Mahindra BE 6e vs MG ZS EV – Which Electric Car to Buy?

The new Mahindra BE 6e and the XEV 9e have been making all the headlines in the Indian automobile market over the last few days

In this post, we are comparing the new Mahindra BE 6e and MG ZS EV in terms of specs, features, price, design, dimensions, etc. This is a great way to analyse the differences between a relatively old model and the absolute best that India has to offer. Note that Mahindra will be launching a new breed of EVs under two electric sub-brands – XEV and BE. These will use Mahindra’s scalable and modular born-electric INGLO platform. It will even spawn a few other coupe electric SUVs within the next couple of years. On the other hand, the ZS EV is a great product that MG has been selling in our market for a while now. Let us compare the two thoroughly.

Mahindra BE 6e vs MG ZS EV – Price Comparison

At present, Mahindra has only announced the price of the base trim of the BE 6e. It will start at Rs 18.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Note that this amount doesn’t include the price of the AC charger and its installation. Hence, that is something you need to watch out for. On the other hand, the MG ZS EV retails between Rs 18.98 lakh and Rs 25.75 lakh, ex-showroom. Therefore, the starting prices of the two are quite similar.

Mahindra BE 6e vs MG ZS EV – Specs Comparison

Next up, let us see how well these two compare on the basis of their powertrains. The new Mahindra BE 6e comes with two battery options and BYD’s Blade Cell technology with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. Mahindra claims an ARAI-rated range of 535 km and 682 km (550 km on WLTP), respectively. More importantly, the Indian auto giant mentioned during the launch event that with the bigger battery, one can expect a real-world range of over 500 km. That is pretty impressive. The latest breed of SUVs from Mahindra consists a compact ‘three-in-one powertrain’ (motor, inverter and transmission). Doing the charging duties is a 175 kW DC fast charger which juices up the larger battery pack from 20% to 80% in a mere 20 minutes.

Similarly, for the smaller battery pack, the same charging duration can be achieved using a 140 kW DC fast charger. Additionally, the power and torque figures range from 228 hp / 380 Nm for the smaller battery to 281 hp / 380 Nm for the larger one. In the most aggressive settings, the EV can achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. Note that there are three drive modes on offer – Range, Everyday and Race. 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). Driving enthusiasts can even access Boost mode which temporarily offers the entire power and torque to the EV for 10 seconds regardless of which mode you are in.

On the other hand, the MG ZS EV is on sale in a single variant. It uses a decent-sized 50.3 kWh battery pack which powers Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor. This results in a healthy power and torque figure of 177 PS and 280 Nm, respectively. MG claims a range of 461 km on a single charge. However, it only supports up to 50 kW DC fast charging capabilities allowing the battery to go from 0 to 80% in 60 minutes. With the regular 7.4 kW AC charger, it takes 8.5 hours to 9 hours to go from 0 to 100%. Evidently, the differences between the two EVs are wide and apparent.

Mahindra BE 6e vs MG ZS EV – Features Comparison

This has to be the most critical aspect of any modern car. Buyers look for the latest amenities in their vehicles. In this regard, Mahindra has outdone itself and created something truly unique. There is use of ultra-modern tech including Artificial Intelligence, ADAS, and hardcore electronic equipment. The top amenities include:

• 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 MG ZS EV comes with all the bells and whistles to pamper its owners. These are:

• 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel and Upholstery
• Soft-touch Materials on the Dashboard and Door Panels
• Satin Chrome Finish on Door Handles, AC Vents and Steering Wheel
• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• 6-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Smart Entry with Push Button Start/Stop
• Electronic Gear Shift Knob
• 3 Levels of Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)
• Driving Modes – Eco, Normal and Sport
• PM 2.5 Air Filter
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Power Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Headrests for All Seats
• 10.1-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 5 USB Ports with 2 Type-C Ports
• 6-speaker Audio System
• 6 Airbags
• Level 2 ADAS
• 360-degree Camera
• Hill Climb and Descent Assist
• Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold
• Heated ORVM
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• iSmart Connected Car Tech Features
• Voice Commands
• OTA Updates

Design and Dimensions

Let us now move on to the exterior styling. I must admit Mahindra has done a commendable job in creating the body of the BE 6e. It has barely deviated from the concept model showcased a couple of years ago. Arguably, the most prominent element at the front is the air duct integrated into the bonnet for great aerodynamics. Apart from that, there is 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. On the sides, it gets gigantic 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 look 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. All in all, it will definitely make heads turn.

On the other hand, the MG ZS EV also has an imposing road presence. At the front, we witness sleek boomerang-shaped LED DRLs which are integrated inside the LED headlamp cluster, a large sealed area with contours where you would ordinarily find a radiator grille in ICE cars. The side profile is dominated by roof rails, stylish alloy wheels, black side pillars and prominent wheel arches along with rugged side body cladding. All these add to the sporty stance of the electric SUV. Finally, at the rear, it wears split-LED lighting with a sporty bumper and a cool skid plate section. Both these cars have their individual identities.

We shall have to wait for the price unveiling of the entire range of Mahindra BE 6e to come to a conclusion.

Also Read: Mahindra BE 6e Test Drive Review – ‘6e’ and You Know It!