Mahindra’s push into the premium EV spectrum has been nothing short of spectacular. The BE 6 and XEV 9e have both been ground breaking SUVs for the Indian car maker, setting new expectations with their design, features and most importantly, range.
The BE 6 is the smaller and sportier SUV of the two whereas the XEV 9e is a more butch and luxurious offering. Furthermore, it is the XEV 9e that is the more expensive model, with its top variant priced north of Rs. 30 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite that, the XEV 9e has found more takers among EV buyers in India.
Why is that the case in a price sensitive market like India? Let’s take a look at the possible reasons.
What Do The Figures Say?
According to the data at hand, Mahindra delivered 2,080 units of the XEV 9e in March and 2,441 units of the electric SUV in April. In the case of the BE 6, the Indian car maker has delivered 934 and 550 units in March and April, respectively.
We also know that Mahindra is, currently, only delivering the Pack Three variant of both SUVs and deliveries of lower variants are expected to start in June. Just to jog your memory, the Pack Three variant of both SUVs is the top spec version, and is only available with the larger 79 kWh battery pack.
Why Are More Buyers Opting For The XEV 9e?
There are many reasons why the XEV 9e could be doing better than the BE 6. Let’s take a look.
Larger is Better
As Indians, we like large cars and while both new Mahindra electric SUVs are groundbreaking in their own right, it is the larger XEV 9e which is carrying more weight. The larger dimensions give the XEV 9e great road presence and its brawn looks draw eyes from everywhere. The interior of the XEV 9e is also bigger, and with both SUVs being five seats, it’s the larger one that keeps one more comfortable.
Three Screens
While both cars look radical on the road, it is the XEV 9e that offers something radical on the inside. Yes, the BE 6 with its cockpit-like driver seat offers a more futuristic experience, but the XEV 9e with its triple screen layout evokes a better wow factor. Quite simply, an embedded two screen layout like the BE 6 is found in other cars, but the three screen layout has been limited to proper luxury cars, until now.
Rear Seat Comfort
Passenger comfort, especially in the rear, still counts for a lot among Indian car buyers. The XEV 9e has a wider seat and offers more space in the second row. Its second row also has a well angled seat base, compared to higher angle seats in the BE 6. Furthermore, getting into the rear seat of the BE 6 isn’t easy as the sloped roofline gets in the way whereas the XEV 9e offers better access to the second row.
More Boot Space
The XEV 9e has 663 litres of boot space compared to the 455 litres offered in the BE 6. While the latter offers good enough space for a weekend trip, the XEV 9e offers a 25 percent larger boot which will really offer greater luggage storing ability. Both SUVs have a frunk, (front boot) as well, but once again, it’s the XEV 9e which is ahead with 150 litres of space compared to the 45 litres in the BE. With both SUVs offering a 500+ km of range, the XEV 9e is offering better luggage hauling capacities, ideal for extended road trips.
The Price
The BE 6 is priced between Rs. 18.90 lakh and Rs. 26.90 lakh, whereas, the XEV 9e Rs. 21.90 lakh and Rs. 31.25 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom). The difference between the base variant of the two SUVs are priced merely Rs. 3 lakh apart and that number only rises to Rs. 3.35 lakh for the top variant. In the price bracket both these SUVs are operating in, that’s a jump that most car buyers will make for the added space, features and flagship value offered by the XEV 9e.
Will The BE 6 Register Increased Sales In The Future?
As we mentioned before, only the top end variants of both SUVs have been delivered till now. However, once Mahindra starts rolling off the lower variants from the assembly line, the BE 6 sales numbers could improve.
Anyone buying the BE 6 for maximum range will opt for the top spec variant, and the price of that tempts one to make the leap to the XEV 9e. However, if you are going to be driving in the city mostly, the lower variants of the BE 6 offer more than enough range to see out your work week, and still have left for your weekend plans. Once Mahindra starts delivering the lower variant, we could see more people opting for the BE 6.
