Mahindra’s upcoming compact SUV, the Vision S, has once again been spotted testing on Indian roads. The latest spy shots clearly show the heavily camouflaged test mule’s boxy stance, upright body, and tailgate-mounted spare wheel, giving the SUV an overall feel of a smaller Scorpio N.
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Mahindra showcased the Vision S in August 2025 with its new-generation NU_IQ modular platform. According to the company’s roadmap, production SUVs based on this platform will begin arriving in the market from 2027.
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What’s seen in the latest Mahindra Vision S spy shots?
The latest test mule is still covered in heavy camouflage, but the production model’s proportions are quite clearly visible. The front section is upright, the bonnet is tall, and the overall body follows a squared-off design.
Spy shots reveal multiple vertical openings in the grille, a compact yet muscular stance, and vertically positioned lighting elements. The tailgate-mounted full-size spare wheel is the most noticeable element in the rear profile, giving the Vision S a more rugged character than a conventional urban SUV.
Earlier test vehicles have also gradually revealed production-spec lighting and front-end details, suggesting Mahindra is moving the prototype closer to production.
Why Does It Look Like a Baby Scorpio N?
The Vision S’s upright silhouette and tall bonnet are reminiscent of Mahindra’s existing Scorpio family design cues. For this reason, it is being unofficially described as a baby Scorpio N type SUV.
However, the production Vision S should not be considered a direct replacement for the Scorpio N. Mahindra has made it part of its next-generation NU_IQ SUV family, which focuses on strong road presence with compact dimensions.
Even in the concept version, the Vision S’s design was developed around a muscular body, squared wheel arches, and upright proportions, while the testing prototype appears to have a relatively toned-down design in line with production requirements.
Sub-4 Meter SUV, But Wheelbase Will Be Quite Long
One of the most interesting engineering details of its compact overall footprint and long wheelbase combination.
According to reports, the production-spec Vision S will be a sub-4-meter SUV, with a wheelbase of around 2,665mm. This combination could be interesting for both cabin space and road presence.
With this positioning, the Vision S could compete with compact SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Skoda Kylaq.
The NU_IQ Platform Will Form the Backbone of the Vision S
The Vision S will be based on Mahindra’s new NU_IQ modular platform. This platform has been developed for the company’s future SUV portfolio and can support multiple body styles and powertrain configurations.
According to official information from Mahindra, the NU_IQ architecture is adaptable for petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains. It has the capability to support RHD and LHD markets, along with FWD and AWD configurations.
This means that in the future, the Vision S family’s scope may not be limited to just a conventional petrol/diesel SUV.
A Diesel Engine May Also Enter
Mahindra has not yet officially revealed the exact engine options for the production-spec Vision S. However, multiple test sightings and available reports strongly support the possibility of a diesel powertrain.
Earlier spy sightings have indicated diesel-related hardware, while reports have mentioned the XUV 3XO’s petrol and diesel engines as potential options for the Vision S.
At this stage, exact engine specifications, gearbox options, and output figures are too early to be confirmed.
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Hybrid and EV Versions Also in Scope
The multi-energy capabilities of the NU_IQ platform also make the Vision S suitable for electrified powertrains in the future.
Mahindra has officially confirmed that the NU_IQ platform can accommodate multiple powertrain layouts for both ICE and EV applications. Therefore, the possibility of a Vision S-based hybrid or electric derivative in the future cannot be completely ruled out.
However, official confirmation is still pending on which electrified powertrains will be available at the time of launch of the India-spec Vision S.
ADAS and Modern Technology Will Also Be Available
Spy shots have already revealed indications of camera and radar hardware on its prototypes. This opens up the possibility of the SUV getting advanced driver assistance features, especially in higher variants.
In the concept version, Mahindra also focused on next-generation technology and the NU_UX integrated architecture. The production SUV could adapt the concept’s futuristic features into practical form.
Launch in 2027, what could be the expected price?
Mahindra has officially confirmed that production of the NU_IQ-based next-generation SUVs will begin in 2027. The company’s management commentary also suggests a 2027 launch of either the Vision S or Vision T.
The exact launch date for the Vision S has not yet been announced. Current industry estimates position it for a 2027 launch.
Regarding pricing, Mahindra has not officially announced pricing for the production-spec Vision S. Current estimates range from roughly Rs. 10.5 lakh to Rs. 17.5 lakh, but final pricing may vary depending on the variant and powertrain lineup.
Mahindra Vision S: Expected Details
| Detail | Mahindra Vision S |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | 2027 |
| Body Type | Compact SUV |
| Length | Under 4 metres |
| Wheelbase | Around 2,665mm |
| Platform | NU_IQ |
| Powertrain | Petrol/Diesel expected |
| Hybrid | Possible |
| EV | Platform compatible |
| Drive | FWD/AWD capability |
| ADAS | Expected |
| Expected Price | Around Rs 10.5–17.5 lakh |
| Rivals | Venue, Nexon, Sonet, Kylaq |
Auto India Daily Verdict
The latest test mules of the Mahindra Vision S indicate that the company isn’t positioning its next-generation compact SUV as just a regular urban SUV. The boxy proportions, long bonnet, spare wheel, and upright stance could give it a significantly different road presence in the segment.
The most interesting part is its NU_IQ platform, which opens up scope for petrol, diesel, hybrid, and EV configurations in the future. If Mahindra retains the concept’s rugged character in the production model while maintaining competitive pricing, the Vision S could become a strong new contender in the compact SUV segment.
The biggest wait right now is for the exact engine lineup, official launch date, and final pricing. The picture will become much clearer once the production version of this SUV is unveiled in 2027.
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Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.