The Mahindra Thar Electric is an upcoming all-electric off-road sport utility vehicle. For the first time, this SUV’s prototype has been spotted testing on public roads in India. The spied images of the test mule have surfaced online, and now it is floating on the internet.
This upcoming EV’s spy shots have revealed many details regarding its exterior design. Its design is quite similar to the Vision T concept, which Mahindra Auto showcased last August, after showing the Thar.e concept back in August 2023.
Boxy upfront design.
The Mahindra Thar Electric all-electric SUV features a large vertical grille with a two-level pattern. The actual design is still behind the wrap. Other details that we clearly see upfront are the squared-off LED headlights, but things regarding its availability for the production model are still uncertain.
This electric SUV’s flat clamshell-style bonnet adds a sporty appearance to the front-end design, and the bumper at the front end resembles the boxy appearance. Regarding the main headlamp housing, a slim horizontal LED daylight running light is visible, giving the futuristic touch.
The side appearance confirms the 5-door layout.
Looking from the sides, it’s clear that this prototype has 5 seats in a 2-3 layout. Other key highlights from the side view are the flat roofline and upright pillars. Its size is still undisclosed.
The flat side steps are present beneath the doors for conventional egress and ingress, and pronounced wheel arches above the large alloys create a wide stance.
Handles for doors are concealed behind the camouflaged; as they aren’t pop-up, we are expecting that the door handles will be hidden flush-type.
The ORVM on the A-pillars is present, but it’s still unclear if they will also house the side indicator. It’s tough to say anything about the wheel size that we get to see on the test mule; reports suggest it be either 19-inch or 20-inch.
Clear rear profile.
The Mahindra Thar Electric test mule rear has quite a clearer appearance with no spare wheel on the tailgate. Upright tailgates with side-opening features and large rear windshields are details that have emerged with these sightings.
The taillamps at the rear seem to be temporary; it means that the production model will have a distinctive lighting signature. The chunky bumper below the tailgate and the stop lamp above the windshield are among the features that are visible on the prototype.
The spare wheels aren’t available on the test mule, but they are most likely for the production model, as both the Thar.e concept and the Vision T concept were showcased with this feature.
Smart cabin likely.
The Mahindra Thar Electric test images also show a little of the cabin through the front passenger windshield. An illuminated digital instrument cluster, covered touchscreen infotainment system, and grab handle co-passenger on the A-pillar.
The infotainment system on this prototype has quite a similar design to what we get to see on the recently showcased Mahindra Lifestyler pickup. Notably, the carmaker will reveal the interior features on the day they will unveil the Mahindra Thar Electric.
Reportedly, it may get ventilated front seats with massage functions, two- or three-zone climate control, dedicated air conditioning vents for the first and second rows, a level 2+ ADAS suite, and a wireless phone charging pad.
Any update on the powertrain?
Mahindra Auto first showcased the Thar.e concept, whose production model was to come as Mahindra Thar Electric, underpinning the INGLO-P1 platform. Later the carmaker revised their plan and showcased the Vision T concept that is built on the same platform with a similar design.
For the upcoming Mahindra Thar Electric, the powertrain details are still undisclosed. Because the debut will take place as an off-roader, the all-wheel-drive drivetrain will surely be on the card featuring two electric motors, one on each axle.
Image: Rushlane
