Mahindra Vision Thar.e previews radical electric off-roader
Near-production concept shows off Indian brand’s vision for a battery-powered 4x4 in the near futureThe Mahindra Thar.e has been revealed as a near-production preview of the Indian ute and SUV maker’s upcoming electric 4x4 off-roader.
Having so far been prevented from launching the internal combustion Thar in Australia by Jeep (via the courts), it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see the 2023 Mahindra Vision Thar.e concept dispenses with the petrol’s Wrangler costume in favour of much bigger, futuristic aesthetic garnished with a few Wrangler-inspired touches.
Elements of Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco can also be spotted throughout the exterior design which is defined by its harsh edges, bulbous rear haunches and high ground clearance.
“The Thar.e is more than an electric evolution of the legendary off-roader; it’s a daring, distinct design transformation that continues to embody the spirit of Mahindra’s authentic SUV,” Mahindra said at the concept’s reveal in South Africa.
“Thar.e’s design forges its own innovative and distinctive trail.”
The geometrically-themed exterior is matched to a tech-heavy cabin design comprising a pivoting octagonal infotainment system, a dual-display virtual cockpit, chunky touchpoints, octagonal steering wheel and an old-school T-bar gear selector.
An overhead control console adds to the sense of rugged capability instilled by the exterior while the cabin is said to feature “fabrics made of 50 per cent recycled PET” and other “uncoated recyclable plastics”.
The whole package rolls on what look to be 33 or even 35-inch BF Goodrich mud tyres.
No details of the Thar.e’s battery-electric powertrain have been provided yet, but odds are the flagship version (at least) will feature a dual-motor configuration in the name of off-road capability seeing as that’s the point of the Thar’s entire existence.
“Thar.e caters to the adventurer in all of us, craving exploration without compromise,” said Mahindra & Mahindra Automotive president Veejay Nakra.
“Aligned with the global movement towards responsible consumption, our focus on sustainable materials resonates with the broader shift towards being planet positive, ensuring that Thar.e is both timeless and timely.”
No timeline has been given as to when we might see the production-spec Thar.e or when the model will launch globally, however previous intel and correspondence nominates a 2024 production start.
What this means for Australia remains to be seen, though the Indian brand’s local operation was previously keen to offer the petrol Thar Down Under – before Jeep stepped in – so it would be reasonable to expect the electric version to makes its way here at some stage.
Related: Mahindra Thar EV off-roader set for August 15 reveal
Related: Mahindra to switch focus to just SUVs and EVs
Related: Mahindra Thar safer than Jeep Wrangler
Related: New Mahindra Thar here early next year
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