Mahindra BE 6e vs Tesla Model 3 RWD – Which is Better?

Mahindra has finally launched its long-awaited born-electric coupe SUVs – XEV 9e and BE 6e

The Mahindra BE 6e is an electric coupe SUV for the global market which warrants a comparison with the Tesla Model 3 RWD. Note that the latter is among the most successful EVs in the world. Tesla is the biggest EV maker on the planet and is responsible for the global EV revolution. It has entered many international markets and even had plans to enter India. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out with the Indian government due to some policy and taxation issues. In any case, Mahindra has launched the electric coupe SUVs based on the INGLO platform. It will spawn a few more electric SUVs within the next couple of years. For now, let us compare the BE 6e and Model 3 in-depth for this post.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tesla Model 3 RWD – Price

Note that Mahindra has only announced the introductory prices of the base model of its latest EVs without the charger. The BE 6e starts at Rs 18.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Further details regarding the prices of the entire lineup will be out at the Bharat Auto Show in January 2025 and the deliveries are slated for the end of February or beginning of March 2025. On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is on sale in the U.S. for $42,490 before any tax credits and taxes. This translates to approximately Rs 35.90 lakh in INR.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tesla Model 3 RWD – Specs and Range

Next up, let us compare the specifications and range figures of the two electric cars. The BE 6e uses Mahindra’s scalable and modular born-electric INGLO platform and BYD’s Blade Cell technology with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry. There are two variants on offer – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. However, we are comparing the base trims in this case. The ARAI-claimed range figures are 535 km and 682 km (550 km on WLTP), respectively. Also, the BE 6e utilizes Mahindra’s compact ‘three-in-one powertrain’ (motor, inverter and transmission). Using a 175 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be juiced up from 20% to 80% in a mere 20 minutes, which is quite impressive.

The power and torque figures are 228 hp / 380 Nm and 281 hp / 380 Nm for the smaller and bigger batteries, respectively. In its most aggressive settings, the electric SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. However, that might not be the case with the base model. One can choose between 3 drive modes – Range, Everyday and Race with an additional Boost mode which enables 10 seconds of max torque. For home charging, you can separately purchase a 7.3 kW or 11.2 kW AC charger. In terms of the ground clearance, the EV offers 207 mm. Also, there are two boot compartments – 455 litres at the rear and 45 litres at the front (frunk).

On the other hand, we know that Tesla makes some of the most efficient EVs on the planet. In fact, that is the main attraction of the American EV marker. Note that Tesla is notorious for not sharing the entire details about the powertrains on its website. Still, there is enough data out there to keep this comparison going. In the Long Range RWD iteration, the Model 3 possesses a liquid-cooled 79.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It supports a peak charging rate of 250 kW. The on-board charger is 11.5 kW.

This results in a healthy 286 hp and 436 Nm of peak power and torque. Just for reference, the top-of-the-line dual-motor Performance AWD generates a mad 510 hp and 751 Nm of peak power and torque. This allows a 0-96 km/h acceleration in just 4.6 seconds in the RWD trim and 2.8 seconds in the AWD version. Its total storage capacity (front + rear) is 679 litres. It has a claimed range of 584 km on a single charge. Also, it takes just 15 minutes to regain a range of 282 km using the DC fast charger.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tesla Model 3 RWD – Interior and Features

Now, we know that today’s customers want their vehicles to offer incredibly comfortable cabins with the latest tech, connectivity and convenience amenities. Recognizing this, carmakers equip their products with the latest bells and whistles to woo potential customers. Let us start with what the Mahindra BE 6e offers:

• Dual 12.3-inch Floating Screens for Instrument Cluster and Infotainment
• MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture) with Advanced Neural Engine
• WiFi 6.0, 24 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295
• 16-speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System with Dolby Atmos
• 5G Internet Connectivity
• Massive Panoramic Sunroof with Integrated Multi-Colour Lighting Patterns
• Auto Park Assist with 12 Ultrasonic Sensors
• In-car Camera
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Ambient Lighting
• Powered Driver’s Seat with Memory Function
• OTA Updates
• Level 2 ADAS Suite with 5 Radars and 1 Vision Camera
• 360-degree Cameras
• 7 Airbags
• Electric Power Steering with Variable Gear Ratios
• Augmented-Reality (AR) Heads Up Display (HUD)
• Driver and Occupant Monitoring System (DOMS)
• Signature Sonic Tunes Curated by AR Rahman

Similarly, Tesla believes in a minimalist interior layout which has been the case since its inception. Therefore, there are barely any physical buttons inside the cabin. In fact, in the latest model, even the indicator and gear lever has been removed. Everything can be accessed via the screen. Its top highlights include:

• Customizable Ambient Lighting
• Colossal Center Screen for All In-Car Controls
• Button Controls on Steering Wheel
• 60/40 Split Rear Seats
• Premium Materials
• 17-speaker Immersive Sound System with Dual Subwoofers and Dual Amplifiers
• 8-inch Touchscreen Display for Rear Passengers
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
• Wireless Charging for 2 Phones
• 360-degree Acoustic Glass with UV Protection
• Remote Access
• Dog Mode
• Camp Mode
• Sentry Mode
• Tesla Autopilot Autonomous Driving Features
• Navigation
• Bluetooth Connectivity

Design and Dimensions

This is where the two cars differ significantly. The Mahindra BE 6e is a coupe SUV with rugged design language. At the front, it gets the BE logo along with an aero vent on the edge of the bonnet for airflow to aid aerodynamics, striking 7-shaped LED DRLs on the edges with a colossal gloss black element in the middle and a sturdy skid plate section underneath. This is a lot similar to the concept model. Moving down the sides reveals chunky wheel arches with gloss black claddings which house optional 20-inch aero-optimized alloys, black side pillars, flush-fitting door handles, distinct contours on the door panels, and that popular sloping roofline. Completing the look at the rear is a shark fin antenna, a unique roof-mounted spoiler, an integrated boot spoiler and a full-width LED taillamp with a sturdy lower bumper. All in all, it will definitely make heads turn.

On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 bears a completely different appearance. It has a minimalist and clean exterior design with sleek LED DRLs integrated inside the slim LED headlamps, a sealed-off front fascia with a curvaceous bonnet and an aerodynamically optimized face and bumper. The creaseless layout continues on the sides too with black side pillars and stylish alloy wheels. I particularly like the sloping roofline towards the third quarter. At the rear, it gets sharp LED taillamps with a boot lid-mounted spoiler and a flowing bumper design. Clearly, it leans more towards the understated design language.

Also Read: Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV – Which EV is Better?