Mahindra's Electric Thar Spied Testing on Public Roads with Vision T Design Cues

Mahindra has moved closer to launching an electric version of its popular Thar SUV after a heavily camouflaged test vehicle was spotted on public roads. The prototype shares clear design links with the Vision T concept shown in August 2025 and the earlier Thar.e from 2023. At the front, the SUV features a broad grille with two-level vertical elements, squarish LED headlamps, a flat clamshell-style bonnet, an upright windscreen, and a chunky front bumper.

Design and Interior

The side profile reveals a five-door layout, flat roof, upright pillars, and flat side steps instead of the exposed structural steps seen on the Thar.e concept. The large wheels appear to be 19 or 20 inches in size, wrapped in road-oriented tyres. The rear features a broad, upright tailgate with a large window, but unlike the Thar.e and Vision T concepts, it lacks an externally mounted spare wheel, though a tailgate spare is expected on the production model. Test units serve as temporary rear lamps alongside a high-mounted stop lamp, while underbody views hint at an independent rear suspension, departing from the standard rear axle used in current Thar models. Inside, spy shots show an illuminated digital instrument display and grab handles near the A-pillars, while future models may borrow portrait infotainment screens similar to those on the Scorpio Lifestyler.

Timeline and Competition

Mahindra first unveiled the Thar.e in August 2023 on an INGLO-P1 platform, followed by the Vision T in August 2025 as part of the NU_IQ concept family. Although Mahindra's NU_IQ rollout starts in 2027, an official launch date for the electric Thar is unconfirmed, though road testing suggests a release in 2028 or later, following Mahindra's design patent filings for the Vision T and Vision SXT. Meanwhile, competition in the lifestyle electric SUV segment is heating up as JSW Motors prepares electrified models like the Jetour T2-based plug-in hybrid, and the Chery iCAR V23 undergoes testing in India.

Context

Automakers are increasingly testing electric and hybrid versions of popular rugged SUVs to meet shifting buyer preferences in India's growing lifestyle vehicle segment. Mahindra's ongoing development of zero-emission utility vehicles highlights a wider industry push toward electrifying traditional off-road platforms.