The country’s largest SUV manufacturer, Mahindra Automotive, has shocked the entire country with the launch of its new electric SUV, BE 6E. This fighter jet-inspired SUV has been launched with a starting price tag of Rs 18.9 lakh. Now, although many believe that it will win over the competition extremely easily, it must be noted that it will also crush its own sibling, the XUV400 EV. Many people are wondering who will buy the XUV400 EV for Rs 17.5 lakh if the BE 6E can be bought for Rs 18.9 lakh.
Mahindra BE 6E could kill XUV400
Presently, the Mahindra XUV400 EL with the 39.4 kWh battery pack is priced at Rs 17.49 lakh. On the other hand, Mahindra has announced that the BE 6E will start at Rs 18.9 lakh and will come with a smaller battery pack of 59 kWh and a larger battery pack of 79 kWh. So, at this point, it seems like Mahindra will be cannibalizing its own electric SUV with its newest launch.
What’s even more interesting is that Mahindra is working on the development of the XUV400’s facelift as well. This will be inspired by the XUV 3XO. However, even after the facelift, the XUV400 will not look any better than the futuristic-looking BE 6E. Also, in terms of features and technology, the BE 6E once again leaves the XUV400 in the dust.
So what will Mahindra do to sell the XUV400?
Currently, Mahindra is offering the XUV400 EL 39.4 kWh variant with a discount in the range of Rs 3-4 lakh. So, effectively, it can be bought for Rs 14.49 lakh to Rs 13.49 lakh. This makes it a good deal. Many believe that even after the launch of the facelift of the XUV400, these prices will become permanent.
Other speculations regarding the continuation of sales of the XUV400 suggest that the company could also launch a model with an even bigger battery than the 39.4 kWh. It is believed that the company could offer a 49-50 kWh battery pack with the new XUV400 facelift to boost its sales.
However, even if the company does decide to offer a bigger 49-50 kWh battery pack, it will still have to price it Rs 1 lakh cheaper than the BE 6E. If the company can manage this, then only it will be able to keep the XUV400 in the lineup.
Worst case scenario
As for the worst-case scenario, Mahindra could eventually pull the plug on the XUV400. This is because the BE 6E is such an electric vehicle that it will crush every other competitor as well as its own sibling. It is believed that once the Mahindra BE 6E deliveries commence next year, the sales of the XUV400 will reach all-time lows.
Mahindra BE 6E: How good is it?
The Mahindra BE 6E is hands down the best offering from the brand yet. The main highlight of this electric SUV is its battery pack and powertrain. This SUV will be offered with both a 59 kWh and a 79 kWh battery pack. The former will offer 535 km, and the latter will offer 682 km of range on a single full charge.
As for the electric motor, it will be able to generate 282 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. Both of these figures are unheard of in Indian cars. These numbers are so impressive that they beat a number of German luxury cars as well. It will also come equipped with a ton of features, including a cockpit-like interior, multiple screens, ADAS Level 2+, and numerous others.
