Mahindra XUV400, an electric vehicle launched by Mahindra two years ago in 2023.
They introduced this car to compete with the Tata Nexon EV, but it utterly failed to meet the challenge. The reason is that this car does not perform well.
For one, this car is built on the internal combustion engine (ICE) platform, which limits its battery capacity. Additionally, the car’s design is unappealing, and it lacks advanced technology features.
Mahindra EVs
This car appears somewhat outdated for 2023. However, within a year or two, by the end of 2024, Mahindra will introduce its new electric vehicles (EVs). These models look impressive and are also technically advanced.
It offers a greater range and impressive speed. These cars have astonished people since their launch, and I have never witnessed such enthusiasm for electric vehicles (EVs) in India before.
When bookings for these cars opened, first-day reservations exceeded 30,000, a figure that has never been seen in India for electric vehicles (EVs).
These Mahindra electric vehicles (EVs) have certainly captivated the Indian market, as they offer exceptional quality and performance.
I believe these vehicles are sufficiently competitive to enter foreign markets and rival Chinese electric vehicles.
The Chinese electric cars have made significant inroads from Europe to the Middle East, and there are three reasons for this trend.
1. The pace and advancements in the research and development (R&D) at Mahindra.
2. The cost-effectiveness that only Indian car manufacturers, apart from those in China, can achieve.
3. The strained relations between Western countries and China.
Mahindra Vs International Cars Comparison
So, let’s explore all these points in detail. We will compare these cars to various European and Chinese electric vehicles to see where they stand.
Their journey from an outdated electric vehicle, such as the XUV 400, to modern and sophisticated electric vehicles like the XEV and BE, all within just two years.
However, they began research and development on these cars quite some time ago, collaborating with other automakers and parts suppliers in the process.
The Mahindra Inglo platform was introduced in 2022, serving as the foundation for all of Mahindra’s electric vehicles, both current models and those planned for the future.
Volkswagen’s electric vehicle (EV) components were utilized in the development of the Mahindra EV platform. Additionally, the batteries employed by Mahindra are manufactured by BYD and are of the blade battery type.
Mahindra sought assistance but primarily handled the development itself. In a remarkably short period, they have created these cars, which are heavily equipped with advanced technology.
Mahindra XEV 9E
The XEV 9e features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and includes a driver monitoring system.
360-degree camera and a solid glass roof above allow you to change the color according to the ambiance, among many other features.
Cars developed by Mahindra are highly advanced. However, two significant reasons could make them competitive in the international market.
The first aspect to consider is the design, followed by their capabilities. In terms of design, the BE6 resembles an SUV crafted by a luxury sports car manufacturer.
It is truly unique. This design is inspired by the Urus, as it possesses its unique selling proposition (USP).
The lower variants of the BE6 produce 28 BHP and offer a range of 597 kilometers with a 59 kWh battery. In contrast, the top model generates 282 BHP and provides a range of 683 kilometers with its 79 kWh battery pack.
The XEV 9E features similar specifications, with a slight difference in range. It is equipped with DC fast charging, allowing it to charge from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
While these power figures and range are impressive, other car manufacturers are also achieving similar results.
Then why is the market praising them?
Mahindra BE6
The primary reason is their pricing. The ex-showroom price of the Mahindra BE6 ranges from ₹18.90 lakhs to ₹26 lakhs, while the XEV 9E is priced between ₹21.90 lakhs and ₹30 lakhs.
Now, these prices present an advantage for Mahindra because, apart from Chinese car manufacturers, there are no reputable automakers offering vehicles with these specifications at such a competitive price. Regardless of whether it is Korean, European, or Japanese, we can examine the Indian market.
The Creta EV that was launched in India is not a purpose-built electric vehicle, which is why its battery is visible from underneath, and it is not particularly large either.
The top variant features 169 BHP and a 51.4 kWh battery pack, with the price of the highest model set at ₹23.50 lakhs. This car starts at ₹18 lakhs, offering even fewer specifications.
The BE6 generates 218 BHP in its base variant and is equipped with a 59 kWh battery pack.
The base variant price is approximately ₹18.90 lakhs. This variant of the car provides superior power and range compared to the top model of the Creta EV, and it is significantly more affordable.
Talking about the top variant, it is priced at ₹3 lakhs, which is quite expensive. However, the top variant of the BE6 is very powerful and offers an impressive range.
So, you can see that despite manufacturing in India, the Koreans couldn’t compete with Mahindra.
When discussing markets such as the UK, it is important to compare whether Mahindra’s cars compete with those sold in that region.
At the same time, are they considered a good value for money?
Skoda Air Elroq
The first example is Skoda electric vehicles (EVs). The Skoda Air Elroq starts at 3.5 million. This car produces 170 bhp and is equipped with a 55 kWh battery pack.
Skoda Enyaq
Apart from this, the Skoda Enyaq starts at ₹41 lakhs, generates 204 bhp, and is equipped with a 62 kWh battery pack.
KIA EV3
When discussing KIA, the EV3 is priced at approximately 37 lakhs and features a power output of 201 BHP, along with a 58 kWh battery pack.
Now you have the introductory prices and specifications of these three cars.
When compared to the Mahindra BE6, the price of the top model of this car in India is approximately ₹27 lakhs (ex-showroom).
This vehicle delivers an impressive 282 BHP and is equipped with a 79 kWh battery pack. In terms of power and range, it outperforms many cars available in the UK market, all while being offered at a significantly lower cost.
Let’s say that cars in the UK come with a higher price tag. If Indian cars are introduced there, their prices may increase. However, prices in India are already high, so the price difference might not be significant. Even if it is, compared to these cars, this car represents a great value.
I am not claiming that the BE6 is superior in every aspect; one cannot make that assertion without experiencing both vehicles firsthand. However, when discussing specifications and features, this car presents formidable competition.
On top of that, this car is highly cost-effective when comparing the XEV 9E with the VW ID.7. The XEV 9E is priced at ₹58 lakhs, generates 28 BHP of power, and is equipped with a battery pack of 86 kWh.
Mahindra XEV 9E offers comparable power; however, the battery pack is somewhat smaller.
However, the price difference is substantial, amounting to ₹28 lakhs.
Again, while the ID7 may excel in several parameters compared to this car, a comparison of their exteriors and interiors reveals that this Mahindra vehicle is a strong contender against the VW model and appears more appealing in certain aspects.
I believe the audience there would certainly appreciate this.
These comparisons demonstrate that these two Mahindra vehicles can compete with both European and Korean cars, and at a significantly lower price. This is precisely what Chinese car brands are doing.
Dubai Auto Market
Now that we have discussed China, let’s turn our attention to Dubai for a fair comparison, where Chinese cars are present in large numbers.
You own a Geely Galaxy E5 in Dubai, which produces 214 BHP and is equipped with a 49 kWh battery pack. This is the base variant, and it is priced at approximately ₹18 lakhs.
Similarly, Geely Geometry offers 201 BHP of power and a 53 kWh battery pack, with a price tag of approximately ₹26 lakhs. Additionally, there is the Leapmotor C11, which is priced between ₹25 and ₹26 lakhs. You can find the specifications for both vehicles.
Now, these cars should have been a bit cheaper, but import duties may be the reason for their high prices.
Comparatively, even if we lower their prices to match the Mahindra BE6 EV, the Mahindra BE6 still offers superior performance and a more efficient battery pack.
When discussing the design, there is no comparison; these three Chinese cars appear remarkably generic, resembling many other Chinese vehicles. They lack a distinctive design language.
On the other hand, the BE6 features a striking design that conveys a unique identity.
I don’t mean that every Chinese car looks the same.
There are Chinese cars that look phenomenal.
Zeekr X is priced at approximately ₹40 lakhs in Dubai. It delivers 272 BHP of power and is equipped with a 69 kWh battery pack, all while boasting a stunning design.
Overall, I believe that Mahindra-made cars offer competitive pricing similar to Chinese vehicles, while also boasting comparable specifications. In certain aspects, these cars outperform their counterparts.
A few Chinese brands, such as BYD, surpass Mahindra in quality. They possess robust research and development capabilities and offer a more impressive lineup of larger vehicles than Mahindra.
However, when considering the Chinese market as a whole, there are brands that Mahindra could either outperform or that offer similar performance at comparable prices.
This is why I believe Mahindra has the potential to excel in even mature markets.
However, Indian brands possess another advantage they can leverage: the geopolitical advantage.
The United States has imposed a 100% import duty on Chinese cars. Canada has also implemented a 100% import duty, indicating that Western countries are reluctant to allow Chinese car manufacturers to operate within their borders.
There are two significant reasons for this stance.
Cost-Effective
For one, these products are manufactured in China, which makes them highly cost-effective. China boasts countless brands, and if they benefit from price advantages, they could potentially outcompete domestic brands in Europe and America.
Data Theft
The second reason is data theft. The United States and European countries have consistently accused China of using its electric cars to facilitate data theft, claiming that it steals sensitive information.
This means that these cars collect data about the individuals who drive them, and this information is sent to China. This poses a danger to both the individual and the country, and the ethics of this practice are frequently debated.
Conclusion
However, Mahindra could benefit from this situation because European countries do not share a similar ideology regarding India.
Mahindra is currently operating in South Africa and Australia, and they have the potential to expand into the European market if they choose to do so. They may already be planning this expansion.
Because I believe their cars are sufficiently competent to compete with many other Chinese and European brands.