Mahindra South Africa has confirmed it’s evaluating the “feasibility” of entering the local electric vehicle (EV) market with 2 coupé-style crossovers: the BE 6 and XEV 9e…
- Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e are both on the cards
- Local “feasibility” study currently in progress
- Up to 210 kW from a rear-mounted electric motor
Mahindra South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za it’s considering launching the battery-powered BE 6 and XEV 9e locally, a move that would mark the Indian brand’s entrance to Mzansi’s growing electric vehicle (EV) segment.
We recently unearthed local trademark applications for both the “BE 6” and “XEV 9e” badges. Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (rather than Mahindra & Mahindra Limited) filed these applications in South Africa in July 2025, with both still listed as “pending”.
So, we asked Mahindra SA to comment on its EV plans, including whether the XEV 9e and BE 6 might be on the cards for a local introduction. Though the company wouldn’t be drawn on possible timing, it did confirm to us it was engaged in a feasibility study.
“Mahindra South Africa is currently evaluating both models’ [the BE 6 and XEV 9e] market and product feasibility,” the Indian brand’s local division told Cars.co.za in a short statement.
So, what do we know about these 5-seater EVs, which were revealed back in November 2024? Well, both are coupé-style crossovers (featuring futuristic exterior designs) and both are built on the brand’s so-called “INGLO” platform.
The BE 6 – which was originally named “BE 6e” but later rebranded after a trademark conflict – is the more compact of the pair, measuring 4 371 mm long. It’s additionally available in India in special-edition “Formula E” guise, complete with model-specific bumpers and headlamps. The XEV 9e, meanwhile, comes in at 4 789 mm, though shares its 2 775 mm wheelbase with its smaller “Electric Origin” sibling.
Interestingly, these 2 models also share powertrain configurations in their domestic market. As such, both the BE 6 and XEV 9e can be specified with either a 59 kWh or a 79 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack (seemingly sourced from Chinese firm BYD), facilitating respective claimed ranges of up to 682 km and 656 km on the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC P1+P2) testing standard.
Both vehicles are currently built exclusively in rear-wheel drive, with the 59 kWh battery pack feeding a 170 kW electric motor and the 79 kWh item linked to a 210 kW electric motor. Peak torque comes in at 380 Nm in each case. Mahindra claims the battery’s state of charge can be increased from 20% to 80% in “just 20 minutes” when hooked up to a 175 kW fast charger.
In 2025, Mahindra SA broke into Mzansi’s calendar-year top 10 for the first time, posting the 2nd strongest instance of year-on-year growth in the top 10 with a significant 40.7% increase. After placing 12th in 2024, the Indian automaker climbed to 10th in 2025, with its final tally of 18 100 units representing a 3.0% share of the overall market (up from 2.5%). Though SA’s new-energy vehicle (NEV) market is still a relatively low-volume space, Mahindra seemingly has aspirations in this segment, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mahindra’s Future EVs in SA
Q: When will the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e launch in South Africa?
A: While a formal launch date hasn’t been set, Mahindra SA is currently conducting a “feasibility” study. Given that production for these models ramped up in India in early 2025 and trademark applications were filed locally in July 2025, we anticipate a potential market entry late in 2026 or early 2027.
Q: What kind of range and performance can we expect from these EVs?
A: Both models are built on the “Electric Origin” INGLO platform. You’ll likely see two battery options: a 59 kWh pack and a 79 kWh pack. The latter is a powerhouse, delivering up to 210 kW and 380 Nm, with a claimed range of over 650 km. More impressively, they support 175 kW fast charging, which can juice the battery from 20% to 80% in about 20 minutes.
Q: How do the BE 6 and XEV 9e differ in terms of size?
A: The BE 6 is a compact, sporty “crossover-coupé” at 4 371 mm long (roughly the size of a Range Rover Evoque) designed for urban agility. The XEV 9e is a much larger, more premium model at 4 789 mm long (just 6 mm shorter than a Toyota Fortuner), featuring a more luxurious “lounge-like” cabin with a triple-screen dashboard layout.
Related content
Mahindra XUV 7XO revealed as updated XUV700
