Mahindra has temporarily rebranded its upcoming electric vehicle, the BE 6e, to BE 6 in response to a trademark dispute with IndiGo, India’s leading airline. The controversy stems from IndiGo’s established trademark on the “6E” designation, prominently associated with its flight codes and branding. InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo's parent company, has alleged that the term "6e" infringes on its trademarked flight code, IndiGo 6E. To address this dispute, Mahindra has opted for a provisional rebranding of its electric SUV, changing its name from "BE 6e" to "BE 6." However, the company remains resolute and intends to challenge InterGlobe Aviation’s objections in court legally. The BE 6 is a key part of Mahindra’s Born Electric (BE) lineup, which reflects its commitment to sustainable transportation.
Mahindra-Indigo Trademark Dispute
Mahindra argues that its trademark application for "BE 6e" in the vehicle sector is unrelated to IndiGo's "6E" branding, which is exclusive to aviation. The company stressed that the "BE" label, symbolising "born electric," is registered under Class 12 for vehicles, making the dispute seem unfounded, given the distinct nature of the two industries. Additionally, the carmaker pointed to a previous instance where Tata Motors challenged IndiGo’s airline name, yet IndiGo was allowed to retain its brand. Given this past precedent, Mahindra views InterGlobe Aviation’s current objection as inconsistent with its previous stance on similar issues.
Also Read: Mahindra XEV 7e Name Trademarked India; Production-Spec Images Leaked Ahead of Launch
An official press release from the homegrown automaker read, 'Our priority and focus is ensuring an excellent experience for our customers as we take our product to the market. We would not like to get distracted from our vision of popularising electric transport in India. We also find it unseemly that two large, Indian multinationals should engage in a distracting and unnecessary conflict when in fact we should be championing each other’s growth and expansion. We are hence taking the decision to brand our product the “BE 6.”
Mahindra BE 6: Key Specs
Mahindra's first-ever compact BE vehicle carries a price tag of Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The model is built on the INGLO platform and offers two battery options: a 59kWh pack that produces 221bhp and a 79kWh pack with 281bhp, both providing 380Nm of torque. With the larger battery, Mahindra claims an ARAI-certified range of 682km, and the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. It also supports fast charging, reaching 20-80% in just 20 minutes with a 175kW DC fast charger. The battery comes with a lifetime warranty for the first owner and private registrations.
Also Read: Mahindra BE 6e, XEV 9e Delivery Timeline Revealed
Features-wise, the BE 6 comes packed with a twin 12.3-inch screen setup with a floating design, powered by the new MAIA software and over 30 pre-installed apps. Other standout amenities include an AI interface, wireless phone charging, a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo, a panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, multi-zone climate control, ambient lighting, multiple drive modes, and an augmented reality head-up display. On the safety front, the vehicle includes ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, and additional high-tech features.
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