Mahindra’s Refreshed Roar: Thar 3-Door Facelift, XUV700 Update, and New-Gen Bolero Neo Set to Electrify 2025-26
New Delhi, India – June 18, 2025 – Mahindra & Mahindra, a dominant force in the Indian SUV market, is set to unleash a wave of refreshed and new models, further solidifying its position and addressing evolving consumer preferences. Leading the charge will be the highly anticipated Mahindra Thar 3-door facelift, expected to hit the market before the end of this year or in early 2026. This update, along with a major facelift for the popular XUV700 and the arrival of a new-generation Bolero Neo, underscores Mahindra’s commitment to innovation and maintaining its competitive edge.
Recent spy images of the camouflaged three-door Thar undergoing testing have confirmed the imminent arrival of a mid-cycle update. While official announcements are pending, early indicators suggest that the revisions will draw inspiration from the recently launched and well-received Thar Roxx (5-door version), incorporating a blend of subtle exterior tweaks and more substantial interior and feature upgrades.
Thar 3-Door Facelift: Evolution of an Icon
The beloved Thar 3-door is set to receive a refined touch rather than a complete overhaul. Exterior changes are expected to be minor, focusing on enhancing its already iconic design. This could include:
- Subtle Front Grille Revisions: A refreshed grille design, possibly echoing the vertical slat treatment seen on the Thar Roxx, could give it a more contemporary look.
- Updated Bumpers: Redesigned front and rear bumpers might offer a slightly more rugged or integrated appearance.
- Lighting System Enhancements: While retaining its signature round headlights, there’s a possibility of updated LED daytime running lights (DRLs) or improved headlamp/taillamp clusters for better illumination and visual appeal. New LED headlights and LED tail lights are also anticipated, drawing cues from the Thar Roxx.
- New Alloy Wheels: Spy shots suggest new 5-spoke alloy wheel designs could be on offer.
The interior, however, is likely to see a more significant refresh. Mahindra is expected to leverage features and software upgrades that debuted on the Thar Roxx, enhancing comfort, convenience, and technology for the 3-door model. Potential interior updates include:
- Revised Infotainment System: The infotainment unit is expected to receive attention, possibly with a larger screen or updated software for improved user experience. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, AdrenoX connected car technology, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, as seen on the Thar Roxx, could trickle down.
- Enhanced Trim and Hardware: New trim textures and hardware additions will likely contribute to a more premium cabin feel.
- Feature Enrichment: Some advanced features from the Thar Roxx that are currently unavailable in the regular 3-door Thar are likely to be integrated. This could include a Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging facility, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and possibly even an auto-dimming IRVM. Safety could also see an upgrade with the addition of side curtain airbags.
From a mechanical standpoint, the powertrain lineup is anticipated to remain largely unchanged, continuing to offer a robust set of options:
- 1.5L Turbocharged Diesel Engine: This unit currently produces 117 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, primarily offered in the 2WD variants.
- 2.0L Turbo Petrol Engine: This engine develops 150 bhp maximum power and 320 Nm of peak torque.
- 2.2L Diesel Powertrain: This workhorse generates 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque.
Both six-speed manual and six-speed torque converter automatic transmissions will continue to be offered, along with the choice of 2WD and 4WD configurations, ensuring the Thar retains its legendary off-road capabilities. With the addition of more premium features, the facelifted Thar 3-door is likely to command a slightly higher price point than the current model, which ranges from Rs 11.50 lakh to Rs 17.62 lakh (ex-showroom). Reports suggest Mahindra might unveil the 3-door Thar facelift on August 15, 2025, which is also Mahindra’s traditional Independence Day event.
XUV700 Facelift: Sharpening a Segment Leader
Beyond the Thar, Mahindra is also diligently preparing a facelift for the XUV700, as evidenced by recent spy images. This update is expected to launch around early 2026. The XUV700, a segment leader known for its advanced features and strong performance, will likely receive a refreshed exterior, potentially including a revised grille, updated headlamps, and redesigned bumpers. Interior enhancements are also on the cards, with potential for improved Level 2 ADAS features, a triple-screen setup (as seen on some global premium SUVs), rear ventilated seats for the six-seater version, sun blinds, and more connected car technology. The current powerful petrol and diesel engines are expected to be carried over, maintaining its strong performance credentials.
New-Generation Bolero Neo: A Foundation for the Future
Adding to the excitement, the new generation Bolero Neo, based on an all-new ladder-frame chassis and featuring a completely redesigned exterior and interior, is more likely to arrive as early as August 2025. This significant overhaul will see the Bolero Neo adopting a bolder and more modern stance, with design cues potentially inspired by Mahindra’s latest offerings. Spy shots indicate elements like flush-fitting door handles, a distinctive Mahindra grille, and updated lighting.
The interior is also set for a massive overhaul, with a new dashboard layout, a larger touchscreen infotainment unit, a new driver’s display, and potentially even a panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS. This next-gen Bolero Neo is expected to utilize Mahindra’s new Flexible Architecture (NFA) platform, which will also underpin the upcoming next-generation Bolero and even a Bolero EV in the future. This strategic move aims to bring the rugged utility of the Bolero series into the modern era, with enhanced comfort, features, and safety.
Mahindra’s aggressive product refresh strategy, encompassing its most popular SUVs, demonstrates its commitment to staying ahead in India’s dynamic automotive market. By integrating advanced features, subtle design enhancements, and ensuring robust mechanicals, these upcoming models are set to further strengthen Mahindra’s dominance and appeal to a broader customer base, cementing its position as a leading SUV manufacturer in the country.
