Mahindra, a leading figure in India’s automotive sector, recently revealed an ambitious strategy at an investor meeting. The plan involves the launch of six new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) SUVs by 2030, reinforcing Mahindra’s stronghold in the SUV market.
This bold move is a strategic response to the strong demand for ICE SUVs in India. In FY24, utility vehicles made up more than half of passenger vehicle sales in India, a 31% increase year-on-year. By introducing these six new models, Mahindra aims to leverage this growing market trend.
The six forthcoming models include the confirmed Thar 5-door and the next-gen Bolero. The Thar 5-door, set for a global launch in August 2024, is expected to be a more practical competitor to the Maruti Jimny and the Thar 3-door. The next-gen Bolero, a popular utility ICE SUVs in India, is projected to be available by 2026.
The other four models are yet to be announced, but speculation suggests they could be the Mahindra Scorpio Pickup, Mahindra XUV 1XO, Mahindra XUV 5XO, and Mahindra XUV700 Coupe.
Six New ICE SUVs to Hit the Road by 2030
While it’s known that Mahindra’s Born Electric (BE) range of EVs will start rolling out from late 2024, the Indian automaker also disclosed plans to launch six new ICE SUVs by 2030.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
The first model, the Mahindra Thar 5-door, is set for a 2024 launch with a global reveal in August. It’s expected to be a larger, more practical alternative to the Maruti Jimny and the Thar 3-door, thanks to its longer wheelbase and additional doors. It’s likely to share its powertrains with the 3-door model but offer more performance and features, including a larger touchscreen and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
New-gen Mahindra Bolero
Revealed back in 2021, the new-generation Mahindra Bolero is expected to hit the market by 2026. Likely to remain a body-on-frame offering, it’s intended for rugged use and is one of the country’s most popular work-horse SUVs. Even with the generational update, it’s expected to continue with the option of a 1.5-litre diesel unit. We anticipate Mahindra will equip it with modern features such as a basic infotainment unit and additional safety tech like multiple airbags and electronic stability control (ESC).
Mahindra XUV 1XO
Mahindra was an early entrant in the micro SUV space with the introduction of the KUV100. However, poor sales led to its discontinuation in April 2023 due to stricter emission norms. Given the strong competition in this segment from the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch, we believe Mahindra is likely developing a new model to compete in this space. Its recent trademark filing and application for the XUV 1XO moniker suggest it could be a new micro SUV, slotting below the recently launched XUV 3XO.
Mahindra XUV 5XO
Another recent trademark from Mahindra was the XUV 5XO moniker, likely to be used for compact ICE SUVs positioned between the XUV 3XO sub-4m SUV and the XUV700 midsize SUV. With the discontinuation of the XUV500 midsize SUV in 2021, replaced by the larger XUV700, there’s room for Mahindra to introduce a monocoque compact SUV.
The new XUV 5XO will likely be similarly sized as compact ICE SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara, and equipped with modern features like dual-integrated displays for the infotainment and instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and multi-zone climate control.
Mahindra XUV700 Coupe
Mahindra is preparing the all-electric derivative of the XUV700, currently known as the XUV.e8, slated for sale sometime in 2024. Alongside the reveal of the XUV.e8, the carmaker also announced the XUV.e9, a coupe version of the all-electric XUV700. We believe that Mahindra could also introduce an ICE derivative of the XUV.e9, positioned as an SUV-coupe alternative to the XUV700.
Mahindra has been eyeing an SUV-coupe for many years, first hinted at by the XUV Aero Concept that debuted at the 2016 Auto Expo. Now, with the imminent arrival of the Tata Curvv, Mahindra is readying a bigger alternative. We expect the XUV.e9’s ICE counterpart to offer both petrol and diesel engines, similar to the XUV700.
Mahindra Scorpio N Pickup
Lastly, Mahindra might also be stretching the SUV terminology for the production-spec Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup truck, a project previewed in concept form in August 2023. It would be a rival to the likes of the Isuzu V-Cross and Toyota Hilux. It could retain the same design elements as the rugged off-road-specific tyres, chunky bumpers, and the payload area as seen on the concept for the production-ready model. It will likely be offered with just the 2.2-litre diesel powertrain of the Scorpio N SUV along with the 4×4 hardware. However, we don’t expect it to be launched anytime sooner than 2026.
Conclusion
With this ambitious plan, Mahindra is set to redefine the ICE SUVs landscape in India. As the auto industry shifts towards more sustainable solutions, the launch of these six ICE SUVs will play a crucial role in Mahindra’s growth strategy. It will be interesting to see how these new models will shape the future of the Indian ICE SUVs market.