The next-generation Mahindra Thar just showed its face. Patent filings for the Vision T reveal a production design that looks almost identical to the concept, covering both an electric and a petrol-diesel Thar. There's no confirmed launch date, but Mahindra is targeting late 2027 or early 2028.
Vision T patent: what the filings show
The patent images confirm the production Vision T stays close to the concept. It keeps clear the family cues: a split front grille with horizontal slats, flared wheel arches, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and bonnet latches. The concept's headlamp setup had a central squarish LED unit flanked by four LED daytime running lights (DRLs, the always-on strips at the front). The rear gets LED taillights. So the boxy, upright Thar look, you know, isn't going away; it's just getting sharper.
Launch timeline: late 2027 or early 2028, no date confirmed
Mahindra hasn't announced a launch date for the next Thar. The company is expected to bring it out around late 2027 or early 2028. The Vision S will be the first model on the new NU_IQ platform, with testing already started. The Vision T and Vision The SXT (a pickup) will follow later. Treat that 2027-28 window as a target, not a promise. Plans like these often shift.
NU_IQ platform: 2665mm wheelbase and off-road hardware
The Vision T sits on Mahindra's new NU_IQ architecture, built for SUVs between 3990mm and 4320mm long. Its wheelbase (the gap between the front and rear wheels) is 2665 mm, bigger than many mid-size SUVs. That should mean far more cabin room than today's four-seat Thar. The off-road kit is expected to stay serious: a low-range transfer case (extra gearing for tough terrain), AWD (all-wheel drive), an electronic differential, and dedicated off-road drive modes. The design retains high ground clearance and all-terrain tires in those squared-off arches.
Petrol, diesel and electric: what to expect
Mahindra is expected to offer the Vision T with petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains. That matters. The current Thar already comes with a 117 bhp diesel and a 150 bhp petrol, and keeping fuel options alive means loyal Thar buyers aren't forced into an EV. Battery size, range, and charging times aren't in the patent, so treat any range talk as guesswork for now. The electric version grows from the earlier Thar.e concept shown in August 2023. Mahindra wants this as a lifestyle SUV for both city drivers and weekend adventurers.
How the next Thar differs from today's ₹10.32-17.99 lakh model
Today's Mahindra Thar is a four-seat, hardcore off-roader priced from ₹10.32 lakh to ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom, so on-road adds road tax, registration, and insurance and varies by state). The AXT diesel manual with 117 bhp opens the range at ₹10.32 lakh. The LXT diesel manual is ₹12.99 lakh, while the punchy 150 bhp petrol LXT costs ₹14.76 lakh (automatic) or ₹15.59 lakh (manual). The Vision T's longer 2665mm wheelbase points to a roomier, more family-friendly cabin than the current car's tight rear. Expect it to be a wider, more practical package, not a straight replacement for the raw off-roader feel.
Where it sits vs Nexon, Sonet and Fronx
The current Thar's ₹10.32 lakh start already sits above compact-SUV rivals. The Tata Nexon runs ₹7.40-14.40 lakh, the Kia Sonet ₹7.41-14.47 lakh, the Maruti Fronx ₹6.85-11.98 lakh, and the Toyota Taisor ₹7.43-12.94 lakh. That's roughly ₹2.9 lakh more than the Nexon's entry price just to get into a Thar. With its bigger platform, the Vision T is likely to widen that gap further, pushing it closer to mid-size SUV money. This has never been a value pick, and the next one won't be either.
Should you wait or buy the current Thar now?
If you want a Thar today and the boxy charm is what you're after, the current car is proven and here now, starting from ₹10.32 lakh. But if you can hold out, the Vision T promises far more space, EV or fuel choice, and updated tech, likely two-plus years away with no firm date. For families who found today's four-seat Thar too tight, waiting makes real sense. The sweet spot in the current line-up remains the LXT diesel manual at ₹12.99 lakh, enough grunt without the petrol's price jump.
References: Mahindra India — official website
