Hyundai Creta EV vs Mahindra BE 6: The electric vehicle canvas in India is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with automakers introducing advanced models to cater to growing consumer demand. India's second-biggest carmaker, Hyundai recently came with the electrified version of its most popular SUV in India, the Creta EV. On the other hand, Mahindra is making milestones with its two new BEVs- BE 6 and XEV 9e, while our focus will be more on the BE 6 here because it competes well with the BE 6 with the Creta EV, when we see the price tag and the stance.
The Creta EV and BE 6 both are making waves amongst buyers who are considering an E-SUV to be their next car. Both these E-SUVs are notable contenders in the mid-size electric SUV segment. However, both bring unique strengths to the table and have their USPs to consider, but the question remains: which one offers better value for money? This is what we will check today, at the end of this piece of writing I will give a verdict that will make one of these E-SUV winner of this detailed comparison. But before that make sure you join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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Hyundai Creta EV vs Mahindra BE 6: Pricing
The Hyundai Creta EV starts at Rs. 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), extending to Rs. 23.50 lakh for the top-spec Excellence Long Range variant. It offers a competitive price bracket compared to its rivals, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable entry into the EV market.
On the other hand, the Mahindra BE 6 starts with a higher price tag than the Creta EV, which is Rs. 18.9 lakh and goes up to Rs. 26.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Yes, the BE 6 demands a premium over the electrified Creta, but for that money, you get a bigger battery pack even on the base variant and more features. The BE 6's radical/aggressive design and cock-pit like feel will make your every penny worth it once you sit inside it. Moreover, its diverse variant lineup gives buyers more flexibility to choose according to their preferences and budget.
Battery and Range
The Creta EV offers two battery pack options: a 42 kWh battery providing a claimed range of 390 km and a larger 51.4 kWh battery offering 473 km on a single charge. I must state the fact that this is the lowest range offered in the segment, even the Tata Curvv EV and MG ZS EV go more than this. Though not so impressive, 390 km/charge or 473 km/charge with the long-range version can suffice for daily commuting and occasional long drives and if you are a regular commuter, the Creta EV is a practical option for you.
The Mahindra BE 6, however, stands out with larger battery packs- 59 kWh and 79 kWh options. Yes, even the base variant of the Mahindra BE 6 offers a larger battery pack than the Creta EV's 51 kWh long-range version. The BE 6 with the smaller battery provides a claimed range of 535/charge while the bigger battery pack takes the game much ahead of the Creta EV, with a claimed range of 682 km/charge. Real-world scenarios will be altogether different with both the E-SUV as these numbers are claimed ones, the BE 6 emerges as a clear winner when it comes to range. For EV enthusiasts looking for adventure or intercity travel, this massive range can eliminate range anxiety.
Performance and Driving Experience
Coming to power delivery, the Hyundai Creta EV with the standard battery pack generates 135 PS (Not so impressive) and 171 PS with the bigger 51.4 kWh battery pack. Here also, even the base BE 6 is better than the long-range version of the Creta EV if we look at the numbers. But there is no escape in saying that the Hyundai Creta Electric comes from one of the most reliable brands in India and it has been made with a no-nonsense approach. Despite its lower power figures, the Creta EV delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience with plenty of peps.
During the media drive, our Editor-in-Chief, Bunny Punia, put it to the test and he recorded an impressive 0-100 kmph time of under 10 seconds. Overall, the Creta EV is ideal for city driving and highway cruising and Its front-wheel-drive layout supports predictable handling and makes it a comfortable daily driver.
In contrast, the Mahindra BE 6 offers a more powerful motor producing 231 PS with the standard battery and 286 PS with the larger pack, both delivering a robust 380 Nm of torque. The good thing about the BE 6 is its rear-wheel-drive setup which improves driving dynamics and offers a more engaging experience for enthusiasts. The BE 6's higher torque output also provides quicker acceleration that makes it capable of hitting 0-100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds. Whereas, the Creta EV is a utility and practicality-focused car while the BE 6 is more thrilling and serves the purpose of those who prioritize performance.
Features and Comfort
The Creta EV is well-equipped with modern features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, dual-zone climate control, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Overall, the Creta EV balances both luxury and practicality and offers everything needed for a comfortable driving experience.
The Mahindra BE 6, however, takes the luxury quotient to the next level with a 12.3-inch dual integrated screen setup, a 1400 W 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, multi-zone AC, dual wireless phone chargers and an AR-based heads-up display. Features like auto park assist, ambient lighting, and the optional rear passenger entertainment screens further enhance the premium appeal of the BE 6. The cherry on top is the infinity roof on offer, which is essentially an illuminating glass roof, but this addition makes the ride more joyful and enjoyable. Overall, the attention to detail in the BE 6's interior design adds a layer of sophistication rarely seen in this segment.
Charging Capabilities
Hyundai claims that the Creta EV can charge from 0-80% in 58 minutes using a DC fast charger, while an 11 kW AC charger can fully charge the battery from 10% in around 4 hours. This setup is sufficient for urban users who can charge overnight or during working hours.
The Mahindra BE 6 supports 175 kW DC fast charging that juices its battery from 20 to 80% in just 20 minutes. This fast-charging capability makes it highly convenient for users on the go, especially for those who often embark on longer journeys and need quick top-ups during road trips. However, the 20-minute duration is when you charge with a DC fast charger, things would be different with the home charger and with it, even the BE 6 will take a longer duration to get fully juiced up.
Hyundai Creta EV vs Mahindra BE 6: Safety Features
The Creta EV comes equipped with six airbags, Hill Start Assist, a 360-degree camera, Vehicle Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and all-wheel disc brakes. Higher variants also offer Level 2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and forward collision warning. The set of features on offer with the Creta EV is good enough, justifies its pricing and serves the purpose for which it is made.
The BE 6 takes safety a notch higher with seven airbags, an electronic stability program (ESP), TPMS and Level 2 ADAS technology. The BE 6 has recently scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection with the highest score (31.97) in AOP than any SUV or E-SUV available in India. With additional features like auto emergency braking and blind spot monitoring, the BE 6 offers peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.
Which SUV Offers Better Value for Money?
If affordability and practicality are your priorities, the Hyundai Creta EV stands out with the combination of competitive pricing and a feature-rich package. It's undoubtedly an ideal choice for urban EV buyers. It strikes a balance between cost, range and features and offers a sensible option for those who want to switch to an EV.
However, if you're looking for premium features, superior performance, and an extended range, the Mahindra BE 6 justifies its higher price tag with its extra technology and better driving experience. It offers a more compelling value proposition for those who don't mind spending extra for added power, range and sophistication.
Hyundai Creta EV vs Mahindra BE 6: My Pick?
For me, the clear winner is the Mahindra BE 6 because its futuristic design, powerful performance and cutting-edge features give it a strong edge in the electric SUV market. The extended range of up to 682 km means fewer stops for charging which makes it perfect for long journeys. The powerful motor setup not only delivers great acceleration but also provides a more engaging driving experience with its rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Beyond performance, the BE 6 offers an unparalleled sense of luxury in the respective segment with its high-end features like the 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, dual wireless chargers and AR-based heads-up display that set a new benchmark. Its advanced safety tech and 5-star Bharat NCAP rating provide peace of mind making it not just a powerful but also a secure choice.
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Verdict
Ultimately, both SUVs excel in their respective domains. The Creta EV is a solid pick for budget-conscious buyers looking for a feature-rich EV, while the BE 6 caters to enthusiasts and luxury-seekers who desire the best in performance, features and range. Your choice will depend on your driving habits, preferences and willingness to invest in additional performance and luxury.
