Mahindra introduces a completely new platform featuring four SUV concepts

At the eve of Independence Day, the Indian manufacturer revealed its all-new monocoque platform defined as NU_IQ, the platform is completely modular and will underpin Mahindra’s future SUVs specifically positioned for the mid-segment, which is above and below the 4-meter mark. 

Mahindra’s NU_IQ Platform Details

As Ladder-Frame platforms are the signature tradition of the Mahindra philosophy, as they underpin the majority of cars currently, but the brand’s completely developed monocoque-based platform is the future as the Mahindra’s upcoming cars will be based on this platform and is the future of the brand’s electric mobility as utilizing this platform helps in significant reduction of excessive weight and will also help in reducing carbon emissions. 

The CEO of the company’s Automotive Division, Nalinikanth Gollagunta expresses his views on the new platform launch and said that the new platform is the future of electric mobility as well as for the international markets and our plan is to disrupt the major SUV segment by bringing next generation cars which are reliable and at the same time offers comfortability to our users. 

Platform’s Focus towards SUV

The new platform is specifically developed for powering multiple body types, but the new concept's prime focus will be particularly on SUVs only, as clarified by the Executive Director and CEO (Auto & Farm Sector) at Mahindra, as the Indian manufacturer does not want to shift its focus from their core SUVs and their robust image. 

The platform is specifically designed to underpin multiple powertrains and can support Diesel, Petrol and all-electric powertrains. However, the company only showed a glimpse of the concept and has not provided with the specific details but Mahindra has stated that the battery packs from BE and XEV line-up will be used in other electric versions underpinned by the same NU_IQ concept SUVs. 

NU_IQ will Incorporate AWD Tech with ICE and EV Powertrains

Mahindra has re-engineered the NU_IQ platform to support All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology for ICE as well as EV powertrains. According to President of Automotive Technology & Product Development at Mahindra, Velusamy R, integrating AWD tech with this new platform has led to various efforts.

Mahindra also notified that the new platform with ICE and EV SUVs will feature a full-flat floor, for accommodating larger batteries and enhancing comfort for the passengers. 

The new platform will be loaded with advanced features and superior tech such as 5-Link rear suspension, with active dampers for seamless off-roading, variable-ratio steering rack, and a completely new redesigned domain architecture with a new advanced UI which will be clean, minimalistic and will feature different colours depicting the statistics of driver data. 

NU_IQ based SUVs to Expand to Mahindra’s Model Brands

Along with the introduction of the new platform, Mahindra has also revealed four new concepts that will soon make it to production, as Mahindra’s Chief Design Officer, Pratap Bose, expressed his views and said, “The production models will be retaining around 80% of the concept looks. The company has not finalized the names for the concept which are currently defined as Vision X, Vision S, Vision T and Vision SXT. 

Mahindra is intending to expand their portfolio across their 5 major brands which are described below. Each of the concepts smartly blend with respective nameplates and also carries small attributes of the particular brand, such as the pillar-mounted handle coming on Vision T’s rear doors is a signature styling element of Thar Roxx. 

Development of the models is currently ongoing and the first model expected to be the Vision S is all set to launch in 2027, as announced by Mahindra. 

• Vision S: Scorpio Family
• Vision X: XUV Family
• Vision T: Thar Family