Mahindra unveils four SUV design concepts with the new NU_IQ platform

Indian carmaker Mahindra unveiled four new SUV design concepts based on modular, multi-energy NU_IQ platform. These concepts showcase the brand’s next big step in design, safety, and technology, catering to a global market. Revealed at the brand’s Global Vision 2027 event in New Delhi, the Vision Series offers a glimpse of the SUVs Mahindra plans to launch from 2027 onwards.

Despite the global intent, Mahindra has not confirmed whether any of the production models born from these concepts are locked in for the Australian debut.

Mahindra’s new platform

All of the four concepts showcased – Vision T, Vision SXT, Vision X, and Vision S – are built on Mahindra’s all-new NU_IQ modular platform.

Key highlights of the NU_IQ platform:

• Supports petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains
• Works with front- and all-wheel drive layouts
• Available in both left- and right-hand drive
• Designed to achieve five-star safety ratings in India, Europe, and Australia
• Features a flat-floor layout, common in EVs but could be a first for an ICE SUV
• Aims to offer superior cabin space with a 2665mm wheelbase and up to 644L boot capacity
• Flexible enough for multiple body styles (“top hats”)

Vision Series SUV overview

Each model brings a different personality but follows Mahindra’s HEARTCORE design philosophy, which now evolves under the theme “Opposites Attract” – blending rugged SUV DNA with futuristic styling that borders on Cyberpunk.

Safety and tech upgrades

Mahindra is placing a strong focus on safety and innovative technology:

• All four concepts have been engineered to meet five-star ANCAP standards – a crucial shift, as some of Mahindra’s current Australian models have poor or no ratings.
• Advanced hardware features a multi-link rear suspension and Davinci dampers for enhanced ride quality.
• Support for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in future EVs.
• Potential for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), enabling continuous software upgrades separate from hardware.

What does it mean for Australian buyers?

Mahindra currently sells three SUVs and a utility vehicle (ute) in Australia, but plans to expand aggressively with one new model every year. The NU_IQ-based SUVs will likely play a role in its plan to become a top-15 carmaker locally by 2030.

• Production for these new models starts in 2027
• Hybrids and first Mahindra EVs expected before 2028
• New SUVs will compete in the small-to-mid-size SUV segment, against rivals like the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota RAV4

The bigger picture

Mahindra’s message is clear: it wants to shed its “rugged but basic” image and emerge as a mainstream global SUV player with premium, safe, and tech-packed vehicles.

“NU_IQ marks a bold step and the start of a new era that frees customers from compromises and puts truly desirable, premium core SUVs squarely in the mainstream,” said R Velusamy, Mahindra’s president of automotive technology.