockpit immediately communicates this vehicle’s dual nature—practical transportation coupled with genuine driving excitement.
Dual 12.3-inch floating screens dominate the dashboard, powered by what might be the most advanced computing platform in any Indian vehicle: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip supported by 24GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
During my testing period, this processing power translated to seamless interaction with no lag or hesitation—whether navigating complex menus, running multiple apps simultaneously, or issuing voice commands. Unlike systems that feel bolted-on as afterthoughts, the BE6’s technology integration feels cohesive and purposeful.
The augmented reality head-up display deserves special mention as it projects navigation directions, speed information, and safety alerts directly onto the driver’s field of vision.
During a particularly complex navigation through Old Delhi’s labyrinthine streets, this feature proved invaluable in reducing cognitive load and keeping eyes on the road.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how technology enhances rather than distracts from the driving experience,” notes Rajesh Kumar.
a tech analyst who specializes in automotive interfaces. “The BE6 exemplifies this evolution with systems that anticipate needs rather than demanding attention.”
The personalization options extend beyond mere aesthetics with Mahindra’s LiveYourMood system, which offers pre-set themes (Calm, Cozy, and Club) that simultaneously adjust seat position, ambient lighting, climate settings, and even audio characteristics—the latter curated by A.R. Rahman.
During a particularly stressful return from a client meeting, switching to “Calm” mode noticeably altered the cabin atmosphere, demonstrating how thoughtful integration can genuinely affect driver wellbeing.
Performance Credentials: Electric Excellence
Beneath the sculptured exterior lies Mahindra’s INGLO electric architecture—a dedicated EV platform that optimizes weight distribution and structural rigidity.
Two battery options are available: a 59kWh pack delivering 228hp and a more potent 79kWh variant producing 281hp, both sending power exclusively to the rear wheels in current configurations.
During extended testing through the varied topography of the Mumbai-Pune expressway, the larger battery variant demonstrated remarkable composure and effortless acceleration.
The 0-100km/h sprint happens in just 6.7 seconds—impressive for a vehicle of this size and segment. More telling, however, is the instant torque delivery that makes highway merges and overtaking maneuvers confidence-inspiring affairs.
Anand Mahajan, who traded his German luxury sedan for a BE6 three months ago, shared his impressions: “The performance is genuinely surprising if you’re coming from conventional vehicles.
There’s a directness to how it accelerates and responds that makes even mundane drives engaging. I wasn’t expecting this level of driver involvement from an electric SUV.”
The three selectable drive modes—Range, Everyday, and Race—significantly alter the vehicle’s character. While Range mode prioritizes efficiency with gentler throttle mapping and regenerative braking.
Race mode transforms the BE6 into something approaching a sports car, with sharper responses and reduced intervention from stability systems.
The special Boost function, which unleashes maximum torque for ten seconds, proved particularly useful when executing quick overtakes on single-lane highways.
Range Reality: Breaking the Anxiety Barrier
Perhaps the most impressive achievement of the BE6 is how it addresses the perennial EV concern: range anxiety. The 79kWh battery delivers an ARAI-certified 682km range, while the 59kWh variant manages a still-impressive 535km.
During my testing, which included a mix of city driving and highway cruising with occasional spirited acceleration, the larger battery consistently delivered 580-600km of real-world range—a figure that makes interstate travel entirely practical.
Charging flexibility further enhances the ownership experience. Using a 175kW DC fast charger, both battery variants can go from 20% to 80% charge in approximately 20 minutes.
More relevant to daily use, the 11.2kW home charger requires 8 hours for the 79kWh battery (6 hours for the 59kWh), meaning overnight charging easily restores full range. The 7.3kW option takes longer at 11.7 and 8.7 hours respectively but remains practical for most ownership scenarios.
“What impressed me most was the accuracy of the range estimator,” explains Priya Deshmukh, who regularly drives her BE6 between Mumbai and Nashik.
“Unlike some EVs that show wildly optimistic projections, the BE6 consistently delivers on its range estimates, which builds confidence for longer journeys.”
Mahindra’s confidence in their battery technology is reflected in their warranty policy: lifetime coverage for the original owner, with subsequent owners.
receiving 10 years or 200,000 kilometers of protection. This commitment significantly addresses residual value concerns that have historically affected electric vehicle adoption.
Practical Considerations: Beyond the Excitement
While performance and technology capture headlines, daily livability ultimately determines an SUV’s success. Here, the BE6 demonstrates thoughtful attention to practical details.
The 455-liter boot easily accommodates luggage for weekend getaways, while the cabin features numerous storage solutions including a floating center console with clever compartments.
The Autopark feature, which employs 12 ultrasonic sensors to enable perpendicular, angular, and parallel parking, proved remarkably effective during testing in Mumbai’s notoriously tight parking scenarios.
Unlike some systems that induce anxiety rather than reducing it, the BE6’s implementation inspires confidence through clear guidance and smooth execution.
Passenger comfort receives equal consideration with dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof with ambient lighting, and UV-protected laminated glass that noticeably reduces cabin heating during intense summer days.
The 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos creates an immersive audio environment that transforms mundane commutes into more enjoyable experiences—particularly appreciated during Mumbai’s infamous traffic jams.
Safety features extend beyond the expected with Level 2+ ADAS capabilities, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and autonomous emergency braking.
The system employs five radars and a vision camera capable of detecting various obstacles including animals and pedestrians—a crucial feature for Indian driving conditions where unexpected road users are common.
During a sudden encounter with stray cattle on a rural Maharashtra highway, the system’s prompt alert potentially prevented a serious incident.
Market Position and Value Proposition
With pricing spanning from Rs 18.90 lakh for the entry-level 59kWh variant to Rs 26.90 lakh for the range-topping 79kWh model, the BE6 positions itself as a premium offering within the rapidly evolving Indian electric vehicle landscape.
While this represents a significant investment compared to conventional SUVs, the value proposition strengthens when considering operational costs and feature content.
Sanjay Sharma, a financial consultant who recently acquired a BE6 for his family, shared his decision-making process: “When evaluating total cost of ownership over a five-year period, including fuel savings, maintenance reduction.
and potential tax benefits, the premium over a comparable internal combustion engine vehicle narrows considerably. Factor in the superior technology and driving experience, and the value becomes apparent.”
The market has responded enthusiastically, with Mahindra delivering over 6,300 units of the BE6 and its sibling, the XEV 9e, within two months of launch.
a significant achievement for vehicles in this price segment. Initial bookings exceeded 30,000 units on the first day, suggesting strong demand that transcends early adopter demographics.
Ownership Experience: The Human Factor
Beyond specifications and features, the ownership experience ultimately determines a vehicle’s success. Mahindra appears to understand this with thoughtful touches throughout the customer journey.
The dedicated EV sales channels provide specialized knowledge, while the companion mobile app offers remote monitoring, charging station location, and service scheduling.
Ananta, a business owner who has accumulated over 5,000 kilometers in his BE6 since purchase, emphasizes the emotional aspect: “Beyond practical considerations, there’s an undeniable pleasure in driving something that feels genuinely special.
The combination of distinctive design, impressive technology, and knowing you’re part of automotive evolution creates a connection that transcends transportation.”
This sentiment echoes across owner forums and social media groups, where BE6 owners share experiences, tips, and modifications with enthusiasm typically reserved for enthusiast vehicles rather than family SUVs. This community building represents an intangible but valuable aspect of the ownership proposition.
Looking Forward: The Evolution Continues
As Mahindra’s first dedicated electric platform, the BE6 establishes foundations for future development. The modular nature of the INGLO architecture suggests potential for additional variants, including the all-wheel-drive configuration that would further enhance performance credentials.
The over-the-air update capability ensures the vehicle can evolve throughout its lifespan, potentially gaining new features and refinements without requiring dealership visits. This software-defined approach aligns with global best practices and represents significant value for long-term owners.
The Verdict: A Genuine Game-Changer
After extensive time with the Mahindra BE6 across varied driving scenarios, what emerges is a vehicle that doesn’t merely participate in the electric revolution but actively shapes it with distinctly Indian innovation.
The combination of striking design, meaningful technology integration, impressive performance, and practical usability creates a compelling package that challenges preconceptions about domestically developed vehicles.
For buyers willing to embrace electric mobility, the BE6 offers a remarkably complete package that minimizes compromises while maximizing the inherent advantages of electric propulsion.
It successfully balances the sometimes-conflicting priorities of driver engagement and family practicality—a rare achievement at any price point.
As Vikram summarizes while charging his BE6 at the end of our time together: “This isn’t just Mahindra’s vision of an electric future—it’s a statement about Indian engineering capability on the global stage. That it happens to be thoroughly enjoyable to live with is the perfect bonus.”
In a market increasingly crowded with electric alternatives, the Mahindra BE6 stands apart not just for what it is today, but for what it represents for the future of mobility in India and beyond.