Constant innovation is what makes the Indian EV market rather interesting. With almost all major carmakers trying their best to offer better, smarter and premium EVs, the segment is no longer limited to only a few options. Among some of the latest ones to join the race is the all-new Mahindra BE 6, which is a part of Mahindra’s latest EV lineup that is based on a purpose-built platform. While the BE 6 represents Mahindra’s vision for the future, when it comes to the genesis of Mahindra’s EV journey, the XUV400 cannot be ignored. Challenging the reign of the Tata Nexon EV, the XUV400 has long appealed to buyers looking for a robust electric SUV. Now, with both the newcomer and the veteran in the game, it will be interesting to see how the two compare when pitched against one another.
Mahindra BE 6 vs Mahindra XUV400: Dimensions
| Car | Mahindra BE 6 | Mahindra XUV400 |
| Length | 4371 mm | 4200 mm |
| Width | 1907 mm | 1821 mm |
| Height | 1627 mm | 1634 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2775 mm | 2600 mm |
| Boot Space | 455 litres and 45 litres (Frunk) | 378 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 207 mm | 200 mm |
Since both SUVs do not really play in the same segment, the dimensions are different, and so is the overall appeal of both SUVs. With the BE 6 pitched as a mid-sized SUV with a coupe bodyling, the XUV400 appeals to compact SUV lovers.
As far as the dimensions go, the BE 6 stands 171 mm longer and 86 mm wider than the XUV400, with a substantially larger wheelbase of 2775 mm compared to the 2600 mm wheelbase offered on the XUV400. This helps the BE 6 offer better in-cabin comfort and overall head and legroom. Moreover, thanks to its coupe-styled silhouette, the BE 6 also offers a boot space that is 77 litres more than what the XUV400 offers, with an extra 45 litres of frunk space. With more space on offer, the BE 6 can comfortably seat five, with ample shoulder room for three in the back.
The XUV400, on the other hand, offers a 10mm higher stance than the BE 6 thanks to its boxy body line. Other than that, purely as a compact SUV, the XUV400 does great in terms of overall dimensions and offers an assertive appeal altogether, with a commanding view of the road and ample ground clearance. The boot on offer, though smaller than the BE 6, is good enough for all your luggage needs. Moreover, with a wheelbase of 2600 mm, the XUV400 also offers best-in-class cabin space that will not make you feel like you are sitting in a compact SUV.
Talking about the looks, when compared head-on, the BE 6 with its polarising design language comes across as an aggressively styled coupe-SUV with modern-day touches, muscular elements and a touch of elegance. The XUV400, on the other hand, comes across as a sporty SUV that adorns classic SUV elements with modern-day touches. Carrying forward the design offered by the XUV300 ICE, the XUV400 retains the old-school charm, albeit with several EV-specific accents.
Overall, when compared, both SUVs offer a modern look that is impressive and exciting. While the final takeaway in terms of looks is rather subjective, when it comes to dimensions and space on offer, the BE 6 seems to take the crown with its longer, wider stance, better boot space, additional frunk space and larger wheelbase. However, if you consider tight parking spaces, city traffic and narrow roads, the XUV400 offers better overall practicality with its compact bodyline, smaller turn-radius and small-family approach.
Overall winner: BE 6 for its space and comfort and XUV400 for its city-bred practicality
Mahindra BE 6 vs. Mahindra XUV400: Battery Pack and Performance
| New Mahindra BE 6 v Mahindra XUV400: Performance and Charging | ||||||||
| Cars | Mahindra BE 6 | Mahindra XUV400 | ||||||
| Battery Pack | 59 kWh | 79 kWh | 34.5 kWh | 39.5 kWh | ||||
| Power | 231 PS (170 kW) | 286 PS (210 kW) | 130 PS (110 kW) | |||||
| 0 to 100 km/h | 6.7 Seconds | 8.3 Seconds | ||||||
| Transmission (Automatic) | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic | ||||||
| Claimed Range | 557 km on a single charge(MIDC P1 + P2 Standards) | 683 km on a single charge(MIDC P1 + P2 Standards) | 375 km on a single charge(MIDC P1 Standards) | 456 km on a single charge(MIDC P1 Standards) | ||||
One look at the performance comparison above and you’ll realise that BE 6 is truly miles ahead of the XUV400 when it comes to overall performance, range and charging specifications. However, you will also realise that the XUV400’s segment-leading numbers make it worthy enough for this cross-segment comparison after all. Talking about the battery packs on offer, the BE 6 offers a choice between a smaller 59 kWh pack or a larger 79 kWh pack. The Mahindra XUV400, on the other hand, offers a choice between a smaller 34.5 kWh pack or a bigger 39.5 kWh pack.
In terms of the base battery packs offered by both EVs, with the BE 6, you get a bigger capacity 59 kWh battery pack compared to the 34.5 kWh battery pack the XUV400 offers. As a result, what you get is superior performance on the BE 6, with a class-leading 232 PS of power compared to the 130 PS offered on the Mahindra XUV400. Range is another area where the Mahindra BE 6 dominates the Mahindra XUV400 with a claimed range of 557 km on a single charge offered by the base battery pack of the BE 6 compared to 375 km offered by the Mahindra XUV400. This translates to a huge 182 km difference; that alone makes buying the higher-priced BE 6 worthwhile for many.
Coming to the bigger battery pack offered on both SUVs, the Mahindra BE 6 again takes the crown by offering a 79 kWh battery pack compared to the 39.5 kWh battery pack offered on the Mahindra XUV400. Yet again, with a 2X bigger battery, Mahindra BE 6 offers the best-in-class power of 286 PS compared to only 130 PS of power offered by the XUV400. The range on offer is also miles apart, with the BE 6 claiming a mind-blowing range of 683 km on a single charge compared to the 456 km range offered by the Mahindra XUV400.
Despite the BE 6 overtaking the XUV400, considering the compact SUV’s case, what you get is exceptional performance in every sense. Starting with the power figures, the XUV400 does offer the best-in-segment power of 130 PS, which is more than what’s offered by closest rivals, such as the Nexon EV, despite having a smaller battery back. Talking of which, it is commendable that the XUV400 can offer a range of about 375 km, which is the same range offered by the Nexon EV despite having a larger 40 kWh battery pack. The XUV400’s battery is well-optimised that the 456 km range offered by its larger 39.5 kWh battery pack is only 17 km lesser than the range offered by the Hyundai Creta Electric that sits a segment above the XUV400.
Overall, when considering the performance of both SUVs, the Mahindra BE 6 leaves the Mahindra XUV400 miles behind when it comes to battery capacity, power and range. With better battery specs on offer, the BE 6 offers best-in-segment performance and a range that goes as high as 683 km on a single charge. While the Mahindra XUV400 does offer great figures for its segment, with the BE 6 in competition, the difference seems to be too huge to ignore.
Overall Winner: Mahindra BE 6
Mahindra BE 6 vs. Mahindra XUV400: Features and Comfort
| Features | Mahindra BE 6 | Mahindra XUV400 |
| Infotainment system | 12.3-inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play | 10.25-inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3 Inch Digital Instrument Cluster | 10.25 Inch Digital Instrument Cluster |
| Music System | 16 Speaker Premium Harman Kardon Audio Setup | 6-Speaker Audio Setup |
| Climate Control | Yes, Dual Zone | Yes, Dual Zone |
| Sunroof | Fixed Glass Panoramic Sunroof | Electric Sunroof |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes, with Segment First Sunroof Integrated Ambiet Lighting | No |
| Front Ventilated Seats | Yes | No |
| Adjustable Seats | Yes, 6-Way Powered Driver’s Seat | Yes, Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charger | Yes | Yes |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes, with Live View and Recording | No |
| Connected Car Tech | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Level-2 | No |
| Gesture-Controlled Tailgate | Yes | No |
| Augmented-Reality Projection Heads-Up Display | Yes | No |
| Fully Automatic Parking | Yes | No |
Looking at the comparison above, it is clear that both cars offer ample in their respective segments, making the overall ownership experience rather fun. Nonetheless, comparing the two, the situation tilts in favor of the Mahindra BE 6, which is one of the flagship models from the house of Mahindra.
When compared head-on, the XUV400 does bring a good package on board with several modern-day features, including a large 10.2-inch touch infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, dual zone climate control and cruise control. However, with features such as ambient lighting, 360-degree camera and ADAS missing, the XUV400 still lacks when it comes to other competitors such as the Curvv EV.
Coming to the Mahindra BE 6, the latest offering from Mahindra comes loaded with upmarket features and several segment firsts, including:
- Fully automatic parking
- AR-infused heads-up display
- Gesture-controlled tailgate
- Level-2 ADAS
- 360-degree camera with live recording
- Sunroof with integrated ambient lighting
- A larger touch infotainment and driver’s display along with a premium audio set-up with DOLBY.
Overall, the feature game is an area where the BE 6 obliterates the XUV400 with segment-first features that are truly luxurious.
Overall Winner: Mahindra BE 6
Mahindra BE 6 vs. Mahindra XUV400: Safety Features
| Features | Mahindra BE 6 | Mahindra XUV400 |
| Airbags | 6 as standard | Up to 6 |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Assist | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Front Parking Sensors | Yes | No |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes, with Live View and Recording | No |
| All 4 Disc Brakes | Yes | Yes |
| Level-2 ADAS | Yes | No |
When it comes to safety, there is no doubt that both the Mahindra XUV400 and the Mahindra BE 6 are top-notch offerings with almost every modern-day safety feature onboard. Both SUVs have also achieved perfect 5-star safety ratings by Bharat NCAP. However, when compared head on, the BE 6 stands out with 6 standard airbags, Level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera with live recording, front parking sensors and fully-automatic parking.
Overall, both SUVs are true winners when it comes to onboard safety, but the BE 6 is still miles ahead.
Mahindra BE 6 vs Mahindra XUV400: Price Comparison
| Variant | Mahindra BE 6 Price Ex-Showroom | Mahindra XUV400Price Ex-Showroom |
| Base Variant | Rs. 18.90 Lakh | Rs. 16.74 LakhtoRs. 16.94 Lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 20.50 to 21.90 Lakh | |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 24.50 Lakh | Rs. 17.49 Lakh |
| Top Variant | Rs. 26.90 Lakh | Rs. 17.69 Lakh |
When it comes to the price comparison, the Mahindra BE 6 is available in five variants: Pack ONE, Pack ONE ABOVE, Pack TWO, Pack THREE SELECT, and Pack THREE. Of all these variants, only the Pack THREE variant is powered by a 79 kWh battery, while the rest are powered by a 59 kWh battery. On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV400’s variant lineup is limited to only two variants: EC Pro and EL Pro, with the smaller 34.5 kWh battery pack available on both trims and the 39.5 kWh battery pack limited to the EL Pro trim.
Comparing prices, the Base and Mid-Trims of the XUV400 are priced about Rs. 2.16 to 1.96 Lakh cheaper than the base trim of the BE 6. While this is superb value when it comes to those who are on a budget, if you do happen to put in the extra money, even the base trim of the BE 6 is enough to give you a worthwhile experience as what you get would be substantially higher range and better features.
Coming to the upper-mid and top-end trims, the price difference between the Mahindra BE 6 and XUV400 jumps to about Rs. 7.01 Lakh for the upper-mid trims and Rs. 9.21 Lakh for the top-end trim. However, the jump, in this case, not only offers better range onboard, but it also enables the buyers to experience the BE 6 in all its glory. However, for someone who has the budget to buy the top-end trim of the XUV400, an addition of Rs. 1.2 Lakh, the base trim of the BE 6 is still a much more practical choice.
Thus, considering all the aspects, the BE 6 offers better value for your money throughout its variant lineup.
Mahindra BE 6 vs. Mahindra XUV400: Summary
Be it the Mahindra BE 6 or the Mahindra XUV400, both EVs offer a well-loaded package that does great in their respective segments. Both cars offer a contemporary design that is assertive and muscular, with the BE 6 offering a more polarising approach than the Mahindra XUV400.
Coming to the performance and range, while both SUVs offer two battery packs, the BE 6’s unmatched performance and high-range figures shatter the XUV400’s figures from every angle across all markers. Feature-wise, both SUVs are topped with a great package, but again, it is the BE 6 that takes over the XUV400 with several top-notch segment first offerings. Safety, however, is where both SUVs do extremely well. However, with Level-2 ADAS on board with some extra safety features, the BE 6 takes the edge. Finally, coming on to the price, the BE 6 continues to lead throughout the comparative variant spread.
FAQs
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra BE 6 or Mahindra XUV400 – is larger?
A. The Mahindra BE 6 is larger than the Mahindra XUV400, with a wider and lengthier stance, longer wheelbase, and bigger boot space.
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra BE 6 or Mahindra XUV400 – offers a better range?
A. The Mahindra BE 6 offers better range than the Mahindra XUV400, with the 59 kWh pack offering 557 km of range and the 79 kWh battery pack offering 684 km of range on a single charge.
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra BE 6 or Mahindra XUV400 – has more advanced features?
A. The Mahindra BE 6 offers several segment-first features, such as a sunroof with integrated ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera with live recording and surveillance, fully automatic parking, an AR-integrated heads-up display, and a gesture-controlled tailgate, all of which the XUV400 lacks.
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra BE 6 or Mahindra XUV400 – offers better value for money?
A. The Mahindra BE 6 offers better value for money across all trims compared to the Mahindra XUV400.
