Mahindra’s Thar electric, previewed by the Vision T concept, has been spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time. The test mule gives us the clearest look yet at how much of the concept’s rugged styling could make it to the production SUV. The Vision T is one of four concepts based on Mahindra’s new NU_IQ platform, which is set to underpin a new generation of SUVs from 2027 onwards. Mahindra, however, has not yet confirmed the final name or specifications of the production model.
The test vehicle retains the upright, boxy proportions that made the Vision T look like an electric evolution of the Thar family. The flat bonnet, squared-off wheel arches, upright windscreen and chunky body cladding are all clearly visible. It also gets a familiar Thar-style spare wheel mounted at the rear, while the five-door layout gives the SUV a more practical profile.
Compared with the original Thar.e concept shown in 2023, the Vision T-based SUV looks considerably more production-friendly. The design has been toned down in places, but Mahindra does not appear to have sacrificed the rugged character that defines the Thar. The Vision T itself was positioned as an evolution of the Thar.e, with a design that felt closer to something that could eventually make its way into a showroom.
The interior is perhaps even more interesting. The test mule appears to feature a digital instrument cluster, large grab handles on either side of the dashboard and a more conventional dashboard layout. The Vision T concept had a large portrait-oriented touchscreen, a separate horizontal instrument display and a chunky centre console. It also moved away from the aircraft-inspired controls seen on the Thar.e, opting instead for a more familiar steering wheel and gear selector.
That change makes sense for a production SUV. The concept looked futuristic, but the test mule suggests Mahindra is focusing on keeping the distinctive character while making the cabin more practical and easier to live with.
Mahindra Thar Electric Platform And Powertrain
One of the most interesting aspects of the Vision T is the platform underneath it. Unlike the original Thar.e, which was conceived purely as an EV, Mahindra’s NU_IQ architecture has been developed to support multiple powertrains. The company says the platform can accommodate petrol, diesel, hybrid and fully electric powertrains, along with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
For the SUV spotted testing here, an electric powertrain is expected. Mahindra has not yet revealed details about the battery pack, range, motor output or charging capabilities. There have also been reports suggesting that the EV could use battery technology shared with the BE 6 and XEV 9e, although Mahindra has not confirmed this yet.
Thar Electric Gets Monocoque Architecture
The test vehicle also appears to feature independent rear suspension, which would be a major departure from the ladder-frame construction used by the current Thar and Thar Roxx. The Vision T moves to Mahindra’s NU_IQ monocoque architecture instead.
The platform is primarily front-wheel-drive based but has been engineered to support AWD as well. This means Mahindra can offer four-wheel-drive capability on the electric SUV without carrying over the mechanical setup used by the existing Thar family.
Mahindra has confirmed that SUVs based on the NU_IQ platform will start entering production from 2027. The Vision T-based SUV is expected to arrive after the first NU_IQ model rather than being the platform’s launch product. For now, the road-going test mule gives us a much better idea of what the electric Thar could eventually look like, although the final design and specifications are still some way from being confirmed.
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