Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing a product expansion programme that includes 16 SUVs between April 2026 and 2031, covering conventional petrol and diesel vehicles as well as an expanding range of purpose-built electric SUVs.

The roadmap reflects Mahindra's objective of maintaining its position in the utility-vehicle market while expanding into segments where its presence has historically been limited. Rather than relying predominantly on models such as the Scorpio, Thar, Bolero and XUV range, Mahindra is developing a broader portfolio spanning compact urban SUVs, lifestyle off-roaders, family vehicles, electric models and potentially products aimed at global markets.

Ten ICE SUVs and six electric SUVs planned

Mahindra's revised product plan includes 10 internal-combustion-engine (ICE) SUVs and six battery-electric vehicles by 2031. This represents a revision of the roadmap announced in May 2024, when the company initially targeted nine ICE models and seven electric SUVs by 2030.

By the end of FY2025-26, Mahindra had already accounted for five ICE products and four electric products under its earlier programme. These included the XUV 3XO, Thar Roxx, XUV 7XO and updates to the Bolero family on the combustion side, along with the BE 6, XEV 9e, XEV 9S and BE 6 Formula E Edition within the electric portfolio.

The revised strategy does not imply that 16 entirely new and previously unseen vehicles will enter the market simultaneously. Instead, it represents Mahindra's launch programme from April 2026 onwards and includes a combination of new nameplates, production versions of previously displayed concepts and at least one mid-cycle product enhancement.

Mahindra has indicated that the 10-model ICE programme will comprise nine new SUV nameplates and one mid-cycle enhancement. The six-EV roadmap is expected to include a range of body styles and price points rather than solely offering electric versions of existing Mahindra SUVs.

NU_IQ platform to drive the next phase

A key element of Mahindra's future strategy will be the new NU_IQ modular architecture. The platform has been developed to support multiple energy options and both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive markets.

Mahindra has already previewed four concepts based on this architecture: Vision.S, Vision.X, Vision.T and Vision.SXT. Production vehicles inspired by these concepts are expected to begin arriving from 2027. The platform enables Mahindra to address areas of its current portfolio where it has fewer offerings. The company has a significant presence in rugged SUVs and larger utility vehicles but offers fewer products in high-volume urban SUV categories. The NU_IQ platform could enable Mahindra to compete more directly in segments currently occupied by models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon and other monocoque SUVs.

It should be noted that the Vision models remain concepts at present. Their final names, specifications, seating configurations and powertrain combinations have not yet been officially announced.

Vision.S could become a more accessible rugged SUV

The Vision.S appears to be one of the products planned for Mahindra's future portfolio. Its upright proportions and squared-off design suggest a compact SUV with visual links to the Scorpio family. Media reports have frequently described it as a "baby Scorpio", although Mahindra has not confirmed this positioning. A production version could potentially provide the company with a rugged alternative in the compact-SUV segment, positioned below the Scorpio-N and possibly alongside or above the XUV 3XO. Such a model could extend Mahindra's presence in a more affordable and higher-volume segment.

Vision.X may target Urban SUV buyer

The Vision.X concept adopts a SUV-oriented design. It appears less focused on traditional off-road styling than the Vision.S and could be aimed at urban families seeking a compact or midsize SUV. This is a major segment of the market. Mahindra currently offers products at the sub-four-metre and larger SUV ends of the market, but a direct rival to the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara and Hyryder could expand its customer base.

Depending on its eventual dimensions, a Vision.X-derived model could be positioned between the XUV 3XO and XUV 7XO. Petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrain options cannot be ruled out, given that the NU_IQ platform has been conceived as a multi-energy architecture.

Vision.T points towards the future of Thar family

The Vision.T concept incorporates several design cues associated with the Thar, including an upright body structure, short overhangs and a lifestyle-oriented off-road stance. It is expected to preview a future electric or next-generation lifestyle SUV. Mahindra had previously displayed the Thar.e concept, indicating plans to eventually introduce an electric version of the nameplate. The Vision.T could indicate a future design direction for that programme.

However, it remains unclear whether the final production model will be marketed as the Thar.e, Vision.T or under a different name. The production vehicle may also differ substantially from the concept once packaging requirements, regulatory considerations, pricing targets and manufacturing constraints are taken into account.

Vision.SXT could expand Mahindra's lifestyle portfolio

The Vision.SXT concept features a pickup-inspired rear section that combines SUV styling with additional utility. A production version could enable Mahindra to participate in the lifestyle pickup segment, which remains relatively small in India but has potential in international markets. It could also complement the Global Pik Up concept previously showcased by the company.

The business case for such a model may depend heavily on export opportunities. Pickup-based lifestyle vehicles have larger customer bases in markets such as South Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia and Latin America than in India.

BE.07 expected to broaden the electric range

Mahindra's current electric-origin range includes the BE 6, XEV 9e and XEV 9S. The next addition is expected to be a production model derived from the BE.07 concept. The BE.07 was originally conceived as a family-oriented electric SUV with more conventional proportions than the coupé-styled BE 6 and XEV 9e. It could become a volume-oriented product, particularly for customers seeking a spacious electric SUV with a less distinctive exterior design.

The eventual production vehicle is expected to utilise Mahindra's INGLO electric architecture and could share battery, motor and electronic systems with the company's existing electric-origin SUVs. Mahindra has not yet confirmed the production model's specifications or final launch timeline.

A more rugged version of the BE 6 is also possible

Mahindra has previously showcased the BE Rall-E, a rugged interpretation of the vehicle that ultimately entered production as the BE 6. The concept featured off-road-inspired styling, additional body protection and a more adventure-focused appearance.

A production derivative could serve as an additional variant within the BE range. However, its inclusion within the six-EV programme has not been officially confirmed. Alternatively, the company could utilise special editions and performance-oriented variants to create differentiation without introducing a separate model.

Scorpio-N and Thar updates remain likely

Alongside the introduction of new nameplates, Mahindra is expected to continue updating its existing SUVs. Test vehicles believed to be associated with the Scorpio-N facelift have already been spotted on Indian roads, suggesting that development work is underway.

The Scorpio-N could receive revisions to its exterior styling, cabin technology, infotainment system and feature list. Its current petrol and diesel engines are likely to be retained, although Mahindra may introduce improvements in efficiency, refinement and emissions compliance. The three-door Thar is also expected to receive periodic updates. With the Thar Roxx providing a more family-oriented five-door package, the three-door version may increasingly focus on enthusiasts and lifestyle-oriented buyers. These updates are likely to remain important as manufacturers continue to introduce additional technology, safety features and electrified powertrains.

Bolero family could enter a new generation

The Bolero remains a long-running Mahindra nameplate, particularly in rural and semi-urban markets. Although it does not attract the same level of attention as the Thar or Scorpio, it continues to contribute sales volumes and supports Mahindra's presence beyond major metropolitan areas.

A future Bolero-family product could retain the nameplate's practicality while incorporating a more modern platform, improved safety standards, greater comfort and updated technology. Mahindra will need to manage this transition carefully. Moving the Bolero significantly upmarket could affect its value proposition, while retaining an ageing architecture indefinitely would make it more difficult to meet future customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Why Mahindra needs such a large pipeline

Mahindra's SUV business has expanded in recent years, supported by the Scorpio-N, Thar, Thar Roxx, XUV 3XO, XUV700 and its electric-origin products. The company has also increased manufacturing capacity to reduce waiting periods and support future launches.

However, the Indian SUV market is becoming increasingly competitive. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Toyota, Kia, Skoda, Volkswagen, MG and several emerging electric-vehicle brands are all expanding their portfolios.

Mahindra's 16-SUV plan is intended to increase its presence across multiple SUV segments. The strategy could also reduce dependence on a limited number of high-volume models. A broader portfolio may help the company address different market segments and make greater use of its manufacturing and technology investments.

Electric SUVs to become central to Mahindra's growth

Mahindra's electric-vehicle strategy has changed following the introduction of the BE 6 and XEV 9e. Rather than treating electric vehicles as modified versions of combustion-engine products, the company is developing dedicated electric SUVs featuring distinct styling, larger battery packs and advanced electronic architectures.

The XEV 9S has expanded the range into the three-row family-SUV segment, while future products are expected to target additional market categories. The challenge will be maintaining pricing discipline while increasing volumes. Electric SUVs remain more expensive than comparable petrol and diesel vehicles, and charging infrastructure continues to be unevenly distributed across India.

Consequently, Mahindra is expected to continue relying heavily on ICE SUVs even as the electric share of its portfolio increases. The 10-ICE and six-EV split reflects the company's approach to balancing electrification with continued demand for petrol and diesel vehicles, which currently account for the majority of its sales volumes and profits.

Launch timelines

Although several future Mahindra products have been observed undergoing testing or have been previewed as concepts, exact launch schedules remain subject to change. Vehicle development timelines can be influenced by market conditions, component availability, regulatory requirements, manufacturing capacity and shifts in consumer demand. Concept names may also not be retained for production models.

The confirmed aspect of Mahindra's strategy is the overall number of planned introductions and the ICE-EV split. The identities of individual models are expected to become clearer as the company moves closer to production and begins official testing and homologation processes.