At its grand Independence Day event, Mahindra has pulled the wraps off its latest engineering milestone — the NU_IQ platform. This all-new modular, monocoque architecture is designed to support a wide range of SUVs in the mid-size segment, both under and over the 4-metre mark, and will be at the heart of Mahindra’s next-generation global lineup.
Four Vision Concepts Mark the Debut
The big reveal also included four SUV concepts — Vision X, Vision S, Vision T, and Vision SXT — each previewing a production model scheduled to roll out in the coming years. Mahindra says the first NU_IQ-based SUV will arrive in 2027, likely starting with the production version of the Vision S. All four will eventually make it to showrooms, with designs already 80 percent close to their final production form, according to chief design officer Pratap Bose.
Built for Global Safety and Performance
Safety is a major focus for NU_IQ. Mahindra is targeting 5-star crash ratings across global benchmarks — BNCAP, ANCAP, and Euro NCAP — for every model based on this platform. Lightweight construction, combined with advanced engineering, is expected to improve both efficiency and emissions performance.
SUV-Only Approach with Multi-Fuel Capability
While the modular platform could, in theory, support multiple body styles, Mahindra is sticking to what it does best — SUVs. The NU_IQ has been engineered to accommodate petrol, diesel, and fully electric powertrains, with the EV versions set to use battery packs from the brand’s BE and XEV ranges. Notably, both ICE and EV models will be offered with all-wheel drive and a full-flat floor for enhanced cabin comfort.
Premium Tech and Dynamic Hardware
Mahindra is promising a dynamic driving experience with innovations like a 5-link rear suspension with active dampers, a variable-ratio steering rack, and a new in-car domain architecture called NU_UX. The NU_UX system will feature a clean, minimalistic interface with harmonised colour schemes, aimed at elevating the user experience.
Expanding Existing Nameplates, Not Adding New Ones
Instead of creating entirely new nameplates, Mahindra will grow its existing SUV families — Thar, Bolero, Scorpio, XUV, and BE — into sub-brands. This means the Vision S will likely join the Scorpio lineup, Vision X will be part of the XUV range, and Vision T will extend the Thar family. Design cues across the concepts tie them back to their respective roots, such as the Thar-style pillar-mounted rear door handle on the Vision T.
A Strategic Shift in Mahindra’s Future
For decades, ladder-frame platforms have been a hallmark of Mahindra’s rugged appeal. However, as the industry pivots toward lighter, more efficient vehicles, the NU_IQ marks a deliberate shift toward monocoque construction — without losing the brand’s signature SUV DNA. As Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of Mahindra’s Automotive Division, put it, this platform is “a step into the future” aimed at disrupting the mainstream SUV space with premium features and global reach.
The countdown to 2027 has begun, and with the NU_IQ’s blend of versatility, safety, and advanced tech, Mahindra is positioning itself to redefine the mid-size SUV game for years to come.
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