Vision.T, Vision.X, Vision.S and Vision.SXT, the four new concept vehicles showcased by the Mahindra are sleek, trendy and futuristic; how they fare in the Indian market is only consumers will decide
At the now annual event on Independence Day, carmaker Mahindra showcased four new concept vehicles based on their upcoming NU_IQ platform. The platform is a bit smaller than the INGLO platform that Mahindra used for their XEV 9e and BE 6 electric SUVs but will lead to the development of Mahindra’s next generation of slightly smaller SUVs ranging in length from 3990mm to 4320mm.
While the carmaker has made inroads in this segment, especially with the Thar Roxx which has even propelled the Mumbai-based carmaker to the second-spot in the sales charts behind Maruti-Suzuki, the new platform is essential to maintain the sales push as well as retain Mahindra’s claimed lead in SUV revenue market-share. And not just that, this new platform is essential for Mahindra’s global ambitions.
The Vision.T and Vision.SXT which will form the basis of the expected electric variant of the Thar but also the next generation of the Thar Roxx and a likely pick-up version of the vehicle. The Vision.X is clearly a replacement for the Mahindra 3XO, a car that is getting long in the tooth, being based on a two-decade old Ssangyong platform. It was the fourth concept that really got onlookers curious, the Vision.S, a potential ‘next-generation’ variant of the reliable Bolero but the design seemed inspired and looked like a scaled-down Defender.
There are some interesting facets about these new vehicles and the platform that were shared by Mahindra management. For example, it will support front-wheel and all-wheel drive architecture, but because of the raised ground clearance also have a flat-floor. Recent Mahindra vehicles have primarily been rear-wheel drive vehicles and this will be a first for the carmaker to develop an in-house front-wheel drive architecture. A five-way multi-link rear suspension which all vehicles will feature will support ‘best-in-class’ ride and handling according to the carmaker and the vehicles will also feature the biggest wheels in their segment.
But what do we feel about these concept vehicles? Well, while Mahindra vehicles have in the past gone from concept to reality quite well. And while many can describe the designs as inspired, it is also clear that they do not infringe on other brands. Mahindra has had a long-running legal dispute with global automaker Stellantis, owners of the Jeep brand regarding the Thar and as a result has been unable to export this best-selling vehicle outside India. That will not be the case with the Vision.T and Vision. SXT which are clearly differentiated.
The Vision.X is an interesting vehicle. While Mahindra has made some inroads in the sub-four meter crossover segment with the 3XO, they are well behind vehicles like the Maruto-Suzuki Fronx, Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz. The new vehicle if coupled with the new engines featured on the 3XO and the the technology package found on Mahindra’s electric SUVs should put a cat among the pigeons in this segment.
One expects the Vision.X to be the first vehicle on the new platform to be launched and an electric variant could also make for an interesting proposition. The Vision.S we have already spoken of above, and because the Bolero remains extremely popular in upcountry markets, this new vehicle adapted to Gen Z tastes will definitely help Mahindra’s image.
However, Mahindra executives have long made their displeasure known against Hybrid technology - they feel that ICE and EV are the two main options. And while they came out strongly in support of the Government’s Ethanol policy and a potential move towards Flex-Fuel vehicles, they were adamant that Hybrids are on the agenda unless market conditions changed. That said, with many in the government advocating for Hybrids, particularly for Flex-Fuel strong or plug-in Hybrids as a solution to India’s energy woes, as was made clear during The Pioneer’s Biofuels 360 summit, Mahindra might have to change their opinions soon.
The new concept vehicles showcased by the carmaker represent a bold news direction for Mahindra but how will the real vehicles eventually look. Can an ‘Electric’ Tharf have the same appeal as the ICE variants of the car which stars in more Instagram Reels than another vehicle? Would a new Bolero even sell in conservative rural markets where simplicity is prioritised? There are still many questions that only consumers can answer but Mahindra is on quite a lucky sales streak and at first glance these vehicles should help continue that.