Mahindra BE 6 Formula E Edition : Mahindra just dropped a head-turning new version of its sharp-looking BE 6 electric SUV — the limited-run Formula E Edition. Inspired by the brand’s decade-plus history in the all-electric Formula E racing series, this special model adds bold styling, exclusive colors, and a cockpit that feels straight out of a race car. But here’s the big question every buyer is asking: does the extra ₹5 lakh make sense when the battery, motor and performance are exactly the same as the regular BE 6?
Let’s break it down honestly so you can decide if you want the “normal” electric family SUV or the one that looks ready for the Monaco E-Prix.
How Much More Are You Actually Paying?
The standard Mahindra BE 6 is already considered one of the best-value premium electric SUVs in India:
- Entry-level Pack One: ₹18.90 lakh
- Top-spec Pack Three: ₹27.65 lakh (ex-showroom)
The new Formula E Edition skips the base model entirely and comes in only two variants:
- FE2: ₹23.69 lakh
- FE3: ₹24.49 lakh
That means you’re paying roughly ₹4.8–5.6 lakh extra over a comparably equipped regular BE 6. In return, Mahindra promises rarity, motorsport heritage, and a lot of visual drama.
Outside: From Clean Professional to Full Race Replica
Park a regular BE 6 next to the Formula E Edition and you’ll immediately spot the difference, even from 50 meters away.
The standard model has smooth, flowing lines, aero-optimized wheels, and a calm, sophisticated presence — perfect for school runs and weekend getaways.
The Formula E Edition, however, goes all-in on aggression:
- Redesigned front bumper with deeper air intakes
- Circular projector headlamps framed in gloss black
- Firestorm Orange accents on the grille, side skirts, and diffuser
- Exclusive 12-stripe roof graphic celebrating Mahindra Racing’s 12 seasons in Formula E
- Special decals and badges everywhere
- Dark chrome alloy wheels and (on FE3) “Night Trail” illuminated carpet lamps that project the Formula E logo on the ground when you unlock the car
You can choose from four dramatic colors: Everest White, Stealth Black, Tango Red, or the hero shade — Firestorm Orange. Automotive designer and former Mahindra stylist Rajesh Kumar (speaking to AutoCar India) called it “the most extroverted Indian electric SUV yet — it’s basically wearing its racing heart on the outside.”
Inside: You’ll Either Love It or Find It Too Much
Open the door and the drama continues.
Both cars share the same massive dual 12.3-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, and premium materials. But the Formula E Edition swaps the calm beige or black interiors for a high-contrast black-and-orange cabin that screams “race car.”
Key touches include:
- FIA-spec orange seat belts
- Formula E logos stitched into seats and plaques
- Orange start/stop toggle flaps instead of a regular button
- Translucent orange door trim that glows softly
- Special welcome animation and synthesized engine sounds when you drive
It’s undeniably cool the first 50 times you get in. After that, some owners will either keep grinning or wish they’d picked the calmer standard interior. As EV reviewer Shumi Ghosh from evo India put it: “It feels like sitting inside Mahindra’s actual Formula E car — until you remember you still have to pick the kids up from tuition.”
Performance & Range: Literally Zero Difference (Almost)
Here’s the part that surprises most people.
Under the skin, both cars are identical:
- 79 kWh battery
- 282 hp / 380 Nm rear motor
- 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds
- Top speed 202 km/h
- ARAI range 682 km (real-world ≈ 480–520 km depending on conditions)
- 20-minute 20–80% fast charge on 180 kW chargers
The only mechanical upgrade is on the top FE3: Intelligent Adaptive Suspension that slightly improves comfort over bad roads. Everything else — ADAS Level 2, 360° camera, Harman Kardon audio, ventilated seats — is already standard on higher Pack Two and Pack Three versions of the regular car.In short: you’re paying for style and emotion, not speed or range.
So Should You Buy the Formula E Edition?It depends entirely on who you are:Buy the Formula E Edition if:
- You love standing out and getting compliments at every signal
- You’re a motorsport fan and want to celebrate Mahindra’s racing legacy
- You plan to keep the car long-term (these special editions usually hold value better)
- Orange-and-black interiors make you happy every morning
Stick with the regular BE 6 if:
- You want the best rupee-per-kilometre value
- You prefer understated elegance
- You’d rather spend the ₹5 lakh on a home charger + solar setup or an epic road trip
At the end of the day, the Formula E Edition proves one thing: electric cars don’t have to be boring. Mahindra has taken a very competent family EV and turned heads without touching the powertrain — and in a market full of silver and white SUVs, that alone feels worth celebrating.