In India, the Mahindra Thar is more than just a vehicle—it’s an emotion. For years, the Thar name has been synonymous with toughness, freedom, and the pure thrill of going off the beaten path. But as the world shifts toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility, even legends have to adapt. That’s where the Mahindra Thar.e comes in—an all-electric take on the iconic 4×4 that blends classic Thar DNA with a vision for the future.
First revealed as a concept in Cape Town and now taking shape as the Vision T avatar, the Thar.e signals Mahindra’s bold vision for the future of adventure. It proves that going electric doesn’t mean losing the thrill—if anything, it could make it even more powerful. In this detailed review, we take a closer look at what the Thar.e has to offer and why it could redefine off-road driving in the electric era.
1. The Design: “Digital-Age” Ruggedness
The Thar.e moves away from the classic Jeep-inspired silhouette of its predecessor, adopting a design language Mahindra calls “Global-Pioneering.” It’s boxy, geometric, and unapologetically futuristic.
Exterior Highlights:
- The “Squircle” Philosophy: The traditional round headlights have been replaced by “squircles”—a hybrid of a square and a circle. This geometric theme continues across the LED DRLs and taillamps, giving the SUV a distinct “cyberpunk” look.
- Interchangeability: In a genius move for off-roaders, Mahindra has designed the Thar.e with interchangeable bumpers, fenders, and even body panels. If you dent a fender on a trail, you can swap it out easily.
- Stance and Clearance: With a massive 300mm ground clearance and short overhangs, the Thar.e looks ready to crawl over boulders. The near-vertical windscreen and high bonnet line maintain that commanding “King of the Road” presence.
- The 5-Door Configuration: Unlike the early ICE Thars, the Thar.e concept is a 5-door beast, emphasizing practicality without sacrificing its “go-anywhere” attitude.
Also read: Tata is set to launch a new EV car called the Tata Avinya in 2026 (expected things)
2. The Backbone: The INGLO Platform
The “e” in Thar.e isn’t just a battery swap. This vehicle is built from the ground up on Mahindra’s INGLO (Indian Global) P1 skateboard platform.
Traditional SUVs use a ladder-frame chassis which is heavy. The INGLO platform is a dedicated EV architecture that places the heavy battery pack low between the wheels. This achieves two things:
- Lower Center of Gravity: Making the SUV much more stable during high-speed cornering and steep off-road inclines.
- Flat Floor: Since there’s no transmission tunnel, the interior space is vastly improved compared to the current Thar.
3. Performance: The Silent Conqueror
One of the biggest concerns for purists is: Can an electric motor handle the mud? The answer lies in the physics of electric torque.
Dual Motor AWD
The Thar.e is expected to feature a dual-motor setup (one on each axle), providing permanent All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Unlike a mechanical 4WD system where torque has to travel through a series of gears, the electric motors deliver instant torque from 0 RPM. This means when you’re stuck in a slushy pit, you don’t need to “rev” the engine; the power is right there the moment you touch the pedal.
Expected Specs:
| Feature | Anticipated Specification |
| Battery Pack | 60 kWh – 80 kWh |
| Range (Claimed) | 430 km – 500 km |
| Power Output | ~210 kW (280+ hp) |
| 0–80% Charge | 30 minutes (Fast DC charging) |
4. Interior: Sustainable and Hosed-Down Functional
The interior of the Thar.e is a masterclass in “Minimalist Adventure.” Mahindra has focused on sustainable materials—50% of the fabrics are made from recycled PET, and the plastics are uncoated and recyclable.
Cabin Features:
- Modular Layout: The dashboard is clean and rugged. It features a central pivoting touchscreen that can be tilted toward the driver or passenger.
- Washable Interiors: Staying true to its off-road roots, the floor and certain cabin components are designed to be hosed down after a muddy day in the wild.
- Digital Integration: A fully digital instrument cluster provides real-time off-roading data: pitch, roll, compass, and individual wheel torque distribution.
5. Off-Road Tech: Beyond the Mechanical
The Thar.e replaces traditional locking differentials with e-differentials. This software-driven system can detect wheel slip in milliseconds and redirect power to the wheel with the most grip far more accurately than a mechanical system.
Additionally, the “Crawl Mode” in an EV is inherently superior. Because electric motors can be controlled with extreme precision, the Thar.e can maintain a 2 km/h crawl over rocks with zero jerks, a feat that requires a very skilled foot in a manual diesel Thar.
6. Safety and Reliability
Safety has become a hallmark for Mahindra lately, and the Thar.e is being engineered for a 5-star GNCAP/BNCAP rating.
- Structural Integrity: The reinforced battery casing acts as a stressed member of the chassis, adding to the vehicle’s overall rigidity.
- ADAS Level 2: Expect features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control, making it a sophisticated highway cruiser as well.
- Battery Safety: Mahindra is using LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells, which are known for their high thermal stability—crucial for the diverse and often extreme Indian climate.
7. The Verdict: Is It for You?
The Mahindra Thar.e is not just a replacement for the current Thar; it is a premium, high-tech alternative. It targets a new generation of “Eco-Adventurers”—people who want the thrill of the trail without the carbon footprint.
Pros:
- Instant Torque: Unmatched low-end power for off-roading.
- Low Running Costs: Charging at home is significantly cheaper than Diesel/Petrol.
- Futuristic Design: A true head-turner that looks like a concept car brought to life.
- Refinement: Silent operation makes for a peaceful experience in nature.
Cons:
- Range Anxiety: While 450 km is great, finding a fast charger in the middle of a remote mountain pass remains a challenge.
- Weight: Batteries are heavy, which might affect performance on soft sand compared to the lighter ICE models.
8. Launch and Pricing
The Thar.e is expected to hit Indian showrooms by late 2026. Estimated pricing is likely to start around ₹20 Lakh to ₹25 Lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it against the upcoming Maruti Jimny EV and higher variants of the Tata Harrier EV.
Final Thoughts
The Mahindra Thar.e is a brave step. It respects the legacy of the original while embracing a radical new identity. If Mahindra can deliver on the promised 400+ km range and maintain the “bulletproof” feel of the current Thar, the Thar.e won’t just be the best electric SUV in India—it might just be the best SUV, period.