Mahindra unveils the all-electric Vision Thar.e concept
Mahindra has unveiled the Vision Thar.e at its Futurescape event in Cape Town, South Africa. Designed at the Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (M.A.D.E) Studio, the Vision Thar.e is a radical departure from the traditional ICE Thar aesthetic. Although it is far from production, the Vision Thar.e previews the design language that will shape the electric Thar lineup for years to come.
Mahindra Vision Thar.e design
The design of the Mahindra Vision Thar.e concept is unlike any previous Mahindra SUV. Although it has been thoroughly modernised, it still retains an authentic retro off-road SUV aesthetic. It has a distinctive monolithic form that gives it the appearance of being carved out of a block of metal. The Vision Thar.e has been designed with modularity and practicality in mind; for instance, the front headlamps and rear taillights are essentially the same modules. The same applies to the front and rear bumpers, fender flares, side sills, and steps, which are interchangeable from front to rear and side to side. Mahindra says that there will be a large frunk under the front bonnet, which is locked using flush bonnet clamps. There are also clever details like the integrated slots to easily add or remove roof racks and neatly integrated door handles.
Mahindra claims that the interior of the Vision Thar.e will incorporate 50% recycled PET and recyclable uncoated plastics to further its green credentials. The cabin will emphasise the essentials for off-road driving while blending minimalism with utility, featuring elements such as a central pivoting screen, robust grab handles, and an uncluttered layout.
Mahindra Vision Thar.e platform
Underpinning the Mahindra Vision Thar.e is the INGLO modular electric platform that Mahindra revealed last year. The INGLO platform was developed to support various wheelbase, track, and powertrain configurations, such as rear- or all-wheel drive. For the Vision Thar.e concept, the platform will be significantly raised and will feature a new high-performance AWD electric powertrain. The INGLO platform will also accommodate batteries with capacities between 60 and 80 kWh while supporting up to 175 kW fast-charge capabilities.
Design cues from the Vision Thar.e will not be used in the upcoming five-door Thar.e since Mahindra wants to give the ICE and EV Thars their own distinct identities. As it stands, the Mahindra Vision Thar.e concept is nowhere near production-ready. However, it does give us an indication as to what Mahindra Electric Automobiles Limited (MEAL) and the Thar brand have in store for the future.
