The Mahindra BE 6, a futuristic electric SUV launched in November 2024, has captivated car enthusiasts with its bold design, powerful performance, and cutting-edge technology. Built on Mahindra’s INGLO platform, this coupe-style SUV boasts a striking exterior, a tech-laden cabin, and an impressive range of up to 682 km. However, one issue has sparked significant discussion among drivers and reviewers: thick A-, B-, and C-pillars, combined with a sloping roofline and raked rear windshield, create substantial blind spots, compromising visibility, with the internal rearview mirror (IRVM) offering minimal assistance. In this detailed blog post, we dive deep into this concern, exploring its implications, separating myth from reality, and proposing practical solutions to enhance driver safety and confidence.
Understanding the Mahindra BE 6’s Design
The Mahindra BE 6, often dubbed “BE Sexy” by the brand, is a head-turner. Its aggressive styling, inspired by fighter jets and cyberpunk aesthetics, sets it apart in the Indian EV market. Key design elements include:
- Sharp, angular front fascia with C-shaped LED DRLs and sculpted bonnet ducts.
- Sloping roofline that flows into a raked rear windshield, giving it a coupe-like silhouette.
- Massive 20-inch aero wheels and gloss-black wheel arches for a muscular stance.
- Thick A-, B-, and C-pillars that enhance structural rigidity and aesthetic appeal.
- Flush-fitting door handles and a sleek LED light bar at the rear.
While these features contribute to the BE 6’s futuristic vibe, they also introduce practical challenges, particularly in terms of visibility and blind spots. The thick pillars and compact rear windshield prioritize style and aerodynamics but compromise the driver’s ability to see their surroundings clearly.
The Visibility Issue: Breaking Down the Problem
Thick A-, B-, and C-Pillars
The thick A-pillars (the structural supports on either side of the windshield) create significant blind spots, especially at intersections or when turning. These pillars obstruct the driver’s view of pedestrians, cyclists, or oncoming traffic, making it harder to navigate busy urban environments. The B-pillars (between the front and rear doors) and C-pillars (at the rear) further exacerbate the issue by limiting over-the-shoulder visibility, critical for lane changes and reversing.
Sloping Roofline and Raked Rear Windshield
The BE 6’s sloping roofline and raked rear windshield enhance aerodynamics and give the SUV a sporty profile but drastically reduce rear visibility. The small rear windshield offers a narrow field of view, making it difficult to see vehicles, obstacles, or pedestrians directly behind the car. This design choice aligns with the BE 6’s enthusiast-focused positioning but poses challenges for everyday driving.
Ineffective Internal Rearview Mirror (IRVM)
The internal rearview mirror (IRVM), intended to provide a clear view of the rear, is rendered nearly useless due to the limited rear windshield size and the dark interior theme, which amplifies the sense of confinement. Even with an auto-dimming IRVM in higher variants, the mirror fails to compensate for the restricted rear visibility, leaving drivers reliant on other aids.
Real-World Implications
The combination of thick pillars, a sloping roofline, and a raked rear windshield creates a trifecta of visibility challenges:
- Increased blind spots make lane changes and merging onto highways riskier.
- Reduced rear visibility complicates reversing, especially in tight parking spaces or crowded areas.
- Urban driving difficulties arise due to obstructed views at intersections and roundabouts.
- Safety concerns emerge, as drivers may struggle to spot pedestrians, cyclists, or smaller vehicles.
These issues are particularly pronounced for drivers accustomed to SUVs with larger windows and better sightlines, such as the Mahindra XUV700 or Tata Harrier.
Myth vs. Reality: Is the Visibility Issue Overblown?
To provide an unbiased verdict, let’s examine the myths and realities surrounding the Mahindra BE 6’s visibility concerns.
Myth 1: The BE 6’s Blind Spots Make It Unsafe for Everyday Driving
Reality: While the thick pillars and limited rear visibility do create challenges, the BE 6 is equipped with advanced safety features to mitigate these issues. The 360-degree surround camera, blind spot monitoring, and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) with features like lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert provide significant assistance. The SUV has also earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for adult and child occupant protection, indicating robust safety engineering. However, these technologies are not a complete substitute for natural visibility, and drivers must actively rely on them, which may require an adjustment period.
Myth 2: The IRVM Is Entirely Useless
Reality: The IRVM’s effectiveness is limited due to the small rear windshield, but it’s not entirely useless. In well-lit conditions or with vehicles directly behind, the IRVM can still provide some rear visibility. Higher variants include an auto-dimming IRVM, which reduces glare from trailing vehicles at night, improving nighttime usability. Nonetheless, the IRVM’s contribution to overall visibility is minimal compared to the 360-degree camera or side mirrors.
Myth 3: The Design Prioritizes Style Over Safety
Reality: The BE 6’s design does emphasize aesthetics and aerodynamics, but Mahindra has integrated safety features to address visibility concerns. The thick pillars enhance structural rigidity, contributing to the 5-star safety rating, while the 360-degree camera and blind spot monitoring compensate for blind spots. However, the trade-off between style and visibility is evident, and drivers seeking a family-oriented SUV may find the BE 6’s design less practical than competitors like the Tata Curvv EV or MG ZS EV.
Verdict
The visibility issue is genuine but not insurmountable. The thick A-, B-, and C-pillars, sloping roofline, and raked rear windshield undeniably create significant blind spots, and the IRVM’s limited effectiveness compounds the problem. However, Mahindra’s inclusion of advanced safety technologies helps mitigate these challenges, making the BE 6 a safe choice for tech-savvy drivers willing to adapt. The issue is most pronounced for drivers who prioritize natural visibility or frequently navigate crowded urban environments.
Solutions to Enhance Visibility in the Mahindra BE 6
For drivers concerned about the BE 6’s visibility and blind spots, several solutions can improve safety and confidence. These range from leveraging built-in features to aftermarket upgrades and driving techniques.
1. Maximize Use of the 360-Degree Camera
The BE 6’s 360-degree surround camera is a game-changer for navigating blind spots. Available in higher variants, it provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and low-speed maneuvers easier. Drivers should:
- Activate the camera when reversing or navigating tight spaces.
- Use the blind view monitor to check blind spots during lane changes.
- Familiarize themselves with the camera’s interface to interpret visuals quickly.
2. Optimize Outside Rearview Mirrors (ORVMs)
The BE 6’s powered ORVMs with auto-folding and blind spot indicators are crucial for compensating for limited visibility. To eliminate blind spots:
- Adjust ORVMs outward until only a sliver of the vehicle’s side is visible, ensuring maximum coverage of adjacent lanes.
- Use the blind spot warning lights (available in higher variants) to detect vehicles in blind spots.
- Regularly clean ORVMs to maintain clarity, especially in adverse weather.
3. Upgrade to an Aftermarket Auto-Dimming IRVM
While the stock IRVM is limited, an aftermarket auto-dimming IRVM with a wider field of view or integrated rearview camera display can enhance rear visibility. Options like the Durvient Auto-Dimming IRVM, designed for Mahindra SUVs, offer:
- Automatic glare reduction for nighttime driving.
- Compatibility with the BE 6’s mounting system (verify before purchase).
- DIY installation for tech-savvy owners or professional fitting for optimal results.
4. Leverage Level 2 ADAS Features
The BE 6’s Level 2 ADAS suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, which reduce reliance on natural visibility. Drivers should:
- Activate blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert in urban settings.
- Use the augmented reality head-up display (HUD) to monitor ADAS alerts without taking eyes off the road.
- Regularly calibrate ADAS sensors to ensure accuracy.
5. Install Clip-On Wide-Angle Rearview Mirrors
For a budget-friendly solution, clip-on wide-angle rearview mirrors (e.g., CarEempire Anti-Glare Rearview Mirror) can expand the IRVM’s field of view. These convex, frameless mirrors:
- Reduce blind spots by providing a wider rear view.
- Are easy to install and compatible with most vehicles.
- Minimize glare, improving nighttime visibility.
6. Adopt Defensive Driving Techniques
To compensate for the BE 6’s visibility challenges, drivers can adopt defensive driving habits:
- Check blind spots manually by turning shoulders before lane changes, supplementing ORVMs and cameras.
- Use turn signals early to alert other drivers of your intentions.
- Maintain extra distance from vehicles ahead to allow more time to react to obstacles.
- Avoid sudden maneuvers in areas with limited visibility, such as intersections or parking lots.
7. Consider Professional Driver Training
For new BE 6 owners, professional driver training focused on EV-specific handling and visibility management can build confidence. Training programs teach:
- Effective use of cameras and sensors.
- Techniques for navigating blind spots in coupe-style SUVs.
- Strategies for urban and highway driving with limited visibility.
8. Provide Feedback to Mahindra
Mahindra has shown responsiveness to customer feedback, as seen with the revised charger policy for the BE 6. Owners experiencing visibility issues should:
- Share concerns with Mahindra’s customer service or dealerships.
- Join online forums like Team-BHP to discuss experiences and advocate for software updates or design tweaks.
- Request enhancements like a digital rearview mirror (camera-based IRVM) in future models.
Comparing the BE 6 to Competitors
To contextualize the BE 6’s visibility challenges, let’s compare it to key competitors in the Indian EV market:
- Tata Curvv EV: The Curvv EV offers better rear visibility due to a larger rear windshield and less aggressive roofline slope. Its pillars are slimmer, reducing blind spots, but it lacks the BE 6’s premium design and performance.
- MG ZS EV: The ZS EV has a more conventional SUV design with larger windows, improving natural visibility. However, it doesn’t match the BE 6’s tech features or range.
- Hyundai Creta EV (Upcoming): Expected to offer balanced visibility with a traditional SUV silhouette, the Creta EV may appeal to family buyers but lack the BE 6’s sporty appeal.
The BE 6’s visibility issues are a trade-off for its enthusiast-focused design, but its advanced safety features give it an edge over competitors in tech-driven safety.
User Experiences: What BE 6 Owners Say
Feedback from BE 6 owners on platforms like Team-BHP provides real-world insights into the visibility issue:
- Positive Experiences: Some owners, like BHPian kennethomas, report minimal software issues and praise the BE 6’s build quality and safety features, suggesting the 360-degree camera and ADAS compensate for blind spots.
- Concerns: Others, like BHPian agambhandari, note cramped rear seating and limited headroom due to the sloping roofline, which indirectly worsens the sense of confinement and visibility.
- Test Drive Impressions: BHPian TURb highlights the HUD’s blind-spot indications as a standout feature, reducing reliance on natural visibility.
These mixed experiences underscore the need for drivers to test-drive the BE 6 and assess its visibility challenges in their typical driving conditions.
Mahindra’s Response and Future Outlook
Mahindra has not directly addressed the visibility concerns in public statements, but the company’s proactive approach to other issues (e.g., revising the mandatory charger policy) suggests openness to feedback. Future updates could include:
- Software enhancements to improve camera and ADAS integration.
- Design tweaks in subsequent models, such as slimmer pillars or a larger rear windshield.
- Digital rearview mirrors, which use a rear camera to display a clear view, as seen in premium EVs like the Audi e-tron.
As Mahindra scales up deliveries (3,000 units delivered by April 2025) and refines the BE 6, owner feedback will likely shape future iterations.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Style, Safety, and Practicality
The Mahindra BE 6 is a bold step forward for India’s EV market, blending thrilling performance, futuristic design, and advanced safety features. However, the thick A-, B-, and C-pillars, sloping roofline, and raked rear windshield create significant blind spots, and the IRVM’s limited effectiveness adds to the challenge. While these issues are genuine, Mahindra’s inclusion of a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, and Level 2 ADAS mitigates their impact, making the BE 6 a safe and exciting choice for tech-savvy drivers.
By leveraging built-in technologies, adopting aftermarket solutions like wide-angle mirrors, and practicing defensive driving, owners can overcome the visibility challenges and fully enjoy the BE 6’s dynamic driving experience. As Mahindra continues to innovate, future models may address these concerns, further solidifying the brand’s position as a leader in India’s EV revolution.
Have you experienced the Mahindra BE 6’s visibility issues firsthand? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss how to make the most of this electrifying SUV!
