Mahindra Confirms XEV 9e and BE 6 EVs Are Being Evaluated for South Africa
Mahindra is preparing to enter the South African electric vehicle market, with two models — the XEV 9e and BE 6 — currently undergoing market and product feasibility assessment.
Mahindra South Africa CEO Rajesh Gupta confirmed the plans in an interview with TopAuto, alongside news of the new Global Pik Up launch and upgrades to the brand’s bakkie plant in KwaZulu-Natal.
What Models Are Coming?
The XEV 9e and BE 6 are electric crossover coupes first shown in late 2024. Both ride on Mahindra’s INGLO electric SUV platform and share the same wheelbase, powertrain, and battery options.
The BE 6 is the smaller of the two. The XEV 9e is longer and offers more boot space.
| Dimension | Mahindra BE 6 | Mahindra XEV 9e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,371mm | 4,789mm |
| Width | 1,907mm | 1,907mm |
| Height | 1,627mm | 1,694mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,775mm | 2,775mm |
| Ground clearance | 207mm | 207mm |
| Boot size | 455 litres | 663 litres |
Performance and Range
Both crossovers come in two powertrain configurations:
- Standard: Single rear-mounted motor, 170kW, 380Nm
- Performance: Single rear-mounted motor, 210kW, 380Nm
The top-spec BE 6 does 0–100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The XEV 9e is marginally slower at 6.8 seconds.
Battery options start at 59kWh and go up to 79kWh. The larger pack delivers a claimed range of up to 683km on the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC). Fast charging via a 175kW DC charger takes the battery from 20% to 80% in under 20 minutes.
Interior and Technology
Mahindra is positioning these as premium EVs, judging by their Indian spec sheets.
The XEV 9e gets a “Cinemascope” display — a 110.08cm screen that spans the full width of the dashboard. The BE 6 takes a different approach with a “Race-Ready Digital Cockpit”: two large screens for instruments and infotainment, plus a driver-oriented centre console.
Both models include:
- Augmented reality heads-up display (HUD)
- 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Automatic climate control
- Ambient lighting with preset themes
- Level 2+ ADAS: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and 12 parking sensors
- Driver and occupant fatigue monitoring system (also functions as an in-cabin selfie camera for video calls)
What About an Affordable Electric Option?
Mahindra’s global website also lists an electric version of the XUV 3XO — a model that has become one of South Africa’s best-selling entry-level cars in its standard form.
TopAuto asked Mahindra whether the electric 3XO is also being considered for South Africa. No confirmation has been given yet, but if it arrives, it would enter a segment already contested by the Geely E2 and BYD Dolphin Surf.
What This Means for South Africa
No launch date has been confirmed. Mahindra told TopAuto that feasibility work on the XEV 9e and BE 6 is still ongoing.
If both models do reach showrooms, they would bring premium electric crossover options to a market still largely dominated by combustion vehicles. At 683km of claimed range and fast-charge capability under 20 minutes, the XEV 9e in particular would be competitive on paper with global rivals — though South African infrastructure, pricing, and right-hand drive compatibility will ultimately determine how well they translate from India to local roads.
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