In a move that could further solidify its position in India’s burgeoning electric vehicle market, Mahindra & Mahindra is reportedly evaluating the introduction of a 70 kWh battery pack as a new mid-spec option for its popular BE 6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs. This development comes hot on the heels of the pack’s debut on the related XEV 9s model, signaling Mahindra’s strategy to offer more flexible, value-driven choices to discerning buyers. The 70 kWh battery has already made its mark on the XEV 9s, where it’s exclusively available in the Pack Two Above variant. Priced at Rs 24.45 lakh (ex-showroom), it strikes a compelling balance—Rs 2.50 lakh more than the base 59 kWh Pack One Above at Rs 21.95 lakh, yet Rs 1 lakh cheaper than the 79 kWh Pack Two Above at Rs 25.45 lakh. Early market feedback on this setup will play a pivotal role in its expansion, with sources indicating a potential rollout to the BE 6 and XEV 9e lineups as early as 2026.
At present, both the BE 6 and XEV 9e are offered with 59 kWh and 79 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery packs, sourced from BYD’s Blade Battery technology and backed by Mahindra’s lifetime warranty for the first private owner (reverting to 10 years/200,000 km for subsequent owners).
The new 70 kWh option slots neatly in between, promising to address a key pain point for buyers: the desire for extended range without the premium price jump of the larger pack. In the XEV 9s, the 70 kWh configuration delivers a claimed MIDC range of 600 km—surpassing the 521 km of the 59 kWh variant while falling short of the 679 km offered by the 79 kWh setup.
Paired with a rear-wheel-drive electric motor, it churns out 241 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, striking a middle ground between the 227 hp of the smaller battery and the 281 hp punch of the top-tier option. This powertrain is expected to carry over similarly to the BE 6 and XEV 9e, enhancing their appeal in the competitive mid-size electric SUV segment. For context, the BE 6—a more compact, sportier coupe-SUV—currently boasts ranges of 535 km (59 kWh) and 682 km (79 kWh), while the larger, more premium XEV 9e offers 542 km and 656 km respectively.
The price differential between these packs underscores the rationale for a mid-tier addition: a nearly Rs 2 lakh gap in the BE 6 and about Rs 1 lakh in the XEV 9e, creating room for a “just right” option that could lure budget-conscious upgraders.
| Battery Pack | Range (MIDC, km) – XEV 9s | Power (hp) / Torque (Nm) | Approx. Price Premium (Rs lakh, ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 kWh | 521 | 227 / 380 | Base (e.g., Rs 21.95 for Pack One Above) |
| 70 kWh | 600 | 241 / 380 | +2.50 over base |
| 79 kWh | 679 | 281 / 380 | +3.50 over base |
Table based on XEV 9s variants; similar positioning expected for BE 6 and XEV 9e.
Mahindra’s INGLO platform, which underpins the BE 6, XEV 9e, and XEV 9s, has already proven its mettle with rapid charging capabilities—20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 175 kW DC charger for the 79 kWh pack.
Introducing the 70 kWh pack aligns with the company’s customer-centric approach, especially after strong initial sales: over 10,000 units of the BE 6 and XEV 9e were sold within 70 days of their 2025 launch, with more than 75% opting for the larger battery in higher trims.
This isn’t just about batteries—it’s about accessibility. By testing the waters with the XEV 9s, Mahindra is gauging demand for a trim that blends efficiency, performance, and affordability. If successful, it could broaden the appeal of these EVs against rivals like the Tata Harrier EV, BYD Atto 3, and upcoming offerings from Hyundai and Kia. For the BE 6, positioned as a more agile urban cruiser starting at Rs 21.90 lakh for Pack Two (59 kWh), the mid-pack could close the Rs 1.60 lakh gap to the 79 kWh version at Rs 23.50 lakh. The XEV 9e, with its luxurious coupe styling and starting prices around Rs 24.90 lakh, might see even tighter pricing ladders to avoid cannibalization.
As electric mobility accelerates in India, Mahindra’s iterative updates—like extending the 79 kWh pack to mid-trims earlier this year—demonstrate agility in responding to buyer preferences. The 70 kWh evaluation is a logical next step, potentially debuting in 2026 to coincide with festive season demand or regulatory pushes for greener transport. For now, the XEV 9s serves as a proving ground, where the pack’s real-world performance (including features like Level 2 ADAS, panoramic roofs, and Harman Kardon audio) will dictate its fate. If history is any guide, Mahindra’s bold bets on EVs could once again redefine expectations, making long-range luxury more attainable for the masses. Prospective buyers eyeing the BE 6 or XEV 9e would do well to keep tabs— this mid-range powerhouse might just be the upgrade that tips the scales.
