Why Were Deliveries Of XEV 9e And BE6 Electric SUVs Delayed: Top Mahindra Official Reveals Reason

When Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled its all-electric XEV 9e and BE6 SUVs, excitement was sky-high. Bookings opened on 14 February 2025, and within hours, over 30,000 eager buyers had staked their claim, generating a booking value of nearly ₹8,500 crore. Yet, as March approached—the promised delivery window for the first batch—many customers found themselves waiting longer than expected. Social media buzzed with questions and complaints, prompting Mahindra’s top brass to step in and explain the story behind the delays.

The Heart of the Delay: Software Tweaks for a Smoother Drive

Veejay Nakra, President of Mahindra’s automotive division, addressed the concerns candidly. The root cause, he revealed, was not a shortage of parts or production hiccups, but a last-minute software update. After early test drives, some customers reported that the SUVs felt almost “too powerful and quick,” especially for those new to high-powered electric vehicles. This raised concerns about safety, range, and overall control.

Mahindra’s engineers quickly realised that the default driving mode needed to be more balanced. They decided to recalibrate the motor, battery, torque, and suspension to ensure a smoother, more predictable driving experience. This change came in the form of a software patch, which also introduced new safety alerts to encourage responsible driving. Rather than rush deliveries and patch the vehicles later, Mahindra chose to delay dispatches slightly so every customer would receive an SUV with the improved software straight from the factory.

The Scale of the Issue

Of the more than 4,000 vehicles delivered since March, only 238 needed the software patch at dealerships. These were from the very first batch. All subsequent vehicles left the factory with the updated software, meaning new buyers would not face any further delays or need for patches. Mahindra’s decision to hold back deliveries until the update was in place was a calculated one: a short wait now, for a better and safer experience in the long run.

Customer Frustration and Communication Gaps

Despite Mahindra’s intentions, the delays sparked frustration. Some buyers, seeing the delivery dates shift and reading about software glitches online, chose to cancel their bookings. Dealers and customers alike felt communication could have been clearer. Industry analysts pointed out that with such a high-profile launch and so much anticipation, Mahindra could have done more to keep its customers in the loop as the situation evolved.

Booking Frenzy and Staggered Deliveries

The extraordinary demand for the XEV 9e and BE6 only compounded the challenge. With over 30,000 bookings on day one, Mahindra planned a phased delivery schedule:

• Pack Three (top-end, 79kWh battery): Deliveries began mid-March 2025.

• Pack Three Select (59kWh): Deliveries slated for June 2025.

• Pack Two (59kWh): Deliveries from July 2025.

• Pack One and Pack One Above (59kWh): Deliveries from August 2025.

This approach allowed Mahindra to focus on the most popular variants first, but also meant that many buyers would have to wait up to six months, depending on their chosen model and location.

Looking Ahead: More Choices and Better Infrastructure

Mahindra is not resting on its laurels. The company plans to introduce a mid-range Pack Two variant with a 79kWh battery, aimed at buyers who want more range without all the premium features. This new variant is expected to hit the market in the coming months. At the same time, Mahindra is working to strengthen India’s charging infrastructure, with its Me4U app already listing 30,000 charging points—including 12,000 fast chargers—covering about 60% of the national network.

Progress Requires Patience

The story of the XEV 9e and BE6 deliveries is a reminder that launching a new electric vehicle, especially at scale, is a complex task. Mahindra’s decision to delay deliveries in favour of a better customer experience may have tested some buyers’ patience, but it also reflects a commitment to safety and quality. As the electric SUV wave gathers momentum in India, Mahindra’s experience offers valuable lessons for both automakers and customers: sometimes, a short wait can lead to a much better drive.