Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 25 : In a momentous stride towards a sustainable future, Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, unveiled its latest electric vehicle marvels – the XEV 9e and BE 6 at a grand event held Friday evening at Jalsa, Dollygunj.
The unveiling marked a significant milestone, positioning these “Born Electric” SUVs as India’s new icons, poised to redefine the future of mobility in the archipelago and across the nation.
The atmosphere at Jalsa Hall was charged with excitement as enthusiasts, media, and prospective customers gathered to witness the highly anticipated launch. The event, meticulously organized by the Jadwet Trading Company, showcased a perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology, striking design, and Mahindra’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Mahindra, a leading Indian car company, has developed these electric products from the ground up with the primary intention of protecting our environment and minimizing the use of diesel and other fossil fuels,” stated Mohd. Jadwet of JTC during the unveiling.
He said that this is a moment of immense pride for all of us, and we should all be proud of the quality of product an Indian company has manufactured, which we will now export globally.
The excitement was palpable as the red and silver models of the XEV 9e and BE 6 were revealed, drawing gasps of admiration from the audience. These electric vehicles are not merely a means of transport but a testament to Indian engineering prowess and innovation.
He said that that pre-bookings for these electric SUVs have already seen a strong response in Andaman, with three customers receiving immediate deliveries on the launch day itself. An additional four to five live bookings, alongside numerous inquiries, indicate a burgeoning interest in electric mobility across the islands. “For those eager to experience the future of driving, test drive vehicles will be made available soon, allowing potential buyers to truly “feel” the attraction and performance of these advanced vehicles,” he added
Meanwhile, Mr. Farhan Jadwet of Jadwet Trading Company said that The XEV 9e, with its emphasis on comfort and rear-seat experience, caters to those seeking a more mature and family-oriented drive, while the BE 6 offers a sportier appeal, designed for the discerning driver who enjoys being behind the wheel.
In terms of pricing, he said the BE 6 starts at an on-road price of approximately Rs.30 lakhs, while the top variant of the XEV 9e is priced around Rs.34 lakhs. A key highlight emphasized by Mahindra is the remarkable value proposition these vehicles offer. Despite being priced significantly lower than luxury German brands like Mercedes, Audi, and BMW (which typically cost Rs.70-80 lakhs), the XEV 9e and BE 6 come equipped with features that even some of these high-end vehicles lack. This competitive pricing is largely attributed to their “Made in India” status, eliminating the hefty import duties associated with foreign vehicles.
Emphasizing the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Farhan proudly added, “The products we are unveiling today are world-standard products, meticulously crafted by an Indian company in India,” he said.
Performance-wise, he added that the electric SUVs are far from sluggish. They boast an impressive 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just six seconds, with a robust 310 Nm of torque in boost mode, outperforming many vehicles in their category. The XEV 9e offers a 79 kWh battery option providing a remarkable 600 km range, while the BE 6 comes with a 59 kWh battery delivering a 500 km range. Charging options include a complimentary 3.3 kWh charger, with optional 7 kWh and 11 kWh chargers available for faster charging times of 12 and 8 hours respectively. Fast charging solutions are also in place at Mahindra service centers, capable of a full charge in just 1 hour and 20 minutes.
“The running cost analysis further underscores the economic benefits of these EVs, with an estimated cost of Rs.1.5 per kilometer compared to Rs.6 per kilometer for a diesel vehicle of similar capacity, making them four times more economical in the long run. Mahindra is also offering a 15-year warranty on electric batteries, providing customers with peace of mind,” he said.
