Mahindra Global Vision 2027 - The NU Chapter

In the Indian automotive industry, only a handful of events qualify as seismic shifts. Some of them – the launch of the original Scorpio, market disruption of the XUV500, and technological masterclass of the XUV700 – have been brought about by Mahindra, a company that has not just repeatedly redefined the SUV segment but also reshaped the very expectations of Indian car buyers.

Now, it seems that the company plans to shake things up once again. Its Freedom NU event made that clear, offering a glimpse into the brand’s future. During the event, Mahindra unveiled its Global Vision 2027, which focuses on what the brand calls ‘Core SUVs’ – authentic true-blue SUVs and not MPVs or hatchback-derived crossovers – and includes four futuristic concepts. This segment currently accounts for 30% of the market, leaving a massive growth opportunity that Mahindra plans to capture.

At the heart of this vision lies the new NU_IQ platform – an architecture that, according to the company, is ‘too versatile for a single box’. Engineered for the global C2 segment, this modular, multi-powertrain, and multi-configuration platform promises to resolve the paradoxes of modern SUVs. It’s designed to deliver everything – a commanding seating position, lightweight construction with top-tier safety, and a first-of-its-kind flat floor for ICE vehicles. And all of this will be brought together through the brand’s new, expressive ‘HEARTCORE’ design language.

So, let’s dive into what each of the four new concepts built on this platform signifies.

Mahindra Vision T: The Global Icon

It doesn’t take an industry expert to decode the ‘T’ in Vision T. Driven by a ‘Born Iconic’ spirit, it, without a doubt, marks the genesis of the next-generation Thar. Confirmed as ICE-powered, it’s the most squared-off concept of the four, which retains the unmistakable boxy silhouette now refined for a global audience. Its off-road credentials aren’t just implied – they are quantified: a massive 227mm of ground clearance, a 28° approach angle, a 28.2° breakover angle, and a 34.9° departure angle.

The NU_IQ platform is the real game-changer, promising to address the current Thar’s biggest compromise: on-road manners. Mahindra aims to compete with the best by equipping the Vision T with the world’s first five-link rear suspension featuring ‘DaVinci’ damper technology. The system is claimed to maintain a consistent damping force regardless of the severity of impacts, improving ride comfort without sacrificing off-road capability. Paired with a 10.5-metre turning circle, the Vision T promises excellent agility.

Practicality also sees a notable boost – the Vision T offers 450 litres of luggage space up to seat height, which Mahindra says is about 15% more than any global competitor. Safety has been engineered to global benchmarks – Mahindra says the vehicle will meet or exceed Global NCAP standards and will likely receive a five-star rating.

Mahindra Vision SXT: The Legend’s Next Chapter

Also driven by ‘Born Iconic’ design spirit, the Vision SXT was introduced as the Vision T’s more rugged pickup variant. That said, it could also be a preview of the long-awaited Scorpio-N Pickup. The concept embraces the Scorpio’s formidable, upright stance and commanding presence but is sculpted with Mahindra’s new ‘Opposites Attract’ theme. Muscular haunches, a high bonnet, and the signature window kink have all been reinterpreted with sharper lines and a more premium finish.

The real innovation, however, lies beneath the surface. The NU_IQ platform’s ‘flat form’ architecture promises to deliver what Scorpio owners have long desired: a genuinely spacious cabin with class-leading boot space, free from the compromises typical of traditional ladder-frame construction. The platform promises a commanding 1,563mm of driver-seat height and an impressive 937mm of second-row legroom. The concept suggests that the Scorpio-N Pickup, or perhaps a Thar Pickup, won’t just be tougher and more capable but also luxurious and family-friendly.

Mahindra Vision S: The Sporty People-Mover

Unlike the Vision T and SXT, which clearly hint at the future of the Thar and Scorpio, the Vision S seems shrouded in intrigue. Built around the design philosophy ‘Can solid be sporty?’, this rugged, boxy concept could well become the next-generation Bolero. If that’s the case, it’s a bold reimagining of a utilitarian icon, retaining a tough, squared-off silhouette with a fresh, heavy dose of modern lifestyle appeal.

The Vision S is loaded with off-road and expedition-ready gear – a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, a roof rack with integrated LED light bar, purposeful side steps, limb risers, and even a side-mounted jerry can holder. The ‘Expedition Vehicle Configuration’ livery boldly emblazoned on its sides leaves little doubt about the vehicle’s intention.

While the current Bolero is a rural legend, the Vision S concept, underpinned by the advanced NU_IQ platform, hints at a future where that legendary toughness will be fused with modern safety, technology, and on-road comfort to appeal to a new generation of urban adventurers.

Mahindra Vision X : The Sculpted Disruptor

The Vision X is arguably the most strategic and disruptive vehicle of the lot: a sub-4-meter coupe-SUV tailored for the hyper-competitive Indian market. Built on the scalable NU_IQ platform, which can accommodate lengths as short as 3,990mm, the Vision X embraces the philosophy that ‘something sculptural can be moving’.

With its aggressive coupe-like roofline, flush door handles, and minimalist design, the Vision X could well be the production preview of the long-rumoured XUV900 Coupe. That said, its compact footprint will most likely position it against rivals like the Maruti Brezza and Hyundai Venue.

Its sleek silhouette prioritises aesthetics and on-road performance, standing in sharp contrast to the rugged utility of its stablemates. Moreover, the NU_IQ platform could also address the classic coupe-SUV issue of style versus space by promising a spacious cabin despite the sloping roofline.

This concept is a clear signal of Mahindra’s intent to move upmarket, offering a sophisticated, feature-rich, and visually striking SUV, good enough to compete on pure desirability. It is Mahindra’s boldest design statement yet, and a definitive marker of its premium ambitions.