Mahindra’s new electric SUVs on the cards for Australia

Indian carmaker Mahindra has revealed a pair of electric SUVs for its home market, and has left the door open for their introduction in Australia.

Overnight, the XEV 9e and BE 6e SUVs were unveiled as Mahindra’s latest electric vehicle (EV) offerings from its ‘Electric Origin’ series, leading the brand’s move from its no-frills past to a more upmarket future.

“Mahindra plans a phased, calibrated international rollout of the Electric Origin series, starting with right-hand drive (RHD) markets,” a spokesperson for Mahindra Australia told CarExpert.

“We will make announcements of launch at the appropriate time.”

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While both models are underpinned by Mahindra’s new INGLO platform for EVs, it’s not yet clear whether they also feature battery technology from Volkswagen, after the Indian firm signed a deal to use the German giant’s battery system components and battery cells.

The XEV 9e and BE 6e feature unique styling to each other, though they share the same 2775mm wheelbase and 1907mm width, high-voltage batteries, electric motors and suspension.

XEV 9es measure 4789mm long and 1694mm tall, while the BE6e is 4371mm long and 1627mm tall.

A rear-mounted electric motor shared between both EVs can produce 170kW or 210kW of power – when fed by 59kWh or 79kWh battery packs, respectively – and 380Nm of torque.

When fitted with the more powerful electric motor, Mahindra claims the BE 6e can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the XEV 9e takes 6.8 seconds.

Mahindra quotes driving range claims of 535-682km for the BE 6e and 542-656km for the XEV 9e, depending on the battery size and based on India’s MIDC combined test cycle.

The EVs can be charged at up to 11kW using AC power, or at up to 175kW using a DC fast-charger.

Both feature MacPherson strut front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension, incorporating ‘intelligent semi-active dampers’.

Unlike Volkswagen’s ID. family of EVs which feature drum brakes at the rear in some models, Mahindra’s electric SUVs have disc brakes on all four corners.

Brake-by-wire technology also features, as does variable gear ratio electric power steering.

The XEV 9e and BE 6e feature different wheel designs, however they both feature 19-inch alloys as standard and 20-inch wheels as an option in India.

Interior design differs between the two EVs, with the BE 6e’s cockpit being more driver-focused and incorporating a two-spoke rectangular steering wheel, and two connected screens – creating a “race-ready” digital display.

The XEV 9e meanwhile has three 12.3-inch displays which are joined together to create a 43.3-inch widescreen, incorporating the digital instrument cluster, infotainment system and a third screen for passengers.

A 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system also features, while occupants can choose between three pre-set interior themes: calm, cozy and club.

Mahindra’s EVs both have ‘Level 2+’ semi-autonomous driving capabilities thanks to the fitment of five radars and one ‘vision camera’. A surround-view camera can record the EV’s exterior surroundings, which can be stored in the vehicle and viewed live on a mobile app.

A dozen ultrasonic sensors allow both cars to park themselves.

According to Mahindra, deliveries to Indian customers will begin in late February or early March 2025.

The BE 6e is priced from 1.89 million Rupees (approx. $34,600) while the XEV 9e starts at 2.19 million Rupees ($40,105).

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