Mahindra has shown off a wild electric concept version of its boxy Thar off-roader at an event in South Africa, alongside the Global Pik-Up concept.
Dubbed the Mahindra Vision Thar.e, this electric off-roader looks nothing like the combustion-powered Thar revealed in 2020. From some angles it looks a little like the GMC Hummer EV SUV, and others like a radical video game car.
At this stage it’s unclear when or if Mahindra intends to put the Thar.e into production. It still only lists it as a concept vehicle for now.
The Indian carmaker has confirmed the Vision Thar.e is based on a version of the forthcoming Inglo modular electric platform that uses components from Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture.
It’s also confirmed to be equipped with a “cutting-edge high-performance AWD” electric powertrain. Mahindra claims all-wheel drive Inglo-based models are capable of producing system outputs of up to 250kW.
They also have a high-voltage battery ranging in capacity from 60 to 80kWh. The maximum DC fast-charging speed is 175kW, with it claimed to charge from 0 to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes.
On the outside the Vision Thar.e concept comes equipped with square LED headlight and tail light signatures, glass roof panels, camera-based side mirrors, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
Inside looks just as radical and futuristic as the outside and features a hexagonal steering wheel with a drive mode and boost button, a digital instrument cluster, rotating infotainment system, a T-bar gear selector, and “robust” grab handles.
Mahindra claims the Vision Thar.e incorporates 50 per cent recycle PET and recyclable uncoated plastics.
As previously reported, the current combustion-powered Thar generally looks quite similar to the boxy Jeep Wrangler. Plans to import and sell the current Thar locally were shelved after a Federal Court case filed by Stellantis forced its hand.
Stellantis argued the Thar impinged on its design trademarks – specifically, that it looked too much like the Jeep Wrangler.
The Indian giant revealed five Inglo-based electric SUV concepts last year across two new sub-brands, called XUV.e and BE. It’s unclear if the Thar.e will slot into one of these sub-brands or if it will be something separate.
The Mahindra XUV.e8, which is an electric counterpart to the combustion-powered XUV700, was recently leaked and is set to go on sale in India by the end of 2024.
Mahindra Australia marketing manager James Halliwell told CarExpert in April this year the company “will evaluate some of those models for this market” and will likely launch an electric vehicle (EV) here around 2025 or 2026.
Beyond the Vision Thar.e, Mahindra has been spied testing camouflaged five-door versions of the combustion-powered Thar for months now. Its introduction is expected to coincide with an update to the wider Thar range.
It’s unclear at this stage if the updated combustion-powered Thar will receive enough design changes to allow it to be sold in Australia.
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