Mahindra Electric has finally displayed its new 'Born Electric' range of e-SUVs in India at an event held in Hyderabad during the 2023 Formula-E race. Mahindra is developing a range of electric SUVs known as the BE and the XUV.e under the Born Electric program. On February 10, the Indian car manufacturer unveiled three models at the Mahindra EV Fashion Festival. The XUV.e9 was the first electric SUV that Mahindra revealed. Out of all the showcased models, the .e9 is most likely the one closest to production at the moment. Its LED headlamp units are divided into two sections for high and low beams. Since it’s an EV, there is no grille and no opening for the air curtain. For drag efficiency, the side profile receives a strong stroke of plastic cladding, and so do the wheels. The car also has the conventional blacked-out ORVMs and a gold accent on the glass area, similar to that of the XUV400.
The BE.05, another brand-new electric SUV from Mahindra, finished in a matte brown-grey shade, looks extremely futuristic. The LED DRLs on the front have a sabre-tooth design aesthetic. A hidden LED panel that produces light patterns is located in the lower portion of the front bumper, which also gets .05 badging. The squared-off wheel arches gave plastic cladding. To lower the EV's drag coefficient, the wheels also have plastic covers. It also has sleek digital ORVM units with only a camera and no mirror.
Also Read: Formula E Hyderabad e-Prix: Mahindra XUV400 Formula E Edition Unveiled in India
The interiors of these electric SUVs were also showcased at the event. The driver's area is segmented inside in the form of a cockpit. Along with the black components of the piano, a matte gold finish and textured grey fabric add to the minimalistic approach of the cabin. The steering has a multi-function control and an illuminated BE logo, and the drive selector has an aeroplane-like appearance. A panoramic screen houses the infotainment system as well as the instrumentation. White lighting inside the speaker housed in the door panels is another striking feature.
The automaker surprised the audience by bringing the BE Rall-E electric SUV out onto the floor to conclude the event. It has a roofline reminiscent of a coupe and is outfitted as an off-road-capable electric vehicle (EV), with a pre-runner bash plate and front bumper, a set of large auxiliary lamps built into the front bumper, which also includes a built-in tow-hook. The Rall-E also receives plastic cladding on every side and a roof-mounted carrier, which houses a spare tyre, other essentials, and three auxiliary lamps. While the concept car's windows were tinted to conceal the interior, Mahindra shared a sketch of the interior, which seemed quite similar to the interior of the BE.05 but with sportier-looking upholstery and colour schemes. The BE Rall-E, according to Mahindra, ‘is a concept that showcases the true blue off-road and all surface capability of products built on the INGLO architecture.’
Based on the INGLO platform, Mahindra's BE line was developed in partnership with Volkswagen. There won't be an ICE version of the vehicles built on the Born Electric platform. The XUV.e range, on the other hand, will debut as India's first electric SUV in the line-up. Beginning in December 2024, the company will begin producing its first electric SUV. The BE range, on the other hand, will be offered, starting in 2025.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV400 Review: First Drive
The INGLO-based BE series can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5 to 6 seconds. On the other hand, 30 minutes of fast charging can result in an 80 per cent charged battery. The vehicles also have ADAS features. The XUV.e8 has an 80kWh battery pack. It will be available by the end of 2024. The .e9 SUV, on the other hand, will go on sale in 2025. It is considerably longer than .e8 and will have a 2775mm wheelbase.
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