Mahindra launched the BE 6 electric SUV on November 26, 2024, and later introduced a BE 6 Formula E Edition on the same day next year. The Formula E (FE) version features some distinctive cosmetic updates inside and out to reference the brand’s Formula E racing programme, though the mechanical package remains identical. While the standard BE 6 comes in five trims, the FE edition offers two: FE2 and FE3. Here are the key differences between the standard BE 6 and its FE version.
- Formula E Edition has circular bi-LED headlamps and a single rear lamp instead of C-shaped LED clusters
- It gets a leatherette-suede cabin and Formula E drivers’ initials on a plaque
- Despite an identical powertrain, Formula E Edition delivers 30km less range
Racing-inspired exterior updates
Circular headlamps, racing graphics and a single rear lamp unit give it a distinctive look.
The BE 6 already carries a sporty character, but the FE edition takes a step further in the race-inspired design direction Mahindra explored during the model’s development phase. Right from the front, it sets a sportier tone by replacing the standard car’s C-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) with circular bi-LED projector headlamps and a chunkier bumper. A 12-stripe graphic runs across the bonnet and roof, each stripe representing a season of Mahindra’s Formula E participation. The FIA logo and Mahindra Racing graphics are embedded into the windscreen, with track-themed decals along the sides.
The lower body cladding gets a new liquid metal treatment instead of the standard car’s glossy finish. Wheel sizes increase from 18-inch or 19-inch in the standard range to 19-inch on the FE2 or 20-inch on the FE3, with new blacked-out rims. Additionally, the FE features racing graphics printed on the tyres and brake calipers with Firestorm Orange accents.
The distinctions between the two continue at the rear as well. At the FE edition’s launch event, Mahindra’s chief design officer, Pratap Bose, explained that sports cars are all about stripping out what’s unnecessary. Consequently, the elongated C-shaped tail-light is replaced with a single lamp unit, but the spoiler extends further for better aerodynamics. The sportier rear bumper also has the aforementioned liquid metal finish.
Cabin material changes and racing details
Suede inserts, translucent door panels and driver signatures add track-themed touches.
The BE 6 Formula E Edition’s cabin distinguishes itself through material choices and racing-specific details. Its seat upholstery combines leatherette with suede inserts – a departure from the standard car’s all-leatherette treatment – and a semi-transparent section on the door panels exposes the underlying sheet metal. Orange accents appear throughout, matching the exterior brake calipers.
Like the standard BE 6, the FE edition gets dual 12.3-inch screens, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos and Night Trail carpet lamps. However, the standard BE 6’s Pack Three includes ambient lighting with 16 million colour options and an augmented reality head-up display – features absent in the FE edition.
Further distinguishing the FE edition is an anodised aluminium plaque on the centre console that carries FIA and Formula E branding, along with signatures from Mahindra Racing’s Formula E drivers – Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara. This special edition also adds a push-button start with a flip-cap cover and Formula E graphics on the roof.
Identical powertrain but reduced range and safety tech
Has the same 79 kWh battery and 210kW motor but 30km less range and a downgraded ADAS suite.
The Formula E Edition uses the same 79kWh battery and 286hp rear-wheel-drive motor setup as the standard BE 6’s Pack Three variant. However, its certified range is 653km – 30km less than the standard model’s 683km figure.
Coming to safety features, while the standard BE 6 Pack Three includes Level 2+ ADAS with five radars and one vision camera, offering features such as driver-initiated auto lane change and blind-spot detection, the FE edition only has standard cruise control, a 360-degree camera and a blind-view monitor, without the radar-based advanced driver assistance.
Price difference
While the Formula E Edition is based on the BE 6’s 79kWh Pack Three, which has an ex-showroom price of Rs 26.90 lakh, it costs less. The FE2 starts at Rs 23.69 lakh and the FE3 at Rs 24.49 lakh.