Karmactive Team
Mahindra & Mahindra showcased its all-new NU_IQ platform on August 15, 2025, alongside four SUV concepts at its FREEDOM_NU event in Mumbai. The platform will underpin a new range of SUVs set to enter production from 2027.
The modular, multi-energy NU_IQ platform supports various powertrains including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric. It accommodates both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, plus left-hand and right-hand drive setups for global markets.
“NU_IQ is a strategic blueprint for the future of Mahindra SUVs globally,” said R Velusamy, President – Automotive Business at Mahindra. “With its modular, multi-energy architecture, it gives us the flexibility to innovate across multiple top hats and powertrains whilst staying true to our SUV DNA.”
Technical Specifications
SUVs built on this platform will measure between 3,990mm and 4,320mm in length with a 2,665mm wheelbase. The architecture offers commanding seating with a position height of 1,563mm and driver ‘H’ point of 350mm, plus ground clearance up to 227mm.
The cabin provides 830mm couple distance, 937mm second-row legroom, and 1,404mm shoulder room. Luggage capacity reaches 644 liters (loaded to roof) or 450 liters (with rear seats upright).
A key innovation is the 5-link rear suspension paired with proprietary damping technology (referred to in media as DAVINCI/DominC). Despite the longer wheelbase, the platform maintains a tight 10.5-meter turning circle with 28-degree approach and ramp-over angles, plus a 34.9-degree departure angle.
Safety Features
Safety gets special attention with a uni-ring hotformed door ring structure for side-impact protection. The platform has undergone water immersion, fire, and vibration tests.
Mahindra aims for 5-star ratings in Global NCAP, Euro NCAP, and ANCAP safety assessments.
The Four Concepts
The showcased concepts represent different market segments:
- Vision.S: Performance-focused SUV with strong road presence, possibly previewing a next-gen Scorpio hybrid/EV
- Vision.T: Rugged five-door electric SUV drawing from the Thar legacy
- Vision.SXT: Adventure-oriented pickup with clamshell hood and flared arches
- Vision.X: Compact sub-4m urban SUV potentially evolving into an XUV model
These concepts were jointly developed at Mahindra’s design studios in Mumbai and Banbury (UK), with engineering at Mahindra Research Valley.
Global Strategy
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of Mahindra’s Auto Division, explained that core SUVs’ share of India’s passenger vehicle market has grown from below 20% in 2022 to approximately 30% today. The NU_IQ platform will target the global C-segment, with Mahindra eyeing markets nearly double the size of India’s SUV industry.
“NU_IQ blends innovation, global design and advanced technology to disrupt white spaces in the automotive industry in India and internationally,” Gollagunta said.
Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, described the concepts as embodying the next chapter of Mahindra’s HEARTCORE design philosophy based on the theme “Opposites Attract.”
The announcement came days after Mahindra inaugurated a new vehicle assembly facility in Durban, South Africa (August 12, 2025), underlining the company’s expanding global footprint as it prepares for production starting in 2027.
