A heavily camouflaged Mahindra SUV undergoing road testshas ben captured on multiple occasions, and it immediately set the internet abuzz. Photographers have caught the mule prowling Indian highways and city streets, draped in black-and-white wraps. Despite the disguise, the boxy silhouette and hefty wheel arches give it an unmistakably Mahindra look. Some insiders speculate this could be the next-generation Bolero Neo (TUV 300), refreshed for 2026; others wonder if it’s a brand-new Thar-derived off-roader. Mahindra itself has said nothing, leaving everyone to guess. (Just for fun, we even asked an AI to imagine what the finished SUV might look like!)
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Spy Shots & Background
Spy shots reveal a tall, utilitarian body that recalls the Bolero’s heritage. Under heavy camouflage, we can pick out key styling clues. At the front there appear to be round projector headlamps (likely prototypes) sitting under the wrap, flanking a thick vertical-slat grille – a traditional Mahindra cue. The bumper looks chunky with cutouts for fog lamps, suggesting a rugged “tough” fascia. Along the sides, the test vehicle rides on large 18-inch alloy wheels (from the XUV700), with flush door handles set into flat, upright doors. The long, rectangular windows and pronounced bulges over the wheel arches – clad in matte black plastic – hint at serious off-road capability. At the rear, photographers spotted a full-size spare wheel mounted on the tailgate and slim vertical wraparound taillights in the corners. In short, the prototype looks like an evolved Bolero: boxy and rugged, but with upscale touches (flush handles, big alloys, modern lights) that the old model has never had.
All this has led experts to two main guesses. Many think Mahindra is reimagining the Bolero. Some reports suggests this new Mahindra SUV could be the premium version of the Bolero, sitting above the current Bolero and Bolero Neo models. Under this theory, Mahindra might keep selling the current basic Bolero as a no-frills workhorse, while this new model moves upmarket. It could even be pitched as a compact family SUV going after the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara once launched.
The other major theory is that this camouflaged mule is related to a Thar-derived lifestyle SUV (called a “Thar Sport” in rumors). Reports out of Mahindra’s development centers hint at an all-new SUV for global markets – one using a modern unibody platform instead of the old ladder frame. This new model is said to borrow styling cues from the futuristic Vision Thar.e concept – but underneath it would use a more car-like chassis for comfort. If the spy mule is indeed the domestic testbed for that project, it might explain the heavy camouflage on an otherwise eye-catching shape.
AI’s Vision of the SUV
Using the clues above, we let an AI image generator take a stab at the final design. (Remember, this is purely a creative exercise!) In our AI-based rendering, the front of the SUV has a wide, slatted grille flanked by large circular LED lamps – a nod to the spyshots’ round headlights. The hood is tall and flat, and the bumper is rugged with integrated fog-light bezels. The AI vision shows the side profile with big 18-inch off-road wheels, chunky black fender flares, and flush door handles exactly as spied. A straight beltline and upright A-pillars give it a Defender-like silhouette. We added roof rails for overlanders. At the rear, our concept puts a full-size spare wheel on the back door and slim vertical LED tail lamps in the corners. Overall, the AI’s “poster” SUV looks like an upgraded Bolero meets futuristic Thar, blending old-school boxiness with modern details.
(Note: these AI visuals are an imaginative interpretation, not official. We’re just using them to visualize how the secret mule’s hints could combine.)
Expected Features & Tech
Based on Mahindra’s track record and industry trends, we can speculate on what’s under the skin of this mystery SUV:
- Powertrains: Mahindra will almost certainly offer a modern diesel, probably around 1.5 liters (the same engine in the current Thar and XUV3XO). A 1.5T turbo-petrol is likely too. Given global trends, a mild hybrid setup or even a strong hybrid (e.g. the 1.5L plus battery range-extender concept Mahindra showed) is very plausible. On the new modular platform, an electric version could eventually join the lineup. In short: expect diesel and petrol at launch, with hybrids (and maybe EV) to come.
- Drive Options: Mahindra typically equips its SUVs with selectable 4×4, and we’d be surprised if that’s removed here. The camera spies suggest at least a robust chassis: if this follows Bolero tradition, a body-on-frame design with 4WD is likely (for true off-road strength). If it’s the rumored “Thar Sports” model on a monocoque, it could still offer all-wheel-drive modes for rugged use. Either way, dual-range transfer case, locking differential(s) and hill-descent control could be on tap for off-roaders.
- Infotainment & Connectivity: This is where the new model will leapfrog the old Bolero. Expect a large touchscreen infotainment system (perhaps 8–10 inches) with phone mirroring, built-in navigation and Wi-Fi/5G connectivity. Multiple USB ports, smartphone voice control, and even Mahindra’s own app ecosystem (remote lock/unlock, live vehicle data) are likely. The instrument cluster may go fully digital or semi-digital. In short, Mahindra will add all the modern gadgets missing from today’s bare-bones Bolero.
- Safety & ADAS: The previous Bolero barely had safety features; the new one won’t be so naked. We would expect standard ABS, EBD and at least dual airbags, with multiple airbags (up to 4–6) on higher trims. Electronic stability control, hill-hold and rollover mitigation should be included. Given the global trend, advanced driver assists might appear: think autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert – features that Mahindra has started adding to Scorpio-N and others. Experts say that the new Bolero is expected to finally catch up with the times with airbags, ABS and connected-car tech.
- Ruggedness & Refinement: The Mahindra Bolero’s strength is its go-anywhere toughness. Expect high ground clearance, thick underbody protection, and simple but durable suspension (live axles front & rear are possible). Mahindra might use leaf springs at the back for load capacity, or switch to a modern setup if it’s aiming for more refinement. The rumors of a monocoque chassis suggest a smoother ride on pavement, but we suspect the rough-road DNA remains. Either way, tow hooks, a sizeable steel bumper, and all-terrain tyres would reinforce its hardcore image. At the same time, if sold as a more modern SUV, it might gain conveniences like telescopic steering, better NVH insulation, and adjustable driving modes (e.g. Off-road, Sport).
Who Is This SUV For?
The answer depends on which theory proves true:
- If it’s Bolero 2.0: The target buyer is an upgraded version of Mahindra’s traditional customer. Think rural families and fleet operators who want the Bolero’s legendary durability, but also some modern comforts. The current Bolero would remain as a low-cost, no-frills offering; this new model would move into a higher price bracket. Reports uggests it could start around ₹10–12 lakh (ex-showroom), aiming at buyers who might otherwise consider mainstream compact SUVs. In that case, it would square off against vehicles like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (and even the upcoming Tata Sierra). Essentially, Mahindra would be trying to lure people who like Bolero’s image into a more family-friendly package.
- If it’s a Thar Sports-style model: Then the audience is younger, lifestyle-oriented drivers who still want an off-road aura. It would be pitched as a trendy 4×4 for city dwellers with adventure on weekends. Competitors here would include hardcore off-roaders like the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Force Gurkha.
Conclusion
In the end, this heavily camouflaged Mahindra test vehicle is a tantalizing hint of things to come. Mahindra itself has signaled a big shift: on August 15, 2025 it will unveil a new flexible SUV platform, and by 2026 introduce several new ICE models. This means Mahindra plans to refresh its lineup in a major way – whether that’s Bolero or Thar-based. All we know for sure is that the company wants to blend its rugged heritage with modern tech. As a Mahindra executive has said, these moves “symbolise Mahindra’s broader ambition to reposition itself as a premium lifestyle SUV brand internationally”. Whether this mystery mule turns out to be the Bolero 2.0 we’ve been waiting for, or a bold new Thar Sports variant, it will almost certainly be more refined and feature-rich than anything Mahindra has offered before. What do you think – is this the new-era Bolero, or a sporty Thar cousin? Let us know in the comments!
