Mahindra BE 6

The Mahindra BE 6e exudes a bold and futuristic design that commands attention. Its aggressive front end is accentuated by sharp lines, oversized LED DRLs, and the illuminated “BE” logo prominently placed on the forward-tilted bonnet. A large hood scoop improves aerodynamics by channeling airflow efficiently, further enhancing its sporty character. 

The side profile is clean and sophisticated, featuring flush-fitting door handles, trapezoidal window lines, and aero-inspired 19-inch wheels framed by gloss-black cladding. While the cladding adds a rugged touch, its susceptibility to scratches has been countered with a unique lined pattern for protection. The coupe-like sloping roofline and dual spoilers at the rear add a dynamic touch, complemented by minimalistic styling, slim C-shaped LED tail lamps, and a matte-finished Mahindra logo. Although its radical design may polarize opinions, it is undeniably eye-catching and youthful.

The BE 6e is built on Mahindra’s advanced INGLO platform and comes with two battery options: a 59kWh unit and a 79kWh unit, powering a rear-mounted motor.

The 59kWh variant delivers 231hp and a claimed range of 535 km, while the 79kWh version produces 286hp and stretches the range to an impressive 682 km. Both variants generate 380Nm of torque, ensuring brisk acceleration. The BE 6e features regenerative braking with four levels of intensity, a brake-by-wire system for seamless braking transitions, and a “Boost” function for added power in overtaking scenarios. It excels in smooth, responsive performance, and its rear-wheel-drive setup ensures impressive road grip and driving dynamics.

Inside, the BE 6e mirrors its radical exterior with a futuristic and driver-focused layout. A two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated touch controls and a 12.3-inch dual-screen setup dominates the minimalist dashboard.

The “halo loop” surrounding the driver evokes a race car feel but limits passenger access to certain controls. Premium materials in olive green, black, and grey adorn the cabin, though gloss-black accents are prone to scratches. While the front seats are supportive, with memory and ventilation functions, the rear seats compromise on headroom and thigh support.

The high boot floor limits practicality despite a 455-litre capacity, supplemented by a smaller 45-litre “frunk.” The BE 6e’s standout features include a panoramic glass roof with custom ambient lighting, an advanced head-up display with AR navigation, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos. However, the infotainment system’s user interface is overly complex, detracting from the overall experience.

The BE 6e prioritizes safety with its ADAS features, including driver monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system that doubles as a dash cam. Inside, the tall ride height and steeply raked A-pillars challenge ingress and egress, but the cabin offers great frontal visibility.

While the ride comfort is commendable, the cabin ergonomics, such as unconventional power window toggles and scattered buttons, could have been more intuitive. Adjustable rear seatbacks and dual-zone climate control enhance passenger comfort, though space constraints may affect long journeys.

The BE 6e’s INGLO platform delivers excellent ride and handling, with its low center of gravity and rear-wheel-drive layout ensuring remarkable stability. The semi-adaptive dampers adjust stiffness based on drive modes, offering plush comfort in “Range” mode and sportier dynamics in “Race” mode. Its variable gear ratio steering is quick and precise, making the BE 6e agile in corners and easy to maneuver despite its size.

The soft suspension absorbs road imperfections effortlessly, while the 207mm ground clearance and robust tyres inspire confidence over rough terrain. The Mahindra BE 6e’s innovative design, impressive performance, and advanced technology make it a standout electric SUV, though its practicality and user interface leave room for refinement.