Mahindra BE 6e vs XEV 9e: Which ‘Electric Origin’ SUV looks better? | Design Commentary

Mahindra BE 6e and Mahindra XEV 9e – the new “electric origin” SUVs – embrace the brand’s next-generation ‘Heartcore Design’ philosophy that aims to make an emotional connect with the users through bold, innovative, luxurious designs.

The recently launched Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e twin-SUVs are the serious talk of the automotive town this week. Car fans in social media are simply awe-struck with aesthetic and technological aspirations of the new SUVs, expressing excitement and anticipation for their market presence and long-term success.

Underpinning the brand’s grounds-up ‘INGLO’ pure-electric architecture, the Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e share quite a lot of techs and aggregates under the skin. But on the outside, they are consciously made to look very different and distinctive in terms of their dimensions and styling.

According to the designers, the BE 6e is conceived with a sporty and performance-driven appeal, and is crafted for “explorers and achievers who love pushing boundaries, embodying the thrill of adventure and precision”. The XEV 9e, they say, is instead designed for luxurious and refined indulgence, with aesthetic elegance taking over blunt sportiness.

This differentiation is quite evident in their respective dimensions and presence. The XEV 9e is larger in size in terms of length (by 400 mm) and height (by 67 mm) than the BE 6e, despite identical wheelbase (2,775 mm), width (1,907 mm) and ground clearance. Where the SUVs stand out even more is in the design and styling department.

Sportiness vs Elegance

The BE 6e sports a more dynamic and aggressive design language, characterized by sharp lines, angular contours, and bold (and black) accents. The coupe-ish silhouette is quite athletic in nature, while the race-inspired agility manifested by the signature ‘C’-shaped LED DRLs and squarish (and even hallow!!) grille design in the front.

Design elements are aplenty over the sides and the rear of the BE 6e as well. The wheel arches are massive, while the scarped roofline and sharp cuts all over the body make the car look exotic, say like a UFO or spaceship from a sci-fi movie! Big ‘C’-shaped DRLs and taller stance of the rear profile adds to its futuristic appeal.

The Mahindra XEV 9e, on the other hand, tends to flaunt a sense of sophistication and elegance, with the car exhibiting a refined and urbane impression. Smoother body lines and swayed profile (unlike BE 6e’s angular profile) is the norm in its styling language, augmented by sharp-looking signature DRLs, tall bumpers and chunky wheel arches.

The silhouette of the XEV 9e is strongly reminiscent of the Mahindra XUV Aero Coupe concept car from the Auto Expo 2016, especially the rear end of the coupe-ish SUV. Having said that, the car looks substantial in terms of proportions, thanks to an upright stance, gloss-black accents, and high-deck rear. Even the car’s alloy design is very balanced and nice-looking, unlike the brute-looking alloys of the BE 6e.

Hyper-kinetic interiors

Both the cars carry forward their respective exterior traits to the inside of their cabins as well. The BE 6e has stunned the car nuts with its radical (or even crazy-looking!) interior design, especially with the fighter-jet inspired, wrap-around driver-focused dash design. The dashboard, otherwise, is largely simplistic. The two-spoke steering wheel and aircraft-inspired throttle-like gear selector are all quite hyper. A large screen for driver information and infotainment is a nice touch.

Conversely, the XEV 9e’s interiors are relatively conforming and even premium than its younger sibling. The dashboard design more detailed and neatly crafted, with the 3-screen setup spanning the entire width of the dash gives it a whole new character. The seats are nicely crafted and well-positioned for utmost comfort and legroom. High-quality materials like soft-touch leather and premium upholstery elevate the overall cabin quality of the XEV 9e.

Further, both the BE 6e and XEV 9e get tinted panoramic glass roof. The coupe-ish styling and the steep tapering of the rear windshield in both the cars may take a hit on the rear visibility for the driver. Illuminated Mahindra ‘infinity’ logo abound all over the cars, which will be carried forward in all electric models of the brand from now on.

Significant step-forward

On the whole, the debut of Mahindra’s next-generation ‘Heartcore Design’ philosophy with the coupe SUVs marks a significant step-forward in the brand’s evolution towards an all-electric future. Both the cars are made to be serious head-turners, thanks to their radical styling and impressive road presence, as if concept cars made it to production with no filters! While the BE 6e caters to those seeking a sporty and dynamic driving experience, the XEV 9e targets a more luxury-oriented and family-focused audience with its styling.

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Ultimately, the choice between the two for better looks will depend on individual sensibilities and styling preferences of the buyers or enthusiasts. Although we could notice some cynical comments on the coupe SUVs for their radical design and styling, the overall sentiment towards the BE 6e and XEV 9e in social media has been largely positive.