Mahindra BE 6 launch with Lamborghini look in Rs. 29 Lakh

Mahindra BE 6 : The afternoon sun glints off angular bodywork as I guide the Mahindra BE 6 through the winding roads of Kasauli.

Phones emerge from the hands of roadside chai-wallahs, and a group of college students abandon their conversation to stare openly as I pass.

One shouts excitedly, “Lamborghini!” before his more informed friend corrects him: “Arrey, it’s the new Mahindra!”

This case of mistaken identity has happened no less than seven times during my three days with the BE 6, and it perfectly encapsulates what Mahindra has achieved with its bold new electric crossover.

In a market where design conservatism has long dominated affordable segments, Mahindra has thrown caution to the wind with the BE 6, delivering supercar-inspired aesthetics at a price point that brings such visual drama within reach of India’s expanding middle class.

After 700 kilometers behind the wheel, I’ve developed some distinct impressions about whether this ambitious vehicle delivers substance to match its undeniable style.

Mahindra BE 6 Design: Unabashed Exoticism for the Masses

The BE 6’s exterior styling represents Mahindra’s most assertive design statement to date. The front fascia features sharp, hexagonal elements that immediately evoke images of certain Italian exotics, with angular LED headlights that slash inward toward a central shield-like element.

Cooling ducts – functional rather than decorative, an important distinction – flank the lower section, while the hood incorporates dramatic sculpting that creates interplays of light and shadow as the sun moves across it.

In profile, the BE 6 continues the exotic theme with a sharply raked windscreen that flows into a sloping roofline, terminating in what Mahindra calls a “floating C-pillar” design.

Pronounced shoulders over the wheel arches create visual muscle, while the 20-inch alloy wheels feature a complex multi-spoke design with contrasting diamond-cut and black-painted elements.

The high beltline and relatively small greenhouse contribute to the dramatic proportions, though they do impact outward visibility – a compromise I’ll address later.

The rear completes the exotic look with thin, horizontally-oriented LED taillights connected by a light bar that emphasizes visual width.

A steeply raked rear screen and prominent diffuser element – again, functional for aerodynamic efficiency – create a distinctive signature that ensures the BE 6 is immediately recognizable from any angle.

What’s particularly impressive is how cohesive these dramatic elements feel. Rather than appearing as a collection of supercar design clichés grafted onto a mainstream vehicle, the BE 6 integrates these influences into a distinctive whole that maintains its own identity.

Credit must go to Mahindra’s Pratap Bose and the international design team for creating something genuinely striking without veering into parody.

Color choices play a crucial role in either emphasizing or subduing the dramatic styling. My test vehicle’s Electro Purple – one of seven available options – certainly leans into the extroverted character, shifting between deep violet and nearly black depending on lighting conditions.

More conservative buyers might prefer the Stealth Black or Ethereal Silver options, though they sacrifice some of the visual impact that makes the BE 6 so distinctive.

Mahindra BE 6 Cabin: Dramatic Yet Functional

If the exterior draws inspiration from exotic cars, the interior represents a more balanced approach that prioritizes usability while maintaining visual drama.

The dashboard features a wing-like design that wraps around the front occupants, incorporating both digital displays and physical controls in a layout that feels contemporary without becoming intimidatingly complex.

The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a third screen for climate and vehicle controls.

This triple-display setup creates an impressive tech-forward impression, though Mahindra has wisely retained physical controls for frequently used functions – a practical decision that prioritizes usability over minimalist aesthetics.

Seating positions front and rear are more conventional crossover than exotic car, with a relatively high H-point that provides good visibility forward despite the rakish windscreen

. The front seats offer excellent support with pronounced side bolstering that holds occupants securely during spirited driving without becoming uncomfortable on longer journeys.

My six-foot frame found plenty of headroom despite the sloping roofline, though rear headroom is more compromised for taller passengers.

Material quality represents a significant step up from previous Mahindra offerings, with genuine aluminum trim elements, leatherette upholstery featuring contrast stitching, and soft-touch materials covering most upper surfaces.

Lower dash and door panels use harder plastics, an inevitable concession to the price point, but their grained finish and tight assembly minimize any impression of cost-cutting.

Practical considerations haven’t been sacrificed at the altar of style. Storage options include a reasonably sized glovebox, generous door pockets, a covered center console bin, and thoughtfully positioned cupholders.

The 455-liter boot offers competitive capacity for this segment, with a relatively low loading lip that facilitates handling heavier items.

The panoramic glass roof deserves special mention for transforming the cabin ambience. Standard on higher variants and optional elsewhere, it floods the interior with light, creating an airier feeling that counteracts the high beltline and relatively small side windows.

An electrochromic dimming function prevents greenhouse effects on hotter days, while the effective climate control system ensures comfortable temperatures regardless of external conditions.

Mahindra BE 6 Powertrain: Electric Performance to Match the Looks

The BE 6 offers two powertrain options – a rear-wheel-drive single-motor setup producing 231 bhp and 380 Nm, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant delivering a combined 335 bhp and 560 Nm.

My test vehicle featured the more powerful configuration, enabling a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds – genuinely quick by any standard and particularly impressive at this price point.

What numbers can’t convey is the effortless nature of this performance. The immediate torque availability creates a sensation of endless thrust, with overtaking maneuvers accomplished with minimal planning or drama.

Unlike some electric vehicles that deliver their performance in an almost clinical fashion, the BE 6 manages to create a sense of excitement, with the powertrain responsiveness complementing the dramatic exterior styling.

Battery options include 60 kWh and 79 kWh packs, with the larger unit offering a claimed range of up to 450 kilometers.

Real-world testing suggests 350-380 kilometers is achievable in mixed driving conditions – not class-leading but entirely adequate for most usage patterns.

DC fast charging at up to 150 kW allows for a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, while the standard 7.4 kW home charger requires around 10 hours for a full charge.

Driving dynamics reveal Mahindra’s progress in vehicle engineering. The low-mounted battery pack creates a favorable center of gravity, contributing to impressive stability during cornering.

Steering offers good precision if somewhat artificial feedback – a common characteristic of electric power steering systems rather than a specific criticism of the BE 6.

Ride quality demonstrates a well-judged balance between control and comfort. The suspension – McPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear setup – absorbs typical Indian road imperfections without excessive harshness while maintaining composure during more enthusiastic driving.

Larger impacts do occasionally resonate through the cabin, suggesting some additional fine-tuning could yield benefits, particularly for our road conditions.

Regenerative braking offers three levels of intensity, with the strongest setting enabling near one-pedal driving in most conditions.

The transition between regenerative and friction braking occurs seamlessly, avoiding the sometimes inconsistent pedal feel that plagues some electric vehicles.

Mahindra BE 6 Technology: Ambitious Yet Accessible

The BE 6’s technology package impresses not just through its comprehensive nature but through its thoughtful implementation.

The AdrenoX infotainment system features crisp graphics and responsive performance, with a logical menu structure that proves navigable even for less tech-savvy users.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, while the integrated navigation system incorporates charging station information – a crucial consideration for electric vehicle ownership.

The 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivers impressive sound quality, with excellent clarity even at higher volumes and well-balanced frequency response.

The implementation avoids the common pitfall of overwhelming bass at the expense of midrange definition, creating a more sophisticated listening experience than typically found at this price point.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring – features typically associated with more premium offerings.

Their calibration demonstrates understanding of Indian driving conditions, with intervention thresholds that prevent constant false alarms without compromising safety.

Connectivity extends beyond smartphone integration to include an AI assistant that responds to natural language commands for vehicle functions and information queries.

The “Hello Mahindra” wake phrase activates a system that proves more capable than many competitors, successfully interpreting requests even with varied accents and phrasings.

Mahindra BE 6 Value Proposition: Democratizing Design Drama

With prices starting at Rs. 29 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base rear-wheel-drive variant and extending to Rs. 35 lakh for the fully-loaded dual-motor version, the BE 6 occupies an interesting middle ground in the Indian market.

While certainly not inexpensive in absolute terms, it delivers visual impact and performance typically associated with vehicles costing substantially more.

This positioning creates a compelling proposition for buyers seeking to make a statement without the financial commitment of genuine exotic cars or even premium European offerings.

The electric powertrain adds further distinction, positioning early adopters at the forefront of the inevitable transition away from internal combustion engines.

Running costs further enhance the value equation. Mahindra claims electricity costs of approximately Rs. 1.2-1.5 per kilometer depending on local rates – significantly lower than equivalent petrol or diesel vehicles.

Maintenance requirements are reduced compared to conventional powertrains, with service intervals set at 20,000 kilometers or annually, whichever comes first.

The warranty package provides reasonable peace of mind, with 5 years/100,000 kilometers of coverage for the vehicle and 8 years/160,000 kilometers for the battery pack.

Mahindra’s expanding service network addresses potential concerns about support for electric vehicle technology, while the company’s established presence provides reassurance regarding parts availability and long-term support.

Mahindra BE 6 Living with Drama: The Everyday Reality

Beyond the impressive specifications and striking aesthetics, the most relevant question for potential owners is how the BE 6 functions as daily transportation.

After several days of living with the vehicle through varied usage scenarios, I can report that the compromises are fewer than the dramatic styling might suggest.

Visibility, often a weakness in dramatically styled vehicles, proves better than expected forward and to the sides, though the sloping roofline and high beltline do restrict the rear view.

The standard 360-degree camera system mitigates this during parking maneuvers, providing clear visuals even in challenging lighting conditions.

The relatively high ground clearance (190mm) handles typical Indian road hazards without drama, while approach and departure angles prevent scraping on steeper driveways or aggressive speed bumps. Door openings are reasonably sized despite the rakish roofline, allowing entry and exit without contortions for most adults.

Climate control effectiveness deserves praise for maintaining comfortable cabin temperatures despite the large glass areas.

The system cools quickly even in high ambient temperatures, while the pre-conditioning function (activated via smartphone app) proves invaluable for preparing the cabin while still connected to power – preserving battery range for actual driving.

Mahindra BE 6 Conclusion: Substance Behind the Show

The Mahindra BE 6 represents a bold departure from conventional wisdom about what affordable Indian vehicles should be. Rather than the traditional focus on practicality and efficiency above all else, it prioritizes emotional appeal and visual drama without completely abandoning the fundamental requirements of daily transportation.

This approach creates a uniquely appealing proposition for buyers seeking to stand out without stretching to genuinely premium price points.

The BE 6 delivers the head-turning ability of exotic machinery with the ownership costs and practicality of mainstream crossovers – a combination that many will find irresistible despite the inevitable compromises.

More broadly, the BE 6 signals Mahindra’s ambition to transcend its traditional utilitarian image and compete on design and emotional appeal rather than merely practical considerations.

If the enthusiastic public response during my testing period is any indication, this strategy has genuine potential to reshape perceptions of what Indian manufacturers can achieve.

For buyers willing to embrace electric technology and prioritize distinctive styling over absolute practicality, the BE 6 offers a compelling package that feels genuinely special at a price point where specialness is typically in short supply.

That achievement alone makes it worthy of serious consideration, regardless of which Italian exotic it might momentarily be mistaken for.