Mahindra BE9 : Mahindra has finally unveiled its much-anticipated flagship electric SUV, the BE9, marking a watershed moment for the Indian automotive giant’s ambitious EV strategy.

The BE9 represents Mahindra’s boldest statement yet in the premium electric vehicle segment, combining unprecedented range capabilities with luxury features that aim to redefine expectations from an Indian manufacturer.

Revealed at a spectacular launch event in Mumbai yesterday, the BE9 immediately garnered attention for its claimed 640km range—a figure that positions it among global leaders in EV efficiency.

Industry analysts are calling this launch a potential game-changer for the Indian automotive landscape, as it represents the first truly homegrown luxury electric vehicle with specifications competitive on the world stage.

The BE9 arrives as the flagship model of Mahindra’s new Born Electric (BE) lineup, showcasing technologies developed through the company’s significant investments in its UK-based Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) facility.

Design Philosophy and Exterior Features

The BE9’s exterior design represents a radical departure from Mahindra’s traditional styling language, embracing what the company calls “heartcore design”—a fusion of emotional appeal with futuristic elements.

Its silhouette features a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a sloping roofline that contributes to an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.21, enhancing both efficiency and range.

Distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights create an unmistakable front signature, complemented by an illuminated Mahindra logo that serves as the centerpiece of a blanked-off grille.

Flush door handles, aerodynamically optimized wheels, and a clean profile with minimal character lines reflect the vehicle’s focus on maximum efficiency.

The rear features a full-width LED light bar with animated welcome and departure sequences, a design element that has become increasingly synonymous with premium electric vehicles.

Available in seven exterior colors, including the BE9-exclusive “Electric Sapphire” and “Nebula Bronze,” the palette has been specifically developed to complement the vehicle’s futuristic design language.

Measuring 4,800mm in length, 1,950mm in width, and 1,650mm in height, the BE9 occupies the sweet spot between mid-size and full-size luxury SUVs, offering commanding presence without excessive bulk.

Powertrain and Performance

The BE9 debuts with Mahindra’s most advanced electric powertrain to date, featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that produces a combined output of 387 horsepower and 780 Nm of torque.

This propulsive force enables the BE9 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, positioning it firmly in performance territory traditionally occupied by European luxury brands.

At the heart of the BE9 lies a cutting-edge 103 kWh lithium-ion battery pack featuring NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry, developed in partnership with LG Energy Solution.

The battery incorporates an advanced thermal management system using a liquid-cooling circuit that maintains optimal operating temperatures even in extreme Indian climate conditions.

DC fast charging capabilities allow the BE9 to replenish from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes when connected to a 350 kW charger, addressing a key concern for potential EV adopters.

For home charging, the vehicle comes with an 11 kW onboard charger that can fully replenish the battery overnight when connected to a compatible wallbox.

The vehicle’s energy recuperation system offers five levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving mode that maximizes efficiency in urban environments.

Interior Luxury and Technology

The BE9’s interior represents Mahindra’s most luxurious cabin to date, featuring premium materials including sustainable alternatives to traditional leather and open-pore wood trim sourced from responsibly managed forests.

A panoramic fixed glass roof with electrochromic dimming technology spans nearly the entire ceiling, creating an airy atmosphere that can be adjusted according to lighting conditions.

The centerpiece of the dashboard is a curved 32-inch display that seamlessly integrates three separate screens: a driver information display, central infotainment screen, and a passenger entertainment screen.

This display runs Mahindra’s new INGLO operating system, which features AI-powered voice commands, over-the-air update capability, and seamless integration with Mahindra’s smartphone app ecosystem.

The climate control system incorporates HEPA filtration with active air quality monitoring, automatically adjusting filtration levels based on external pollution readings.

Front seats feature 16-way power adjustment with massage, ventilation, and memory functions, while rear passengers enjoy electrically reclining seats with adjustable thigh support.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, calibrated specifically for the BE9’s cabin acoustics and featuring active noise cancellation technology.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The BE9 launches with Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities, featuring a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features powered by five radar sensors, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and seven cameras.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality works in conjunction with lane centering to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys or in traffic conditions.

The vehicle’s autonomous emergency braking system can detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, intervening if the driver fails to respond to potential collision scenarios.

A remote parking assistant allows the BE9 to maneuver into tight parking spaces while the driver stands outside the vehicle, controlling the process via the Mahindra smartphone app.

The augmented reality head-up display projects navigation instructions, speed information, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield in the driver’s line of sight.

Highway assist mode combines adaptive cruise control with enhanced lane keeping to provide semi-autonomous driving on divided highways, though driver attention monitoring ensures hands remain on the wheel.

Mahindra has committed to enhancing these capabilities through over-the-air updates, with plans to introduce additional features as they complete validation testing.

Connectivity and User Experience

The BE9 features always-on 5G connectivity, enabling seamless integration with Mahindra’s cloud services and providing passengers with high-speed internet access via an in-car hotspot.

The Mahindra smartphone app offers extensive remote functions, including climate pre-conditioning, battery status monitoring, charging management, and vehicle location tracking.

Digital key functionality allows owners to share temporary vehicle access with family members or friends, setting specific restrictions on driving time, speed limits, and geofencing boundaries.

The vehicle’s AI assistant learns driver preferences over time, automatically adjusting climate settings, seat positions, and entertainment choices based on recognized user profiles.

Over-the-air update capability extends beyond infotainment to include powertrain calibration, allowing Mahindra to enhance performance, efficiency, and functionality throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.

Specifications Table

Pricing and Market Positioning

Mahindra has priced the BE9 starting at ₹89.99 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium offering that undercuts similarly specified European and American alternatives by 15-20 percent.

Three variants will be available at launch: Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and the range-topping Pinnacle edition, which includes all available options as standard equipment.

The aggressive pricing strategy reflects Mahindra’s confidence in the BE9’s ability to compete with established global luxury EV brands while offering better value proposition.

Government incentives under India’s FAME-II scheme and state-level EV policies may provide additional cost benefits to early adopters in select regions.

Mahindra has also introduced a subscription model for the BE9, allowing customers to access the vehicle with a lower initial commitment and the flexibility to upgrade as newer models become available.

Manufacturing and Localization

The BE9 will be manufactured at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, which has undergone significant upgrades to accommodate electric vehicle production.

While the battery cells are currently sourced from LG Energy Solution, Mahindra has indicated plans for increased localization of battery pack assembly and eventually cell manufacturing in India.

The company claims approximately 65% localization of components at launch, with a roadmap to increase this figure to over 80% within two years as the domestic supply chain matures.

This level of localization is expected to insulate the BE9 from global supply chain disruptions while contributing to more stable pricing over time.

Mahindra’s investment in local production reflects the company’s commitment to the government’s “Make in India” initiative and positions it as a potential export hub for select markets.

Charging Infrastructure and Ownership Experience

Mahindra has partnered with major charging network operators including Tata Power and Fortum to ensure BE9 owners have access to an extensive fast-charging network across major highways and urban centers.

Each BE9 purchase includes a complimentary 11 kW home charging unit with standard installation, eliminating a significant barrier to EV adoption.

The company is introducing a “Charge Assurance” program that guarantees roadside assistance with mobile charging capability in case owners find themselves stranded with a depleted battery.

BE9 customers will enjoy dedicated service centers staffed by specially trained EV technicians in 40 cities at launch, with expansion to 100 locations planned by the end of 2026.

A concierge service allows owners to schedule maintenance pickups and deliveries, minimizing the inconvenience traditionally associated with vehicle servicing.

Sustainability Initiatives

Beyond zero tailpipe emissions, Mahindra has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy around the BE9, including carbon-neutral manufacturing at the Chakan plant through renewable energy utilization.

Interior materials include recycled fabrics, carpets made from reclaimed ocean plastic, and sustainably sourced wood trim options that minimize environmental impact.

The company has established a battery recycling program in partnership with specialized firms to ensure responsible end-of-life management of the BE9’s power source.

Mahindra will plant ten trees for each BE9 sold as part of its carbon offset initiative, aiming to neutralize the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing.

The BE9’s product lifecycle has been designed with circularity principles, with over 90% of the vehicle theoretically recyclable at end-of-life.

Mahindra BE9 Conclusion

The Mahindra BE9 represents a watershed moment for the Indian automotive industry, demonstrating that domestic manufacturers can produce world-class electric vehicles with competitive specifications.

With its combination of impressive range, cutting-edge technology, and luxury appointments, the BE9 challenges perceptions about what Indian automakers can achieve in the premium segment.

The vehicle’s success will likely hinge on Mahindra’s ability to deliver a holistic ownership experience that matches the expectations set by its ambitious specifications and pricing.

For potential EV adopters in the luxury segment, the BE9 offers a compelling alternative to established international brands, with the additional appeal of supporting domestic innovation.

As Mahindra’s flagship electric offering, the BE9 sets a new benchmark that will influence not only the company’s future models but potentially the broader trajectory of India’s evolving automotive landscape.