One of India's most anticipated electric SUVs, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, has successfully cleared a major safety hurdle. The automaker has announced that the upcoming model has secured a top five-star safety rating in the rigorous Bharat NCAP crash tests. This achievement sets the stage for its entry into a competitive market segment, where it will face off against formidable rivals like the Mahindra BE 6—another electric SUV boasting a five-star Bharat NCAP badge.
Decoding the Five-Star Ratings: A Closer Look at the Scores
While both the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara and the Mahindra BE 6 have earned the coveted five-star overall rating, a detailed examination of their scorecards reveals nuanced differences in performance. The Bharat NCAP assessment evaluates two primary areas: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP).
In the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, which is scored out of 32 points, the Mahindra BE 6 achieved a slightly higher score of 31.97 points. The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara followed closely with a score of 31.49 points. The breakdown shows both SUVs scored a perfect 16 out of 16 in the side movable deformable barrier test. However, in the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the Mahindra BE 6 scored 15.97/16 compared to the e Vitara's 15.49/16.
Protection Levels for Driver and Passenger
For the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, the AOP tests indicated good protection for the driver's head, neck, pelvis, thighs, and feet. Protection for the chest and tibias was rated as adequate. The front passenger received good protection for all critical body areas in the frontal offset test. In side impact tests, occupants' head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis were well protected.
The Mahindra BE 6 offered good protection to the driver’s head, neck, pelvis, thighs, feet, and left tibia in the frontal test, with the right tibia receiving adequate protection. The front passenger also received good protection. Side impact and pole tests showed good protection levels for the driver's head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
Child Safety and Key Features: A Strong Showing
In the Child Occupant Protection (COP) segment, scored out of 49 points, the Mahindra BE 6 again led with 45 points, while the Maruti e Vitara secured 43 points. Crucially, both electric SUVs achieved a perfect 24 out of 24 in the dynamic child safety tests for frontal and side crashes and a full 12 out of 12 for Child Restraint System (CRS) installation.
The difference in the COP score stemmed from the Vehicle Assessment sub-category, where the Mahindra BE 6 scored 9 out of 13 points, and the Maruti e Vitara scored 7 out of 13. Both models come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Seven airbags
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- ISOFIX child seat anchorages
- Three-point seatbelts for all passengers
- 360-degree camera
- Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Market Implications and Upcoming Rivalry
The revelation of these top-tier safety ratings is a significant milestone for Maruti Suzuki as it prepares to launch its flagship electric SUV. The e Vitara is expected to be priced between ₹17 lakh and ₹26 lakh, positioning it directly against the Mahindra BE 6, which is estimated to cost between ₹18.9 lakh and ₹27.65 lakh. This head-to-head competition promises to intensify the electric SUV segment in India, giving consumers two highly safe and feature-rich options.
The detailed Bharat NCAP scoresheet analysis confirms that while both SUVs are exceptionally safe, the Mahindra BE 6 holds a marginal lead in both Adult and Child Occupant Protection scores. However, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara's strong performance, especially its perfect scores in side impact tests and child safety dynamics, solidifies its position as a serious and safe contender in India's evolving electric vehicle landscape.
