Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) unveiled its much-anticipated Born Electric range of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) with the rollout of BE 6e and XEV 9e on November 26. Both the electric-origin SUVs, which were unveiled at the Mahindra Research Valley in Chengalpattu, Chennai, are based on its latest 'INGLO' platform.
While BE 6e will be available from Rs 18.90 lakh onwards, XEV 9e will have an introductory price of Rs 21.90 lakh (both ex-showroom). The deliveries of both the models are expected to commence in February-March next year.
Both the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are powered by two battery options 79 kWh and 59 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries that will deliver certified range of 682 km and 656 km, respectively, on a single charge. The battery supports fast DC charging of up to 175 kW, enabling a 20 percent to 80 percent charge in just 20 minutes, according to the company.
"We believe we have a very competitive offering which will create a category. We have always said this is not about EVs or not EVs; it is about creating a certain lifestyle. We believe we have positioned ‘unlimit’ love, technology, performance, and the right price to create a new category in the Indian automotive space," Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO for Auto and farm sectors told reporters while unveiling the model.
Jejurikar reckons that with aggressive price points, the company is positioning itself as a strong contender in the burgeoning EV market. He also stated that the prices of other variants of the two models will be announced later.
The homegrown carmaker revealed that it is bringing on board 500 specialists from luxury and premium brands to provide pre-purchase drive experience. Besides, it will put around 400 tech experts for customer experience with dedicated support from MRV. On November 22, Mahindra had recently revealed the sketches of both the models.
Veejay Nakra, President - Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, said, "The BE 6e, with its edgy, athletic silhouette and race-inspired agility, is designed for those who thrive on performance and adrenaline while the XEV 9e exudes sophistication with its suave SUV coupe design, seamlessly blending indulgent luxury with dynamic performance.”
M&M had earlier announced that it has committed to an investment of over Rs 12,000 crore in its electric vehicle business. The automaker is setting up an all-new manufacturing line for EVs at its Chakan plant, which has an installed capacity of 1.2 lakh units per annum.
At present, Mahindra only sells XUV400 in the electric passenger vehicle segment.
The company also introduced the Mahindra Artificial Intelligence Architecture (MAIA), which it referred to as "software on wheels" (SOW). In addition to driver assistance, MAIA offers features like HD streaming on multiple displays, connected car technology, and an enhanced audio system.
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