In the fast-evolving world of electric vehicles, Mahindra is setting new benchmarks with its Electric Origin SUV lineup. Launched in November 2024, the BE 6 and XEV 9e quickly captured the imagination of EV enthusiasts with their striking designs, cutting-edge INGLO platform, and impressive performance specs—like up to 500+ km of real-world range on the XEV 9e.
Now, just under a year later, the Indian automaker is enhancing the ownership experience through a strategic collaboration with Samsung. Owners of these premium EVs can now ditch traditional key fobs in favor of a seamless digital key feature integrated into Samsung Wallet, turning compatible Galaxy smartphones into multifunctional car keys.This partnership, announced recently, allows users to lock, unlock, and even start their BE 6 or XEV 9e directly from their phone—without ever reaching for a physical key.
It’s a move that’s not just convenient but also forward-thinking, aligning Mahindra’s tech-savvy EVs with the growing ecosystem of smartphone-car integrations. As EV adoption surges in India, features like this could make the transition smoother for tech-loving drivers.
What Is a Digital Key, and How Does It Work?
If you’re dipping your toes into this technology for the first time, a digital key essentially transforms your smartphone into a virtual car key. Gone are the days of fumbling for fobs in your pocket or bag; instead, your phone handles authentication securely. The magic happens through a trio of advanced wireless technologies:NFC (Near Field Communication): For close-range interactions, like tapping your phone on the car’s door handle to unlock it.
Bluetooth: Enables hands-free connectivity over short distances.
Ultra-Wideband (UWB): Provides precise location tracking, ensuring the system knows exactly where your phone is relative to the vehicle—preventing unauthorized access.
To use this feature, your Samsung Galaxy device needs to support these protocols, with NFC being the bare minimum. It’s compatible with recent models like the Galaxy S series and Z Fold/Flip lineups, and the best part? It works even if your phone is powered off, thanks to NFC’s passive nature.
Setup is straightforward: Pair your phone via the Samsung Wallet app, and you’re ready to roll.Mahindra isn’t alone in this space. Global giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have offered digital keys for years on their luxury models, while Chinese EV leader BYD integrates it across its lineup. Closer to home, Hyundai and Kia are democratizing the tech—Hyundai’s mass-market stars, the Alcazar and Creta Electric, already support digital keys, making premium features accessible without the premium price tag.
The Perks: Convenience, Sharing, and a Touch of Luxury
One of the standout benefits of ditching the key fob? Pure seamlessness. Traditional cars typically come with just two physical keys, which can get lost, damaged, or left behind. With a digital key, that limitation vanishes. Mahindra’s implementation allows sharing access with up to four or five devices, perfect for handing off the car to family members or friends via a simple app invite—no more “I forgot my key” excuses at family gatherings.
For those craving next-level ease, some digital key systems include passive entry. This means you don’t even need to pull out your phone; as long as it’s in your pocket or bag, the car detects it and unlocks automatically when you approach the door. While Mahindra hasn’t explicitly detailed passive entry for the BE 6 and XEV 9e yet, it’s a feature seen in high-end rivals like the Kia EV9, which commands a steep price but delivers that effortless vibe.
Expect Mahindra to roll out similar enhancements soon, given their focus on user-centric innovation.Beyond daily convenience, digital keys add a layer of security. Each key is encrypted and can be remotely revoked if needed, reducing theft risks. Plus, for eco-conscious EV owners, it ties into the broader smart ecosystem—imagine starting your pre-cooled BE 6 from your phone while sipping coffee, all powered by Samsung’s robust Wallet app.
| Feature | Traditional Key Fob | Digital Key (Samsung Wallet) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Keys | Usually 2 | Shareable with 4-5 devices |
| Range/Activation | Button press (short range) | NFC/Bluetooth/UWB (hands-free option) |
| Phone Dependency | None | Requires compatible Galaxy device |
| Sharing | Physical handover | Instant app-based sharing |
| Works When Phone Off? | N/A | Yes, via NFC |
| Security | Basic RFID | Encrypted, revocable access |
Why This Matters for India’s EV Landscape
Mahindra’s tie-up with Samsung isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a signal of India’s maturing EV market. With the BE 6 starting at around ₹18.9 lakh and the XEV 9e at ₹21.9 lakh for base variants (top packs hitting ₹26.9 lakh and ₹30.5 lakh respectively), these SUVs target the premium segment while undercutting imports like the Kia EV6.
Adding digital keys elevates them further, appealing to urban millennials who live on their phones.As battery tech improves and charging infrastructure expands, features like this will be table stakes. Mahindra’s Electric Origin series, built on the INGLO platform, already boasts triple 5-star safety ratings and Level 2 ADAS—now paired with Samsung’s ecosystem, it’s a compelling package.If you’re eyeing an EV upgrade, the BE 6’s sporty coupe-SUV vibe or the XEV 9e’s spacious family hauler might just be your next ride. Head to a Mahindra showroom to test drive and enable the digital key—your Galaxy phone will thank you. What’s your take on digital keys? Convenience or overkill? Drop your thoughts below!
