News/ Cars/ Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV: Electric SUV Showdown

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV: Electric SUV Showdown

Mahindra has unveiled the BE 6e, kicking off its new ‘BE’ electric vehicle brand identity. Positioned in the competitive compact SUV segment, this EV squares off directly against the Tata Curvv EV, which has already garnered considerable attention for its futuristic design and strong specs. With its aesthetics and powerful features, the BE 6e aims to establish itself as a strong contender in the Indian EV market.

Spec Showdown: Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV

Both SUVs feature dual battery pack options, but Mahindra seems to have taken the lead on paper:

Feature Mahindra BE 6e Tata Curvv EV
Battery Packs 59 kWh / 79 kWh 45 kWh / 55 kWh
Power 228 bhp / 282 bhp 148 bhp / 165 bhp
Torque 380 Nm (both variants) 215 Nm (both variants)
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive Front-wheel drive

The BE 6e outclasses the Curvv EV in terms of battery capacity, power output, and torque. Speculations about an all-wheel-drive variant for the BE 6e remain unconfirmed, but such an addition could further widen its appeal.

Charging Performance:

Charging times can make or break an EV’s practicality. Here’s how the two contenders fare:

Charging Type Mahindra BE 6e Tata Curvv EV
AC Charging Options 7.2 kW / 11 kW 7.2 kW
AC Charging Time 6–11.7 hours (varies by pack) 6.5–7.9 hours (7.2 kW input)
DC Fast Charging 20 mins (140–175 kW input) 40 mins (60–70 kW input)

The BE 6e gets faster DC charging, cutting refuel times in half compared to the Curvv EV. Its compatibility with an 11 kW AC charger gives it a distinct advantage over Tata’s.

Range Comparison: 

Range anxiety is a key concern for EV buyers, and Mahindra’s BE 6e looks to alleviate it:

Battery Pack Mahindra BE 6e Tata Curvv EV
Smaller Pack 535 km (59 kWh) 430 km (45 kWh)
Larger Pack 682 km (79 kWh) 502 km (55 kWh)

Even with its smaller battery, the BE 6e delivers more range than the Curvv EV’s larger pack. With the 79 kWh battery, the BE 6e promises an impressive 682 km, easily outpacing the Curvv EV’s maximum claimed range of 502 km.

Price and Availability

Model Price (Ex-showroom)
Mahindra BE 6e Starting at ₹18.9 lakh
Tata Curvv EV ₹17.5 lakh – ₹22 lakh

The BE 6e’s introductory price is ₹1.4 lakh higher than the Curvv EV’s base model. Still, Mahindra’s top trims are expected to exceed Tata’s price range, likely reflecting the BE 6e’s advanced features and larger battery options. Deliveries of the BE 6e are set to begin in early 2025, with Mahindra offering a lifetime battery warranty for first owners—a strong value proposition.

The Verdict: 

While the Mahindra BE 6e and Tata Curvv EVs cater to the growing demand for compact electric SUVs, the BE 6e edges ahead with its superior specs, faster charging, and greater claimed range. However, the final judgment will hinge on real-world performance, and early 2025 can’t come soon enough for EV enthusiasts eager to see how Mahindra’s bold new entrant fares against established players.

TopGear Magazine November 2024