On 15 August 2025, Mahindra & Mahindra made a striking statement in the Indian auto landscape.
At their Mumbai “Freedom NU” showcase, the company unveiled four mesmerising concept SUVs—Vision S, Vision T, Vision X, and Vision SXT—all anchored on the versatile NU_IQ modular multi‑energy platform.
1. What are Mahindra’s Vision Cars?
Witnessing this launch in person felt electrifying—like watching the brand rewrite the rules of future‑ready mobility.
The NU_IQ platform, nimble enough to accommodate ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains, as well as front‑wheel drive (FWD) and all‑wheel drive (AWD) formats, provides engineering flexibility that’s rare even among global automakers.
This modular architecture is at the heart of Mahindra’s Vision 2027 strategy, aiming to redefine SUV performance, safety, design, and adaptability.
For Indian drivers, this translates into SUVs that blend rugged appeal with modern finesse—capable for both cities and rough terrains.
| Concept | Distinctive Feature | Expected Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Vision S | Sub-4 m “baby Scorpio” compact SUV | Early 2027 |
| Vision T | Thar-inspired rugged boxy SUV | Late 2027–Early 2028 |
| Vision SXT | Pickup-style tough-terrain SUV | Late 2027–Early 2028 |
| Vision X | Sleek futuristic compact SUV | Mid 2028–Early 2029 |
1. Mahindra Vision S
A sub‑4‑metre compact SUV that channels the spirit of the Scorpio lineage—think “baby Scorpio” or “mini‑Defender”—with sharp, boxy styling, dual‑pod LED lamps, pixel‑LED fog lights, flush door handles, and camera‑based ORVMs.
It also features a contrasting navy‑blue and grey cabin, leatherette upholstery, dual displays, and a sleek 3‑spoke steering wheel inside.
Launch timeline: slated for early 2027, this will be the first of the quartet to hit Indian roads.
2. Mahindra Vision T
Wearing a robust, Thar‑inspired silhouette, the Vision T looks ready for adventure.
It sports squared wheel arches, all‑terrain tyres, visible hinges, yellow bonnet latches, and a rear spare‑wheel mount—elements reminiscent of the Thar e concept revealed in South Africa in 2023.
Inside, a layered dashboard and dual screens, but with a cleaner, more production‑ready finish.
Launch timeline: late 2027 to early 2028.
3. Mahindra Vision SXT
Though perhaps less talked about, the Vision SXT appears to channel a rugged, pickup‑style design—a tough‑terrain avatar within the Vision family—possibly echoing elements from the Global Pickup concept.
Official details remain sparse, but its bold intent shines through.
Launch timeline: late 2027 to early 2028, similar to Vision T .
4. Mahindra Vision X
This SUV carries a sleek, futuristic aesthetic—sleek lines, stylised aero alloys, flush handles, and a curving infotainment‑instrument display that seems lifted right out of sci-fi.
Built on the NU_IQ architecture, it’s expected to be a sub‑4‑metre model, preserving a compact footprint while remaining spacious inside.
Launch timeline: mid-2028 to early 2029.
Behind the Design of Mahindra’s Vision Cars
Mahindra’s “HEARTCORE” design philosophy shines through: vehicles with unmissable presence, spirited performance, and world‑class safety—all wrapped in technology that feels both tough and intuitive.
The NU_IQ platform’s strengths—flat‑floor architecture, lightweight engineering, multi‑body adaptability, RHD/LHD compatibility, and FWD/AWD layout flexibility—speak volumes about Mahindra’s latent ability to switch powertrains or shape SUVs around emerging consumer needs, especially in the EV era.
My Opinion: Why This Resonates for Indian SUV Lovers
As someone who’s grown up weaving through India’s chaotic city arteries and off-road byways, I often dream of vehicles that can effortlessly handle both.
The heartbeat of the countryside, the pulse of the highways—it demands SUVs that are brawny, intelligent, and emotionally resonant.
Vision S reminds me of weekend escapes—compact yet commanding, nimble in city life but confidence-inspiring when winding uphill.
Vision T and SXT evoke memories of rugged trails—rugged styling, heavy-duty character, and a soul built for freedom.
Vision X, meanwhile, feels like tomorrow—a fusion of comfort, tech, and grace that bridges today’s practicality with tomorrow’s promise.
In every concept, I sense a narrative: that Indian SUVs can be beautifully balanced—muscle with mind, heritage with horizon.
6. Why Indian Consumers Should Care
- Segment variety: From compact city navigators to rugged off-roaders to future-leaning tech SUVs—there’s something for diverse lifestyles.
- Powertrain diversity: ICE, hybrid, EV options let buyers choose based on preference, cost, or infrastructure readiness.
- Future-proof investments: The modular NU_IQ architecture ensures adaptability as Indian regulations shift and EV infrastructure expands.
- Global engineering, local sensitivity: These SUVs borrow Mahindra’s global design language but feel grounded in Indian realities—the right size, the right stance, the right intent.
Final Thoughts
The Vision S, T, X, and SXT reveal is much more than a concept car rollout—it’s a statement of intent. Mahindra is aligning heritage with horizon, legacy with leap.
For India’s SUV enthusiasts, this means choice with character, performance with purpose, and design with destiny.
As these concepts evolve into production versions, they promise to reshape India’s SUV narrative—from utilitarian vehicle to emotionally charged mobility companion.
I for one can’t wait to park Vision S on my driveway, drive Vision T through hill roads, load Vision SXT for weekend escapes—and let Vision X remind me what tomorrow’s Indian SUV could—and should—feel like.
