BE 6 vs EV6
The electric vehicle revolution is transforming the automotive landscape at breakneck speed, and two vehicles that represent dramatically different approaches to electric mobility are the Mahindra BE 6 and the Kia EV6. Both promise to redefine what buyers can expect from electric SUVs, but they come from vastly different price segments and philosophies. As we navigate through 2025, let’s explore how these two electric powerhouses compare in terms of performance, technology, features, and value proposition.
Table of Contents
Brand Vision and Market Positioning
Mahindra BE 6: Democratizing Premium EVs
The Mahindra BE 6 (Born Electric 6) represents Mahindra’s bold entry into the premium electric vehicle space. Built on a dedicated EV platform rather than being an adaptation of an existing ICE vehicle, the BE 6 showcases Mahindra’s commitment to electric mobility and its ambition to compete in the premium segment.
Mahindra’s strategy with the BE brand focuses on making advanced electric technology accessible to Indian buyers at competitive price points. The BE 6 emphasizes distinctive design, strong performance, and feature-rich experiences while maintaining pricing that’s significantly more accessible than imported premium EVs. It’s designed for forward-thinking Indian buyers ready to embrace electric mobility without breaking the bank.
Kia EV6: Global Electric Excellence
The Kia EV6 is a global electric vehicle that’s earned international acclaim, winning the prestigious World Car of the Year award in 2022. Built on Hyundai-Kia’s dedicated E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the EV6 represents South Korean automotive engineering at its finest.
Kia positions the EV6 as a premium, technology-forward electric crossover that competes with vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E in global markets. In India, it’s positioned as an aspirational product for buyers seeking cutting-edge electric technology, impressive performance, and international design excellence, accepting that its imported status commands premium pricing.
Design and Styling: Future Aesthetics
Mahindra BE 6 Design Language
The BE 6 embraces futuristic, aggressive styling that clearly communicates its electric nature:
- Sharp, angular body lines creating a distinctive profile
- Illuminated front grille with intricate lighting patterns
- Aerodynamic silhouette with sloping roofline
- Flush door handles for improved aerodynamics
- 19-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels
- LED lighting with unique signature elements
- Coupe-like proportions despite SUV dimensions
The design is unapologetically modern and bold, targeting younger buyers who want their vehicle to look as advanced as its powertrain. The BE 6 doesn’t try to mimic conventional SUVs—it establishes its own identity with sci-fi inspired aesthetics that turn heads.
The interior continues the futuristic theme with a minimalist dashboard dominated by digital screens, ambient lighting, and premium materials. The cabin feels spacious and airy, with clever storage solutions and sustainable material choices reflecting eco-conscious values.
Kia EV6 Design Language
The EV6 showcases Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy with stunning results:
- Sleek, crossover proportions with fastback roofline
- Tiger Face front design reimagined for EVs
- Sequential LED lighting creating distinctive signatures
- Aerodynamic body with 0.28 drag coefficient
- 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels depending on variant
- Full-width LED light bar at the rear
- Flush door handles and camera-based side mirrors (in some markets)
The EV6’s design has received universal praise for successfully blending sporty elegance with futuristic elements. It looks premium, sophisticated, and thoroughly modern without being ostentatious. The proportions are perfect, and the execution quality is exceptional.
The interior is minimalist yet luxurious, featuring a curved dual-screen setup, sustainable materials including recycled plastics, and a panoramic sunroof creating an airy atmosphere. The cabin design feels genuinely premium with attention to detail that matches European luxury brands.
Electric Powertrains: Performance Unleashed
Mahindra BE 6 Powertrain Options
The BE 6 is expected to offer multiple battery and motor configurations:
Battery Options:
- 59 kWh battery pack (standard)
- 79 kWh battery pack (extended range)
Motor Configurations:
- Single motor rear-wheel drive: approximately 230-250 bhp
- Dual motor all-wheel drive: approximately 350+ bhp (expected on top variants)
Performance Metrics:
- 0-100 km/h: approximately 6.5-7 seconds (RWD), sub-5 seconds (AWD expected)
- Top speed: 200+ km/h (electronically limited)
- Range: 450-500 km (ARAI, standard battery), 550-600 km (extended battery)
The BE 6 prioritizes accessible performance with strong acceleration and adequate range for Indian driving patterns. The battery chemistry and thermal management systems are optimized for Indian climate conditions, ensuring consistent performance even in extreme temperatures.
Fast charging capability supports 175 kW DC fast charging, allowing 20-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle also supports standard AC charging for home and workplace charging convenience.
Kia EV6 Powertrain Options
The EV6 offers multiple variants with impressive specifications:
Battery Options:
- 77.4 kWh battery pack (long range)
Motor Configurations:
- Single motor RWD: 229 bhp, 350 Nm torque
- Dual motor AWD: 325 bhp, 605 Nm torque
- GT variant (not available in India): 585 bhp
Performance Metrics:
- 0-100 km/h: 7.3 seconds (RWD), 5.2 seconds (AWD)
- Top speed: 185 km/h (limited)
- Range: 528 km (ARAI certified for Indian variant)
The EV6’s E-GMP platform enables 800V architecture, supporting ultra-fast 350 kW DC charging. This allows 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes under ideal conditions—among the fastest charging capabilities available. The platform also enables vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing the EV6 to power external devices and appliances up to 3.6 kW.
Performance Comparison
The EV6 currently holds advantages in charging speed and proven performance credentials. The 800V architecture is a significant technological advantage, though its benefits depend on compatible ultra-fast charging infrastructure availability in India.
The BE 6 counters with competitive performance figures at a more accessible price point and battery options tailored to different buyer needs. For buyers prioritizing value and adequate range, the BE 6’s standard battery option provides an attractive entry point.
Technology and Features: Digital Intelligence
Mahindra BE 6 Technology Suite
Mahindra has equipped the BE 6 with comprehensive technology:
Infotainment and Connectivity:
- Dual-screen setup (digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen)
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Connected car technology with OTA updates
- Premium sound system
- Wireless phone charging
Driver Assistance:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- 360-degree camera system
Convenience Features:
- Augmented reality heads-up display (expected on top variants)
- Digital key functionality via smartphone
- Remote climate control pre-conditioning
- Single-pedal driving mode
- Multiple regenerative braking levels
The BE 6’s technology focuses on making advanced features accessible rather than overwhelming buyers with complexity. The interface is designed for intuitive use with minimal learning curve.
Kia EV6 Technology Suite
The EV6 showcases cutting-edge technology:
Infotainment and Connectivity:
- Dual 12.3-inch curved display (digital cluster and touchscreen)
- Kia Connect with advanced telematics
- Premium Meridian sound system
- Wireless phone charging
- Augmented reality head-up display
Driver Assistance:
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
- Smart Cruise Control with stop/go
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Surround View Monitor
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
Convenience Features:
- Relaxation comfort seats with ventilation and heating
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power tailgate with smart function
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability
- Digital key functionality
- Multiple drive modes and customizable settings
The EV6’s technology suite is comprehensive and polished, with mature integration that reflects Kia’s global EV development experience. The augmented reality HUD is particularly impressive, projecting navigation and safety information directly onto the road ahead.
Interior Space and Practicality
Mahindra BE 6 Interior Space
The BE 6’s dedicated EV platform enables clever packaging:
- Spacious front cabin with comfortable seating
- Generous rear legroom benefiting from flat floor
- Adequate headroom despite sloping roofline
- Boot space: approximately 455 liters
- Front trunk (frunk) for additional storage
- Multiple storage compartments throughout cabin
The flat floor created by the skateboard battery platform makes the rear seat particularly comfortable for three passengers. The sloping roofline slightly compromises rear headroom for taller passengers, but most will find it adequate.
Kia EV6 Interior Space
The EV6’s E-GMP platform maximizes interior space:
- Excellent front seat comfort with multiple adjustments
- Good rear legroom with sliding rear seat functionality
- Panoramic sunroof creating airy atmosphere
- Boot space: 490 liters (520 liters with seats forward)
- Front trunk: 52 liters
- Versatile storage solutions
The EV6’s interior feels more premium with superior material quality and fit-finish. The sliding rear seat is a thoughtful feature allowing owners to prioritize passenger comfort or cargo space based on needs.
Charging Infrastructure and Practicality
Mahindra BE 6 Charging
- DC fast charging: 175 kW (20-80% in approximately 30 minutes)
- AC charging: 7.2 kW (overnight charging)
- Compatible with CCS2 charging standard
- Mahindra planning to establish charging network
- Home charging solution included
Kia EV6 Charging
- DC ultra-fast charging: 350 kW capable (800V architecture)
- 10-80% charge in 18 minutes (with compatible charger)
- AC charging: 11 kW
- CCS2 standard compatibility
- Access to third-party charging networks
- V2L capability for powering external devices
The EV6’s charging advantage is significant on paper, though India’s charging infrastructure currently has limited 350 kW chargers. As infrastructure improves, the EV6’s capability will prove increasingly valuable.
Safety Features and Ratings
Mahindra BE 6 Safety
- Multiple airbags (6+ expected)
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction control
- ADAS features including AEB and LKA
- Strong body structure optimized for crash safety
- Expected to target 5-star safety ratings
As a new vehicle, the BE 6’s safety ratings are pending, though Mahindra has emphasized safety as a core priority.
Kia EV6 Safety
- 6 airbags as standard
- Comprehensive ADAS suite
- Electronic stability management
- High-strength steel construction
- 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating (global version)
- Multiple safety awards internationally
The EV6’s proven safety credentials and international ratings provide confidence in its crash protection and active safety systems.
Price Comparison: Value Proposition
Mahindra BE 6 Expected Pricing (Ex-showroom, approximate)
- Standard battery variant: ₹18-20 lakh
- Extended battery variant: ₹24-28 lakh
- Top AWD variant: ₱30-32 lakh (if offered)
The BE 6 is positioned to undercut imported EVs significantly while offering competitive features and performance. This pricing strategy aims to make premium electric mobility accessible to middle-class Indian buyers.
Kia EV6 Pricing (Ex-showroom, approximate)
- Long Range RWD: ₹60-65 lakh
- Long Range AWD: ₹65-70 lakh
The EV6’s pricing reflects its imported status (brought via CBU route), premium positioning, and inclusion of comprehensive features as standard. While expensive, it’s competitively priced against other imported premium EVs.
Running Costs and Ownership
Mahindra BE 6 Ownership
- Electricity cost: approximately ₹1.5-2 per km (home charging)
- Lower maintenance costs compared to ICE vehicles
- Battery warranty: likely 8 years/160,000 km
- Developing service network for EVs
- Competitive insurance premiums
Kia EV6 Ownership
- Electricity cost: approximately ₹1.5-2 per km (home charging)
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000 km
- Established Kia service network
- Premium insurance costs reflecting vehicle value
Both vehicles offer significant savings on running costs compared to ICE vehicles, with electricity costing a fraction of petrol or diesel.
The Verdict: Which Electric SUV Is Right for You?
Choose the Mahindra BE 6 if:
- Budget is a significant consideration
- You want premium EV experience at accessible pricing
- Supporting domestic manufacturing matters to you
- Distinctive, futuristic design appeals to you
- You prioritize value for money
- Range anxiety is a concern (extended battery option)
- You’re an early adopter willing to try new brands
Choose the Kia EV6 if:
- Budget accommodates premium pricing
- Ultra-fast charging capability is important
- You prioritize proven international credentials
- Superior build quality and refinement matter
- Brand reputation and resale value are concerns
- You want the most advanced EV technology available
- Global design excellence is a priority
Final Thoughts: The Electric Future
The Mahindra BE 6 and Kia EV6 represent two different paths to electric mobility, both valid and exciting. The BE 6 is the accessible future—making electric performance and technology available to Indian buyers at prices that compete with premium ICE vehicles. It’s ambitious, bold, and could genuinely accelerate EV adoption in India.
The Kia EV6 is the premium present—offering proven, world-class electric technology for buyers willing to pay for the best. It’s refined, sophisticated, and represents what electric vehicles can achieve when engineering excellence meets no-compromise design.
For most Indian buyers, the BE 6’s value proposition will be compelling—it offers genuinely competitive performance, modern features, and adequate range at pricing that makes premium electric mobility achievable. It’s the rational choice for buyers ready to embrace EVs without spending luxury car money.
The EV6 appeals to a smaller but equally valid audience—buyers for whom the premium experience justifies the cost, and who want the peace of mind that comes with internationally proven technology and Kia’s reputation.
The electric revolution offers choices for every buyer, and both these vehicles prove that the future of mobility is bright, exciting, and increasingly accessible. Test drive both if your budget permits—the instant torque, silent operation, and futuristic experience of modern EVs might just convert you permanently to electric power, regardless of which model you ultimately choose.
