Mahindra BE9 : The Western Express Highway stretches ahead, choked with Mumbai’s infamous traffic. But inside the Mahindra BE9, the chaos feels distant, almost irrelevant.
The cabin’s hushed ambience, broken only by the subtle notes from the premium audio system, creates a sanctuary that feels at odds with both the surroundings and what we’ve traditionally expected from Indian automakers.
As I glance at the range indicator showing 580 kilometers remaining after nearly 120 kilometers of driving, I can’t help but reflect on how dramatically Mahindra has transformed itself from a maker of utilitarian workhorses to a brand that can credibly challenge established luxury players.
I’ve spent the past week with the BE9, Mahindra’s flagship electric SUV, driving it through Mumbai’s urban jungle, out to the winding roads of Lonavala, and back through the steady highway crawl – precisely the mix of conditions that potential owners would subject it to.
This extended experience has revealed insights beyond what any specification sheet or brief test drive could provide, particularly about how this ambitious vehicle balances its luxury aspirations with the practical realities of Indian conditions.
Mahindra BE9 Design: Unapologetically Bold, Distinctly Indian
The BE9’s design makes an immediate statement – one that doesn’t attempt to mimic established European or Asian luxury aesthetics but instead charts its own distinctive path.
The front fascia features what Mahindra calls the “heartbeat” LED light signature that spans the width of the vehicle, creating an unmistakable presence day or night.
This is flanked by vertical auxiliary lights integrated into intricately detailed air curtains that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.
The profile reveals perhaps the BE9’s most distinctive aspect: a coupe-like roofline that somehow doesn’t compromise rear headroom thanks to clever packaging.
Strong shoulders and pronounced wheel arches house 21-inch turbine-inspired alloy wheels that fill the wells perfectly, creating proportional harmony that many more established luxury makers struggle to achieve with their electric offerings.
At the rear, connected LED taillights echo the front signature while a subtle roof spoiler and diffuser elements add sporting touches without appearing overdone.
The absence of visible exhaust outlets – obviously unnecessary in an electric vehicle but sometimes fakely included by other manufacturers – creates a clean, purposeful appearance.
What’s particularly impressive is the attention to detail in elements that many overlook. Door handles sit flush with the body until approached with the key, extending outward with a precise, damped motion.
Panel gaps demonstrate remarkable consistency – an area where even premium European brands sometimes falter in their Indian-assembled models.
The paint finish on my test vehicle’s Nebula Blue shows exceptional depth, with metallic flakes that catch sunlight dramatically without appearing ostentatious.
The design team deserves particular credit for creating something that feels premium and sophisticated without resorting to the derivative styling that characterizes many Asian luxury aspirants.
The BE9 is confidently Indian rather than apologetically international – a philosophy that extends throughout the vehicle.
Mahindra BE9 Cabin: Redefining Indian Premium
Step inside, and the BE9 immediately challenges preconceptions about what domestic manufacturers can achieve. The dashboard architecture employs a horizontal orientation with layered elements that create visual interest and perceived width.
A mix of genuine materials – open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and high-quality leather alternatives – creates a tactile experience that rewards close inspection rather than falling apart under scrutiny.
The central 15.6-inch infotainment display appears to float above the dashboard, complemented by a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a passenger-side display that can show different information or be dimmed for nighttime driving.
Rather than overwhelming with technology, these screens are integrated thoughtfully into the overall design, with physical controls retained for frequently used functions – a welcome departure from the all-touch interfaces that plague many modern vehicles.
Seating comfort deserves particular mention. The front seats feature 16-way power adjustment including extendable thigh support – a feature particularly appreciated during longer highway stretches.
The cushioning strikes an ideal balance between initial softness and the firmer support needed for extended journeys. Both heating and ventilation functions are standard, addressing the diverse climate conditions found across India.
Rear seat accommodation defies the expectations set by the coupe-like roofline. Clever packaging and a slightly raised “theater” seating position create surprising headroom, while legroom remains generous even with tall front occupants.
The outer positions feature the same heating and ventilation capabilities as the front seats, while a substantial center armrest incorporates storage, cupholders, and climate controls.
Material quality throughout the cabin demonstrates Mahindra’s commitment to genuine luxury rather than merely the appearance of it.
The leather alternative upholstery features precise stitching patterns and perforations that wouldn’t look out of place in vehicles costing twice as much.
Door panels incorporate the same premium materials as the dashboard rather than the cost-cutting often seen even in established luxury brands.
Even less visible areas like the headliner and pillar trims receive the same attention to detail.
Storage solutions throughout the cabin demonstrate a practical understanding of how luxury vehicle owners actually use their cars in daily life.
The center console incorporates wireless charging for two devices, cooled cupholders, and a deep storage bin with thoughtfully organized divisions. Door pockets can accommodate 1-liter bottles while providing additional segmented storage for smaller items.
The 16-speaker premium audio system deserves particular mention for its exceptional sound staging and clarity.
Rather than simply overwhelming with bass (though it can certainly deliver impressive low-frequency response when called for), the system provides remarkable definition across the frequency spectrum, with excellent stereo imaging that creates an immersive listening experience regardless of seating position.
Mahindra BE9 Technology: Substance Beyond Specification
The BE9’s technology package impresses not merely through its comprehensive nature but through its thoughtful implementation.
The proprietary infotainment system avoids the laggy responses and confusing menu structures that plague many manufacturer-developed interfaces.
Screen transitions occur with smooth animations, touch response is immediate, and the organizational logic remains consistent throughout.
The voice assistant represents a significant advancement over previous Indian efforts, comprehending natural language commands with impressive accuracy even with diverse regional accents.
Rather than requiring specific command phrasing, it can interpret conversational requests like “I’m feeling cold” to adjust climate settings appropriately.
Driving assistance features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and automated emergency braking – all calibrated specifically for Indian driving conditions.
Unlike some systems that struggle with the unique challenges of Indian roads, the BE9’s assistants function with remarkable consistency, recognizing lane markings even when partially obscured and distinguishing between actual threats and the routine close-quarter driving common in urban centers.
The augmented reality head-up display projects navigation directions onto the apparent roadway ahead rather than simply displaying them in the driver’s peripheral vision.
This system proves particularly valuable in complex urban environments where conventional navigation can sometimes create confusion about exact turn locations.
Connectivity extends beyond the now-expected smartphone integration to include home automation interfaces, allowing drivers to adjust home settings on approach or departure, and calendar integration that can automatically set navigation based on upcoming appointments.
Over-the-air update capability ensures the technology remains current throughout ownership.
Mahindra BE9 Performance: Range Without Compromise
The BE9’s electric powertrain delivers figures that would be impressive globally, not just by Indian standards. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup produces 360 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, enabling a claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds despite the vehicle’s substantial size and weight.
More relevant to daily use is the powertrain’s refinement and response. Acceleration from standstill is immediate but smoothly delivered rather than jarringly aggressive.
Highway overtaking maneuvers require minimal planning, with instant power available regardless of current speed. Even more impressive is the calibration of the accelerator pedal, which allows for precise modulation in traffic without the sometimes jerky experience common in powerful electric vehicles.
The 100 kWh battery pack provides a ARAI-certified range of 708 kilometers, though real-world testing suggests 580-620 kilometers is achievable in mixed conditions – still remarkable figures that address the range anxiety that continues to concern many potential EV adopters.
During my week with the vehicle, I charged just once despite covering nearly 500 kilometers of varied driving.
Charging capabilities include support for 150 kW DC fast charging, which can add approximately 300 kilometers of range in 30 minutes.
More relevant for many owners will be the 22 kW AC charging capability that allows for complete overnight charging from conventional installations.
Ride quality demonstrates sophisticated tuning that belies Mahindra’s relative inexperience in the luxury segment. The air suspension provides excellent compliance over varied surfaces without the floaty sensation sometimes associated with such systems.
Drive modes allow for noticeable adjustments to the firmness, from the comfort-oriented Serene to the more dynamically focused Thrill, with a well-judged Normal setting that suits most conditions.
Handling characteristics won’t trouble performance SUVs from established European brands, but the BE9 acquits itself admirably for its size and purpose.
Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, while the all-wheel-drive system provides reassuring traction even in the wet conditions I encountered during drives to Lonavala.
The steering weight adjusts appropriately with speed, though feedback remains somewhat muted regardless of drive mode selection.
Braking performance benefits from the well-calibrated regenerative system, which can be adjusted through four levels of intensity.
At its strongest setting, one-pedal driving becomes possible in most situations, though the friction brakes provide reassuring power when required for more sudden stops.
Mahindra BE9 Practicality: Luxury Without Limitation
Despite its positioning as a luxury vehicle, the BE9 doesn’t sacrifice the practicality that Indian families expect.
The 560-liter boot offers generous capacity for luggage, while a front trunk (frunk) provides an additional 45 liters of storage – ideal for charging cables or smaller items.
Ground clearance of 230mm addresses concerns about navigating Mumbai’s occasionally dramatic speed breakers and flooded streets during monsoon season.
This high stance doesn’t compromise stability at speed thanks to the low-mounted battery pack that keeps the center of gravity relatively low.
Interior space utilization benefits from the dedicated electric platform, with a flat floor creating additional perceived space and making the occasional middle rear passenger position more viable than in many luxury SUVs.
Climate control effectiveness proves exceptional even under Mumbai’s punishing summer conditions, with the cabin cooling rapidly thanks to the powerful compressor and thoughtfully positioned vents.
Mahindra BE9 Conclusion: A New Benchmark from an Unexpected Source
The Mahindra BE9 represents more than just another luxury electric SUV; it symbolizes the coming of age of Indian automotive engineering and design.
Rather than merely imitating established global players, Mahindra has created something with distinct character that simultaneously meets international standards of quality and refinement.
The combination of genuinely luxurious appointments, impressive technological integration, and class-leading range addresses the primary concerns of luxury EV buyers without requiring the compromises often associated with domestically produced vehicles.
More importantly, it accomplishes this with a confidence and distinctiveness that feels authentic rather than derivative.
At its expected price point of ₹60-70 lakhs (ex-showroom), the BE9 positions itself against established luxury mid-size SUVs while offering the space and presence typically associated with larger vehicles.
Whether this value proposition will overcome brand perception challenges remains to be seen, but the product itself makes a compelling case for consideration alongside more established luxury nameplates.
For those willing to look beyond badge prestige, the BE9 offers a uniquely Indian interpretation of modern luxury mobility – one that understands local conditions and preferences while delivering an experience that requires no apologies or qualifications. It’s not merely good “for an Indian car”; it’s simply good, full stop.