At its annual showcase event on August 15, Mahindra’s & Mahindra unveiled four new concept SUVs and a brand new platform NU_IQ. This new architecture has been specially designed by the company for the future SUV lineup. In the coming time, this platform is going to become the base of compact and midsize SUVs, which will be prepared not only for India but also for the international market.
The company says that this new NU_IQ platform will enter production from 2027 and gradually many SUV models will be prepared on it. The special thing is that this platform is very flexible and modular, that is, it will support all powertrains from petrol-diesel engines to hybrid and fully electric (EV). Not only this, the vehicles made on it will be both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive (AWD).
Mahindra’s new masterplan
Mahindra’s has made it clear that in the coming times, its biggest strength will be the SUV segment. This is the reason why the NU_IQ platform has been specially designed for SUVs ranging from 3.9 meters to 4.3 meters in length. Meaning the direct target is compact and midsize SUV buyers.
It will get a long wheelbase of 2.65 meters, which will give it more space and better comfort. Mahindra claims that its flat-floor design will be the first in the industry, which will give a completely flat floor in an ICE engine SUV. This will make the cabin look even more open and practical.
Light but strong vehicles
Mahindra has built this platform with lightweight construction technique, which will make the vehicle more efficient and performance oriented. The company has not compromised on safety standards either.
SUVs will get a ground clearance of up to 227 mm, which will also make it great for off-roading. Apart from this, the company has also integrated an advanced digital and electronic system called NU_UX in it. Meaning it will be full of high-tech connectivity and smart features.
Mahindra showed four concepts
Mahindra has introduced four new concept SUVs based on this platform – Vision.S, Vision.T, Vision.SXT and Vision.X.
- Vision.S – It is considered to be a preview of the next generation Scorpio. Although it may be compact than the current Scorpio, it will get the brand’s new design and technology.
- Vision.T – This concept gives a glimpse of the future 5-door electrified Thar. Meaning it is likely to get electric or hybrid powertrain.
- Vision.SXT – This concept may not go into production, but it is a more tough and utilitarian version of Vision.T. It has a small load area at the rear to make it more versatile.
- Vision.X – This concept may come out as a compact crossover in the coming time. It is being considered as the foundation of the next generation small SUVs.
Global contribution of the design team
The design of these concept SUVs and the NU_IQ platform has been prepared jointly by Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS), Mumbai and Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE), Banbury (UK). At the same time, engineering help has been received from Mahindra Research Valley, Tamil Nadu.
In this way, this project is a combination of India and international design-engineering teams.
When will the new SUVs come?
Mahindra has confirmed that the NU_IQ platform will go into production from 2027. This means that from 2027 onwards, Mahindra can introduce new SUVs every year for the next few years.
It is clear from this that the company will equip its SUV lineup with electric and hybrid options in the next decade.
Why is the NU_IQ platform special?
- Powertrain Variety – ICE, Hybrid and EV
- Driving Options – FWD and AWD
- Length – 3.9m to 4.3m (compact and midsize SUVs)
- Long Wheelbase – 2.65m (better cabin space)
- Flat-floor SUV – first in the industry
- Ground Clearance – Up to 227mm
- High Tech System – NU_UX Digital and Connectivity Features
Conclusion
Mahindra has made it clear that SUVs will be its biggest weapon in the coming times. This new NU_IQ platform strategy of the company will strengthen its position not only in India but also in the global market.
- Focus on compact to midsize SUV segment
- Entry of hybrid and electric powertrains
- Flat-floor design and high-tech features
- Great ground clearance for off-roading
Overall, if you are a Mahindra fan or are thinking of buying an SUV in the future, you will get to see Mahindra SUVs in an all-new avatar after 2027.
