Mahindra has gatecrashed the EV party in style with its new range of electric SUVs based on a born electric platform. The last bit is important because this means the EVs bring in many benefits which ice converted EVs don't have. Of the two EVs, the BE 6e is the more aggressively priced car to rival current SUVs like the Tata Curvv EV.
The BE is a new subrand and is a coupe suv with a length of about 4.3 m while the long wheelbase is 2775mm. The design though stands out the most in being a concept car and very aggressive. While the looks might seem too radical for some, it is an edgy design with gloss black cladding, slim lights and flush door handles. The coupe like styling adds to the look and so do the aero inspired 19inch wheels. One thing for sure though that it looks unlike anything else.
Once you get in and the same theme continues inside with an aircraft style cabin. The steering wheel is futuristic and there is a twin screen layout wrapped around you. The centre console flows down and the gear selector is also similar to an aircraft. Quality and design is excellent and much higher than a XUV400. Interestingly the BE 6e has race car like door handles which you have to pull and these take some getting used to. What we like the screen resolution and the touchscreen quality.
It has loads of tech including inbuilt apps, customised ambient lighting including for the panoramic sunroof, 360 degree camera, a selfie camera, 16 speaker audio system with customised sounds by AR Rahman, dual zone climate control with different modes, Adas level 2, 7 airbags and more.
Not just that as you get an augmented reality HUD and auto park feature. Space at the front is good while the rear seat is good enough for two passengers while the head room could be an issue for talk occupants while the middle headrest is also missing. The good thing is that there is a 45 litre frunk and a 455 litre boot with a powered tailgate.
The BE 6e gets two battery packs including a 59 and 79 kWh one with the 79kwh version developing 280 bhp and having an ARAI range figure of 682 km. 0-100 kmph takes around 6.7 seconds which means it is one of the most powerful ev SUVs in jtd class. There are drive modes on offer and it has brake by wire technology along with fast charging in 20 minutes. Ground clearance is 207 mm.
Priced at Rs 18.9 lakh starting the BE 6e seems to be packed with technology and has power along with edgy looks. The top-end version would be more expensive but even then it seems a desirable package on first impressions.
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