Minor Mishap
While it is true that no two accidents are identical, there have been rumours circulating regarding M.E.A.L. products being stranded on the road after being rear-ended.
A brief about the accident:
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) was activated, and we selected the ‘normal’ setting (the other two options are Early and Late), as we were engaged in a road trip and navigating connecting highways. In the XEV 9E and BE 6, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) functionality requires the activation of AEB.
While navigating through the congested traffic of Gurugram, reminiscent of Mumbai’s notorious traffic, we found ourselves returning to Mumbai with minimal stops, except for necessary charging breaks. As the vehicle ahead abruptly stopped and resumed driving, we had ample space and intended to decelerate rather than maintain a stationary position. However, the ADAS detected a potential collision and initiated a firm braking action.
The car behind us, a Maruti DZire, was switching lanes and probably realised it too late to react. As a result, the DZire rear-ended our XEV 9E and sustained the following damages:
1. Right-side fender damage
2. Bonnet damage
3. Driver-side headlight cracked
The car itself was in a pathetic shape, and it seems like the driver didn’t care much about the rear end.
Visually, the damage to our car includes an inward-bent bumper, skid plate/diffuser, and paint transfer from the Dzire.
The mishap footage:
Following the incident, the instrument cluster displayed no malfunction indicators. Nevertheless, the vehicle recorded a three-minute video and stored it in the ‘Emergency’ folder. This video can be accessed through two methods:
1. The Centre Infotainment Screen, the video can be downloaded onto a USB drive from the slot provided in the glovebox.
2. Launch the Me4U application on your smartphone => Within the application, navigate to the “Secure 360” section => Select the “Recordings” tab => Choose the “Emergency” option => Select the video you wish to download and save on your smartphone or share it directly.
The video clip stored by the car, cropped from a 3 minute to a 41 second The Car performance:
The vehicle was struck on its left side, just below the charging port. Initially, we intended to verify whether the vehicle was charging. Fortunately, a charging station was conveniently located nearby. As the vehicle was fully operational, we proceeded to the charging station and completed a full 100% charge. We reported no adverse effects.
Following the completion of the charging process, we observed malfunction lights. Upon consulting the owner’s manual, we concluded that the car’s ADAS system was malfunctioning. To prevent any potential false alarms, the car had deactivated the ADAS system. Additionally, the car displayed a message indicating that the ‘rear left radar requires service’.
Despite the ADAS functionalities, the vehicle’s performance was optimal. We embarked on a sedate ~1,500 km journey, achieving an impressive range of 517 km. Contrary to rumours, the car was fully operational and successfully completed the ~1,500 km journey.
The malfunction lights on the instrument cluster illuminated. Interestingly, lane centring worked flawlessly even after the mishap. 
The ASC Experience: NBS International Goregoan (Mumbai)
Restoring our faith in the functionality of our car, we contacted the Service Centre in Mumbai the following day of the incident. A brief conversation with the EV-specific Service Advisor resulted in an appointment, and I was instructed to have the car towed to the ASC. Although I was initially puzzled as to why the car should be towed when it is fully operational, I accepted their terms without further argument.
The vehicle was towed to ASC and promptly transported to the bay, the discussions on the internet regarding the prioritisation of BEV owners by the M&M ASC appear to be accurate. The bodyshop manager conducted an inventory and acknowledged that this was their first case of this nature. They were unaware of the cost of replacement, except for the bumper, which costs ~₹18,000. Initially, we were hesitant to claim insurance, as having an undamaged bumper in Mumbai is a luxury we cannot afford. However, we believed that the bumper could be reshaped, a rubbing compound could address the paint transfer, and a radar reset might resolve the ADAS malfunctions. The bodyshop manager then advised that if the radar requires replacement, it is best to claim insurance, as the XUV 7OO radar costs approximately ₹22,000.
A call to family, who expressed a strong preference for the car to be in optimal condition, rendered it an unequivocal decision to proceed with the insurance claim. The insurance claim was duly registered, and the subsequent survey was conducted the following day. The surveyor requested a vehicle scan report for the rear left radar malfunction message. The entire claim process was meticulously managed by the ASC.
Upon receiving approval from the insurance company, the ASC ordered the necessary parts, including the bumper, left side reverse lamp, rear skid plate/diffuser, the brush silver part, and the rear left radar. The parts, except for the skid plate, were in stock within two to three days of ordering. However, the skid plate took longer to arrive, which delayed the bumper fitment and, consequently, the delivery of the car. The skid plate was finally in stock after more than three to four days. Once all the necessary parts were received, the ASC took the car for a test drive. The ADAS was functioning, but it displayed a message indicating that the rear left radar required service. The ASC was perplexed and attempted various troubleshooting methods. The final option was to connect to M&M. We were informed by the Me4U that testing was being conducted on our car till 9 pm! After receiving the instructions from M&M regarding the resetting of the radar, the malfunction message disappeared. According to M&M guidelines, the radar(s) must be reset after every module replacement and/or rear bumper removal.
In the interim, the car software underwent an update. The long-awaited Apple CarPlay has finally been integrated, and this is likely the third time the suspensions have been adjusted. Following each update, the car’s ride quality has improved significantly. The car was delivered ~15 days. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be in poor condition, with dirty interiors, scuffed-up gloss black cladding, and a scratch on a part near the rear bumper. The paint quality of the rear bumper was particularly unsatisfactory, and I found it difficult to look at it. However, the damaged part was repainted, and the paint quality was significantly improved. Additionally, these issues were resolved after involving M&M and CRM.
A closer examination of inside of the bumper reveals the bumper locks are plastic but of supreme quality, ensuring durability and strength. The chunky bar at the centre bottom is also made of metal, providing additional support and safety.
The other side of the under-the-skin aspect is that the HV cables are well-insulated and secured, so minor touches will not affect the wires, HV battery, or even the motor.
The damaged bumper, with the presence of radar sensors mounted on the rear bumper (with help of plastic brackets), a possible kick sensor, six parking sensors, and a wire harness for reverse lights.
The rear left radar bracket has been dislodged due to the impact. I apologise for the poor quality of the image; a zoom at the edge of the reverse light can reveal the damage.
The final invoice for the mishap. 