Mahindra has introduced four new concept SUVs at the Global Vision 2027 event held in New Delhi, India. This lineup, featuring the Vision T, Vision SXT, Vision X, and Vision S, aims to position the company against established rivals like the Mazda CX-3 and the Toyota RAV4. While the models are currently in the concept stage, they represent Mahindra’s ambition to expand its presence in the competitive SUV market, particularly in Australia, where it hopes to become a top-15 automotive brand by 2030.
The Vision Series showcases Mahindra’s commitment to safety, with all vehicles engineered to achieve a maximum five-star safety rating in India, Europe, and Australia. This development addresses a significant concern for Mahindra Australia, which has noted previously low safety ratings for some of its existing models. Two current models lack any ANCAP safety ratings, while another received a zero-star rating. Mahindra plans to address these issues by 2026, as it seeks to improve its local model range.
Innovative Platform and Potential Powertrains
All four concepts are built on a new ‘NU_IQ’ modular global platform. This platform is designed to support both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, as well as internal combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric powertrains. Velusamy Ramasamy, Mahindra’s President of Automotive Technology and Product Development, indicated that all four models are potential candidates for production, pending further assessment.
Currently, Mahindra does not have a hybrid vehicle in its global lineup, but it is looking to introduce hybrid options alongside its first electric vehicle (EV), expected to reach Australian showrooms by the end of 2027. While specific details about which models will be offered remain unconfirmed, the company is actively exploring its options.
The new platform also enables a more robust vehicle structure, designed to accommodate advanced safety features. With a shared wheelbase of 2665 mm, the concepts range in overall length from 3995 mm to 4320 mm. This design strategy allows for shorter overhangs, which Mahindra claims will aid in achieving an independent five-star safety rating in Global NCAP, Euro NCAP, and ANCAP testing.
Distinct Designs and Market Ambitions
The exterior designs of the Vision Series SUVs exhibit unique approaches to the five-door SUV format, catering to both off-road enthusiasts and urban drivers. Inside, the vehicles showcase significant variations in design, such as the portrait-oriented screen in the Vision T and the more horizontal layout in the Vision X.
Anish Shah, Mahindra Group CEO and Managing Director, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “What you’re about to see today is the first step towards two distinct paradigm changes. One is a paradigm shift in design; and the other is a paradigm shift in technology.” This perspective reflects Mahindra’s overall strategy, which has shifted since 2021 from offering a limited product lineup to aspiring to become a mainstream automotive brand.
In Australia, Mahindra is set to launch a new model each year, aiming to renew its current lineup, which includes three SUVs and a utility vehicle. Upcoming models include the next-generation Pik-Up and the Thar large SUV, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to growth in the competitive automotive sector.
As Mahindra continues to evolve its offerings and improve safety ratings, the Vision Series concepts are poised to play a vital role in shaping the company’s future direction.
