The Mahindra BE 6—recently rebranded from BE 6e—is here, and it’s looking like it might shake up the Indian SUV market in a big way, especially for the higher-end versions of mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta. If you’ve been following the SUV scene, you’ll know the Creta has been a dominant force. But with its electric powertrain, smart pricing, and cutting-edge features, the BE 6 seems ready to give it some serious competition. Let’s dig into how Mahindra’s bold new move could shift market dynamics.
The Pricing Sweet Spot
The BE 6 has been launched at an introductory price of ₹18.90 lakh for its base variant. That’s an interesting number because it puts the BE 6 in the same price bracket as the top-end versions of popular mid-size SUVs—including the Hyundai Creta. To put it in perspective, the Creta starts at around ₹11 lakh, but its fully-loaded versions climb much higher.
By pricing the BE 6 just above the premium variants of ICE (internal combustion engine) SUVs, Mahindra has hit a sweet spot: premium, but not quite in the luxury SUV zone. It’s a tempting deal for buyers looking to upgrade to something futuristic without going all-in on a luxury badge.
Features That Pack a Punch
If there’s one area where the BE 6 really stands out, it’s in its features. Mahindra hasn’t held back, and the BE 6 is packed to the brim with goodies that can even outshine the best-equipped mid-size SUVs:
1. Electric Powertrain: The BE 6 comes with two battery options: a 59 kWh pack offering a solid 535 km range and a 79 kWh pack that stretches up to 682 km. That’s more than enough to ease range anxiety while delivering smooth acceleration and instant torque—something ICE SUVs just can’t match.
2. Tech Marvel: Inside, the BE 6 is a tech lover’s dream. You get not one, not two, but three 12.3-inch screens along with a high-end Harman/Kardon audio system—features usually found in luxury cars.
3. Safety First: The BE 6 is equipped with Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). What’s impressive here is that it’s fine-tuned for Indian driving conditions—a crucial detail for buyers.
4. Performance: Depending on the variant, you get power outputs ranging between 228 bhp to 282 bhp. In plain terms? It’s fast—and more powerful than most mid-size SUVs out there.
Sure, the Hyundai Creta has its own strong set of features—like a panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch displays, and its own version of ADAS—but the BE 6’s electric platform and futuristic tech push it into a different league.
Lower Costs, Longer Savings
Here’s where the BE 6 truly wins over budget-conscious buyers: running costs. Compared to ICE SUVs, an EV like the BE 6 will cost you far less per kilometer.
1. Fuel vs Electricity: For context, the Creta’s petrol version gives you about 17.4 kmpl. Compare that to the BE 6’s electric powertrain, and the savings on fuel over time can be substantial.
2. Maintenance Simplicity: Electric cars have fewer moving parts and don’t need oil changes or complex engine maintenance. That translates to fewer trips to the service center.
3. Incentives: Government incentives for EV buyers can further lower the total cost of ownership, making the BE 6 even more appealing.
For anyone looking at the big picture—long-term savings and eco-friendliness—the BE 6 makes a strong case.
Turning Heads with Design
If the BE 6’s electric heart doesn’t get your attention, its design certainly will. Mahindra has taken a bold step here:
1. Stand-Out Looks: Described as having styling that could “pull attention away from supercars,” the BE 6 brings a fresh, futuristic aesthetic that feels anything but ordinary.
2. Coupe SUV Form: With its sporty, coupe-like silhouette, the BE 6 looks sleeker and more premium compared to the Creta’s conventional design.
3. Commanding Dimensions: At 4,371 mm long and with a ground clearance of 207 mm, the BE 6 not only looks substantial but also feels ready for Indian roads.
While the Creta’s design has improved over the years, it’s still a familiar sight on Indian roads—and some buyers may be looking for something more unique. The BE 6 delivers exactly that.
Market Impact: Will the BE 6 Steal Sales?
The Hyundai Creta has been a superstar in the mid-size SUV segment. In November 2024 alone, Hyundai sold over 15,000 units of the Creta—a testament to its strong grip on the market. That said, there are signs of softening demand, with a month-on-month dip of around 11.69%.
Enter the Mahindra BE 6. Here’s how it might disrupt the market:
1. EV Appeal: As EV adoption grows in India, buyers who were considering the top-end Creta might now find the BE 6’s electric platform too tempting to ignore.
2. Premium Positioning: For buyers looking to upgrade without jumping to a luxury brand, the BE 6’s pricing and features make it a strong contender.
3. Brand Switchers: While Hyundai enjoys strong brand loyalty, Mahindra’s bold push into the EV space could sway some buyers.
Of course, challenges remain. India’s charging infrastructure is still developing, and Mahindra will need to convince buyers of the BE 6’s reliability and after-sales support. Plus, the Creta’s well-established reputation won’t be easy to dethrone.
The Bottom Line
The Mahindra BE 6 is a big, bold step into the future of SUVs in India. With its competitive pricing, tech-laden features, lower running costs, and head-turning design, it’s a serious alternative to top-end ICE SUVs like the Hyundai Creta.
But the road ahead depends on a few things: how quickly Indian buyers warm up to EVs, how well Mahindra delivers on after-sales service, and how its rivals respond. If Mahindra plays its cards right, the BE 6 could not only reshape the mid-size SUV market but also accelerate India’s shift toward electric vehicles.
For now, one thing is certain: the BE 6 has put the competition on notice—and we’re here for the ride.
