The highlight for me was the auto-park feature and the forward and backward movement using the key fob.

BHPian newenergy recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I test drove the BE 6 and XEV 9e back-to-back today. This was my second time test driving both. On weekends, there was such a rush that I could only test drive the XEV 9e for 10 minutes. This time, I was able to test them both for a bit longer since there was less of a rush during the weekday. The highlight for me was the auto-park feature and the forward and backward movement using the key fob. TLDR: If you value space, then the 9e is much better.

BE 6:

1. The drive is amazing, and it is quite nimble due to its size. The driving position is not SUV-like, where you can see the bonnet, but you can slightly see the edges.
2. The suspension is very good, though I did not test it on a bad road.
3. It felt a bit awkward to hold the steering wheel due to the flat bottom and top. One can get used to it, but I prefer a circular steering wheel.
4. The interior has fewer soft-touch materials compared to the 9e. Though, due to the dark interior, it is easier to keep clean.
5. I didn’t like the center divider (halo loop).
6. There is too much piano black on the center console, and the test drive car already had scratches.
7. Backseat space is limited. Headroom was okay, but three adults will not be comfortable in the back.
8. The rear window size is very small, and with the all-black interior, the space seems even smaller.

XEV 9e:

1. This is the second time I have tried it, and, as usual, the drive is amazing.
2. You need to keep its huge size in mind. Interior space is much better than BE 6.
3. I liked the driving stance. You sit high, and the bonnet is also visible.
4. Once again, I tried the Atmos sound, and it is amazing.
5. This time, I tried the HUD and blind spot detection. It worked, and the steering wheel vibrates a little to let the driver know. The haptic feedback was a nice touch.
6. I tried the auto-park feature. This is amazing. You need to find a spot that is visible from the 360° view, find a slot, drag the marker, and then start parking, and it parks on its own. This does not need markings on the parking spot. If some object comes in between, or someone stands there, it applies the brakes. Overall, judging by the initial trial, it all worked like a charm. I was anticipating hiccups, but I am amazed.
7. I also tried the auto forward and backward movement using the key fob, and it also worked. Just keep pressing the forward or back button, and the car moves forward or backward. In case someone comes in front, it brakes, so there is no chance of collision. You can initiate this without setting anything in the infotainment screen. This will come in handy to take the car out of a tight spot (mall, office and apartment parking etc).
8. Apple CarPlay was not enabled yet, so I couldn’t try that.
9. The third screen is visible from the driver's seat, so it's better not to use that screen to avoid distraction.
10. The frunk is massive and can easily take three backpacks or a small luggage bag. This is also insulated with a rubber seal, so dust or water will not enter.
11. The white interior is, as usual, a challenge to keep clean. The same goes for the piano black plastics.

Dealer experience:

This is still typical Mahindra, do not expect fancy treatment. For me the experience was okay.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

BE 6 and XEV 9e buyers can now opt out of the mandatory charging solution offered by the company.

Mahindra has made changes to its mandatory charging policy for its electric SUVs, following inputs from customers. Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e buyers can now opt out of the mandatory charging solution offered by the company.

Customers can opt out of the mandatory charger/installation requirement if their residence or office lacks provisions for a private charger, or if they already have a charger that meets Mahindra’s safety standards. Also, if the customer has two or more EVs, a single charging point may suffice.

Initially, Mahindra had made it mandatory for BE 6 and XEV 9e customers to purchase a charger from the company by paying an additional Rs 50,000 for a 7.2 kW charger or Rs 75,000 for an 11.2 kW charger.

While the new policy offers more flexibility to customers, Mahindra still recommends its certified chargers.

Source: ET Auto

Other electric vehicles that have been included in this comparison are the BYD Atto 3, Mahindra BE6 and MG ZS EV.

BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Mahindra XEV 9e

What you'll like:

• Bold & futuristic styling. Has strong road presence and stands out from the crowd
• Spacious interiors with comfy seats and fine ergonomics
• Powerful motor sends 282 BHP to the rear wheels (0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds)!
• Sorted suspension offers good road manners & high-speed stability
• 79 kWh battery pack should comfortably offer 450 - 500 km real-world range. This is enough even for road-tripping with the family
• Lifetime warranty on the battery is a big assurance for EV owners
• 663-litre boot and the 150-litre frunk mean you can carry a lot of luggage
• An endless list of features with some very unique ones like 3 high-quality screens, augmented reality integrated head-up display, infinity roof with interactive lights, 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos, selfie camera, UV filtration glass, auto-park with remote car control and way more
• Safety tech includes Level 2+ ADAS, 7 airbags, fatigue alert system, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, hill hold, hill descent, TPMS, etc.

What you won't:

• Rearward visibility is horrible. Tall headrests and coupe styling seriously hamper rear view for the driver
• Some cabin plastics don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV. Excessive piano black in the cabin isn't to my tastes and makes it very difficult to keep scratch-free
• This car is extremely complex - we have concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked Mahindra, especially the early batches
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble. Wondering how many of them will be able to handle such a complicated car too
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, setting up home charging etc.)
• Missing features like a full-size spare tyre (you get a skinny 135 mm space saver which will cap your cruising speed to 80 km/h), cooled glovebox and no physical buttons for HVAC controls
• While we love the styling, it is definitely not to everyone's liking. Has already divided the opinions of BHPians

Review Link

BYD Atto 3

What you'll like:

• A proper electric car that's built on a dedicated EV platform (and not an IC-engine convert)
• Well-rounded product that looks good, has a nice cabin and good space too
• Punchy motor offers fast performance. 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds is enjoyable!!
• Selectable regenerative braking and drive modes allow you to extract maximum performance or efficiency, as needed
• ~400-km range is adequate for urban commuting as well as the usual road-tripping with family
• 8-year / 1,60,000 km battery warranty, 8-year / 1,50,000 km warranty on motor, 6 years roadside assistance, and more
• Features such as the vehicle-to-load function (AC power for appliances), 12.8-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, NFC key card, etc.
• 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Safety kit includes 7 airbags, level 2 ADAS features, a 360-degree camera, ESP etc.

What you won't:

• Expensive! The Atto 3 is premium priced at 35 - 37 lakhs OTR
• Funky interior design may not be to everyone's liking
• Comfort-oriented suspension setup offers nothing for the enthusiasts
• Missing features such as ventilated seats, rain-sensing wipers, connected car tech, spare wheel (!!!!!), wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay…
• 8-speaker sound system is ordinary for the price
• BYD's dealership & service network is currently very small

Review Link

Mahindra BE 6

What you'll like:

• Looks like something that’s straight out of the future. Has a very unique design inside out. Surely a head-turner
• Powerful motor sends 282 BHP to the rear wheels (0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds)!
• Low centre of gravity, stiff suspension and connected steering offer a great handling package
• 79 kWh battery pack should comfortably offer 450 - 500 km real-world range. This is enough even for road-tripping with the family
• Lifetime warranty on the battery is a big assurance for EV owners
• 455-litre boot and the 45-litre frunk are good enough for family holiday luggage
• Fully loaded with a bunch of unique features like interactive rear LED strip, augmented reality integrated head-up display, infinity roof with interactive lights, 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos, selfie camera, UV filtration glass, auto-park with remote car control and many more
• Safety features include Level 2+ ADAS, 7 airbags, fatigue alert system, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, hill hold, hill descent, TPMS, etc.

What you won't:

• Uncomfortable rear seat experience. High floor, difficult ingress and egress and limited headroom (due to the sloping roofline)
• Stiff suspension setup means you feel the bad roads. Ride is liveable, but not for someone looking for a comfortable suspension
• Concept car-like styling may not be to everyone’s liking. Will surely divide opinions
• Rearward visibility is poor, as is the case with most Coupe-SUVs
• Some cabin plastics don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV. Excessive piano black in the cabin isn't to my tastes and makes it very difficult to keep scratch-free
• This car is extremely complex - we have concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked Mahindra, especially the early batches
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble. Wondering how many of them will be able to handle such a complicated car too
• Missing features like a full-size spare tyre (you get a skinny 135 mm space saver which will cap your cruising speed to 80 km/h), cooled glovebox, rear sunshade and no physical buttons for HVAC controls

Review Link

Hyundai Creta Electric

What you'll like:

• Superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a satisfying experience
• User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality parts. Great interior upgrades over the Petrol / Diesel Creta
• 168 BHP motor is enjoyable to drive. 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds!
• Unladen ground clearance of 200 mm is perfect for Indian roads
• Sorted road manners & handling
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls make it an ideal city car
• Safety package includes ADAS Level 2, hill descent control, 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, auto-hold, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (ventilated & electrically adjustable front seats, boss mode, reclining rear seats, memory function for driver seat, digital key, fully digital instruments, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, rear window sunshades, adjustable regen, Bose sound system, V2L charging, in-car payment for charging & loads more)
• Hyundai's wide dealer & service network

What you won't:

• Smaller battery packs and shorter range compared to rivals such as the Tata Curvv & Mahindra BE 6
• EV-specific tyres limit the car's handling and braking capabilities
• Firmer suspension isn't as compliant as the regular Creta's
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• A few misses (e.g. wireless Android Auto & Apple Carplay, illuminated window buttons!!!)
• 433-litre boot is lesser than the Tata Curvv (500 litres)
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, highway range anxiety etc.)
• Although not bad, rear seat under-thigh support is lesser than the ICE Creta, and you do sit in a bit of a knees-up position. Taller people will have an issue with under-thigh support

Review Link

Tata Curvv.EV

What you'll like:

• Coupe SUV styling is unique & a great differentiator. Grabs attention on the road
• A good overall package that’s priced competitively against rivals like the ZS EV, XUV400 & Nexon EV Long Range
• 165 BHP motor is very enjoyable. 400 km real-world range is sufficient for city + highway driving
• Sorted road manners & high speed stability
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls make it an ideal city car
• 500-litre boot is accommodating enough for family holiday luggage
• Long list of features includes flush door handles, powered tailgate with gesture activation, 9-speaker JBL audio system (sounds really nice!), panoramic sunroof, V2L & V2V charging, Arcade.ev app suite, recline adjustment for rear seats and more
• Loaded with safety tech like level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, acoustic vehicle alert system for pedestrians, ESP, front parking sensors, 360-degree view camera, TPMS, hill hold assist & hill descent control

What you won't:

• Rear seat is uncomfortable for tall passengers - high floor, difficult ingress & egress and limited headroom (due to the coupe styling)
• Suspension has a firm edge to it due to 18-inch wheels (top variant). Ride is liveable, but you do feel the bad roads. 17” wheel lower variants could ride better
• Build quality and fit & finish – while being satisfactory - have room for improvement
• Rearward visibility is poor, as is the case with most Coupe-SUVs
• A few missing features like telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, cupholders for front passengers, a rear sunshade…
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, range anxiety etc.)
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• It's a brand-new Tata launch, so the probability of niggles is high, especially in the initial batches

Review Link

MG ZS EV

What you'll like:

• A well-built car with good interiors
• Fast performance and excellent mid-range. 0-100 km/h run of 8.5 seconds is enjoyable
• Selectable regenerative braking and drive modes help you extract maximum performance or efficiency, as needed
• Range is adequate for urban commuting as well as road-trips to nearby destinations
• 5 year / unlimited km warranty, 5 labour-free services & 8 year / 150,000 km battery warranty
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, cruise control, Bluetooth key, connected car tech & more
• International model got a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Safety kit includes 6 airbags, blind spot monitoring, ESP, HSA, TPMS etc.

What you won't:

• The very similar & arguably more practical MG Astor is 8 - 12 lakhs cheaper
• Firm ride quality means you always feel the road, especially with the recommended 41 PSI tyre pressure
• Missing features such as ventilated seats, auto-dimming IRVM, steering reach adjustment, ADAS tech (which Astor gets), wireless Android Auto / CarPlay…
• Size & interior quality are more comparable to a Creta than other 28-30 lakh rupee cars
• The rear seat is better suited to 2 adults & a kid, not 3 adults
• 6-speaker sound system is ordinary for the price. Subwoofer conspicuous by its absence

Review Link

Here's what BHPian bijims replied:

Mahindra has hit it out of the park with the BE 6 and XEV 9E, they have features, dimensions and even battery packs that are a step above the competition! The XEV 9E in terms of size is a huge vehicle as compared to the rest of the cars in this comparison, and looking at the bookings it seems to be a hit as well, whatever the case, my choice goes for the XEV 9E or BE 6E (both in Pack 3 i.e. 79 kWh)

Here's what BHPian Sensible_Speed replied:

I would like to wait for the e-Vitara. It seems to most sensible of the lot to me. Creta EV may have been my second choice. The only reason I chose the e-Vitara over the Creta EV is it seems new and interesting.

Here's what BHPian darkgamer replied:

I've test driven Atto 3, BE6, XEV 9E, Curvv EV and ZS EV (basically all except Creta EV). Finalized the BE6 among them because it was the most fun to drive and felt the most unique.

The only other car that has matched(or exceeded) the fun-to-drive factor of the BE6 is the BYD Seal. I'd have bought it if it wasn't for the low ground clearance v/s mini mountain speed breakers in Bengaluru. Yet to drive the Sealion, but will try to do it this weekend.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

On the first day of the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, Mahindra displayed its range of electric vehicles. This included the recently unveiled BE6.

BHPian blackwasp recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Big shoutout to .anshuman for shooting these pictures & his coverage of the Bharat Mobility Expo. Thanks for sharing, man!

On the first day of the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, Mahindra displayed its range of electric vehicles. This included the recently unveiled BE6.

The production version of the BE 6 is very close to the concept, and honestly, no one expected Mahindra to make it this close. At the front, the all-electric car gets aggressive styling elements:

While some of us many not like the concept-like design of the car, must say that the Mahindra BE6 is a head turner and unlike anything on sale today in the Indian market:

Like the front, the rear too gets multiple design elements:

Just like the exteriors, the insides too get a very concept-like design. The halo in the centre separates the driver's area from the other occupants. There are many aircraft-inspired elements used:

The BE6 comes with a dual-spoke flat top and bottom steering wheel. It looks quite sporty and comes with multi-function buttons and paddles for adjusting the re-gen levels:

Here's the BE6 in the Desert Myst shade:

Take a look at Team-BHP review of the Mahindra BE6 here.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.