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      Mahindra Chakan Plant Visit Jan 2025 – Birthplace Of BE 6, XEV 9e

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      Mahindra Chakan eSUV Plant VisitAt Unlimit India event held in Chennai, Mahindra unveiled their latest creations – BE 6 and XEV 9e to the world. At the same stage, we got to see base Pack 1 price of both vehicles. The company recently organised Unlimit India Tech Day at their Chakan plant in Pune, revealing Pack 3 prices of both eSUVs and showing a few crucial tech behind their new world-class products.
      This event was also a great way to show the world their new state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility in their 700-acre Chakan plant. This is where Mahindra manufactures their world-class products like BE 6 and XEV 9e. In this post, we will take you through Mahindra’s new EV manufacturing facility and innovative practices the company follows to position themselves as a world-class EV manufacturer.
      Mahindra New EV Plant Layout
      Mahindra Chakan eSUV Plant Visit
      Mahindra has a 700-acre facility at Chakan near Pune, Maharashtra. This is a strategic and well-planned facility that incorporates dedicated units for MHEL (Mahindra Heavy Engines Ltd), Construction Equipment, Supplier Park, Body Shop, Press Shop, Paint Shops, Aggregates Shops, Vehicle Assembly Shops, EPT (where battery manufacturing happens), a finished goods storage with 14,000 units capacity and even a Vehicle Test Track.
      This facility is in abundant supply of water including a few natural water bodies. There’s a 100K m³ RWHC (Rain Water Harvesting Catchment) on site too. Mahindra has incorporated many water treatment systems to be water efficient. Returning 131 L of water for every 100 L used. The company is environmentally sustainable and lays emphasis on usage of clean energy and has a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions.
      Mahindra New EV Plant High-Tech Machinery
      The company has established a robust supply chain that will keep the production running without hiccups. There is a high degree of automation and man-less operations seen at Mahindra’s new EV manufacturing facility. This facility was built in record time, starting from July 2023 and commencing operations from January 2024.
      Mahindra is proud of the many first-in-India operations that this facility boasts of, showing its profound capabilities and capacity for innovation. On the Unlimit India Tech-Day, Mahindra gave us a tour of BIW, Paint Shop, EPT and TCF facilities that are tasked to manufacture company’s new Electric Origin SUVs.
      Mahindra New EV Plant – Press Shop
      1. BIW Shop
      Manufacturing of a car always starts with sheet metal side of things, which happens in BIW section. In Mahindra’s BIW section, we have the Press Shop and then Body Shop. Press Shop where it all starts for BE 6 and XEV 9e. This massive production unit is tasked with making car’s exoskeleton. Mahindra is quite proud of the level of automation achieved at this facility.
      This high-tech facility encompasses robots for most work, ensuring high-level of precision and consistency. Sheets of metal are pre-cut and treated to be pressed. These pre-cut sheets are transferred onto the dyes by robots, where they are stamped or pressed to form various shapes. These panels are then scanned for mm-level precision and are stored in a massive site for further operations or discarded, if there are any abnormalities.
      Mahindra New EV Plant – Press Shop
      At the company’s Body Shop, these pressed body panels arrive and there are multiple dedicated assembly lines like front floor assembly, rear floor assembly, and underbody assembly lines. There are a total of two main lines that are fed by four sub-assembly lines. An overhead conveyor transfers the assemblies from Main Body Line 1 to Main Body Line 2. Individual panels are assembled into sub-assemblies which are then transferred to the docking station.
      Mahindra New EV Plant – Body Shop
      Mahindra has incorporated Laser Brazing techniques to seamlessly join the roof to exoskeleton. This method provides more aesthetic joining than what can be achieved from spot welding. Traditional joining processes are also present, including robotically controlled spot welding and MIG welding. From here, the docked structure moves into CFL (Closure Fitment Line) where doors, bonnets, tailgate and other closures are fitted by robots with ‘best fit’ algorithm.
      Mahindra New EV Plant – Body Shop
      We can see extensive use of AMRs (Automated Mobile Robots) that transfer BIW from one stage to another. Lastly, these BIW structures go through MFL (Metal Finish Line). This is where cleaning of body structure and finishing processes happen, prepping the BIW to be sent to Paint Shop via an automated overhead conveyor.
      Mahindra Paint Shop – Sealing Line
      2. Paint Booth
      Once BIW exoskeletons are prepped at Body Shop, they arrive at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art Paint Shop. This is a zero-discharge facility and Mahindra ensures all faculty and visitors (including ourselves) wear anti-static clothing when inside this facility. Mahindra uses the dipping process to ensure an even coat of pre-paint treatments. All BIWs are dipped and then rotated inside massive tanks to ensure all surfaces get an even coat.
      Mahindra Paint Shop
      Before the paint, all BIW go through sealing stations where automated robots apply PVC sealants wherever required, ensuring a sealed structure for better isolation and AC performance. These sealed structures go through a pre-paint cleaning process where they are dusted using Emu feathers connected to a powerful vacuum suction, cleaning the surface for contaminants and other foreign objects.
      Mahindra Paint Shop
      Mahindra employs a 3-coat, 1-bake process for the Electric Origin SUVs and uses high-solid, high-quality paints in line with global standards. All these stations are monitored via cameras using intelligent AI algorithms via the CCR room. Automated robots completely handle paint process and is a man-less process. These robots can even open and close doors to paint hard-to-reach areas. For painting the roof, Mahindra is using a spillage-free Pixel Painting technology like an Inkjet printer that ensures there is no over-painting.
      Mahindra Paint Shop
      After the painting is done, these exoskeletons now head to polishing line for post-paint surface treatments. Body is thoroughly buffed under an effective reflection dome with high-tech lighting for inspection. After a thorough inspection, painted body is now sent to TCF Shop (Trim, Chassis & Final Shop) or stored in a massive stacked storage system that consists of 7 levels vertically!
      Mahindra EPT Plant
      3. Battery Assembly Shop (EPT)
      At the other end of Mahindra’s 700-acre Chakan facility is EPT, where electric powertrains of Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs are assembled. EPT plant boasts 98% automated operations and has highest ratio of female workforce at 40% as EPT plant is ergonomically safer than others. Because this is a crucial stage, Mahindra cleverly uses AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) to train faculty at the highest level.
      Mahindra EPT Plant
      Blade battery cells are transported to EPT plant from external sources, following a strict “zero touch cell handling’ philosophy. The company has a 2 million (20 lakh) cell storage capacity at Chakan facility. These Blade cells go through ‘Cell Stacking’ process, which is the most critical stage in battery assembly. Mahindra’s INGLO electric platform has multiple modules and each module is made of 16 Blade cells.
      Mahindra EPT Plant
      Mahindra uses laser welding for many joining processes and this entire battery assembly process is man-less operation. A data log is created at every step in this EPT plant including miniscule operations like torque on every bolt and the person monitoring this operation. Mahindra strictly follows a ‘No Fault Forward’ philosophy and there are multiple AI-powered cameras that monitor all operations and algorithms are trained to stop battery assembly if there is a flaw detected.
      Mahindra EPT Plant
      Every single battery pack assembled at EPT plant is thoroughly tested in a multi-stack testing chamber against temperature, vibrations, rapid charge and rapid discharge. There’s an IP67-rated battery pack cover developed in-house by Mahindra and that is also put to test. After assembly, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) bring this battery pack to the end of the assembly line. Temp sensors are everywhere in EPT plant and can trigger automated fire suppression systems without any human intervention.
      Mahindra TCF Shop
      4. TCF Shop
      This is a final facility in the production of Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs and encompasses a multitude of processes. TCF shop is filled with high-tech equipment and has clever touches like a wooden platform that reduces fatigue for faculty. These faculty are thoroughly trained for fault finding and they undergo rigorous troubleshooting training. There are two main trim lines in TCF shop.
      Mahindra TCF Shop
      Powertrain unit complete with battery and motor arrives at TCF shop. With the help of automated robots powered by AI, marry the exoskeleton and powertrain. Multiple precision cameras monitor this process and video footage is logged for future reference. Doors trims are prepped on 1st floor and are sent below to be installed on the doors. Cockpit and seats arrive as fully-built units and are only installed on the vehicle.
      Mahindra TCF Shop
      Headlights, tail lights, underbody and other parts are installed next. All necessary components are placed in a portable storage unit that also moves along with that particular vehicle on the assembly line. All consumables like brake oil, AC gas, and windshield fluid are filled here too. Glass roof with signature ambient lighting, wheels and brakes, suspension components and other crucial components are fitted here.
      Mahindra TCF Shop
      After wheel installation, vehicle is almost at the end of line, where automated wheel alignment and wheel balancing, headlight levelling, acceleration and brake test on a roller, and high-speed and low-speed testing on a high-tech roller along with radar calibration happens here. Next, the car is sent through a shower test where water jets squirt on the car from all sides at 2 bar pressure to check for any leaks. Lastly, they are sent to a short track for dynamic testing. After the track test, these vehicles are either stored or directly transported to showrooms.
      Final Thoughts
      Mahindra’s state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility at Chakan stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality. With advanced automation, eco-friendly practices, and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, the facility is not only setting benchmarks for the industry but also redefining the production of electric vehicles in India.
      From the precision-driven BIW and Paint Shops to the highly automated Battery Assembly and TCF processes, Mahindra has showcased its ability to deliver world-class products like the BE 6 and XEV 9e. By leveraging AI, IoT, and sustainable manufacturing, Mahindra is not just building EVs but also shaping the future of mobility. This facility is a clear indication that Mahindra is ready to lead the way in India’s transition to electric mobility. More

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      Mahindra Chakan EV Manufacturing Facility – India’s Electric Future

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      Mahindra Chakan EV Manufacturing Facility Rs 16,000 Crore to Drive Mahindra’s EV Ambitions from FY22 to FY27 – Mahindra Chakan EV manufacturing facility Mahindra’s EV manufacturing and battery assembly facility is located within the company’s 2.83 sq km Chakan hub, India. This fully integrated ecosystem focuses on producing Electric Origin SUVs, aligning with India’s growing […] More

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      Mahindra Renames BE 6e to BE 6 For Now – Amid Legal Dispute with IndiGo, Vows to Contest Case

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      Indigo 6E and Mahindra BE 6eThe case will be closely watched as it not only involves two of India’s leading companies but also raises questions about trademark rights and their scope across different industries
      In an ongoing legal tussle between Mahindra & Mahindra and InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo) over the use of the “6E” brand, Mahindra has announced that its upcoming electric SUV will now be branded as the “BE 6.” This decision comes as the two companies gear up for a courtroom battle over trademark rights.
      Mahindra had originally named its electric SUV the “BE 6e” as part of its Born Electric (BE) platform, with the vehicle unveiled alongside the XEV 9e on November 26, 2024. While Mahindra maintains that the name “BE 6e” is distinct from IndiGo’s “6E,” which is associated with the airline’s branding, it has decided to rebrand the SUV to avoid potential market confusion and focus on its product launch.
      Mahindra’s Stance on the Dispute
      Mahindra has stated that it applied for the trademark registration for “BE 6e” under Class 12 (vehicles), which pertains to an entirely different industry from IndiGo’s operations in aviation. The company emphasized that its trademark is not “6E” but “BE 6e,” highlighting the distinct styling and usage context.
      “We believe our mark differs fundamentally from IndiGo’s ‘6E,’ which represents an airline, eliminating any risk of confusion. Moreover, our registration application is specific to a different industry sector and product,” Mahindra said in its statement.
      Mahindra also pointed out that IndiGo had previously faced a similar challenge from Tata Motors over the “IndiGo” name, as Tata had used the Indigo brand for its cars. Despite Tata’s objection, IndiGo retained its brand name, arguing it operated in a different sector. Mahindra finds IndiGo’s current stance inconsistent with its earlier actions.
      Rebranding and the Way Forward
      While Mahindra has renamed its SUV the “BE 6” to ensure a smooth market launch, the company has made it clear that it will continue to contest IndiGo’s claims in court. Mahindra expressed concern that granting IndiGo exclusivity over a two-character alphanumeric mark could set a problematic precedent, potentially stifling creativity and branding across industries.
      “Our priority remains delivering an excellent customer experience and focusing on popularizing electric transport in India. However, we firmly believe IndiGo’s claims are baseless and will strongly contest them in court. Allowing such claims to go unchallenged could monopolize common alpha-numeric marks, creating challenges for companies across sectors,” Mahindra added.
      A Call for Collaboration
      Mahindra also called for greater collaboration between Indian multinationals, stating that engaging in unnecessary legal battles diverts attention from the larger goal of contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
      “We find it unseemly that two large Indian companies are entangled in a distracting conflict when we should be championing each other’s growth and innovation,” Mahindra noted in its statement.
      Launch Plans for BE 6
      Despite the legal dispute, Mahindra is pressing forward with the launch of its BE 6 and XEV 9e SUVs. Deliveries are slated to begin in February 2025. Mahindra’s focus remains on its Born Electric platform, which aims to lead India’s transition to sustainable mobility solutions. More

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      Mahindra BE 6e Vs. XEV 9e – Base Variant Features Compared

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      Mahindra BE 6e and XUV 9eWhile the base variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e are well-equipped, they lack features such as panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, self-parking function, etc.
      With ambitious plans to dominate the EV segment, Mahindra has introduced two of its born-electric SUVs. While BE 6e is priced at Rs 18.90 lakh, the XEV 9e starts at Rs 21.90 lakh. Multiple new models will be launched in the coming years.
      Mahindra BE 6e Pack One – Features, safety kit
      As of now, Mahindra has revealed the details of only the base variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e. ‘Pack One’ terminology is being used to refer to the base variants. Talking about features, the BE 6e Pack One base variant gets an all-LED lighting setup. It has 18-inch wheels with aero covers and exterior cladding in glossy black finish. A 150-litre frunk provides extra storage space in addition to the 455-litre rear boot.
      Mahindra BE 6e base variant features list
      High-tech equipment is one of the key USPs of Mahindra’s born-electric SUVs. Even the base variant of BE 6e is fully loaded. It has dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and a customizable instrument cluster. The carmaker is using its proprietary Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture (MAIA) to power the various tech systems. One of the fastest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets has been used to ensure a seamless experience.
      A comprehensive range of connectivity and remote functions are available with Mahindra BE 6e. There’s OTA updates, 5G connectivity, pre-installed OTT apps, built-in Amazon Alexa, social media apps and external device support for rear passengers. BE 6e Pack One base variant has four speakers and two tweeters. It has push button start/stop, fabric upholstery, keyless entry, auto climate control and rear AC vents. Other highlights include a cooled glove box, 65W Type-C charging ports at front and rear, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment and cruise control.
      Safety kit includes six airbags, rear camera and sensors, brake-by-wire tech, rear disc brakes, tyre pressure monitoring system and auto headlights. There’s rain sensing wipers, electronic parking brake and driver drowsiness detection system.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Pack One – Features, safety kit
      Most of the features listed above for BE 6e are common for XEV 9e. There are only a few differences in the equipment and safety package. For example, an electronic parking brake is not available with the Pack One base variant of XEV 9e. Other missing items include 5G connectivity, push button start/stop and pre-installed OTT, news, social media and shopping apps.
      Mahindra XEV 9e base variant features list
      Mahindra BE 6e Pack One, XEV 9e Pack One – Powertrain
      Both models share the same powertrain. The 59-kWh battery pack connects to an electric motor that generates 231 hp and 380 Nm. Both SUVs have a range of 542 km (MIDC). Other features common to both SUVs include virtual engine sounds, single-pedal drive, variable ratio power steering and drive modes of Range, Everyday and Race. BE 6e Pack One base variant gets Boost function with the Race drive mode. It also has low rolling resistance tyres.
      Mahindra BE 6e Pack One, XEV 9e Pack One – Desirable features
      Base variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e miss out on safety features such as 7-airbags, ADAS Level 2, blind spot monitoring, a 360° camera and self-parking function. Other items missing include a panoramic sunroof with integrated ambient lighting and a premium 1,400W, 16-speaker sound system by Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos. BE 6e and XEV 9e base variants also do not have a head-up display with augmented reality. To access these features, users will need to choose the higher variants of BE 6e and XEV 9e.
      BE 6e Pack One and XEV 9e Pack One base variants are available at Rs 18.90 lakh and Rs 21.90 lakh. However, users will need to pay an additional amount for the charger and any installation required. Users will be able to choose from a 7.2 kW and a 11 kW charger. More

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      Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive Review – Mid-Size SUV With Bonkers Performance!

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      Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive ReviewWith 286 PS of peak power and 380 Nm of peak torque and RWD architecture, Mahindra XEV 9e offers unmatched performance among mid-size SUVs
      At their Unlimit India event held in Chennai, Mahindra launched two new Electric Origin SUVs. Called BE 6e and XEV 9e, these electric SUVs are poised to revolutionise the Indian automotive market and make a much bigger splash in many global markets than Mahindra did before. Being the bigger of the two, XEV 9e holds more potential to appeal to more premium buyers who need a style statement and performance to match.
      The proposition of an XEV 9e is very straightforward. Currently, it is a one-of-a-kind offering with no real competition until Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV arrive. XEV 9e doesn’t follow the generic FWD monocoque high-riding SUV formula but offers RWD excitement. Mahindra provided Rushlane with an XEV 9e at the ‘Unlimit India’ event for a first-drive review. After driving it in the city, on the highway and on Mahindra’s curated tracks at MSPT (Mahindra SUV Proving Tracks), here’s what we think about this SUV.
      Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive Review
      Starting with the price, Mahindra XEV 9e base Pack 1 costs Rs 21.9 lakh (Ex-sh) and it is a mid-size electric SUV. Mahindra provided us with top-spec trim in Desert Myst and Tango Red shades. Of all the colours, I think Stealth Black looks the best on XEV 9e, highlighting its sporty credentials and sophisticated personality. If the smaller BE 6e is inspired by a fighter jet, XEV 9e is inspired by a private jet with more sophistication.
      We can see that in its exterior design. XEV 9e doesn’t look wild like BE 6e does. There’s grace in its design, that establishes a commanding road presence. We get a closed-off grill at the front, flanked by vertically arranged LED projector headlights accompanied by and commanding connected LED DRLs. There’s no aerodynamic front spoiler on XEV 9e like there was on BE 6e. Muscular creases on bonnet define car’s personality further.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      At the sides, we can see the lovely coupe profile with sloping roofline merging in a flat end. Mahindra has given XEV 9e the same ORVMs as XUV700. Front door handle is flush and pop-out type, while rear door handle is nothing fancy, but positioned at the pillar. Chunky body claddings painted in gloss black along with chrome window belt line highlight the sporty character. Wheels are massive and could go up to 20-inches in size.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      At the rear, we can see the illuminated Electric Origin SUV logo, a conventional (relatively) roof spoiler, a shark fin antenna, connected LED tail lights and a sporty bumper painted in gloss black with a chrome strip. Rear tailgate is electrically operated and front bonnet is hydraulically assisted to reveal a sizeable frunk (front trunk). Putting numbers on XEV 9e’s size, it measures 4,790 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, 1,690 mm in width and has a 2,775 mm long wheelbase. Trunk space is 663L and frunk space is 150L.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Frunk
      Business-Class Interiors
      While BE 6e’s interiors looked like a fighter jet, XEV 9e’s interiors were less sporty and more sophisticated looking. Like that of a business-class jet. If you look closely, you will realise that XEV 9e’s interiors are very closely related to the interiors of an XUV700 under the skin, which is not a bad thing. Here, Mahindra has given new soft-touch finishes and touches to make it appear more premium and sophisticated, which it does.
      Steering wheel is unique to XEV 9e and is not the same unit as seen in BE 6e. While the shape is unique, its functionalities match that of BE 6e. There are tactile buttons and toggles along with dedicated + and – toggles for regen control. Centre console on XEV 9e is reminiscent of XUV700, except for the new and fancier gear selector. The main difference is the unmistakable and attention-grabbing triple 10.2-inch screen layout.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Dashboard
      Mahindra calls it 110 cm wide Cinemascope setup. These displays are crisp in resolution and are run by 6th Gen Adrenox UI and MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture) powered by Qualcomm SnapDragon chipset. Centre infotainment screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while instrument screen for driver shows a host of information including a large-format navigation module and blind-spot assistance module when turn indicators are activated.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interior Camera
      Presence of a third screen is the most interesting aspect in this entire setup and it aims to offer a dedicated display for front passengers. This screen is capable of streaming videos and even video calls with the built-in camera inside XEV 9e. Mahindra calls this camera EyeDentity and it is primarily used to monitor driver fatigue and send alerts. For rear passengers, there is no dedicated entertainment package.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      However, Mahindra does offer a docking facility for tablets behind the front seats as a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) approach. When docked, the rear devices can be synced to car’s UI and get a unified experience. Dedicated entertainment package would have been nice, but we can appreciate Mahindra’s efforts to achieve price-wise competitiveness. Driver seat is powered and has a memory function with buttons elegantly placed on door. Seats are large and accommodating, but they’re sporty and bolster your body in place like BE 6e’s seats do.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      Rear seat occupants get a lot of space as the wheelbase is 2,770 mm long. Seats here recline for added comfort and there is genuine support for optimum comfort. Floor is flat and we even have Boss Mode for the rear master seat. Boss Mode adjustments are manual, though, and not electric. We felt like the headroom was sufficient too, for a car with a sloping Coupe roofline. There are three individual headrests and a centre armrest along with fast-charging capable Type-C ports, a manual sun shade and a wireless charging pad.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      When we’re talking about a Mahindra, there won’t be a deficit of features. XEV 9e is Mahindra’s flagship Electric Origin SUV and the features list goes on and on. Notable features are 360-degree camera, NFC key card, driverless self-parking feature, remote parking, ventilated front seats, cooled glovebox, LED interior lighting, multi-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, air purifier with PM 2.5 air filter, 1400W 16-speaker Harman Kardon setup with Dolby Atmos, tuned by music industry stalwarts like A R Rehman, slidable sun blinds with vanity mirrors and lights, among others.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      The Harman Kardon system had excellent sound output, but very heavy on base, overpowering the mids. Nothing you can’t fix in equalizer. XEV 9e also features an Infinity Roof (a fixed glass roof) with a powered sunblind which is synced with the car’s 16 million colour ambient lighting. Mahindra’s new VisionX HUD system shows vital information like navigation, ADAS-related infographics, vehicle speed, traffic sign recognition data, cruise control data and music.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Interiors
      Exhilarating Performance & Plush Ride
      Mahindra XEV 9e is now a benchmark in performance within the mid-size SUV segment. There is nothing out there to match XEV 9e in outright performance in any sense of the imagination. That is courtesy of a large battery pack that goes up till 79 kWh in capacity. This large battery powers an electric motor with 285 PS of peak power and 380 Nm of peak torque ensures instantaneous acceleration sprinting to 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 202 km/h.
      Mahindra XEV 9e Boot
      This electric motor is positioned at the rear for best driving feel. No generic FWD nonsense here, thanks to the born electric INGLO platform where Mahindra engineers seem to have had complete freedom. Because of the motor at the rear, there’s no torque steering and it feels like a proper SUV. The heavy batteries ensure a low centre of gravity and a supple ride. As demonstrated by the ‘Great Indian Wine Glass Challenge’ by Mahindra, XEV 9e has an incredibly cushy ride that almost feels like you’re driving on a magic carpet.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      That’s thanks to rear independent suspension along with semi-active dampers, first-in-segment. XEV 9e has a noticeably more comfortable ride quality than BE 6e, which is set up at a sportier setting. This means body roll is very evident on XEV 9e, something which is not in BE 6e’s equation. XEV 9e handles Indian roads like a champ. It absorbs bumps, potholes and bad patches very effortlessly. It is an incredible feat considering XEV 9e can be specced up with up to 20-inch alloy wheels.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      Braking setup consists of all-wheel disc brakes along with Mahindra’s new Brake-by-Wire technology for lowest reaction time. Result of all this is excellent stopping power from XEV 9e with good initial bite and progression. Mahindra quotes a range of up to 656 km on a single charge (ARAI Certified) and even quotes a 780 km figure from an in-house test. In real life, Mahindra promises the XEV 9e will do 500+ km on a single charge with AC on.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      XEV 9e has three driving modes – Range, Everyday and Race, altering performance, feedback and even top speed. For example, top speed maxes out at 162 km/h in Everyday Mode and can reach 202 km/h in Race Mode. There’s adjustable regen modes that even allow for one pedal driving, which rival brands are yet to implement. Because of the variable gear ratios in steering, turning radius of XEV 9e was impressive as well, considering its size. DC fast charging is supported and can go up to 175kW quoting 20% to 80% in 20 minutes, if you can find a 175 kW charger in India. There’s unlimited battery warranty too, but only for the first owner.
      Safety-wise, there is no reason for concerns as the badge on this vehicle says Mahindra. XEV 9e comes equipped with up to 7 airbags and is highly likely to score a stellar 5 star crash safety rating at any of the NCAP agencies across the world. There’s a Level 2+ ADAS suite with 5 radars and 1 camera, acting as a guardian angel, protecting the occupants. Mahindra also demonstrated the structural integrity of INGLO platform batteries by performing crush test, immersion test, fire test and even a drop test.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      Some Reservations and Conclusion
      1. Just like on BE 6e, XEV 9e’s HUD goes out of sight when you take the seat height all the way down to a sporty feel.2. The tiny rear windscreen situation in XEV 9e is even worse than BE 6e as this vehicle has a centre headrest for 2nd row bench.3. We wished the doors went over the running boards to prevent soiling of the occupant’s clothes during ingress and egress.4. There’s a missed opportunity here as Mahindra could have made it a compelling 2nd-row vehicle by offering features like electrically operated Boss Mode, rear seat ventilation among others.5. The third display on the dashboard can stream videos which could prove a distraction for driver. Mahindra could have implemented a dimming function when viewing from a certain angle to prevent driver distractions. This tech is more than a decade old already.
      Mahindra XEV 9e
      Concluding Mahindra XEV 9e review is slightly trickier, only because the BE 6e exists. XEV 9e aims to be a more sophisticated and larger offering than BE 6e with a much larger boot and frunk. The premium quotient is higher on XEV 9e, no doubt. But for owner/drivers, BE 6e appears as a far more exciting alternative as it packs a sporty edge. We say this because Mahindra could have worked more on curating rear-seat experience for it to be a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
      XEV 9e emerges as a status symbol that sets it apart from other mid-size SUVs out there, while costing more or less the same OTR. At the same time, it offers unmatched performance and an exciting package. If you’re not smitten by BE 6e or find BE 6e’s design polarising, you should go right ahead and buy the XEV 9e. Because there’s nothing like it in the mid-size SUV segment with similar overall packaging. More