Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Sierra EV – Which Indian EV Offers What?

Mahindra has launched its new breed of electric coupe SUVs in the form of BE 6e and XEV 9e while Tata is about to launch its Sierra EV

In this post, we compare the Mahindra BE 6e and the Tata Sierra EV on the basis of the information we know so far. For the BE 6e, Mahindra has revealed the entire details including powertrains, charging, range, features and tech on offer. In fact, we also already know the price of the base trim. A complete launch will take place at the Bharat Auto Expo in January 2025 with deliveries starting from the end of February or beginning of March. On the other hand, we have already seen the Tata Sierra EV concept at various events in the past. Tata Motors announced that the launch is slated for the second half of 2025 in all-electric and ICE iterations.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Sierra EV – Price

At the moment, we only know the cost of the entry-level trim of the Mahindra BE 6e. It will bear a price tag of Rs 18.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Note that this price doesn’t include the cost of the charger or its installation. More details about that will be announced later. On the other hand, we still have no information about the retail price of the Tata Sierra EV. Perhaps in the coming months, we shall get an idea about how Tata Motors decides to price it.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Sierra EV – Specs

Now, Mahindra has shared the details of the powertrain of the new BE 6e and XEV 9e completely. It 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 battery packs on offer – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. The claimed ARAI range is 535 km and 682 km (550 km on WLTP), respectively. However, Mahindra says that owners will be able to squeeze out over 500 km of range on a single charge even in real-world driving conditions. The latest breed of SUVs from Mahindra consists of 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.

Interestingly, the smaller battery is able to experience the same timing and SoC (State-of-Charge) with a 140 kW DC fast charger. Apart from that, the power and torque figures range from 228 hp / 380 Nm for the smaller battery to 281 hp / 380 Nm for the larger one. There are 3 drive modes available – Range, Everyday and Race. In the most aggressive settings (Race mode), the EV can achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. Also, in Boost mode, drivers can temporarily access the full potential of the powertrain for 10 seconds regardless of which mode the car is in. That is a mighty impressive feature for any driving enthusiast. 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 are yet to know any details about the upcoming electric SUV from Tata Motors. Nevertheless, we know that the Sierra EV will use Tata’s Acti.EV architecture which is also known as the Gen2 EV platform. It underpins the existing Punch EV and Curvv EV. In any case, there have been speculations on the internet which suggest that the Tata Sierra EV might get a 60 kWh battery pack which could offer a range in the vicinity of 450 km to 500 km on a single charge. We already know that there will be options of choosing between either a single-motor 2WD or a dual-motor AWD configuration. Interestingly, we will most likely see the launch of the Harrier EV first. There will be part sharing between the two. Hence, we can know what the Sierra EV will offer after the launch of the Harrier EV.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Sierra EV – Features

This is where the Mahindra shines bright at the moment. The BE 6e has taken everyone by storm due to its ultra-modern and futuristic in-cabin amenities. These include the use of Artificial Intelligence, hardcore electronics with a powerful processor, ADAS and a premium cabin. The main highlights incorporate:

• 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

Again, we only partially know the functionalities the Tata Sierra EV will come with. These are:

• Flat Bottom Steering Wheel with Illuminated Tata Logo
• Steering-Mounted Controls for In-Car Functions and Multimedia Operation
• Multiple colour themes for an airy cabin feel
• Two 10.25-inch Touchscreens – One for Infotainment and one for Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Textured Dashboard with Dark Leather Material
• Gloss Black and Copper Inserts at various places in the cabin
• Ambient Lighting on Door Panels and Centre Console
• Elegant Gear Lever
• Touch-Sensitive Controls
• Plenty of Storage Space
• Sierra Insignia on the Seats
• Lounge Seating (although we don’t expect it to make it to the production version)

Design and Dimensions

In terms of the external appearance, both SUVs look futuristic. At the moment, we don’t know what the production-spec Sierra EV will look like. Still, its concept is quite cool and we can expect the final product to carry most elements. This includes a sleek front fascia with an LED light bar which runs the width of the SUV and culminates on either side in LED DRLs which double up as turn signals. The main headlamp will be located on the extreme edges of the bumper with a rugged skid plate underneath it. Since it is an EV, the front section is sealed. On the sides, we see massive and pronounced wheel arches with elegant alloy wheels, flush-fitting door handles, side body cladding and a boxy silhouette. The rear section ends abruptly. In any case, we shall have to wait to get our eyes on the production model.

On the other hand, Mahindra has outdone itself with regard to the exterior appearance of the BE 6e. What impresses me the most is the ability to carry so many elements from concept to production. The front section boasts an air duct integrated into the bonnet for great aerodynamics and airflow. Additionally, there are elements like 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. The side section contains 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. At the rear, we see 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.

We shall update this post once the details about the Tata Sierra EV are out!

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