Mahindra BE 6: The Indian automobile industry is on the verge of a huge transformation and Mahindra is working towards being one of the major contributors in this electric revolution.
The Coming of the Mahindra BE. 06 marks a big departure of the approach the homegrown brand is taking towards the future of mobility.
Different from its predecessors, the BE. 06 isn’t just an electrified fossil-fuel car. It’s part of Mahindra’s Born Electric (BE) range and was conceived as a full-out electric vehicle from the start.
This is all to say it’s not just electric by function — it’s electric by DNA.
Let’s see what makes the BE. 06 the much-talked-about vehicle, if it has the potential of being a market disrupter.
Mahindra BE 6 Born Electric Platform: Fit for the Future
The BE. 06 underpinned by Mahindra’s new INGLO platform, where INGLO stands for “Indian Global.” This skateboard-layout will be common across Mahindra’s upcoming electric SUVs. It’s modular, scalable, and future-ready.
The underpinnings share with Volkswagen’s MEB platform, so there’s plenty of engineering credibility. INGLO also provides support for fast charging, high voltage solution (up to 800V), and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
This platform is also readily capable of accepting substantial battery packs and dual-motor configurations if so desired.
The interesting thing is that Mahindra is no longer playing catch up. With INGLO and BE. 06, it’s setting the pace.
Design: At the Concept Car Looks on the Road
There’s no pulling any punches as far as the design of the BE goes on Mahindra’s end. 06. Since that concept presentation of the BE series premiere, the BE. 06 features advanced design, strong proportion and coupe-SUV shape, to catch people’s eyes easily.
Shards instead of corners, sci-fi integral lighting signatures, aero-first bumpers and a rifled – yes rifled – front grille mean this car really makes an impact on the road. The sloping roofline and raked stance are evidence that Mahindra wants this car to make an impression—not to lurk in the shadows.
Although some of the concept’s flamboyance will undoubtedly be muted in final production models, it’s clear that the BE. 06 won’t be another ho-hum electric SUV.
Interior: Digital, Minimal, and Tech-Heavy
Inside, the BE. 06 is likely to sport a minimalist and futuristic interior, with plenty of digital tech. Mahindra has already announced that its next EVs will sport twin-screen arrangements – infotainment on one and instrumentation on the other.
The materials on the inside may be more environmentally friendly, with vegan leather and recycled parts in the mix. The INGLO platform also enables a flat floor and longer wheelbase, so you can expect more interior space than in typical cars.
Look for ambient lighting, haptic controls, a head-up display and connectivity features courtesy of Mahindra’s AdrenoX interface that will be customised for the EV range.
Battery, Range, and Charging
While Mahindra has yet to list specific battery specs for the BE. 06, the firm has stated the INGLO platform can house 60 to 80 kWh scale of battery packs. That should equate to a range of around 400-500 km on standard testing cycles.
The BE. 06 is anticipated to accommodate DC fast charging, supplying a 0–80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes at high-speed charging stations.
Home charging with AC from an installed wall box, means anything between 7 to 8 hours, depending on variant and charger.
It is this sort of wide range and charging support which makes the BE. 06 usable in urban and extra-urban transport.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
INGLO also fits rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. And it’s unclear whether BE. 06 will come to the market with AWD, but the door is still open for higher trim levels.
The electric motors on this platform are capable of producing anywhere between 170 kW to 250 kW, looking at 228 to 335 horsepower. This would allow BE. 06 to reach 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds, depending on the form.
The BE.’s super-low center of gravity and optimized suspension package continues to deliver that distinctive go-kart feeling. 06 is set to deliver involved dynamics—not just green kudos.
Features and Safety Technology
Like most modern EVs, the BE. 06 isn’t likely to be light on action either. Mahindra is likely to include:
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
360-degree camera
Level 2 autonomy support
Multiple airbags
Electronic Stability Control
Blind spot detection
Adaptive cruise control
You’ll also get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, connected car tech, and potentially a panoramic sunroof in the top-spec grades.
Expected Price and Launch Timeline
The BE., with Mahindra already hinting at testing of prototypes. Due to its location and volume, the BE. 06 is expected to slot above the XUV400 and is anticipated to command a price in the range of ₹22 lakh and ₹30 lakh, depending on the variant, battery pack and drive setup.
This manuevers it directly against the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric and perhaps even the Maruti Suzuki eVX that’s coming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Not an ICE conversionIt is a pure electric platform
Striking, futuristic design
Range to be 500 km, it is available with these expectations
Great performance capabilities for up to two motors
Cabin featuring the latest technology including digital displays and ADAS
800V system for fast charging
Cons:
High Price point could restrict the masses adoption
Charging infrastructure lacking in numerous places
Coupe-SUV design might mean lost rear headroom
Unconfirmed final specs and features
Actual range may vary due to many factors.
Mahindra BE 6 Is the BE 06 Worth Waiting For
If you’re thinking about making the jump to electric and you want something that feels, looks, and is the future, then the Mahindra BE. 06 is worth monitoring, for sure. It marries the emotional pull of design with range and performance.
Mahindra’s tie up with Volkswagen too is a source of engineering credibility.
Of course, its fortunes will depend on the final pricing, the real-world performance as well as how well Mahindra is able to manage the after-sales service for EVs.
But if everything goes according to plan, the BE. 06 could be a potential electric SUV to watch out for in India.