Mahindra Vision T concept unveiled

After numerous teasers, Mahindra has finally taken the wraps off the Vision T concept at the brand’s Freedom NU event on Independence Day. The Mahindra Vision T concept is an evolution of the Thar.e concept showcased in August 2023. However, it is still in the concept stage, with a production version expected sometime in 2027. 

1. Mahindra Vision T previews a new model under the Thar family
2. Underpinned by the brand’s new NU_IQ monocoque modular platform
3. Compatible with both ICE and electric powertrains

Mahindra Vision T concept exterior design details

The T in the name, of course, suggests that this belongs to the Thar family, and likewise, a lot of signature design cues are very apparent here. Elements like the split grille with horizontal slats, the bonnet latches, the quarter glass area, the flared wheel arches and the tailgate-mounted spare tyre are all quite familiar from the Thar Roxx.

There are also some evolutionary elements over the original Thar.e concept. For instance, the headlamps now consist of a central, squarish LED unit flanked by four individual LED daytime running lamps; the same theme can also be seen on the tail-lamps. The original Thar.e had a sealed-off grille, but this one has a more traditional, signature Mahindra grille design.  

Original Thar.e concept from 2023.

Overall, the Vision T retains a very rugged appeal with off-road spec bumpers with a tow hook at the front, all-terrain tyres, a high ground clearance, and a very upright and boxy stance. Some of the other interesting details on the Vision T include the exposed door hinges, the luggage-mounting rack on the rear quarter glass area and the hook points for roof carriers – it certainly has a very outdoorsy and lifestyle appeal.

The Vision T has been designed by Mahindra’s design studios in Mumbai and the UK and has been crafted here at the Mahindra Research Valley.

Mahindra Vision T concept interior and features

On the inside, the Vision T has a typical techy appeal like we have come to expect from modern Mahindras, with a focus on software. The cabin, too, looks like an evolution of the Thar.e concept, with a free-standing digital instrument cluster and a large portrait-oriented central touchscreen infotainment system, along with some physical switchgear on the centre console. There’s also a new 3-spoke steering wheel, and in keeping with the car’s rugged appeal, the dashboard has a minimalistic design but seems to be made of hard-wearing materials. There’s a panoramic sunroof as well.

Mahindra Vision T concept technical details

Mahindra hasn’t revealed full technical details yet, but the Vision T is underpinned by the brand’s all-new NU_IQ architecture. It’s a modular monocoque platform that’s been designed for SUVs measuring between 3,990mm and 4,320mm. The Vision T, it seems, will be on the larger side of this spectrum, with proportions closer to those of the Thar Roxx. It has a 2,665mm wheelbase, which, the brand claims, gives it class-best interior space. For reference, the Hyundai Creta’s wheelbase measures 2,610mm. Despite a long wheelbase, Mahindra claims this car will still have a class-best turning radius of 10.3 metres.

The original Thar.e was showcased as an electric SUV, and given that the Thar Roxx already exists in the ICE space, the Vision T could carry on being electric-only. It will come powered by an LFP battery, perhaps sharing it with the likes of the BE 6 and XEV 9e. Mahindra says the platform is capable of supporting both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, and there’s a hybrid powertrain also on the cards. 

Mahindra hasn’t revealed the exact details of the off-road hardware, but models based on the NU_IQ platform will have an approach angle of up to 28 degrees, a departure angle of up to 34.9 degrees and a breakover angle of up to 28.2 degrees, which, it claims, is significantly better than the class standards. It will also have a class-best ground clearance and a segment-first penta-link rear suspension. The Vision T, along with the Vision SXT concept, will be the most outdoorsy of the four concepts. The brand said it will also be aiming for a 5-star safety rating from global testing agencies such as the GNCAP and Euro NCAP.

Mahindra has also unveiled the Vision S and the Vision X at the same event. In fact, all four models are underpinned by the same NU_IQ platform, each previewing upcoming models from the Thar, Scorpio and XUV families. The production versions of these concepts, however, are still some time away and are expected to come from 2027 onwards. Do note that a lot could still be toned down from what was showcased. What’s interesting is that the homegrown automaker is even looking to go global with these four concepts.