By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp.

New variant likely to be called AX AC To be offered with 2-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine option Could lose out on some features from AX(O) trim
According to latest media reports, Mahindra & Mahindra is expected to introduce a new entry-level 4x4 variant of the Thar. Currently, the rugged off-roader is offered in two trims, AX (O) and LX. Likely to be called the AX AC, the New Mahindra Thar variant will slot below the AX (O) trim. It will be available with both petrol and diesel engine options.
Earlier this year in January, Mahindra launched the new rear-wheel drive version of the Thar. This brought down the starting price of the SUV by a considerable margin thanks to the lack of the 4x4 and lower tax rates on the smaller 1.5-litre turbo diesel motor. In comparison, however, there has not been any price changes for the 4WD variants of the SUV.
The new entry-level AX AC trim will be the most affordable 4x4 Thar variant yet. To achieve this, the company is likely to delete some of the features offered in the AX(O) trim and will position the new variant as a stripped-down version of the four wheeler. The manufacturer previously had briefly offered a base AX variant of the vehicle but it had to be discontinued due to the side-facing rear seats not meeting the safety regulations. The New Mahindra Thar AX AC variant will come equipped with forward facing rear seats to comply with the norms.
The introduction of the New Thar AX AC variant could also be a response to the upcoming launch of the Maruti Jimny 5-door. Price of Jimny is expected to undercut that off the Thar 4x4 which is why this move.
Mahindra currently offers the Thar with three powertrain options. The diesel choice includes a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine that produces a maximum power output of 118 bhp with 300 Nm of peak torque alongside a bigger 2.2-litre turbo diesel unit delivering 130 bhp power and 300 Nm torque. While the gasoline option is a 2-litre turbo petrol unit that pumps out 150 bhp with 300 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The New Thar AX AC variant is expected to be offered with the latter two powertrain options and a manual gearbox only.
Currently, prices of Mahindra Thar’s 4x4 variants range from Rs 13.49 lakh to Rs 16.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the New AX AC trim to be priced at around Rs 12.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Force Gurkha is the only direct rival of the Mahindra Thar. However, it will be facing increased competition soon after the introduction of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door in India.
Read Also: Mahindra to Add a New Variant to the Scorpio Classic Line-Up
About Author
Team CarLelo is a group of passionate car enthusiasts and auto experts who bring you the latest car news, launches, reviews, and buying tips. The team focuses on simple, clear, and useful content to make car buying easy and stress-free for readers across India.

Brezza Facelift to Benefit With Turbo Petrol Engine - Launch Date
Scheduled to be launched on July 23, the Maruti Brezza facelift will bring in several cosmetic design and interior changes along with a longer list of features.
Amit Sharma
Read More

MG Windsor EV Hits 75K Sales Mark in Less Than 2 Years
JSW MG Motor India has announced that the MG Windsor EV has surpassed the sales milestone of 75,000 units in less than 2 years since its launch.
Amit Sharma
Read More

Kia India Announces Massive 2026 Nationwide Ownership Service Camp
Kia India has launched the Kia Ownership Service Camp 2026, which will be conducted across 521 Kia authorized service workshops in 365 cities.
Amit Sharma
Read More

Top 6 New SUV Launches and Unveils Locked for July 2026
Six major SUV models - ranging from mass-market EVs to premium strong hybrids - are locked for their official debuts or commercial launches.
Amit Sharma
Read More

2026 Toyota Hilux India Launch on July 28
Scheduled to be launched on July 28, 2026, the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux is now a premium, tech-heavy model; however, it retains the body-on-frame chassis.
Amit Sharma
Read More

MG Starlight 560 Plug-in Hybrid SUV – All Your Questions Answered
Similar to the global-spec version, the India-bound MG Starlight 560 SUV will be offered with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrain options.
Chhavi
Read More

Kia 7-Seater Hybrid SUV and New EV Arriving This July
Kia India's official teaser confirms a pure electric SUV and an all-new hybrid-powered vehicle for our market, likely to be the Syros EV and Sorento.
Amit Sharma
Read More

Mahindra’s Next Electric SUV to Rival Tata Harrier EV – Launch Details
Mahindra BE.07 electric SUV is set for a 2027 launch with futuristic design, premium features, up to 679km claimed range, and Tata Harrier EV rivalry.
Chhavi
Read More

Mahindra Car Sales June 2026 - Total Sales Cross 1.06 Lakh Units
Mahindra car sales June 2026: The company sold 1,06,207 vehicles, up 37% YoY. Domestic SUV sales reached 60,393 units, while CV sales grew 35%.
Konica Singh
Read More

Mahindra Vision SXT Design Patent – Rugged SUV Pickup Looks Production-Ready
Mahindra has filed the Vision SXT design patent, revealing its rugged styling, flexible NU_IQ platform and support for ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains.
Chhavi
Read More

Mahindra Vision SXT To Offer ICE And EV Options; Patent Filed
Mahindra Vision SXT has been patented in India, hinting at a production model. The rugged SUV is likely to get both ICE and EV powertrain options.
Konica Singh
Read More

Mahindra to Launch 3 New SUVs by Early 2027
Mahindra will launch three new SUVs by early 2027, including the Scorpio N facelift, Thar facelift and an all-new Vision.S-based compact SUV.
Konica Singh
Read More

Mahindra Scorpio N Facelift – Dual Screens, ADAS and New Features Incoming
Mahindra Scorpio N facelift brings dual screens, ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 360 camera and major tech upgrade expected in India launch by 2026.
Konica Singh
Read More

Three 7-seater Hybrid SUVs Launching by 2027: Mahindra XUV 7XO
If you are looking to buy a premium, 3-row family SUV, here are three highly anticipated 7-seater hybrid SUVs set for launch by 2027.
Amit Sharma
Read More

Mahindra Thar Facelift 2026 - New features & Fresh Styling
The 2026 Mahindra Thar facelift (3-door) is expected to launch later this year with new ADAS features, ventilated seats, automatic AC, and refreshed styling ins
Konica Singh
Read More

Mahindra Test Mule Convoy Spotted - New Scorpio N, Thar, Vision S, and More
Mahindra’s latest test mule convoy reveals exciting updates, including the Scorpio N facelift, Vision S SUV, Thar facelift, and the tough Global Pik Up. Here’s what to expect.
Konica Singh
Read More

Mahindra Thar Roxx Star EDN Launched at Rs 16.85 Lakh
Mahindra Thar Roxx Star EDN launched at Rs 16.85 lakh with premium styling, new Citrine Yellow colour, upgraded interior and same engine options.
Konica Singh
Read More

Mahindra Thar Set for Another Major Facelift
Mahindra Thar could get another major facelift with fresh design updates and new features. Mahindra Thar facelift 2026 is likely to launch by the end of next year.
Konica Singh
Read More

New Mahindra Thar 2025 vs Old Thar - Key Differences Explained
The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift brings subtle design tweaks, upgraded interiors, a bigger touchscreen, and added features while retaining the same engines.
Konica Singh
Read More

2025 Mahindra Thar Facelift – Price List & New Features
2025 Mahindra Thar Facelift launched with updated features, new exterior colours, and a lower starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh. Discover the changes and pricing details now.
Konica Singh
Read More

7 Major Compact SUVs Ready to Hit Indian Roads Soon - From Petrol to EV Options
Explore the 7 major compact SUVs set to launch in India soon, including the Mahindra Thar facelift, Tata Punch facelift, Hyundai Venue facelift, and more!
Konica Singh
Read More
All Over India
Stay Updated, Pay Less
Choose the Right Car
Multiple Finance Options
Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 6:30pm
+91 7947722777, +91 7479000444, +91 9311718549
contact@carlelo.com