India’s largest UV maker, Mahindra & Mahindra seems to be on a high after the success of XUV700, Thar and XUV400 EV. With the turn of the new year, the manufacturer is looking forward to going beyond which means introduction of new products is definitely going to be on the cards. We therefore take a closer look at models that are likely to be launched this year by the homegrown automaker.
Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
The Bolero Neo Plus will be one of the newest additions to Mahindra’s lineup, expected to be launched by mid-2023. Essentially the 7-seat version of the regular Neo, the new model will look fairly similar to its sibling. Expect the SUV to get a few changes like a new front grille and slightly tweaked headlights. The most noticeable change will be the side profile as the length will be increased to accommodate the new third row of seats. Even the rear profile will be largely unchanged.
Inside, the Bolero Neo Plus will have the same interior design and layout as the 5-door model but may get a new colour scheme and upholstery. Expect features like climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument cluster, rear parking sensors with a camera, and more. The Neo Plus may also come as a 6-seater with captain seats for the second row.
As for its powertrain, Mahindra is likely to offer its 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel motor that does duty on the Thar, making 130 bhp with 300 Nm of peak torque. Both manual and automatic transmission options will be offered with the SUV.
Read Also: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Mahindra Car
Mahindra eKUV100
Following the launch of XUV400, Mahindra may follow it up with the introduction of the eKUV100. While a date has not been announced, expect the electric vehicle to be launched by the end of 2023.
Visually, the Mahindra eKUV100 is expected to be very similar to its ICE-powered sibling. There are a few differences though like a closed off front grille and blue accents on the headlights. The side and rear profiles will remain largely unchanged except for the charger in the front fender and more blue accents on the alloy wheels, D-Pillar, and taillights. The interior layout will be carried over except for a new charge gauge being included in the instrument cluster.
Mahindra eKUV100 uses a 15.9 kWh battery pack powering a single front-axle-mounted electric motor making 52 bhp with 120 Nm of peak torque. The company claims a range of 150 kms on a single charge, making it a strict city car. The battery can be charged in just 55 minutes via a fast charger or five and a half hours with a home charger.
Read Also: Interesting Facts about Mahindra Cars
Mahindra Thar 5-Door
The most eagerly anticipated launch of the brand for 2023, the Thar 5-door is slated to be unveiled this month. Its price announcement would be shortly thereafter. Design-wise, the new model will remain fairly similar to the 3-door counterpart, retaining the butch and rugged look. The biggest difference will be the second set of doors, coupled with the increased overall length. Also, the 5-door model will be offered with a hard top only.
The interior design and layout of the Mahindra Thar for the new 5-door version will stay the same, except for a few changes. Recent spy shots have revealed a center armrest, bigger boot, and a recess for a bigger touchscreen infotainment system like the one seen on the new Scorpio N. Mahindra may also offer the new Thar 5-door in both 5 and 7-seat iterations.
Mechanically, the Thar 5-door will be offered with the same powertrain options as its smaller counterpart, meaning a 2-litre mStallion 150 TGDi petrol motor or the 2.2-litre mHawk 130 unit. However, both may be tweaked to make more power and torque to offset the increased weight.
Read Also: What to Expect in Upcoming Mahindra Cars in 2023
Mahindra XUV500
Pratap Bose, Mahindra’s Design Head, recently shared a teaser of the upcoming New XUV500. While nothing has been confirmed yet, it is rumored to launch around the 2023 festive season. The new SUV’s design will most likely share design elements with the XUV300 and XUV700. Furthermore, the new XUV500’s design will be handled by the brand’s new Mahindra Automotive Design Europe wing, which recently designed Mahindra’s electric SUV concepts.
Underpinning the new XUV500 will be a modified version of XUV300’s platform. As the new model will sit one segment higher, it will have a longer wheelbase and larger dimensions.
Like the original SUV, the New Mahindra XUV500 will come packed with features like a touchscreen infotainment display, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, connected car tech, dual-zone climate control, and more. The four-wheeler will provide safety equipment like 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, and ADAS tech.
It will be powered by a tweaked version of Mahindra XUV300’s 1.5-litre diesel motor that meets the upcoming BS6 Phase II Emission Norms. There will also be a 1.5-litre mStallion petrol engine on offer. Transmission choices will include both manual and automatic options. The brand is expected to offer an EV version of the XUV500 sometime after the ICE-models’ introduction.
Read Also: What Makes Mahindra Cars Safer
