Quick Reads
- Recent spy shots of the Mahindra BE 07 confirm that the electric SUV is in its final testing phases
- Design stays quite close to the original concept revealed
- Test mules spotted with frameless doors and motorised flush-fitting door handles
- Expected to sit above the BE 6 in Mahindra’s “Born Electric” lineup, with battery options up to 79 kWh
Intro
Mahindra is proceeding with its EV plan at a breakneck pace, and one such instance is through their recently spotted BE 07 electric SUV. Test mules of the BE 07 electric SUV have been seen getting extensively tested in the vicinity of the Mahindra SUV Proving Track (MSPT), located in Chennai.
A look at the recent spy shot provides the clearest look yet at the SUV’s production-ready shape. Slated to be the brand’s fourth “Born Electric” model following the Mahindra BE 6, XEV 9E, and XEV 9S, the BE 07 appears to carry a more conventional SUV shape, alongside high-end features.
Design: Staying True to the Concept
The spy shots have also proven that the BE 07 continues to maintain the same rugged and dominating look that was revealed in the earlier concept, showcased by Mahindra. While both of its siblings, the BE 6 and XEV 9e, adopt a design scheme which is very similar to that of a coupe, the BE 07 adopts an upright profile of a standard SUV.
Despite the camouflage, cutouts for sharp, vertically stacked lighting elements and potentially C-shaped DRLs are revealed, keeping it aligned with Mahindra’s new electric design language. The prototypes also sport large 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels that fill the pronounced, squared-off wheel arches.
Perhaps the most significant revelation from the recent sightings is the confirmation of pillarless, frameless doors. In case it becomes part of the final production variant of the car, the BE 07 will become one of the first affordable cars in the Indian passenger automobile segment to offer such an option, something that is usually restricted only to luxury cars. Adding further to the appeal of the vehicle, there is also the provision of motorised flush-mounted door handles.
Inside the Cabin: Tech-Forward and Luxurious
Although the spy shots have not revealed much of the interior space of the vehicle, the latest from Mahindra does suggest that there is plenty to get excited about. The BE 07 is expected to come with a futuristic cockpit inspired by fighter jets and featuring a huge edge-to-edge dash display of three 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster, infotainment, and the front passenger.
Expectations are high regarding a long list of luxurious features, such as a panoramic glass sunroof, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system with Dolby Atmos, ventilated front seats with a memory function, and dual-zone climate control. On the safety front, it may have Level 2+ ADAS, a surround-view camera and at least 6 airbags as standard.
INGLO Platform and Powertrain
The BE 07 will be underpinned by Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO electric skateboard platform. Powertrain details are expected to be shared with the XEV 9S. This implies that the BE 07 will be available in various battery variants such as 59 kWh, 70 kWh, and 79 kWh batteries for the top of the range. The 79 kWh battery, when combined with the rear-wheel-drive motor generating 282 bhp and torque of 380 Nm would give an impressive claimed range of over 650 km. Reports also suggest a dual motor, AWD being introduced in the higher trim levels.
