Mahindra’s Electric SUVs Shatter Records: ₹8,472 Crore Bookings on Day 1

India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution hit a historic high on February 14, 2025, as Mahindra & Mahindra’s born-electric SUVs, the BE 6  and XEV 9e, amassed 30,179 bookings worth ₹8,472 crore on their launch day. This staggering figure not only sets a new benchmark for EV adoption but also signals a seismic shift in consumer preferences toward premium, tech-driven electric mobility.

Why This Record Matters

The numbers speak volumes:

• 30,179 bookings in 24 hours dwarf the 1 lakh total EV sales recorded in India for the entire calendar year of 2024.
• 73% of buyers opted for the top-tier Pack Three variant with a 79 kWh battery, prioritizing range (up to 682 km) and high-end features.
• The XEV 9e led demand (56%), outpacing the BE 6 (44%), reflecting a tilt toward premium SUV aesthetics and performance.

Price Comparison

Model	Starting Price (₹)	Top Variant Price (₹)
Mahindra BE 6	18.90 lakh	26.90 lakh
Mahindra XEV 9e	21.90 lakh	30.50 lakh
Tata Curvv EV	17.49 lakh	21.99 lakh
Hyundai Creta Electric	17.99 lakh	23.50 lakh
MG ZS EV	16.48 lakh	23.50 lakh

Mahindra’s pricing positions its EVs as premium rivals, yet the overwhelming demand suggests consumers are willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge tech and longer range.

Voices from Buyers: Why They Chose Mahindra

Rahul Sharma, Bengaluru (Booked XEV 9e):
“I’ve waited months for an EV that doesn’t compromise on style or range. The XEV 9e’s 656 km range and futuristic design sealed the deal. Plus, the 20-minute fast charging is a game-changer for road trips.”

Priya Mehta, Delhi (Booked BE 6):
“As a mother, safety and space were my priorities. The BE 6’s 5-star safety rating and panoramic sunroof make it perfect for family drives. The ₹26.9 lakh Pack Three variant felt worth every rupee.”

Arjun Patel, Mumbai (Booked XEV 9e):
“Mahindra’s brand trust and the SUV’s ‘Tesla-like’ features, like the party mode and one-pedal driving, won me over. It’s not just a car—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.”

Mahindra’s Delivery Challenge: Meeting the Hype

While the bookings are a triumph, Mahindra now faces the daunting task of delivering 5,000 units monthly starting March 2025. Early buyers of the top variants (Pack Three) will get their vehicles by mid-March, but base variants (Pack One) will only arrive in August. The company must ensure:

• Flawless Production: With rigorous quality checks to avoid panel gaps or software glitches.
• Transparent Communication: Regular updates to keep customers informed amid phased deliveries.
• After-Sales Readiness: Training dealerships to handle EV-specific maintenance and charging queries.

A single misstep could dent the brand’s credibility in this fiercely competitive market.

Competitors Need to Step Up

Mahindra’s success has thrown down the gauntlet to rivals:

• 
  Tata Motors, the current EV leader (50% market share), relies on affordable models like the Nexon EV. To counter Mahindra, Tata must accelerate its premium offerings like the Curvv EV.
  
• MG Motor, with the ZS EV, needs to upgrade battery tech and infotainment systems to match Mahindra’s 79 kWh pack and 175 kW fast charging.
  
• Hyundai/Kia could leverage global EV expertise but must localize production to compete on price.

 

The Future of India’s EV Market

Mahindra’s record-breaking debut underscores three trends:

1. Premiumization: Buyers are ready to splurge on EVs that blend luxury, performance, and sustainability.
2. Infrastructure Growth: Fast-charging networks must expand to support long-range EVs.
3. Local Innovation: Mahindra’s INGLO platform, developed in India, proves homegrown tech can rival global giants.

This success could push India’s EV market share beyond 5% by 2026, accelerating the nation’s transition to green mobility. By blending aspirational design, robust tech, and strategic pricing, Mahindra has redefined India’s EV landscape. The road ahead is electrifying—for both the automaker and the industry.