Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV: price, range, specs

The new Mahindra BE 6e and XEV 9e have really stirred up the mass-market EV segment with their shocking pricing, especially considering the features, technology, and performance they offer. The smaller of these, the BE 6e, is a direct rival to the Tata Curvv EV launched a few months ago. Both are electric coupe-SUVs priced nearly the same, but they couldn’t be more different under the skin. So, let’s dive right in to see how the new Mahindra BE 6e compares to the Tata Curvv EV on paper in terms of dimensions, battery and range, specs, and price.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV dimensions

As you can see in the table above, the BE 6e is a slightly larger car, measuring 61mm longer and 97mm wider than the Curvv EV; however, the latter is 10mm taller. The BE 6e also has a much longer wheelbase, thanks to its born-electric origins.

As for wheel sizes, Tata Motors offers 17-inch rims on the lower variants of the Curvv EV and 18-inch rims on the higher-spec ones. Meanwhile, the base-spec BE 6e gets 18-inch rims, while higher trims get 19-inch rims. One can even opt for optional 20-inch wheels on the BE 6e. In terms of size, therefore, the BE 6e is ahead of the Curvv EV in most comparable aspects.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV underpinnings

Before we get into the powertrain details, it is important to address that the BE 6e and the Curvv EV use completely different underpinnings. The former is a born EV based on skateboard architecture, where the vehicle is built around the battery. Meanwhile, the Curvv EV is a heavily modified version of an existing ICE platform, which has been adapted for batteries and electric motors. This brings about a fundamental difference in their drive layout – the BE 6e is rear-wheel drive, while the Curvv EV is front-wheel drive.

Converted EVs are usually restricted to a front-wheel drive layout because that is the default configuration for most ICE vehicles. In trying to fit an EV powertrain into the overall structure, engineers have to work around the vehicle’s original design, with designated spaces for exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and other ICE-specific components, which creates natural limitations. Meanwhile, in a born EV, engineers can optimise every millimeter of space for maximum battery capacity, directly translating to better range and performance. It also allows for flexibility between RWD or AWD configurations, which not only results in better dynamics but also helps put the power down on the road better.  

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV battery, range, charging 

And that brings us to their battery specifications. Both get two battery pack options: the Curvv EV comes with 45kWh and 55kWh units, which have an ARAI-certified range of 430km and 502km, respectively. Meanwhile, the BE 6e uses much larger 59kWh and 79kWh battery packs, which have an ARAI-claimed range of 535km and 682km, respectively. Even with its smaller battery pack, the BE 6e returns 33km more range than the Curvv EV’s bigger battery.

When it comes to DC charging, the BE 6e can take inputs of up to 175kW, topping up the batteries from 20-80 percent in just 20 mins. Meanwhile, the Curvv EV can take inputs of only up to 70kW, topping up the batteries from 10-80 percent in 40 mins.

Another notable point of distinction is that Mahindra is offering a lifetime warranty on the battery pack for the first registered owner. However, if the ownership is transferred, the warranty will be limited to 10 years/2,00,000 km. Meanwhile, Tata Motors only offers an 8-year/1,60,000 km warranty on the battery pack.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV performance and specs

Lastly, when it comes to power and torque outputs, the BE 6e holds a huge advantage over the Curvv EV, with the higher-spec 79kWh variant delivering nearly double the power of the lower-spec Curvv EV. This also makes the BE 6e, along with the XEV 9e, the most powerful made-in-India vehicle. The fundamental difference in FWD and RWD configurations also makes for a very different drive experience with both coupe-SUVs.

In terms of outright performance, the 79kWh variant of the BE 6e is 1.9 seconds faster to 100kph than the 55kWh variant of the Curvv EV.

Mahindra BE 6e vs Tata Curvv EV price

Currently, Mahindra has only revealed the introductory base price of the BE 6e with the 59kWh battery. For the additional range and performance it offers over the 45kWh variant of the Curvv EV, you do have to pay a premium of Rs 1.40 lakh, and additionally for the charger as well. It is also likely that prices for the top-spec BE 6e, when revealed later in January 2025, will be more than the Curvv EV’s Rs 22 lakh top-end price.

However, despite its premium, the Mahindra BE 6e comes across as the better package on paper, offering a lot more on the equipment front as well. We’ll be doing a detailed comparison of the features offered on both coupe-SUVs, so stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, which electric coupe-SUV appeals to you more? Let us know in the comments below.  

Also See:

Mahindra BE 6e, XEV 9e to be sold through existing dealer network