Mahindra BE 6 And XEV 9e: Bigger 79 kWh Battery For Lower Trims Being Seriously Considered

Mahindra’s electric SUV game is heating up, and fast. With the BE 6 and XUV.e9 (branded as XEV 9e) grabbing attention across the country, the company is now rethinking its battery strategy. After a blockbuster opening for bookings, where over 30,000 reservations poured in on the first day alone, Mahindra seems to have realised that high range is turning out to be a bigger pull than just features or luxury, reports AutocarPro.

Bookings Show Clear Preference for Long-Range Variants

An overwhelming 73 percent of these initial bookings were for the most expensive ‘Pack Three’ variants. These come equipped with the larger 79 kWh battery pack that delivers a certified range of 682 km in the BE 6 and 656 km in the XEV 9e. In contrast, the lower trims offer a 66 kWh battery, which is still substantial, but with a notably lower range.

This clear trend has triggered a rethink within Mahindra. It is now actively considering the option of offering the same 79 kWh battery in lower variants like Pack One and Pack Two. While these trims currently serve as the more affordable entry points, their appeal could grow significantly if they also came with the high-range battery.

Making High Range More Accessible

If this change is implemented, it would be a major shift in strategy. At present, the 79 kWh battery is reserved for the top trims, which are priced at a premium. For the BE 6, that’s up to ₹26.90 lakh, and for the XEV 9e, up to ₹30.50 lakh. Introducing this bigger battery in cheaper variants could bring 600+ km range EVs into the ₹22-25 lakh bracket, which would likely appeal to a much wider audience.

Buyers who are more interested in real-world range than panoramic sunroofs or ventilated seats might find this configuration more practical. It also opens up the possibility of more tailored feature-packaging, range on a budget, without compromising core EV performance.

Competitive Pressure Could Be a Driving Factor

There’s another possible reason why Mahindra is considering this move. The EV space is quickly getting crowded. MG has already stirred things up with the unveiling of the Windsor EV Pro, a premium electric offering at a surprisingly competitive price. Tata is expanding its EV portfolio rapidly, and Hyundai and Kia are expected to bring in new models later this year.

In such a climate, Mahindra may be feeling the pressure to stay price-competitive while maintaining a clear advantage in driving range. Offering the 79 kWh battery in mid-level trims could hit that sweet spot: a value-oriented EV with segment-leading range.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, this development could be a win. Today, most long-range EVs demand a premium price and often come bundled with high-end features that not every buyer prioritises. By breaking that link (range doesn’t only come with luxury) Mahindra could make electric driving more democratic.

It would also give buyers more flexibility. Someone looking for a practical, no-nonsense EV for highway use may now find an appealing option in Mahindra’s garage, without having to go all the way to the top variant.

The Bigger Picture for Mahindra

This potential shift also signals how closely Mahindra is listening to early market feedback. The company's new electric architecture, INGLO, is already being positioned as modular and scalable. That gives it the flexibility to make these mid-life tweaks more easily. Offering a 79 kWh battery in multiple variants wouldn’t require major engineering changes, just a recalibration of pricing, packaging, and perhaps homologation.

If executed well, this move could give Mahindra a meaningful edge in India's fast-evolving EV market. It would expand its appeal beyond tech-savvy early adopters and into the more practical buyer segments who simply want range, reliability, and a good deal.

As EV adoption picks up pace, decisions like these could end up defining the winners of this next chapter in the Indian automotive story. And with rivals catching up fast, Mahindra appears ready to tweak the formula - before the market demands it.