Mahindra ‘Born Electric’ BE and XUV.e9 SUVs make India debut: Futuristic cabin and more

Mahindra Electric has finally showcased its ‘Born Electric’ range of e-SUVs in India during an event in Hyderabad where the 2023 Formula-E is being held. Under the born Electric program, Mahindra is developing a range of electric SUVs which are known as BE and XUV.e. The automaker unveiled three models at the Mahindra EV Fashion Festival on February 10.

The first electric SUV showcased by Mahindra was the XUV.e9. Among all the showcase models, the .e9 is probably the one which is closer to production at this time. At the front it has a bold and dominating design language, The sabre tooth LED DRLs also have a running unit in the middle that co-joins each side. The LED headlamps units are split into two sections for high and low beams presumably. Being an EV, there is no grille at the front and no air curtain opening also. The side profile gets a strong stroke of plastic cladding and the wheels get plastic panels here too, for drag efficiency. It gets traditional blacked-out ORVMs and the glass area gets a gold accent similar to what we have seen in the XUV400.

The next on stage was the BE.05, another all-new electric SUV from Mahindra. The .05 looked super futuristic in real life with the matt brown-grey shade it was finished in. The front features a sabre tooth design language for the LED DRLs. The lower part of the front bumper has a hidden LED panel that creates light patterns and then there is the .05 badging. On the side, there is plastic cladding around the squared-off wheel arches. The wheels themselves have plastic covers to improve the drag coefficient of the EV. Another interesting detail was the digital ORVM units that were sleek as they only house a camera and no mirror.

The BE.05 also showcased the next-gen interiors that these electric SUVs will feature. Inside, the driver area was cordoned off in cockpit style. A matt gold finish with grey textured fabric exudes minimalism alongside the piano’s black elements. The steering gets an illuminated BE logo in the centre and multi-function control. The drive selector looks like it belongs inside an aircraft and then there is the panoramic screen which accommodates both the instrumentation and the infotainment. Another cool detail was white illumination inside the speaker housing on the door panels.

The India showcase ended with a surprise, where Mahindra brought the BE Rall-E electric SUV out on the floor. Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal was seen accompanying the SUV which features a coupe-like roofline. It was kitted as an off-road ready EV, with a pre-runner bash plate and front bumper, a set of big auxiliary lamps integrated into the front bumper which also gets an integrated tow-hook. The Rall-E further gets plastic cladding on all sides and a roof-mounted carrier which holds a spare tyre, utilities and is fitted with three auxiliary lamps.

The BE and XUV.e electric SUVs are based on Mahindra’s INGLO modular platform, designed to support EV requirements. The platform can accommodate variable lengths, widths, wheelbases and overhangs.

The INGLO platform will support battery packs with capacities of 60 to 80kWh in the XUV.e and BE models. The battery packs will feature Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) otherwise called LFP chemistry. According to battery technology forums, LFP chemistry offers good electrochemical performance with low resistance. Their key benefits are a high current rating and long cycle life and good thermal stability. This means enhanced safety and tolerance under extreme conditions.
What are your thoughts on Mahindra’s upcoming electric SUVs? Tell us in the comments.