The race for India's electric SUV crown is heating up! With Maruti Suzuki on the verge of revealing the final pricing for its highly anticipated e-Vitara on January 17, 2026, and Mahindra having just opened bookings for its formidable BE 6e on January 14, 2026, Indian car buyers are spoiled for choice. But which electric SUV truly deserves your hard-earned money? Let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of these two segment-defining EVs.
Platform & Design: A Fresh Start for Both
Both manufacturers have opted for dedicated EV platforms, promising optimized performance and space. The Maruti e-Vitara rides on a heavily modified version of the Global C platform (shared with the Grand Vitara), ensuring a familiar, robust chassis. Its design is expected to be a sleek evolution of the Grand Vitara, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency for maximum range.
In contrast, the Mahindra BE 6e is built on the advanced, modular INGLO platform. This 'born-electric' architecture allows for radical design choices, giving the BE 6e a futuristic, coupe-SUV silhouette that genuinely stands out. Expect bold lines, flush door handles, and a commanding road presence.
Battery, Range, and Performance: The Core EV Promise
This is where the real battle lies. For 2026, both brands are pushing the boundaries of range and efficiency.
Electric SUV Power Comparison
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara | Mahindra BE 6e |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Pack | ~49 kWh (Estimated) | ~59 kWh (Two options: 59kWh & 79kWh) |
| Claimed Range (MIDC) | ~500 km | ~450-550 km (Variant dependent) |
| Power Output | ~140 hp (Estimated) | ~230 hp (RWD), ~345 hp (AWD) |
| 0-100 km/h | ~8.5 seconds | ~6-7 seconds (RWD), ~5 seconds (AWD) |
The Mahindra BE 6e, leveraging its INGLO platform, clearly aims for higher performance figures, especially in its AWD variant. The e-Vitara, while not a slouch, focuses more on balanced, efficient urban commuting and highway cruising.
Features & Interior: Tech Battleground
Both SUVs are packed with modern features to justify their premium EV price tags:
- Infotainment: Both will feature large floating touchscreens (10.25-inch for Maruti, 12-inch for Mahindra). Expect wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Safety: Expect 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard. Higher variants will get ADAS Level 2 features (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Braking).
- Comfort: Ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system are expected in top trims. Mahindra's BE 6e might offer more futuristic interior lighting and material choices.
Pricing & Booking Strategy: The Deciding Factor
The Maruti e-Vitara price will be officially revealed on January 17, 2026. Industry experts predict a starting price of around ₹18-20 Lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant, going up to ₹25 Lakh for the top model.
Mahindra BE 6e bookings opened yesterday (Jan 14, 2026). While official prices are yet to be announced, expectations are that the BE 6e will command a slightly higher premium, potentially starting from ₹22 Lakh for the base RWD variant and crossing ₹30 Lakh for the powerful AWD options.
Navigating EV Ownership Costs in 2026
For both models, consider EV-specific car insurance plans which often include battery protection and roadside assistance. Explore various car loan interest rates 2026 offered by banks, as some institutions provide special lower rates for electric vehicles. Calculating your EMI in advance is crucial, especially when deciding between variants with differing battery sizes.
The Verdict: Which One to Book?
If you prioritize a slightly more affordable entry point, a proven brand, and balanced city-highway performance, the Maruti e-Vitara seems like a sensible choice. However, if cutting-edge design, exhilarating performance, and a truly 'born-electric' experience are higher on your list, the Mahindra BE 6e promises to deliver. The next 48 hours will be crucial as Maruti plays its price card. Stay tuned for our full analysis post-launch!
The race for India's electric SUV crown is heating up! With Maruti Suzuki on the verge of revealing the final pricing for its highly anticipated e-Vitara on January 17, 2026 , and Mahindra having just opened bookings for its formidable BE 6e on January 14, 2026, Indian car buyers are spoiled for choice. But which electric SUV truly deserves your hard-earned money? Let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of these two segment-defining EVs.
Platform & Design: A Fresh Start for Both
Both manufacturers have opted for dedicated EV platforms, promising optimized performance and space. The Maruti e-Vitara rides on a heavily modified version of the Global C platform (shared with the Grand Vitara), ensuring a familiar, robust chassis. Its design is expected to be a sleek evolution of the Grand Vitara, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency for maximum range.
In contrast, the Mahindra BE 6e is built on the advanced, modular INGLO platform. This 'born-electric' architecture allows for radical design choices, giving the BE 6e a futuristic, coupe-SUV silhouette that genuinely stands out. Expect bold lines, flush door handles, and a commanding road presence.
Battery, Range, and Performance: The Core EV Promise
This is where the real battle lies. For 2026, both brands are pushing the boundaries of range and efficiency.
Electric SUV Power Comparison
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara | Mahindra BE 6e |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Pack | ~49 kWh (Estimated) | ~59 kWh (Two options: 59kWh & 79kWh) |
| Claimed Range (MIDC) | ~500 km | ~450-550 km (Variant dependent) |
| Power Output | ~140 hp (Estimated) | ~230 hp (RWD), ~345 hp (AWD) |
| 0-100 km/h | ~8.5 seconds | ~6-7 seconds (RWD), ~5 seconds (AWD) |
The Mahindra BE 6e, leveraging its INGLO platform, clearly aims for higher performance figures, especially in its AWD variant. The e-Vitara, while not a slouch, focuses more on balanced, efficient urban commuting and highway cruising.
Features & Interior: Tech Battleground
Both SUVs are packed with modern features to justify their premium EV price tags:
- Infotainment: Both will feature large floating touchscreens (10.25-inch for Maruti, 12-inch for Mahindra). Expect wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Safety: Expect 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard. Higher variants will get **ADAS Level 2** features (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Braking).
- Comfort: Ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system are expected in top trims. Mahindra's BE 6e might offer more futuristic interior lighting and material choices.
Pricing & Booking Strategy: The Deciding Factor
The **Maruti e-Vitara price will be officially revealed on January 17, 2026. Industry experts predict a starting price of around ₹18-20 Lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant, going up to ₹25 Lakh for the top model.
Mahindra BE 6e bookings opened yesterday (Jan 14, 2026). While official prices are yet to be announced, expectations are that the BE 6e will command a slightly higher premium, potentially starting from ₹22 Lakh for the base RWD variant and crossing ₹30 Lakh for the powerful AWD options.
Navigating EV Ownership Costs in 2026
For both models, consider EV-specific car insurance plans which often include battery protection and roadside assistance. Explore various car loan interest rates 2026 offered by banks, as some institutions provide special lower rates for electric vehicles. Calculating your EMI in advance is crucial, especially when deciding between variants with differing battery sizes.
The Verdict: Which One to Book?
If you prioritize a slightly more affordable entry point, a proven brand, and balanced city-highway performance, the Maruti e-Vitara seems like a sensible choice. However, if cutting-edge design, exhilarating performance, and a truly 'born-electric' experience are higher on your list, the Mahindra BE 6e promises to deliver. The next 48 hours will be crucial as Maruti plays its price card. Stay tuned for our full analysis post-launch!
