I am confused between the Mahindra BE 6 Pack 2 and the Mahindra XEV 9e (considering it as a 5-seater). My monthly driving is around 1,500-2,000 km, with approximately 60% highway usage.

Autocar India

•1d

The Mahindra XEV 9S is a seven-seater, and uses the same battery and motor as the BE 6. Its seats are also broader and more supportive, and its plusher ride makes it comfier while dealing with bad roads. Overall, it is the more practical choice, and does well as a family EV.The BE 6 on the other hand feels sportier to drive on account of its interior setup and dynamics. Despite its exterior dimensions, cabin space feels cramped, however if you're going to be driving by your self, alone or with one more passenger, this shouldn't be a concern. Alternatively, you could consider the XEV 9E, which is a good balance between the BE 6 and XEV 9S - it feels sporty to drive, and has comfy interiors too.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Autocar India

•25m

Since comfort is a priority for you, we would recommend the Tata Sierra. The car has a very spacious cabin, and the seats are very comfy too. Against the Renault Duster, the rear seating space in the Sierra is significantly more. As for mileage, we have yet to put the Renault Duster through our instrumented test cycle. But in any case, if mileage is your top priority ahead of comfort, then you would consider waiting for the hybrid Duster. It is likely to launch this festive season or the diesel Sierra, though with a diesel, it's best for every two to three weeks, you have a long drive of around 20 mins with speeds above 50kph to keep the diesel particulate filter in good health. As an alternative, you can consider the strong hybrid versions of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, where the mileage would be significantly more. In our real-world tests, the Grand Vitara strong hybrid returned an impressive 23.77kpl in the city and 20.39kpl on the highway. In city traffic, the hybrid system mostly runs on the electric motor. One thing to be aware of: the hybrid’s boot is smaller than some rivals because of the battery, so check your luggage fit.

Tata Sierra

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Autocar India

•2h

Go for the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo DCT. For your usage and coming from a naturally aspirated petrol, it will feel like a clear step up in performance. The turbo engine delivers much stronger acceleration and effortless overtakes, which makes it more satisfying to drive both in the city and on the highway. While most dual-clutch automatics can feel jerky at low speeds, the Duster’s setup is relatively well-tuned and manageable in traffic, and once you are moving, it feels quick and responsive.The Kia Seltos IVT is a smoother and easier car to drive in stop-and-go conditions, and it will feel more refined at low speeds. However, its naturally aspirated engine is tuned for comfort and efficiency, so it can feel underpowered, especially when you need quick acceleration or are used to driving with more intent.On service and spares, Kia has the advantage with a wider and more consistent network. Renault’s support in cities like Chennai is generally adequate, but it may not feel as seamless. Opting for an extended warranty and service package will help improve peace of mind.

Renault Duster