Mahindra Thar vs Thar.e Concept: Similarities And Differences Detailed

In its pursuit of going electric on a global level, Mahindra has electrified the iconic Thar nameplate, and debuted the concept at its annual Independence day conference held in South Africa. Christened the Vision Thar.e, the electric off-roader concept previews what’s in store for the future, while also showcasing a 5-door iteration of the Thar for the first time ever. 

Yes, a production model is quite some time away, but until then, let’s take a look at how similar or rather different the electric concept is to the model it aims to replace.

Similar silhouette, different underpinnings

The Mahindra Thar has always had a distinctive silhouette, which made it immediately recognisable. That characteristic has been retained here, with Mahindra going the extra mile to do so. How?

Well, for starters, this is an all-electric model, so the platform isn’t the same. Gone is the ladder-on-frame chassis, and in comes a skateboard platform, which will also underpin other future electric Mahindra vehicles. It’s called the INGLO-P1 platform, but this one has been customised for the electric Thar, for it to retain that iconic silhouette and off-road capability.

So Mahindra has shaved off the front and rear overhangs, while the wheelbase has been increased and will span between 2775mm to 2975mm. Ground clearance has also been increased and ranges between 250-300mm. 

Similar styling, but exaggerated

Of course the Thar.e is more of a concept than a production model, but Mahindra has retained the essence of the SUV that makes it a true Thar. You’ve still got a similar boxy and robust design, with flared wheel arches and heavy cladding all around. But everything on the Thar.e has been amplified with sharp creases, boxier and even more robust elements.

Yes, we see the extra set of doors and it is likely to be offered in both 3- and 5-door iterations, just like the ICE-powered Thar will be in the time to come. Modernisation has been embraced but not without a thought for sustainability. The LED headlights and taillights, along with the chunky front and rear bumpers, are all modular and identical in design. This reduces wastage in both production and supply management by using the same mould, while also being easier to replace when damaged. Talk about form and function! All in all, the styling can easily be traced back to the Thar.

Similar cabin essence

The current Mahindra Thar’s cabin is less about luxury, and more about minimalism and functionality. The photos of the Thar.e concept’s cabin also follow similar traits, albeit with larger screens in the centre and behind the steering wheel. That said, the production model will likely have a radically different interior with better ergonomics – the latter courtesy the extra space liberated by the absence of the mechanicals for the ICE powertrain.

Similar off-road ethos but a different heart

Let’s make one thing clear going forward – the electric Thar.e will be no less of an off-roader than the ICE-powered Thar SUV. In fact, the longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs should offer even better off-roading abilities, and Mahindra has confirmed that the Thar EV will retain its 4x4 abilities. Because if not, would it even qualify as a Thar?

So it will sport some serious off-roading credibility. But the source of its prowess will be all-electric, something we’ve never experienced in a Thar before. The exact state and layout isn’t confirmed, but it could get dual electric motors, one on each axle for its AWD setup, with clever torque vectoring perhaps. The current Thar gets both petrol and diesel engine options, available in different states of tune and drivetrain options as per the variant.

So, is it still a Thar?

We reckon it would be safe to say that the Mahindra Thar.e hasn’t lost the plot in any sense. It still retains all the right flavours needed for the recipe that makes it a Thar. Even our bossman, Ameya Dandekar, agrees and you can watch him recapitulate the same here:

 

 

 

 

 

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The only difference now is that those flavours are being released from an eco-friendly low-calorie grill instead of the traditional (and still delicious) full-fat frying pan, as the SUV propels silently into the future.

Also Read: In 10 Pics: Mahindra Scorpio N-based Global Pik Up Truck Concept

Sure, it would be an even more befitting comparison when the concept translates to a production model, but until that comes around, we’ll have to make do with what we’ve got. We’d also love to know your thoughts on it, so don’t shy away from commenting your opinions below.