New Mahindra Thar Electric Spied For First Time – Vision T Design, Interiors

The heavily camouflaged five-door SUV retains several concept-inspired details, including a distinctive grille, squared-off headlights and flared wheel arches

Mahindra’s Thar electric project appears to have taken a significant step forward, with a heavily camouflaged test SUV now spotted on public roads. Believed to be a development vehicle for the upcoming Thar electric, it shows clear similarities to the Vision T concept unveiled in August 2025, which evolved the design direction introduced by Thar.e in 2023.

The sighting comes after the Scorpio N-based pickup, showcased alongside Thar.e at the 2023 South Africa event, progressed to its August 2026 unveiling as the Scorpio Lifestyler. Now, these spy shots offer a closer look at how Mahindra’s futuristic off-road SUV could take shape.

Concept-Inspired Design Remains Intact

The front is among the strongest links to Vision T. Its broad grille features vertically arranged elements in a two-level pattern, flanked by squarish headlamp housings. The illuminated headlights appear to use LEDs, although glare and camouflage obscure the finer lighting details.

A flat, clamshell-style bonnet, upright windscreen and substantial front bumper maintain the concept’s boxy appearance. Large, rectangular outside mirrors have a familiar Thar-like shape, while the pronounced wheel arches give the prototype a wide stance.

The side profile reveals a five-door layout, flat roof and upright pillars. Flat side steps run beneath the doors, providing a more conventional execution than the exposed structural-style steps seen on the original Thar.e.

Large wheels also stand out. They appear to be around 19 or 20 inches, although their exact size cannot be established from the photographs. The tyres look more road-oriented than the aggressive off-road rubber fitted to the concepts.

No Tailgate Spare, Temporary Rear Lights

At the rear, the test SUV has a broad, upright tailgate and large rear window. Notably, there is no externally mounted spare wheel, unlike both Thar.e and Vision T. In the production version, spare wheel is likely to be added on the tailgate like the ROXX.

The small rear lamps appear to be temporary testing units. A high-mounted stop lamp and chunky lower bumper are also visible, while the underbody views suggest independent rear suspension. That would be a notable departure from the rear axle arrangement associated with the existing Thar family.

Could Share Infotainment With Lifestyler

The interior photograph reveals an illuminated digital instrument display and substantial grab handles near the A-pillars. Much of the dashboard remains hidden, but the concept references offer clues to its possible layout.

Vision T featured a portrait central touchscreen, separate horizontal instrument display and chunky centre console. The recently unveiled Scorpio Lifestyler also uses a large portrait infotainment screen, which will also likely feature on the Scorpio N facelift. A shared infotainment system is therefore a possibility, although the spy shots do not establish the screen’s dimensions or hardware.

Thar.e To Vision T – The Journey So Far

Mahindra unveiled Thar.e in August 2023 on a customised INGLO-P1 platform. Vision T followed in August 2025 alongside the more open-bodied Vision SXT, retaining the angular design while joining Mahindra’s multi-energy NU_IQ concept family.

Mahindra’s NU IQ product rollout is scheduled to begin from 2027, but a specific launch date for this SUV remains unconfirmed. Considering that the public road testing has just started, launch could take place 2028 or later. Interestingly, Mahindra has also filed design patents for both Vision T and Vision SXT.

Upcoming Competition From JSW Motors

The Thar electric’s development also comes amid potential new competition in the lifestyle SUV space. JSW Motors is preparing a portfolio of electrified vehicles, with the Jetour T2-based plug-in hybrid expected to be its first offering, potentially wearing the Combat name. The Chery iCAR V23 electric SUV has also been spotted testing in India.

Both feature the upright stance, boxy proportions and rugged styling that appeal to buyers considering vehicles such as the Thar. Their plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains could give these buyers alternatives beyond conventional petrol and diesel SUVs.

For Mahindra, an electric Thar would extend its established lifestyle SUV range into this emerging market. While pricing, specifications and launch schedules will determine how directly these models compete, the latest test sighting suggests Mahindra is progressing towards an electrified offering of its own.