The upcoming five-door electric SUV retains several elements from the Vision T concept, including its boxy stance and upright design.
Mahindra’s electric SUV plans are gaining momentum, with the upcoming Thar electric spotted testing on public roads for the first time. The heavily camouflaged five-door SUV appears to retain several styling elements previewed by the Vision T concept, showcased in August 2025.
The prototype also marks another step in Mahindra’s transition towards its next-generation electric SUV portfolio, which is scheduled to begin arriving from 2027.
Vision T-Inspired Exterior Design
The front-end design of the test vehicle has strong similarities to the Vision T concept. It features a wide grille with vertically arranged elements, squared-off headlamp housings and a flat, clamshell-style bonnet.
The upright windscreen, chunky bumper and pronounced wheel arches give the SUV a boxy stance. The side profile features a flat roof, upright pillars and conventional side steps beneath the doors. Large alloy wheels, estimated to be around 19 or 20 inches, are also visible, although their final size remains unconfirmed.
Unlike the more aggressive off-road tyres seen on the concepts, the test vehicle appears to use relatively road-focused rubber.
No Tailgate-Mounted Spare Wheel
At the rear, the prototype gets a large, upright tailgate and broad rear glass. Interestingly, there is no externally mounted spare wheel, unlike the Thar.e and Vision T concepts.
The production model could potentially adopt a tailgate-mounted spare wheel similar to the Thar Roxx. The prototype also features temporary rear lamps, a high-mounted stop lamp and a chunky lower bumper.
Underbody views suggest the use of independent rear suspension, which would represent a significant departure from the traditional rear-axle setup associated with the Thar range.
Interior Could Share Technology With Scorpio Lifestyler
Spy images reveal a digital instrument display and prominent grab handles near the A-pillars. While most of the dashboard remains concealed, the Vision T concept featured a portrait-oriented central touchscreen and a separate horizontal driver display.
Mahindra’s recently unveiled Scorpio Lifestyler also uses a large portrait infotainment screen, raising the possibility of shared infotainment technology across the upcoming SUVs.
Launch Timeline And Competition
Mahindra’s Thar.e was first showcased in 2023 on the INGLO-P1 platform, followed by the Vision T in 2025. The company’s NU_IQ product rollout is scheduled to begin in 2027, but the Thar electric’s launch date has not been confirmed. Given that road testing has only recently begun, a launch in 2028 or later appears possible.
The electric Thar will enter an emerging lifestyle SUV segment, where upcoming electrified models from JSW Motors and Chery could also compete. Its final specifications, range and pricing will determine its position in India’s growing electric SUV market.
Source: rushlane.com
