Mahindra has revealed the first models in its long-awaited pure-electric vehicle lineup, produced on a bespoke platform called Inglo - but incorporating Volkswagen MEB (ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born) components as part of a technology-sharing agreement.
These are the cars teased over a year ago under the BE (born electric) brand, although the production versions are billed as being part of EO (electric origin) technology. Both are starters for New Zealand, launch timing possibly pending the state of the EV market as 2025 progresses.
Both the BE 6e and XEV 9e look remarkably similar to the rather outlandish concepts showcased in 2023. The former is a sportier coupe-style model, while the latter is a more luxury-focused SUV.
But both are based on the same version of the Inglo platform, with a 2775mm wheelbase, "semi-active" dampers and 19-inch wheels. The BE 6e is shorter overall (4371mm), while the XEV's longer overhangs give it a larger footprint (4789mm length) and bigger cargo volume: 455 litres with a 45l frunk for the BE versus a very generous 663l/150l for the XEV.
Width and height are very similar between the two and both share a generous 207mm ground clearance figure - a big thing for the cars' home market of India, where poor road conditions demand big ride height.
But neither of these cars are off-roaders - at least not yet. They are being launched in RWD only, both with a choice of 59kWh or 79kWh LFP battery packs. Maximum charge rates are 140kW for the smaller unit and 175kW for the larger.
Mahindra claims between 535-682km range depending on model, albeit in the Indian-market MIDC cycle. More NZ-relevant WLTP figures are yet to be published.
The 59kWh models make 170kW, while the 79kWh is matched to a 210kW motor. But both share a 380Nm torque output. Zero to 100km/h times are in the 6.7-6.8sec bracket.
Despite so much being shared, the two models have very different interior architectures. The BE 6e has a cockpit-style cabin with twin screens and a high centre console (Mahindra calls it "race ready digital"), while the XEV 9e is much more open and showcases a "wide cinemascope" dashboard layout with three 31.24 screens united across the width of the cabin.
Mahindra says both electric origin models will be rolled out from early-2025, although the timing for export markets is yet to be confirmed.