2025 Mahindra BE6: Parked under the harsh spotlights of Mahindra’s tech center in Pune, the production-ready 2025 BE6 cuts an imposing figure.
Having tracked this vehicle’s journey from concept sketches to the road-ready example before me, I can’t help but feel a surge of national pride.
Five years ago, the notion of an Indian manufacturer producing a world-class electric SUV might have seemed ambitious. Today, as I run my fingers along the sharply creased fender of the BE6, that ambition has crystallized into something tangible, something significant—perhaps even revolutionary.
2025 Mahindra BE6 Born Electric, Born Bold
Unlike many electric vehicles that awkwardly straddle the line between conventional and futuristic design, the 2025 BE6 embraces its electrical identity with unflinching confidence.
Mahindra’s design team, led by Pratap Bose (formerly of Tata Motors), has created something that demands attention without resorting to the visual gimmickry that plagues many contemporary EVs.
“We didn’t want to design something that screamed ‘I’m electric’ through weird proportions or blue accents,” explains Bose during our walkaround. “The BE6 is unapologetically bold because that’s the Mahindra ethos, not because it needs to advertise its powertrain.”
This philosophy manifests in a stance that’s both aggressive and elegant. The front end features an illuminated fascia that Mahindra calls the “Cosmic Grill”—not really a grille at all, but a distinctive light signature that performs a sequential animation when unlocking the vehicle.
Flanking this are ultra-thin LED headlamps that incorporate both low and high beams into a housing barely thicker than a smartphone.
The profile reveals short overhangs and a long wheelbase—a common EV design trait that maximizes interior space—but executed here with proportions that avoid the “cab-forward” awkwardness seen in many electric vehicles.
The 22-inch aero-optimized wheels on the First Edition model I’m examining (20-inch wheels will be standard on regular production models) fill the arches perfectly, giving the BE6 a planted appearance even at standstill.
Perhaps most impressive is how Mahindra’s designers have incorporated traditional SUV ruggedness into a thoroughly modern electric package.
The floating roof, connected by blacked-out pillars to the main body, creates visual lightness despite the vehicle’s substantial dimensions. The subtle shoulder line rises toward the rear, terminating in haunches that provide a sense of latent power.
Seven exterior colors will be offered at launch, including two matte finishes—Aurora Green and Nebula Grey—that cost an additional ₹50,000 but transform the BE6’s appearance from merely distinctive to genuinely head-turning.
Electric Heart, Indian Soul
Beneath the sculpted sheet metal lies Mahindra’s proprietary INGLO platform, developed specifically for the company’s new-generation electric vehicles.
Unlike modified internal combustion platforms, this dedicated EV architecture uses an 800-volt electrical system—still a rarity even among premium European and American electric vehicles.
For the 2025 model year, three powertrain configurations are available:
The entry-level BE6 Dynamic features a single rear-mounted motor producing a healthy 235 bhp (175 kW) and 340 Nm of torque, paired with a 60 kWh battery that delivers a claimed range of 430 km on the Indian driving cycle.
This variant accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 7.6 seconds—brisk enough to surprise many gasoline-powered SUVs at traffic lights.
The mid-range BE6 Energize adds a front motor for all-wheel-drive capability, boosting combined output to 350 bhp (261 kW) and 620 Nm of torque. The larger 80 kWh battery extends range to approximately 560 km while improving performance, with 0-100 km/h dispatched in just 5.4 seconds.
Sitting at the pinnacle is the BE6 Electrify—the variant I’m examining today. With dual high-output motors generating a combined 435 bhp (324 kW) and a substantial 720 Nm of torque, it accelerates with genuinely sports car-like vigor, reaching 100 km/h from standstill in a mere 4.3 seconds. The 100 kWh battery provides an impressive 675 km of range, addressing the range anxiety that continues to deter many potential EV buyers.
“We’ve tuned the throttle mapping differently for each variant,” explains Chief Engineer Velusamy R during my technical briefing. “The Electrify doesn’t just have more power; it delivers that power with a responsiveness that transforms the driving experience. Yet we’ve ensured that even the base Dynamic model feels special from behind the wheel.”
All variants benefit from the 800-volt architecture when it comes to charging. Connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger, the BE6 can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes.
More common 150 kW chargers extend this to around 35 minutes, while a standard 11 kW AC wallbox—which most owners will use at home—requires about 7 hours for a full charge of the largest battery.
Digital Sanctuary
Pressing the flush door handle reveals perhaps the BE6’s most impressive aspect: its interior. Here, Mahindra has crafted a cabin that deftly balances technological sophistication with genuine usability and a distinctly Indian aesthetic sensibility.
Three high-resolution displays dominate the dashboard—a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch passenger display.
The graphics on these screens feature motifs inspired by traditional Indian patterns, subtly rendered in a contemporary style that never feels kitschy or forced.
“We wanted to honor our heritage without resorting to clichés,” explains Shailendra Gupte, Head of Interior Design. “The geometric patterns you see throughout the interface draw inspiration from traditional Indian textiles, but they’re executed in a way that feels thoroughly modern.”
The physical controls exhibit similar thoughtfulness. While many functions are integrated into the touchscreen, Mahindra has retained dedicated haptic controls for climate settings and essential driving functions.
These illuminated touch panels provide subtle vibration feedback when activated, bridging the gap between traditional buttons and fully digital interfaces.
Material quality impresses throughout. The dashboard and door panels feature a textile covering made from recycled plastic bottles, with a texture reminiscent of handwoven khadi fabric.
This is complemented by responsibly sourced open-pore wood accents and synthetic leather that’s virtually indistinguishable from the genuine article.
In the First Edition model, the seats feature a gradient blue pattern inspired by the night sky, with thousands of tiny perforations that reveal a copper-colored backing material when illuminated by ambient lighting.
Space utilization benefits from the dedicated EV platform. Rear passengers enjoy 1,045mm of legroom—more than many luxury sedans—while the flat floor enhances the sense of spaciousness.
The panoramic glass roof extends from the windshield to nearly the tailgate, incorporating electrochromic technology that allows its transparency to be adjusted via the touchscreen or smartphone app.
Practical considerations haven’t been overlooked either. The front trunk (“frunk”) offers 52 liters of storage—enough for charging cables or a small weekend bag—while the rear cargo area provides 560 liters with all seats in place, expanding to 1,670 liters with the rear seats folded.
Beyond Infotainment: Intelligence Embedded
If there’s one area where the BE6 truly leapfrogs competition, it’s in its technological capabilities. The vehicle runs on Mahindra’s AdrenoX+ operating system, developed in-house with support from partners including NVIDIA and Amazon.
The natural language voice assistant, activated by saying “Hey Mahindra,” understands commands in five Indian languages besides English, and can control virtually every vehicle function from navigation and media to climate settings and ambient lighting. More impressively, it learns from user behavior, proactively offering suggestions based on time, location, and established patterns.
“A truly intelligent vehicle anticipates needs rather than merely responding to commands,” notes Dipanjan Ghosh, who leads Mahindra’s connected car division.
“If you typically call home during your evening commute, the BE6 will eventually recognize this pattern and offer to make that call for you at the appropriate time.”
The augmented reality navigation system merges camera feeds with directional overlays, projecting turn instructions directly onto the driver’s view of the road ahead via the head-up display.
Meanwhile, the semi-autonomous driving system—which Mahindra calls “Highway Pilot”—can maintain lane position, adjust speed according to traffic conditions, and even execute lane changes when the driver activates the turn signal.
Connectivity extends beyond the vehicle itself. The BE6 functions as a mobile power bank via its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, providing up to 3.6 kW of power through external outlets—enough to run appliances during a power outage or camping equipment during outdoor adventures.
The accompanying smartphone app offers remote monitoring and control of charging, climate settings, and security features, along with detailed trip analysis and efficiency recommendations.
The Road Beneath Its Wheels
During my brief test drive on Mahindra’s handling circuit, the BE6 Electrify reveals a character that defies easy categorization. The instant torque delivery from the dual motors provides acceleration that pins you to the seat, yet the progressive throttle mapping prevents the lurching sensation that afflicts some powerful EVs.
More surprising is the handling. Despite weighing approximately 2,300 kilograms, the BE6 changes direction with remarkable poise. The low-mounted battery pack contributes to a center of gravity height of just 525mm—lower than many conventional sedans—while the adaptive dampers continuously adjust to maintain body control during spirited driving.
The steering offers three weight settings, with the Sport mode providing satisfying heft without feeling artificially heavy. Through a series of S-bends, the BE6 exhibits minimal body roll, thanks in part to the electronically controlled anti-roll bars that can adjust their stiffness within milliseconds based on driving conditions.
Regenerative braking can be adjusted through four levels via steering wheel paddles, with the strongest setting enabling genuine one-pedal driving.
The blending between regenerative and friction braking is seamlessly executed, avoiding the inconsistent pedal feel that plagues many electric vehicles.
Perhaps most impressive is the ride quality. Despite rolling on 22-inch wheels, the BE6 absorbs harsh impacts with sophisticated composure, filtering out high-frequency vibrations while maintaining connection to the road surface. Road and wind noise are similarly well-suppressed, creating a serene cabin environment even at highway speeds.
Beyond Purchase: The Ownership Experience
Mahindra has developed a comprehensive ownership ecosystem to support BE6 customers. The Mahindra EV Pass provides access to over 25,000 public charging stations nationwide, with simplified payment through the smartphone app.
For home charging, the company offers installation of AC wallboxes with integrated solar compatibility for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and charging costs further.
The warranty package includes 8 years or 160,000 kilometers of coverage for the battery pack, with a guarantee that it will retain at least 70% of its original capacity within this period. The vehicle itself is covered for 5 years with unlimited mileage, while the electric motors receive 6 years or 150,000 kilometers of protection.
Service intervals are set at 12 months or 20,000 kilometers—significantly longer than conventional vehicles—with scheduled maintenance costs approximately 40% lower than comparable internal combustion SUVs.
Over-the-air updates will periodically enhance vehicle functionality, potentially including performance improvements and new features throughout the ownership period.
2025 Mahindra BE6 Market Impact and Future Implications
With pricing expected to range from ₹19.5 lakh for the base Dynamic variant to ₹31 lakh for the fully-loaded Electrify First Edition, the BE6 positions itself as a premium product but one that remains attainable for upper-middle-class Indian buyers. Government incentives may further reduce these figures in some states.
The significance of the BE6 extends beyond its immediate market impact. It represents Mahindra’s transition from a maker of rugged, utilitarian vehicles to a technology-driven automaker capable of competing on the global stage.
More broadly, it signals India’s emergence as not merely a manufacturing hub for international brands, but a source of indigenous automotive innovation.
As I return the key fob to the product manager and take a final glance at the BE6, I’m struck by how far Mahindra—and by extension, the Indian automotive industry—has come.
This isn’t just a good electric vehicle “for an Indian company.” It’s a genuinely impressive achievement by any global standard, one that could redefine perceptions of Indian engineering capability.
The 2025 Mahindra BE6 doesn’t just embrace the electric future; it helps shape it with a distinctly Indian perspective. In doing so, it may just change how the world views Indian mobility solutions—and how Indians view themselves in the global automotive landscape.