the design: The sporty solidity of the concept remains intact
The design of the Vision S retains the sporty solidity of the concept with a boxy silhouette, high ground clearance and squared-off wheel arches. Its straight roofline and strong stance gives it a commanding road presence.
The recently spotted test mule is seen sporting inverted L-shaped LED DRLs with projector headlamps, very similar to the Vision S concept that was unveiled in August 2025. At the front, there is a rectangular grille and vertically stacked projector headlamps.
Thick cladding on the side profile, flush-fitting door handles and tailgate-mounted spare wheel at the rear give the classic off-roader vibes. Some of the mules also saw circular LED headlamps and C-shaped DRL patterns, which could be the case for different variants.
Interior Premium and functional cabin
The production-spec interior also looks quite premium and functional. Spy shots and concept images reveal a full-length panoramic sunroof, dual-tone navy blue and grey theme, soft-touch materials and a flat floor (world's first in an ICE SUV).
The interior features a dual-screen setup with aircraft-style toggle switches and crystal-inspired AC vents. The physical buttons will be able to operate climate control and other essential functions, which reduces the dependency on the touchscreen.
The cabin is spacious, with good legroom and headroom. Rear centre armrests, adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts will be standard, giving passengers a comfortable experience even over long distances.
Features Full of technology
The new Mahindra Vision S comes with a host of features.
Panoramic sunroof: It keeps the room open and airy.
Dual digital display. For infotainment and instrumentation with the new OS
Physical climate control: Set of toggle switches and buttons
ADAS (Level 2) Automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control
360-degree camera: For ease of parking and off-roading
The connected car technology: Control your car with your smartphone.
Wireless charging: For smartphone users
Off-road mode: Drive modes for different terrains
The premium audio system: For an immersive sound experience
Safety No agreement
Mahindra is focusing on safety. The Vision S comes with 6 airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) hill hold, hill descent control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and ISOFIX child seat anchorage standard.
The robust NU _ IQ platform is designed to meet global safety standards (such as ANCAP 5-Star), which will strengthen the car's crash rating in India and international markets.
Engine and Performance: Multi-Power Option
The Vision S is developed on the NU _ IQ platform, which supports petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains.
Possible engine options:
1.2 -litre turbo petrol (borrowed from the XUV 3XO)
1.5 -litre turbo diesel (borrowed from XUV 3XO, with more power)
Hybrid variant (later)
Electric version (later)
The AdBlue cap is seen on the diesel variant, confirming the BS6 Phase-2 compliant system. Both FWD and AWD configurations will be available, making it suitable for both city and off-road.
Platform The characteristics of NU _ IQ
The NU-IQ platform is the most important part of Mahindra's Global Vision 2027. Its features:
Modular and multi-energy: Different powertrains on the same platform
FWD and AWD: Both configurations are supported
LHD and RHD: Suitable for global markets
Flat Floor: For the first time in an ICE SUV, for better space
Light-weight design: Improved fuel efficiency and performance
Global safety rating: designed for 5-star ANCAP
Competitiveness and market position
The VISION S will be a direct rival to the Tata Sierra. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq.
Mahindra is positioning it for both lifestyle and off-road. Its boxy design and sturdy build make it a smaller, more city-friendly version of the Scorpio-N, while the compact size offers easy city handling.
Expected Price and Launch Timeline
It is expected that the starting ex-showroom price of the Vision S will be less than ₹10 lakh. It is estimated that the top variant will go up to ₹18-20 lakh.
Launch timeline:
By the end of 2026: The production version
In the first three months of 2027: Launch in the Indian market
Production: It will be manufactured at Mahindra's Nagpur plant.
Why is this special?
The Vision S is special in many ways:
NU _ IQ platform: Mahindra's most advanced platform
Multi-powertrain: ICE, Hybrid, and EV options
Compact but rugged: For both city and off-road
Global Ambition: Available in both LHD and RHD
5-star rating: Designed to meet global crash standards.
Conclusions
The Mahindra Vision S is a boxy, rugged and tech-rich compact SUV, which will directly challenge the Tata Sierra in 2027. Based on the NU _ IQ platform, the SUV will be a future-proof option with ICE, hybrid and electric powertrain options.
Its upright stance, strong off-road capability and premium interiors make it a smaller and more affordable version of the Scorpio-N.
If you want a stylish, safe and city-friendly SUV, the Mahindra Vision S is better to wait for. Stay tuned to timesbull.com for the latest auto news, launch updates and shopping guides.