Ahead of its global unveiling on November 26, Mahindra has dropped yet another teaser of the upcoming XEV 9e and BE 6e, previewing their final production-spec design. Both these coupe-SUVs are the first from Mahindra’s forthcoming born-electric range. These models will be very crucial for Mahindra, having invested millions in them, to finally make an impression in the mainstream EV market.
- BE 6e, XEV 9e design remains very true to its concept
- Both are expected to come with 60kWh and 79kWh battery packs
- Will be tech-oriented with dual/triple infotainment screen layouts
Mahindra BE 6e, XUV 9e production-spec design teased
The first impression looking at these teaser images is that they remain impressively true to their respective concepts. Not only have the BE 6e and XEV 9e retained the overall form factor of their concepts with aggressive cuts and creases and heavily contoured surfaces, but even some details like the LED daytime running lamps, the gloss black cladding around the heavily flared wheel arches and the flush door handles (with rear ones positioned on the C-pillars) are identical to what they were in the concept.
The latest teaser images reveal some new details like the illuminated BE and Mahindra infinity logos on the BE 6e and XEV 9e, respectively, as well as their aero-optimized alloy wheel designs. We also get a first look at the LED projector headlamp setup on the BE 6e. A really cool detail on the BE 6e is the deeply indented hood scoop which is likely for aero efficiency.
Mahindra is betting heavily on the radical design of its born EVs to help make them standout in the mainstream EV market. In a previous interaction with Autocar India, Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director and CEO of Mahindra's auto and farm sector, said, “You have consistently heard us say that the market will do very well with good launches. People buy wow products. We do believe that when you have the right proposition, people are going to buy it.”
The concept-like design with its futuristic and techy appeal will indeed be crucial for Mahindra as this segment is soon going see a bevy of new launches with Maruti’s upcoming e Vitara, the Toyota derivative of the same, the Tata Harrier EV and the Hyundai Creta EV, among others. The coupe-SUV body style will be another key distinction against its rivals, all of which are likely to be styled with typical upright SUV aesthetics.
Mahindra XEV 9e, BE 6e: what else do we know?
Apart from a radical exterior design, Mahindra will also be looking to differentiate its products in terms of tech and features. The BE 6e will have a cockpit-like interior with a halo wrapping around the driver side of the cabin, and it will also have dual floating infotainment screens. Meanwhile, the XEV 9e, which is actually a derivative of the ICE-powered XUV700, will have triple screens stretching across the width of the dashboard, and will share some switchgear with the XUV700.
Under the skin, both the XEV 9e and BE 6e are expected to come with two battery pack options: a 60kWh unit and a 79kWh unit. The larger battery pack is expected to give a range of around 450km under the WLTP cycle, and both models will also support ultra-fast charging. At launch, both SUVs will come in rear-wheel drive configuration only, although the BE 6e is also expected to get an all-wheel drive layout at a later stage.
More details about Mahindra’s first models in the BE and XEV range will be revealed in the coming days. Stay tuned.
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