Join Zeeshan Ali Aqudus, Co-founder of CarWyapar, for an expert review of the Mahindra BE 6E. Discover how this electric SUV is setting benchmarks in EV design and reshaping India’s electric mobility future.

I firmly believe the Mahindra BE 6E has set a global benchmark for electric vehicles and is poised to transform the trajectory of EV adoption in India. But before diving into the details, allow me to introduce myself.

I’m Zeeshan Ali Aqudus, Co-founder of CarWyapar, with an academic background in Vehicle and Mobility Design and hands-on expertise in both digital and physical product design. As an industrial designer specializing in the automotive domain, I can confidently state that Mahindra’s BE 6E and in fact even XEV 9E are going to be a global benchmark.

Probably, Pratap Bose, as Mahindra's design head, has done an even greater service to the brand by shaping revolutionary concepts like the BE 6E and XEV 9E compared to his earlier work at Tata Motors with the Harrier and Nexon.

A Trend Citroën Started, Tata Followed, and Mahindra Will Establish

Citroën introduced the Coupe SUV Basalt, a bold attempt to explore a niche market. However, it struggled to capture attention due to limited brand recognition and less refined execution. Tata Motors followed suit with the Curvv, leveraging its stronger brand image and a more polished product. While the Curvv created significant buzz, it also highlighted the inherent limitations of the Coupe SUV form factor—compromised rear headroom and reduced boot space—making them less practical than SUVs. When I say SUVs, I mean those buffed up FWD hatchbacks on steriods. ;)

Sometimes, what's popular isn't always the most practical. Take compact SUVs in India, for example. Cars like the Premier Rio were the first to show up, but it was the Ford EcoSport that really got people excited. And then came the Hyundai Creta, which completely changed the game.

These SUVs, which are basically beefed-up hatchbacks built on the same platform, took over the Indian market. People started choosing them over sedans, which used to be the popular choice. Car companies that stuck to traditional hatchbacks, like Honda with the WR-V with significant dimenssions, had a tough time keeping up primarily because it had a hatchback form factor at a price point where people could buy Brezza.

Now, after a decade of compact SUV dominance, the market is ripe for a new form factor, and the Coupe SUV is likely to take center stage. If you’re curious about the evolution of this design, you might want to check out my article "SUV Coupe: The Crossover We Didn't Ask For," which dives into the specifics of this emerging trend.

What stands out immediately in Mahindra’s BE 6E and XEV 9E is their refined form factor, which exudes a sense of freshness—something essential for creating excitement in today’s saturated SUV market. This feeling of novelty is further amplified by Mahindra’s new electric logo and the creation of a dedicated website for its BE lineup, showcasing a cohesive and modern product identity.

Mahindra's AI Car with the maya of AI

The Mahindra BE 6E electric SUV is equipped with MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture), which enhances the vehicle's capabilities as a smart, connected car. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor with an impressive 24 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. This powerful hardware supports advanced features like Vision X Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display, Eyedentity driver monitoring, and seamless interaction with the vehicle through 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6.0, and Bluetooth 5.2.

The BE 6E not only feels fresh in its design but also sets a higher benchmark for what an electric SUV should deliver. It’s a similar feeling I had with Tata’s Curvv when it was unveiled—it felt different and innovative. However, the BE 6E takes this to another level.

The Mahindra BE 6E gives off a distinctly futuristic vibe, and its most talked-about feature is undoubtedly the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Mahindra is branding the BE 6E as "software on wheels," and that claim feels entirely justified. With its smart integration of technology, the BE 6E is a step forward in making cars more intelligent and interactive.

What’s more fascinating is how the car resonates with the avionics industry, blending high-tech automotive innovation with design cues inspired by aircraft. From the cockpit-style cabin to the bonnet scoop and the robust grab handle that separates the driver and co-passenger, everything screams, "This isn’t just a car; it’s an aircraft for the road."

The BE 6E captures the excitement of flight, packed into an EV that glides effortlessly on wheels.

Kudos to Pratap Bose and Mahindra's Design & Engineering team for their exceptional attention to detail. Their meticulous design approach ensures that no element, no matter how small, feels out of place. From the aerodynamically inspired contours to the cabin layout that feels engineered for the future.

The Battery Ace card That Eliminates Range Anxiety and Battery Health Concerns

The Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e have introduced groundbreaking features that could revolutionize EV adoption in India. These electric SUVs, built on the INGLO platform, offer impressive ranges of up to 682 km for the BE 6e and over 700 km for the XEV 9e under ARAI certification. Even with real-world conditions, the BE 6e achieves more than 500 km, addressing the long-standing concern of range anxiety. Such capabilities are made possible by robust 59kWh and 79kWh LFP battery packs, which are safer and more durable than conventional options.

One of the standout features is the lifetime battery warranty provided to the first registered owner. This adds a layer of assurance for potential buyers who may be hesitant about the long-term viability of EVs. Coupled with a starting price of ₹18.90 lakh for the BE 6e, Mahindra makes EVs more accessible and attractive.

What’s even more remarkable is that these vehicles are being compared to EVs priced over ₹60-70 lakhs, yet the BE 6e offers many of the same, if not better, features. This situation reminds me of my high school days in 2011 when I received a Samsung Galaxy Y as a birthday gift. I found myself comparing it to my uncle's Blackberry, which cost ₹25K. My phone, in comparison, felt like a pocket rocket!

Inglo: The Android of Automobiles

I don't mean open-source, but Mahindra's INGLO platform is shaping up to be the Android of the automotive world. The modularity built into this platform allows for endless customization and versatility, making it adaptable for various electric vehicle (EV) types. A standout feature of the INGLO platform is its inclusion of an advanced suspension system designed for optimal ride quality, ensuring a smooth experience whether you're driving in the city or cruising on the highway. The suspension is controlled intelligently, adjusting to road conditions in real-time, which will set a new standard for comfort and control in EVs.

This level of modularity and control is poised to make competitors feel like BlackBerry or Symbian in comparison. Just as the smartphone revolution left legacy systems behind, INGLO’s advanced architecture is ready to define the future of automotive technology. The platform goes beyond traditional Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and ushers in the era of full-fledged in-car computing systems. This means that the OS in cars will no longer merely control basic functions but will evolve into a sophisticated system capable of managing everything from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to real-time performance tuning and even AI-powered features. The BE 6e, equipped with this revolutionary platform, is setting the stage for a completely redefined driving experience—one that is more connected, intelligent, and modular than ever before.

Mahindra's decision to integrate such a high level of sophistication into the INGLO platform is not just about keeping up with the competition, it's about leapfrogging it. Other EV manufacturers may soon find themselves on the backfoot, as the industry moves towards a new benchmark set by Mahindra.

Pitcure abhi baaki hai mere dost

I’m optimistic about the Mahindra BE 6e, not just as a benchmark EV, but as a true torchbearer for the adoption of electric vehicles in India. The BE 6e is poised to lead the charge in a shift towards EVs, and with it, an entire new economy will emerge. Think about it—charging stations, service centers, and a host of ancillary markets catering to EVs are all part of the growth that the BE 6e will help catalyze. This is not just about having another electric vehicle; it’s about creating the infrastructure and ecosystem that will drive a sustainable electric mobility future. As more people embrace EVs, new business opportunities and innovations will follow, making the transition to electric not just a trend, but a transformation that will reshape industries across India. So, when it comes to the BE 6e, rest assured—picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost.