The Key to Your Car is Now an App: How Samsung and Mahindra Are Redefining Car Ownership in India 

Samsung and Mahindra have partnered to introduce Digital Car Key support in India, a feature integrated into Samsung Wallet that allows owners of Mahindra’s new electric SUVs—the XUV 9e and BE 6—to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles directly from compatible Galaxy smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical key.

This system, available on flagship Galaxy models with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and NFC, offers enhanced convenience through shareable, time-limited access for friends and family, robust security via biometric authentication and remote key deletion if a phone is lost, and a fail-safe that works even when the phone’s battery is dead.

This strategic move not only positions Mahindra as a tech-forward Indian automaker but also strengthens Samsung’s ecosystem in its competition with Google Wallet, marking a significant step toward merging digital and physical ownership in the evolving Indian automotive landscape.

The Key to Your Car is Now an App: How Samsung and Mahindra Are Redefining Car Ownership in India 

The familiar jingle of car keys may soon become a nostalgic sound of the past. In a landmark move for the Indian automotive and tech industries, Samsung has announced the integration of its Digital Car Key feature into Samsung Wallet, starting with Mahindra’s new electric vehicles—the XUV 9e and the BE 6. This isn’t just a minor convenience feature; it’s the first step in a fundamental shift in how we interact with our vehicles, transforming the smartphone from a communication device into a central hub for our digital lives, right down to the car we drive. 

Announced at the Samsung Opera House in Bengaluru, this partnership makes Mahindra the first Indian automaker to embrace this technology, placing it in the company of global giants like Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. But what does this truly mean for the Indian consumer, and why is this more significant than just another tech gimmick? Let’s dive deep into the five core aspects of this development and explore the future it heralds. 

1. The Supported Ecosystem: A Gatekeeper to the Digital Garage 

Before the excitement can begin, it’s crucial to understand the “who” and the “what” of device compatibility. This technology isn’t universally available across all smartphones or cars, and for good reason. 

• For Your Phone: The Digital Car Key feature is a premium offering, reserved for Samsung’s flagship Galaxy devices. Specifically, you’ll need a phone from the Galaxy S23 series or newer, or a Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, or their successors. The key (pun intended) hardware components are Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and NFC. UWB allows for precise, secure location tracking—enabling your car to unlock as you approach without even taking your phone out of your pocket. NFC acts as a reliable backup, requiring a simple tap of your phone to the door handle. 

• For Your Car: Currently, the feature is exclusive to Mahindra’s forthcoming electric SUVs, the XUV 9e and the BE 6. This strategic choice aligns with the tech-forward, connected ethos of the modern EV buyer. It signals that these aren’t just cars with batteries; they are rolling pieces of smart technology. 

This selective compatibility ensures a seamless, high-security user experience from the outset, setting a high standard for the technology’s introduction to the Indian market. 

2. The End of “I Lent My Keys to…?” – The Revolutionary Power of Sharable Access 

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the digital car key is its shareability. This feature single-handedly solves a myriad of common hassles. 

Imagine your partner needs to grab something from the car, but you’re in a meeting. Instead of physically handing over the key, you can now grant temporary, time-bound access directly from your Samsung Wallet. You can share the digital key with family members, friends, or even a valet parking attendant with specific restrictions. For the valet, you could limit access to a two-hour window, ensuring they can only drive the car during that period. 

The primary user retains complete control. You receive an alert on your phone whenever the vehicle is started, providing an added layer of security and awareness. If you need to revoke access, it can be done instantly and remotely. This moves car key management from a physical, logistical task to a digital, administrative one—as simple as managing shared access to a Netflix profile. 

3. Fort Knox in Your Pocket: Unpacking the Robust Security Architecture 

Whenever digital and physical security converge, concerns are inevitable. Samsung and Mahindra have addressed these head-on with a multi-layered security framework. 

• Biometric & PIN Gating: The digital key on your phone isn’t just an open app. It’s protected by the same robust authentication that locks your phone—your fingerprint, facial recognition, or a secure PIN. This means even if someone has your phone, they cannot access your car without your unique biometric data. 

• Remote Deletion via Samsung Find: This is the digital equivalent of melting down a lost key. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can immediately use the Samsung Find service to not only locate the device but also remotely wipe all data, including the Digital Car Key. This action is instant and far faster than having a physical key fob replaced and reprogrammed at a dealership. 

• Secure Element Storage: The digital key isn’t stored in a regular folder on your phone. It resides in a dedicated, hardware-level “Secure Element” chip, isolated from the main operating system. This is the same technology used to store your credit card information, making it incredibly difficult for malware or hackers to access. 

4. The “Dead Battery” Dilemma: Engineering Around a Universal Fear 

This is the question on everyone’s mind: “What happens if my phone runs out of battery?” It’s a valid concern, and the engineers have a clever solution. 

Samsung states that supported Galaxy devices retain a small reserve of battery power specifically to sustain critical NFC functions, even when the phone appears to be completely powered off. This means you can still tap your dead phone on the car’s door handle to unlock it and, subsequently, start the vehicle. It’s an elegant fail-safe that ensures you are never truly locked out, addressing the most significant psychological barrier to adopting a keyless lifestyle. 

5. The Bigger Picture: A Strategic Gambit in India’s Digital & EV Revolution 

Looking beyond the features, this collaboration is a masterstroke of strategic positioning for both companies. 

• For Samsung: This is a direct and powerful move to compete with Google Wallet in the burgeoning digital car key space. While Google has partnerships with brands like Tesla and Polestar, these are often limited to Western markets. By partnering with one of India’s most beloved automotive brands, Samsung is embedding itself deep into the daily lives of Indian consumers. It makes the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem—and by extension, Samsung Wallet—more sticky and indispensable. 

• For Mahindra: This announcement positions Mahindra not just as a car manufacturer, but as a technology leader, especially in the EV segment. It’s a powerful differentiator that appeals to a younger, tech-savvy demographic looking for a connected, seamless ownership experience. It signals that Mahindra EVs are at the forefront of innovation, both in powertrain and digital integration. 

The Road Ahead: From Convenience to a Connected Ecosystem 

The introduction of the Digital Car Key is more than a novelty; it’s the foundation for a future of deeper integration. Imagine your car automatically adjusting the driver’s seat, climate control, and infotainment preferences based on which user’s phone unlocks it. Envision your EV automatically initiating a charging session when you park, authenticated by your digital key. The phone becomes the central identity authenticator for a personalized, automated driving experience. 

While the feature is currently in its early stages and limited to a select group of users, its implications are vast. It represents a significant step towards a future where our digital and physical possessions are seamlessly intertwined. The jingle of keys may be fading, but it’s being replaced by the silent, secure, and intelligent promise of a truly connected life.