India’s EV adoption has mostly been happening at two ends of the price spectrum. Either we have electric cars priced under Rs. 10 lakh or Rs. 15 lakh which are being adopted widely, or you have luxury cars north of Rs. 60 lakh or Rs. 70 lakh that are finding traction in the EV market. However, recently two Indian car makers Tata and Mahindra have launched two new electric SUVs in the Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh bracket. The two EVs in question are the Tata Harrier EV and the Mahindra BE6.
The Harrier EV is the most recent entrant into the market whereas the BE6 has been on sale for a few months now. With both electric SUVs priced similarly, it can become difficult for many car buyers to find out the pros and cons of each, and to ultimately decide and choose between the two electric SUVs. To clear things up, we have compared both of them based on their dimensions, powertrain, features, safety technology and price. Such a comparison gives a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each SUV.
Therefore, if you too have been trying to decide whether the Tata Harrier EV or the Mahindra BE6 would fit better in your life, read on to find out the answer.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra BE6: Dimensions
One look at the brochure and it becomes apparent that the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE 6 aren’t similarly sized at all. However, each of them have their own advantages in the size department.
| Tata Harrier EV | Mahindra BE6 | |
| Length | 4607 mm | 4371 mm |
| Width | 2132 mm | 1907 mm |
| Height | 1740 mm | 1627 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2741 mm | 2775 mm |
| Boot space | 502 litres | 455 litres |
| Ground clearance | More than 200 mm | 207 mm |
When you compare the length, width, and even height of the two electric SUVs, it becomes abundantly clear that the Harrier EV is significantly longer, wider, and taller than the BE6. In terms of size, the Harrier EV is a more natural rival to the XEV 9e, the larger sibling of the two new electric SUVs launched by Mahindra. However, when we look at the wheelbase of the two SUVs, the script has been flipped. The BE6 actually offers significantly more space between its two axles, pushing its wheels to the corners and giving the electric SUV shorter overhangs. This has two advantages. It allows engineers to better design the passenger compartment as more space is liberated, and the shorter overhangs also makes the approach to steep inclines that much easier.
The shorter overhangs haven’t resulted in the BE6 offering less than ideal boot space at 455 litres. However, the size advantage of the Harrier EV once again becomes apparent with its 502 litres of boot space. As both cars are EVs, they have frunks or forward storage areas as well underneath the bonnet. The Mahindra BE6 has a frunk area of 45 litres. The Harrier EV has a 67 litres frunk in the RWD version and a 35 litres frunk in the AWD version. The ground clearance for both SUVs stands above 200 mm.
The Tata Harrier EV has a significant size advantage over the Mahindra BE6. If you are looking for abundant space, the Tata SUV will suit you better, but even the BE6 offers a rather comfortable cabin experience for its passengers.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra BE6: Engine & Transmission
While both are electric SUVs, the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE6 differ vastly in their drivetrain configuration.
| Tata Harrier EV | Mahindra BE6 | |
| Engine options | Single Electric Motor (RWD), Dual Electric Motor (AWD) | Single Electric Motor (RWD) |
| Battery Pack | 65 kWh, 75 kWh | 59 kWh, 79 kWh |
| Transmission options | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power | 238 PS (RWD), 396 PS (AWD) | 231 PS, 286 PS |
| Torque | 315 Nm (RWD), 504 Nm (AWD) | 380 Nm |
| Range | 538 km to 627 km (Range) | 557 km to 683 km |
Tata offers the Harrier EV in two drivetrain configurations, RWD and AWD whereas the BE 6 is available in a single RWD configuration. Both SUVs however are offered with two battery pack options. The outright power advantage is in the hands of the Harrier EV as its AWD version with the larger battery pack is capable of 396 PS and 504 Nm, much more than the 286 PS and 380 Nm put out by the single electric motor of the BE6 when it is paired to the larger battery pack. With the smaller battery pack, the horsepower output drops, however, the torque output remains the same. The Harrier EV’s smaller battery pack with its single electric motor has a slight horsepower advantage, however, it has a vast torque difference compared to the BE6.
When we look at the range, it is the Mahindra BE6 which has the advantage with a 19 km higher range when comparing its smaller battery pack against the Harrier EV. It holds a 56 km advantage when we compare the larger battery pack of the BE6 against that of the Harrier EV. The range figures have been worked out from the ARAI certified range of the two vehicles, and the range figures are expected to be lower in real world conditions.
If you are looking at outright performance, the Tata Harrier EV has the Mahindra BE6 beat with its AWD variant. It offers better performance, and when traction becomes tricky, the AWD capabilities of the Harrier EV will come in handy. It’s best used by people who routinely wander off the beaten path and are looking for the most dynamic driving experience. The BE6 also offers quick performance but in this comparison, it offers the better range experience compared to the Harrier EV, and furthermore, it supports higher speeds of DC Fast charging as well.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra BE6: Features & Comfort
The Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE6 are claiming to be premium electric SUVs and the features on offer definitely support that narrative.
| Tata Harrier EV | Mahindra BE6 | |
| Infotainment system | 14.5 inch touchscreen by HARMAN | 12.3 inch touchscreen |
| Music system | 10 speaker JBL sound system with Dolby Atmos | 16 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system |
| Climate control | Dual Zone Climate Climate | Dual Zone Climate Climate |
| Ventilated seats | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt & Telescopic Adjustment | Tilt & Telescopic Adjustment |
| Drive modes | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument cluster | 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster | 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster |
| Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | Fixed glass panoramic sunroof |
| Adjustable seats | 6 way electrically adjustable driver seat with three memory positions, 4 way electrically adjustable passenger seat | 6 way electrically adjustable driver seat |
| Rear AC vents | Yes (integrated into B pillar) | Yes |
| 60:40 split rear seat | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
When we look at the biggest features on both cars, the Harrier EV starts off ahead with a bigger 14.5 inch touchscreen compared to the 12.3 inch unit found on the BE6. The Mahindra SUV then leaps ahead with a 16 speaker Harman Kardon sound system compared to the 10 speaker JBL setup on the Harrier EV. The Tata SUV however features Dolby Atmos which enriches the surround sound experience.
Both SUVs get otherwise premium features like Dual Zone Climate Control, tilt & telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, ventilated seats, drive modes, electrically adjustable driver seat, rear AC vents, 60:40 split rear seats and Adaptive Cruise Control.
When it comes to the driver instrument cluster, both cars feature digital units. However, the BE6 has a 12.3 inch unit similar to its touchscreen whereas the Harrier EV has a smaller 10.25 inch unit. Furthermore, while both cars get panoramic sunroofs, it doesn’t open on the BE6 and is called a fixed glass panoramic sunroof. The Harrier EV gets a normal panoramic sunroof which can be opened.
On the features front, the Tata Harrier EV and the Mahindra BE6 offer the very best and are hard to separate. The decision will come to individual taste and requirements.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra BE6: Safety Features
Just like Tata, Mahindra too has been focusing on increasing the safety quotient and both Indian car makers have achieved immense success on this front.
| Tata Harrier EV | Mahindra BE6 | |
| GNCAP safety rating | 5 stars from Bharat NCAP | 5 stars from Bharat NCAP |
| Airbags | 7 airbags | 7 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 | Yes |
The Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE 6 are both immensely safe cars and have been crash tested by Bharat NCAP, the premier crash test rating agency for cars sold in the Indian car market. Both cars received a 5 star rating from the agency. To take a deeper look at their crash test results, the Harrier EV scored an impressive 32 out of 32 points in the adult occupant protection category and 45 out of 49 points in the child occupant protection category. The BE6 too achieved similar results by achieving the same scare in the child occupant protection category, and falling short by 0.03 points in the adult occupant protection category with a score of 31.97 out of 32 points.
When it comes to safety features, both cars get 7 airbags. Other active safety systems such as ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, hill hold assist, hill descent control, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, ISOFIX child seat mounting points and ADAS are present on both cars.
Comparing the safety package, both cars offer a similar safety net and are among the safest SUVs sold in India.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra BE6: Price Comparison
The size difference of the two SUVs is also indicated in their prices.
| Tata Harrier EV | Mahindra BE6 | |
| Base Variant | Rs. 21.49 lakh to Rs. 21.98 lakh | Rs. 18.90 lakh to Rs. 21.25 lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 21.99 lakh to Rs. 22.48 lakh | Rs. 21.90 lakh to Rs. 24.25 lakh |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 23.99 lakh to Rs. 25.48 lakh | Rs. 24.50 lakh to Rs. 25.25 lakh |
| Top Variant | Rs. 27.49 lakh to Rs. 30.23 lakh | Rs. 26.90 lakh to Rs. 27.65 lakh |
When we look at the price difference between the two, the BE6 has a lower starting price and even the mid variant prices are lower than that of the Harrier EV. However, the upper mid variant of the Harrier EV has lower starting price, and once again in case of the top variant, the BE6 has a lower starting price.
The base variant of the Harrier EV is Rs. 2.39 lakh more expensive than the base variant of the BE6. The top variant of the Tata SUV is Rs. 2.58 lakh more expensive than the top variant of its Mahindra counterpart. Seeing the size gap between the two SUVs, and the additional AWD configuration in the top variant of the Tata Harrier EV, the Harrier EV commands a fair premium over the BE6.
Ultimately, both SUVs offer a similar value for money.
Summary
The Tata Harrier EV and the Mahindra BE6 are both SUVs that are setting benchmarks among premium electric SUVs. Mostly, this has been the domain of foreign car makers such as BYD or even Hyundai, however, the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE6 offer similar levels of tech and refinement and they are relatively cheaper, as they are made in India.
As for picking between the Harrier EV and the BE6, the Tata SUV will appeal to those who want maximum size and performance whereas the funky looks of the BE6 and its cool cockpit design will appeal to those who want their cars to look different than most other cars on the road.
FAQs about Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra BE6
Q. Which SUV between Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE6 offers better performance?
The Tata Harrier EV with a power output of 396 PS and 504 Nm in its AWD version offers a superior performance compared to the Mahindra BE6. The Mahindra electric SUV has a maximum performance output of 286 PS and 380 Nm.
Q. Is the Harrier EV bigger in size than the Mahindra BE6?
Yes, the Harrier EV is considerably larger in size than the Mahindra BE6 when we look at their length, width and height. However, the Mahindra BE6 has a longer wheelbase than the Tata Harrier EV.
Q. Which has the better range between Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE6?
The Mahindra BE 6 offers a better range than the Tata Harrier EV with a maximum range of 683 km. In contrast, the maximum range of the Harrier EV stands at 627 km.
Q. Which car is safer, Tata Harrier EV or Mahindra BE6?
The Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE 6 have both received a 5 star crash test rating from Bharat NCAP. Furthermore, they are both equipped with 7 airbags. Active safety features such as ESC, hill hold assist and hill descent control are available on both cars and they are even equipped with Level 2 ADAS. As such, both cars offer the very best safety equipment.
Q. Can you open the sunroof in the Mahindra BE6?
No, the panoramic sunroof offered in the Mahindra BE6 cannot be opened as it is a fixed pane glass roof. While one can’t open the sunroof, it is actually seen as a safer move because many drivers tend to use the sunroof to stick their heads out. Furthermore, the fixed glass design of the BE6 also ensures that they are no leakage issues from the sunroof.
Q. Which all variants of the Tata Harrier EV are equipped with AWD?
The Tata Harrier EV is able to operate as an AWD due to an electric motor on each of its axle. The dual motor configuration is only available on the top end Empowered variant of the electric SUV.
