Mahindra Thar electric test SUV spotted with Vision T design
A camouflaged Mahindra Thar electric prototype has been seen on public roads, revealing a design heavily inspired by the Vision T concept.
A heavily camouflaged Mahindra Thar electric test SUV has been spotted on public roads. This development model offers the first real-world glimpse of Mahindra's upcoming electric off-roader, showing clear design ties to the Vision T concept unveiled in August 2025.
Exterior design and proportions
The prototype features a boxy, upright stance with squared-off bodywork. Its front end has a broad grille with vertically arranged elements in a two-level pattern, flanked by squarish headlamp housings. The illuminated headlights appear to use LEDs, though camouflage obscures finer details.
A flat, clamshell-style bonnet, upright windscreen, and substantial front bumper maintain the concept’s rugged appearance. The side profile confirms a five-door layout with a flat roof and upright pillars. Pronounced wheel arches give the vehicle a wide stance, and flat side steps run beneath the doors. This is a more conventional execution than the exposed structural-style steps on the original Thar.e concept.
The test vehicle rides on large alloy wheels, approximately 19 or 20 inches in size, fitted with tires that look more road-oriented than aggressive off-road rubber. At the rear, there is a broad, upright tailgate and a large rear window. Notably, the prototype lacks an externally mounted spare wheel, a feature present on both the Thar.e and Vision T concepts. The small rear lamps appear to be temporary testing units, while a high-mounted stop lamp and chunky lower bumper are visible.
Interior and technology clues
A single interior photograph reveals an illuminated digital instrument display and substantial grab handles near the A-pillars. Much of the dashboard remains hidden behind camouflage, but concept references offer clues to its possible layout.
The Vision T featured a portrait central touchscreen, a separate horizontal instrument display, and a chunky centre console. Mahindra's recently unveiled Scorpio Lifestyler also uses a large portrait infotainment screen, which will also likely feature on the Scorpio N facelift. A shared infotainment system between the Thar electric and the Scorpio Lifestyler is therefore a possibility, though spy shots do not establish the screen’s exact dimensions or hardware.
Mechanical and platform insights
Underbody views of the test vehicle suggest the use of an independent rear suspension setup. This would be a notable departure from the rear axle arrangement associated with the existing, internal combustion engine Thar family, potentially offering improved on-road comfort and handling characteristics for the electric variant.
Context within Mahindra’s EV strategy
The Thar electric prototype is the latest step in Mahindra's electrification roadmap, which began with the Thar.e concept showed in August 2023. The Vision T concept, revealed two years later, evolved that angular design language while joining Mahindra's multi-energy NU_IQ concept family. Mahindra has filed design patents for both the Vision T and the more open-bodied Vision SXT concept shown alongside it.
The Scorpio N-based pickup, first shown with the Thar.e in 2023, has since progressed to become the Scorpio Lifestyler unveiled in August 2026. Mahindra's broader NU_IQ product rollout is scheduled to begin from 2027. In the production version of the Thar electric, the spare wheel is likely to be added on the tailgate, similar to the ROXX model.
This development occurs as competition in the electric SUV space heats up, with the Chery iCAR V23 electric SUV also spotted testing in India. Considering that public road testing for the Thar electric has just started, its production launch could take place in 2028 or later.
