Mahindra BE 6e Base Variant vs Tata Nexon EV Top Variant – What to Buy?

The Mahindra BE 6e has been launched in India in its base trim and the details about the entire lineup will be out at the Bharat Auto Expo next month

In this post, we are comparing the base model of the Mahindra BE 6e with the top trim of the Tata Nexon EV. Note that Mahindra has announced that its EVs will be sold under two electric sub-brands – XEV and BE. Hence, we saw the new XEV 9e based on the XUV700 and an all-new BE 6e coupe electric SUV. While the prices of the base trims of both these EVs have been announced at the moment, we will get to know the price tags of all the trims by January and the deliveries are slated to commence from the end of February or the beginning of March. At the moment, the Tata Nexon EV is the highest-selling electric car in India. Hence, this rivalry is something that will go on for a long time. Let us compare the two.

Mahindra BE 6e Base Variant vs Tata Nexon EV Top Variant – Price Comparison

As mentioned previously, we only know what the entry-level variant will cost. The Indian SUV maker has priced the BE 6e at an attractive Rs 18.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Note that this number doesn’t include the cost of the AC charger and its installation. We will get to know about those details at a later stage. On the other hand, the top trim of the Tata Nexon EV retails for Rs 17.19 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Nexon EV will definitely be the more affordable of the two.

Mahindra BE 6e Base Variant vs Tata Nexon EV Top Variant – Specs Comparison

Next up, let us delve into the specifics of the kind of powertrains these two offer. The Mahindra BE 6e uses a scalable and modular born-electric INGLO platform and BYD’s Blade Cell technology with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry. It is available in two battery pack options – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. It goes without saying that the base trim will get the smaller battery pack. This battery powers an electric motor to produce 228 hp and 380 Nm of peak power and torque. Interestingly, the torque figures are similar with both battery packs. Furthermore, even with this smaller battery, the ARAI-claimed range is a decent 535 km. Depending on the driving mannerisms and climate control settings, you will get a slightly lower real-world range.

Constituting the drivetrain is a compact ‘three-in-one powertrain’ (motor, inverter and transmission). Mahindra claims a charging time from 20% to 80% of just 20 minutes using a 140 kW DC fast charger. There are three drive modes to choose from – Range, Everyday and Race. For the most powerful settings, users will need to engage Race mode, while the Range mode is there to maximize the distance between charging halts. Apart from that, you can separately purchase a 7.3 kW or 11.2 kW AC charger for home charging. The BE 6e offers a ground clearance of 207 mm and a boot space of 455 litres at the rear and 45 litres at the front (frunk). Therefore, even in the entry-level trim, the specifications are impressive.

On the other hand, the Tata Nexon EV also bears two battery pack alternatives – Medium Range (MR) with a 30.2 kWh battery pack and Long Range (LR) with a 40.5 kWh battery pack. The top trim possesses a larger battery with a claimed range of 465 km. This is significantly lower than the BE 6e due to the smaller battery size. The power and torque figures are 143 hp and 215 Nm, respectively. Using a DC fast charger, you can juice up the EV from 10% to 100% in just 56 minutes. Hence, the BE 6e is definitely more attractive in every regard which is why it is also the more expensive of the two.

Mahindra BE 6e Base Variant vs Tata Nexon EV Top Variant – Features Comparison

Now even though only the base model of the Mahindra BE 6e has been launched, the Indian auto giant has announced the features, tech and convenience amenities of the top model. The clear variant-wise features list will be available when the entire range will be launched in January. In any case, we are listing out all the functionalities the BE 6e will come with. In the base model, some of these will be missing.

• 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, even the Tata Nexon EV is full of the latest tech and convenience amenities to pamper the customers. The top highlights include:

• 12.3-inch Cinematic Touchscreen Infotainment Display by HARMAN
• Illuminated Two-spoke Steering Wheel
• Customizable 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster with Navigation
• 360-degree Camera
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Single-pane Sunroof
• Wireless Charging
• Connected Car Tech
• JBL Sound System
• Voice Commands
• Air Purifier
• OTA Updates
• Arcade EV App Suite for Streaming OTT Platforms like Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar
• 5-star Bharat NCAP Rating
• V2L and V2V Technology
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Air Purifier with AQI Display

Design and Dimensions

In terms of the design, there is nothing quite like the Mahindra BE 6e on the Indian roads. In fact, that has been the biggest talking point of the coupe EV ever since its launch. Mahindra has successfully been able to borrow most elements from the concept version. At the front, the fascia is dominated by sleek LED DRLs which encapsulate LED headlamps on the extreme edges of the bumper. The lower section contains sturdy elements while the bonnet gets an air intake duct which elevates the road presence of the EV. On the sides, the muscular creases, colossal wheel arches, gloss black claddings around the elegant and aero-optimized alloys and door panels lend it an imposing demeanour. The black side pillars, flush-fitting door handles and sloping roofline complete the side section. At the rear, it gets a dual spoiler on the roof, a scooped-out tail section with a lip spoiler and an LED taillight running across the width of the EV. I like the lower half with rugged bumper components.

On the other hand, even the Tata Nexon EV comes with a whole host of modern design elements. At the front, a slim LED light bar graces the fascia and the main LED headlamps are located lower down on the bumper. I like the unique design pattern on the bumper. Moving down the sides reveals black side pillars, prominent wheel arches, aero alloy wheels and faux roof rails. Completing the exterior layout is the rear profile with a roof-mounted spoiler, a shark fin antenna, a connected LED taillamp with a light bar along with sporty bumper section with a dedicated skid plate and reflector lights on the edges. Both of these have their individual identities.

My View

Choosing between these two can be a matter of preference. On one hand, the Mahindra BE 6e is the latest EV in the country. It has been designed for the global markets which is why it bears a premium outlook. This includes performance, battery, range, design and tech. However, the starting price of Rs 18.90 without the charger will only get you so much. For all the amenities, one needs to go for the higher trims. Hence, if you have a flexible budget, opting for the BE 6e makes sense. However, if you are on a strict budget and are happy with all the basic amenities on offer and modest performance and range figures, the Tata Nexon EV is a perfectly suitable option.

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