Mahindra BE 6 vs Thar Roxx – Electric or ICE?

Mahindra’s love affair with SUVs continues into the age of electric mobility which is represented by the likes of the BE 6

In this post, we are comparing the Mahindra BE 6 and Thar Roxx on the basis of specs, price, features, safety, design and dimensions. Both these are distinct SUVs right from the source of power they utilize. While the Thar Roxx is a petrol and diesel-powered off-roading SUV, the BE 6 is a new-age electric coupe SUV. With that inherent differentiation, both these are still immensely capable in their own right. Let us delve into the specifics of this exciting comparison.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Thar Roxx – Specs

The Mahindra BE 6 uses the modular and scalable INGLO platform which is designed to create future EVs for the global markets. The BE 6 is among the first EVs to use it. The coupe electric SUV is available in two versions – 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery. These use BYD’s Blade Cell technology with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry. Mahindra claims an ARAI range of 535 km and 682 km (550 km on WLTP), respectively, on a single charge. In fact, the Indian auto giant says that buyers can expect a real-world range of around 500 km. The EV uses a compact ‘three-in-one powertrain’ (motor, inverter and transmission). The power and torque figures range from 228 hp / 380 Nm for the smaller battery to 281 hp / 380 Nm for the larger one.

With a 175 kW DC fast charger, the larger battery pack goes from 20% to 80% in a mere 20 minutes. To charge the EV at home, there are options of a 7.3 kW or 11.2 kW AC charger. Furthermore, the EV offers 3 drive modes – Range, Everyday and Race. There is also a Boost Mode which provides the entire power and torque for a duration of 10 seconds irrespective of which mode the car is in. In the sportiest settings, the electric coupe can achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.7 seconds. It has a ground clearance of 207 mm and contains 2 storage spaces – 455 litres at the rear and 45 litres at the front (frunk).

On the other hand, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is available with petrol and diesel engines. These are – a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol mill or a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel mill generating 162 PS (MT) / 330 Nm to 177 PS (AT) / 380 Nm and 163 PS (MT) / 330 Nm and 175 PS / 370 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. In the higher diesel variants, the off-roader gets a sophisticated 4×4 system with hardcore functionalities like an Intelli-turn feature to allow a smaller turning radius. All in all, it offers unmatched off-roading capabilities along with huge practicality.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Thar Roxx – Price

The Mahindra BE 6 electric coupe SUV retails between Rs 18.90 lakh and Rs 26.90 lakh, ex-showroom. These are some great prices for a car with so many new-age amenities. On the other hand, the Thar Roxx ranges from Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 23.09 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the ICE SUV is the clear favourite in this aspect.

Mahindra BE 6 vs Thar Roxx – Interior, Features and Safety

This is where the fun begins. Firstly, let us get the safety ratings out of the way. Both these vehicles boast a full 5-star safety rating at the Bharat NCAP. In fact, these are among the safest cars in the country. The score is valid for the Adult Occupant Protection, as well as the Child Occupant Protection category. Apart from that, the BE 6 certainly bears a futuristic cabin with the latest gadgets and gizmos to pamper the occupants. Having said that, the Thar Roxx is also a feature-laden SUV. The top highlights of the BE 6 are:

• MAIA (Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture) with Advanced Neural Engine
• Dual 12.3-inch Floating Screens for Instrument Cluster and Infotainment
• 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

On the other hand, the main functionalities of the Thar Roxx include:

• 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Adrenox Connected Car Tech
• Alexa Built-in
• Gen ll Adventure Statistics
• 6-speaker Audio System
• Wireless Charging
• Single Pane Sunroof
• LED Lighting Overall
• Leatherette Upholstery
• Level 2 ADAS Active Safety Features
• Leather Wrap on Steering Wheel
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto
• Electric Park Brake with Auto Hold
• Acoustic Windshield
• Footwell Lighting
• Cruise Control
• Driver’s Seat Height Adjustment
• Sliding Armrest
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
• Rear Wiper, Washer and Defogger
• 65-Watt USB-C Port
• Rear Seat Armrest with Cup Holder
• Fully Automatic Climate Control
• 6 Airbags
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear Camera
• 6-way Powered Driver’s Seat
• Front Ventilated Seats
• Large Panoramic Skyroof
• Electrically Adjustable and Folding ORVMs
• Cooled Glove Box
• Leatherette Wrap on Door Trims + IP
• 9-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Audio System
• Front View Camera
• Blind View Monitor
• Surround View Camera
• 19-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels

Design and Dimensions

This, again, is one area where the two SUVs impose their individuality firmly. The Mahindra BE 6 is certainly a futuristic-looking EV. At the front, it gets an air duct integrated into the bonnet for great aerodynamics, a new logo, striking 7-shaped LED DRLs on the edges encapsulating the LED headlamps with a colossal gloss black element in the middle and a sturdy skid plate section underneath. Along the sides, we witness mammoth 20-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels and chunky wheel arches with gloss black claddings which even extend to the door panels and that sloping roofline. Completing the exterior styling at the rear is a shark fin antenna, a unique roof-mounted dual spoiler, an integrated boot spoiler and a full-width LED taillamp with a sturdy lower bumper.

On the contrary, the Mahindra Thar Roxx combines modern elements with retro charm quite effectively. The front fascia has round headlamps, a colossal grille section, a sporty bumper with fog lamps and a clamshell bonnet, reminiscent of the jeeps from the era gone by. A similarly butch demeanour continues on the sides as well. It incorporates mammoth wheel arches with black cladding and ginormous alloy wheels, side steps for easier ingress and egress traits and the sheer length comes to the fore. Finally, the tail end constitutes a boot lid-mounted spare tyre, LED taillamps and a solid bumper with reflector lights. Overall, both these SUVs are unique in terms of appearance.

My View

Selecting the right option for you between these two compelling propositions depends entirely on your budget and preference. If you are into EVs, the budget is no constraint, would largely use it in urban environments and want the absolute latest tech amenities in your car, the Mahindra BE 6 fits the bill perfectly. On the other hand, if you have a lower budget and your usage primarily includes going to remote corners of the country, the Mahindra Thar Roxx should be your pick. In any case, you can go wrong with either of these SUVs.

Also Read: First Accident of Mahindra BE 6 Surfaces, Shocking Results