The electric vehicle market in India is heating up, with brands competing to offer better features, affordability, and innovation. In this comparison, we pit the MG Windsor EV, MG's latest crossover, against the Mahindra BE 6e (formerly known as the “BE 6e”), electric coupe-SUV. Both cars promise to deliver exceptional value but cater to slightly different audiences. Let's see how they stack up.
Design and Styling
MG Windsor EV:
- Features a clean, minimalist crossover design that feels modern and stylish.
- Connected LED lighting at the front and rear enhances its premium look.
- Flush-type door handles and 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels add futuristic touches.
- Four vibrant color options: Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green.
Mahindra BE 6:
- Boasts a futuristic coupe-SUV design with sharp edges and a radical silhouette.
- Key highlights include illuminated logos, C-shaped LED DRLs, and an aerodynamic air duct.
- Dual-tone styling with bold wheel arches and a coupe-style roofline.
- Rear wraparound LED tail lamps complete its sporty look.
Verdict: The BE 6 stands out for its edgy, concept-like design, while the Windsor EV strikes a balance with its minimalist yet modern styling.
Interior and Technology
MG Windsor EV:
- Luxurious all-black cabin with bronze and wooden inserts for a premium feel.
- Massive 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display.
- Exclusive features like an Infinity View Glass Roof, wireless charging, and reclining rear seats.
- Offers a generous 604-liter boot space for practicality.
Mahindra BE 6:
- Features a cockpit-inspired wraparound halo design with dual 12.3-inch floating screens.
- AR head-up display, aircraft-style drive mode selector, and Dolby Atmos sound system.
- Premium touches like a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and BYOD integration.
- 455 liters of boot space plus an additional 45-liter frunk for added utility.
Verdict: While both EVs offer luxury and advanced tech, the Windsor EV excels in rear-passenger comfort, and the BE 6 leads in tech sophistication.
Performance and Range
MG Windsor EV:
- Powered by a 38 kWh battery producing 134 bhp and 200 Nm of torque.
- Delivers an ARAI-certified range of 331 km.
- Four driving modes (Eco, Eco+, Normal, Sport) optimize performance.
- Accelerates 0-100 km/h in just 9.8 seconds.
- Top speed- 150 km/h
- Charging times: 13.8 hours (3.3 kW AC), 6.5 hours (7.4 kW AC), and 55 minutes (50 kW DC).
Mahindra BE 6:
Two battery variants:
- 59 kWh (228 hp, 450 km WLTP range).
- 79 kWh (281 hp, 682 km ARAI range).
- Accelerates 0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
- Top speed- 180 km/h
- Fast charging: 20-80% in 20 minutes via a 175 kW DC charger.
Verdict: The BE 6e dominates in performance, offering faster acceleration and a longer range, making it ideal for enthusiasts.
Safety and Advanced Features
MG Windsor EV:
- Equipped with Level-2 ADAS, including a 360-degree camera, six airbags, ESC, and TPMS.
- First-in-segment Lifetime Warranty on the battery pack for initial owners.
Mahindra BE 6:
- Features Level-2 ADAS with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and emergency braking.
- Safety highlights include an AR head-up display and multiple driving assistance features.
Verdict: Both EVs offer robust safety systems, but the Windsor EV edges ahead with its industry-first lifetime battery warranty.
Pricing and Availability
MG Windsor EV:
Battery-included pricing:
- Excite: ₹13.49 lakh
- Exclusive: ₹14.49 lakh
- Essence: ₹15.49 lakh
Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) pricing:
- Excite: ₹9.99 lakh
- Exclusive: ₹10.99 lakh
- Essence: ₹11.99 lakh
- Note: With BaaS, owners pay ₹3.5/km for battery usage, significantly reducing the upfront cost.
- Bookings open from October 3, 2024, with deliveries starting October 12, 2024.
Mahindra BE 6:
- Pricing starts at ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2025.
Final Thoughts
Both the MG Windsor EV and Mahindra BE 6 cater to different buyer preferences. The MG Windsor EV's BaaS option makes it a highly accessible choice, starting at ₹9.99 lakh—comparable to ICE compact SUVs. This innovative pricing strategy is ideal for budget-conscious buyers. In contrast, the Mahindra BE 6 is positioned as a premium offering, justifying its price with advanced features and a longer range.