Mahindra BE 6: Benefits And Drawbacks Of The Compact Electric SUV

The Mahindra BE 6, initially named the BE 6e if not for the name dispute with Indigo, quite rightfully earns all the attention it is getting in the Indian market. It looks like something never seen before and offers both features and performance alike. Our experts have gotten their hands on the inner wheel of this impressive Mahindra EV, and based on their opinions, here’s a rundown of all the pros and cons of the BE 6 to help you make a reasonable choice in case you’re considering getting one.

Mahindra BE 6: The Strong Points

The BE 6 is distinguished by its shape and design which has a futuristic characteristic, nearly similar to the BE 05 concept car. At just less than 4.4 meters in length, it offers a commanding road presence on par with bigger SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos. Its ground clearance of 207 mm means it can easily navigate any terrain.

Inside, the BE 6 gets a wealth of equipment like a dual-screen infotainment system and a split console that gives the driver cockpit-like functionality. Other features of this avant-garde design are an aircraft-type gear selector, roof-mounted buttons, and even smooth plastics as well as generous leatherette padding inside the cabin, which add up to a more premium feel inside.

Despite its sleek appearance, the BE 6 comfortably accommodates four tall adults, offering ample headroom even with its sloping roofline. Practical storage solutions, including large door pockets and a spacious area between the front seats, add to its family-friendly design. 

On the features side of things, the BE 6 is well armed with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. An onboard selfie camera and the 'Groove Me' light and music show add fun to the driving experience.

Performance is strong, with two battery pack options: a 59 kWh pack powering the motor producing 230 PS and a 79 kWh pack with the motor producing 285 PS, plus 380 Nm of torque. The BE 6 accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in a claimed 6.7 seconds, for fast and smooth city running and assured overtaking on the highway. 

Safety is ensured with seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and all-wheel disc brakes. ADAS features include auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Auto park assist, available via key, phone app, or from within the car, assists with various parking scenarios.

Mahindra BE 6: The Could Be Better Ones

The BE 6's alien-UFO-like design may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional styling. It gets a sharp sloping roofline that not only compromises headroom for taller passengers but also reduces the boot capacity to just 445 litres. It could take only one full-sized suitcase and may be too small for passengers requiring more space for luggage. It also necessitates occupants' care not to bang their heads as they get into the vehicle.

The lack of a full-sized spare tyre, dependency on a space-saver spare, and the response times of the digital instrument cluster might be a concern for some users. With the BE 6 offering numerous charging options, the public charging infrastructure is currently not always reliable, which can impact long-distance travel plans.

Some interior elements, like the gear lever, could benefit from sturdier construction, and the flat-edged steering wheel might feel unconventional during manoeuvres like U-turns. The auto-park assist feature will be challenged by uneven road surfaces, and passengers will feel slight side-to-side movement over rough terrain due to the suspension setup.

Mahindra BE 6: Price And Rivals

The Mahindra BE 6 is priced between Rs 18.9 lakh to Rs 26.9 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered in three variants and it takes on other EVs like the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta Electric and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki e Vitara.

The Mahindra BE 6 is a strong mix of innovative design, modern features, and good performance on the roads. However, it still has areas to be refined; it is noteworthy in the electric SUV segment. Whether to buy one or not – the choice will depend on the buyer's preferences and individual requirements. 

Let us know what are your thoughts on this never-seen-before-like EV from Mahindra.