Comparison: Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Nexon EV

The launch of Mahindra BE 6 has redefined expectations of buyers from electric SUVs, which has led to them questioning the value offered by the Tata Nexon EV. The BE 6 is more expensive than the Nexon EV, but it is also bigger, more powerful, offers more features, and also looks better.

With a significant advantage over the Nexon EV, the Mahindra BE 6 makes a compelling prima facie case for your money. However, should you really stretch past your budget and bring home the Mahindra BE 6, or should you opt for the more sensible Tata Nexon EV? To find out which SUV will work better for you, we have compared the two electric SUVs. Read on to find out which one you should pick.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Nexon EV: Dimensions

	Mahindra BE 6	Tata Nexon EV
Length	4371 mm	3995 mm
Width	1907 mm	1802 mm
Height	1627 mm	1625 mm
Wheelbase	2775 mm	2498 mm
Boot space	455 litres (rear), 45 litres (front)	350 litres
Ground clearance	207 mm	190 mm (45 kWh), 207 mm (30 kWh)

The Mahindra BE 6 is considerably longer and wider than the Tata Nexon EV. Furthermore, the Mahindra SUV also has a longer wheelbase. Both SUVs are of a similar height. Compared to the Nexon EV, the roomy cabin of the BE 6 will allow for a calmer drive experience for passengers, resulting in less passenger fatigue.

The Mahindra SUV also offers more boot space, and there is considerable storage space (a frunk) in the front as well. The Nexon EV’s boot offers ample space for weekend trips, but it is not big enough to accommodate for longer road trips. However, both SUVs offer enough ground clearance to tackle uneven road conditions.

For daily driving, the Tata Nexon EV will prove easier to drive due to its compact dimensions. However, the Mahindra BE 6, with its larger proportions, will be a far more comfortable SUV for those who frequently undertake highway journeys with their friends and family.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Nexon EV: Engine & Transmission

	Mahindra BE 6	Tata Nexon EV
Electric Motor	1 Electric Motor on Rear Axle	1 Electric Motor on Front Axle
Battery Pack	59 kWh, 79 kWh	30 kWh, 45 kWh
Power	231 PS, 286 PS	129 PS, 144 PS
Torque	380 Nm	215 Nm
Range (MIDC)	557 km, 683 km	275 km, 489 km
Charging Speed	6 hours, 8 hours (both using (11 kW AC charger)	4 hrs 18 minutes, 6 hours 36 minutes (both using 7.2 kW AC charger)

The Mahindra BE 6 and Tata Nexon EV both use a single electric motor to drive their wheels. However, in the case of the BE 6, that electric motor sits on the rear axle, powering the rear wheels. In the Nexon EV, the electric motor sits on the front axle, driving the front wheels. The BE 6 is inherently sportier to drive in the bends due to its RWD advantage over the FWD Nexon EV. Its electric motor makes close to double the power and torque of the Nexon EV, making it highly quick in a straight line as well.

On the range front, the BE 6 once again has a significant advantage over the Nexon EV. However, the Mahindra EV also features bigger battery packs, which are one of the biggest reasons for its high cost. The Mahindra BE 6 comes specced with a 11 kW AC charger, and it can charge the battery pack in 6 to 8 hours depending upon the size. However, Mahindra charges you separately for the charger. For the Nexon EV, the fastest option offered by Tata is a 7.2 kW AC charger and it can charge the battery fully in 6 hours and 36 minutes. Essentially, both cars can be fully charged overnight.

Ultimately, it’s the BE 6 which will satisfy the enthusiasts whereas the Nexon EV will appeal to those with a more moderate driving style.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Nexon EV: Features & Comfort

	Mahindra BE 6	Tata Nexon EV
Infotainment system	12.3 inch touchscreen	12.3 inch touchscreen
Music system	16 speaker Harman Kardon system	9 speaker JBL system
Climate control	Dual Zone Auto AC	Auto AC
Ventilated seats	Yes	Yes
Adjustable steering	Tilt & Telescopic	Tilt
Drive modes	Yes	Yes
Instrument cluster	12.3 inch digital cluster	7 inch digital cluster
Sunroof	Fixed glass panoramic sunroof	Panoramic sunroof
Adjustable seats	6 way power adjustable driver seat with additional lumbar adjustment	6 way manually adjustable driver seat
Rear AC vents	Yes	Yes
60:40 split rear seat	Yes	Yes
Cruise control	Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard Cruise Control

The Mahindra BE 6 takes the lead over the Tata Nexon EV in the features department too. Its screen setup is better than the Tata Nexon EV as it cohesively combines the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The Mahindra EV also features a Harman audio system, Dual Zone AC, electrically adjustable driver seat and Adaptive Cruise Control, all of which cement its supremacy over the Nexon EV.

The Nexon EV is well equipped too, with its feature highlight being a panoramic sunroof which can be opened, compared to the fixed panoramic sunroof on the BE 6. In all fairness, a fixed sunroof is a safer option as it can’t be opened. While it’s not as well stacked with features as the BE 6, the Nexon EV offers all features considered essential in the compact SUV segment.

On the features front, the Mahindra BE 6 offers aspirational value. Furthermore, it’s the interior quality of the Mahindra SUV that stands apart from that of the Nexon EV. The Tata SUV is well positioned towards budget buyers looking to make a switch to an EV for the same time.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Nexon EV: Safety Features

	Mahindra BE 6	Tata Nexon EV
Safety rating	5 stars from Bharat NCAP	5 stars from Bharat NCAP
Airbags	7 airbags	6 airbags
ABS with EBD	Yes	Yes
ESC	Yes	Yes
Traction control	Yes	Yes
Automatic headlamps	Yes	Yes
Rain-sensing wipers	Yes	Yes
Hill-hold assist	Yes	Yes
Hill descent control	Yes	Yes
Rear sensors	Yes	Yes
Rear parking camera	Yes	Yes
ISOFIX child seat anchor points	Yes	Yes
ADAS	Yes	No

When it comes to safety, the Mahindra BE 6 is pretty evenly matched in most areas by the Tata Nexon EV. Both cars feature the maximum 5 star safety rating from Bharat NCAP, however, the BE 6 offers one additional driver knee airbag, compared to the six in the Nexon EV. Both electric SUVs offer the full suite of electronic safety features, and with their ISOFIX mounting points they are child friendly as well.

The Mahindra BE 6, however, has one key ace up its sleeve and that is ADAS. It features a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite that consists of 5 radars and one camera. It gives the BE 6 the ability to perform a wide variety of driver functions such as braking to avoid a potential crash. With its ability to control acceleration and steering as well, the ADAS suite also offers great convenience features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.

With its wide range of safety features and crucially ADAS, the Mahindra BE 6 offers a safety net that is unmatched in the segment. However, this time around the Nexon EV manages to match it more closely.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Nexon EV: Price Comparison

	Mahindra BE 6*	Tata Nexon EV
Base Variant	Rs. 18.90 lakh to Rs. 20.50 lakh	Rs. 12.49 lakh to Rs. 13.99 lakh
Mid Variant	Rs. 21.90 lakh	Rs. 14.29 lakh to Rs. 14.99 lakh
Upper Mid Variant	Rs. 24.50 lakh	Rs. 15.99 lakh to Rs. 16.99 lakh
Top Variant	Rs. 26.90 lakh	Rs. 17.99 lakh

*Mahindra charges an additional Rs. 50,000 for a 7 kW AC charger. An 11 kW AC charger is priced at Rs. 75,000.

There is no escaping the fact that the base variant of Mahindra BE 6 is more expensive than the top variant of the Nexon EV, and that too by almost Rs. 1 lakh. However, unlike traditional rivals, the BE 6 is not offering a similar value. It is, instead, offering a driving and ownership experience unmatched at the same price. 

Even if you upgrade from a top spec Tata Nexon EV to a base Mahindra BE 6, the elevation in the experience alone will justify the cost. However, if you instead move on to the next variant of the BE 6, i,e., Pack One Above, you will find that it offers a great selection of features which make it highly value for money.

If you are eyeing the upper variants of the Mahindra BE 6, they are priced far outside the territory of the Tata Nexon EV. However, they do offer superior value compared to similarly priced cars.

Ultimately, if you are on a strict budget, the Mahindra BE 6 isn’t going to work for you. However, if you don’t mind spending the additional money to elevate your overall experience, you will find the BE 6 to be a great alternative to the Tata Nexon EV.

Summary

In this comparison, the Mahindra BE 6 has outranked the Tata Nexon EV at every junction. Its larger size makes it more comfortable, its sporty driving dynamics and sheer performance make it more fun to drive, and it has aspirational features that make it feel like a worthy upgrade over other compact SUVs including the Nexon EV. Both Indian cars offer a great safety package, but the BE 6 wins that race too with more equipment. And all of this is reflected in the higher pricing of the BE 6.

Therefore, if you are on a strict budget, the Nexon EV will be the SUV for you. However, the Mahindra BE 6 is a promising option for anyone looking for an extra dose of luxury, without actually hopping over into the luxury segment.

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