Khyati Sharma 2026-11-13
Mahindra & Mahindra cars is preparing to expand its SUV cars portfolio with a new-generation model based on its NU_IQ platform. The upcoming SUV is expected to be the production version of the Vision S concept, which was showcased in August 2025. According to recent reports, Mahindra is planning production capacity of around 10,000 units per month for its first NU_IQ-based SUV.
The upcoming model is expected to enter the Indian market by June 2027. It will be an important product for Mahindra as the company looks to strengthen its presence in the sub-4-metre SUV segment with a new platform, fresh design and multiple powertrain possibilities.
Mahindra is preparing additional manufacturing capacity at its Chakan facility in Maharashtra for vehicles based on the NU_IQ platform. The company’s investor presentation indicates that it is creating additional NU_IQ capacity of approximately 10,000 units per month at the Chakan plant.
This capacity expansion is part of Mahindra’s wider plan to support its upcoming SUV launches and meet future demand. The company is also working towards increasing its overall SUV and electric SUV production capacity.
It is important to understand that the 10,000-unit figure refers to planned production capacity, not a confirmed monthly sales target. Actual production and sales will depend on customer demand, launch schedules and manufacturing requirements.
The first production SUV using the NU_IQ platform is expected to take inspiration from the Vision S concept. Mahindra introduced the Vision S in August 2025 as part of its Global Vision 2027 showcase, which featured four SUV concepts: Vision S, Vision X, Vision T and Vision SXT.
The Vision S concept previewed a compact SUV with a boxy design, upright proportions and a strong road presence. Its production version has been spotted testing on Indian roads, indicating that development is progressing ahead of its expected launch.
The upcoming SUV is expected to retain some of the concept's key styling elements while receiving changes required for a production vehicle. Spy images have indicated features such as a boxy silhouette, short overhangs, flush-fitting door handles and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
However, Mahindra has not yet officially confirmed the final name, design details or complete specifications of the production model.
NU_IQ is Mahindra's new modular vehicle architecture developed for its next generation of SUVs. The platform is designed to support multiple vehicle sizes and different powertrain technologies.
According to Mahindra, NU_IQ is a multi-energy architecture that can accommodate internal combustion engine and electric powertrain configurations. It has been developed with flexibility in mind, allowing the company to introduce different body styles and vehicle configurations.
The platform is also designed to support front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts, along with left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets. This flexibility could help Mahindra develop products for both Indian and international markets.
The first SUV based on this architecture is expected to target the sub-4-metre category, where it could become an important addition to the company's existing SUV range.
Mahindra has not officially announced the engine specifications of the upcoming Vision S-based SUV. However, the NU_IQ platform has been designed to support multiple energy options.
The production model could be offered with conventional petrol and diesel engine options, while other powertrain possibilities may also be explored. CNG and hybrid configurations have been discussed in reports, but these have not been officially confirmed for the first production SUV.
The company may reveal more information about its engine options, transmission choices and performance figures closer to the launch.
Mahindra is expected to introduce the first NU_IQ-based SUV by June 2027. The model is part of the company's broader product expansion plan, which includes several new vehicles and updates planned for the first half of 2027.
The company has also outlined plans for other upcoming products, including the production version of the BE 07 electric SUV, the Scorpio Lifestyler pickup, an SUV refresh and a new light commercial vehicle.
The Vision S-based SUV is expected to be one of the important launches in this product programme.
Along with developing new vehicles, Mahindra is increasing its manufacturing capacity to support future growth. Its Q2 FY27 analyst presentation outlines a plan to increase combined SUV and electric vehicle production capacity to 82,000 units per month by the end of FY27.
The company is also adding capacity for NU_IQ-based vehicles at Chakan. In addition, Mahindra is developing a new manufacturing facility in Nagpur to support its longer-term product plans.
The Nagpur facility is expected to add manufacturing capacity in phases, with the company planning further expansion towards the end of the decade.
These investments are intended to support Mahindra's expanding SUV and EV portfolio as it prepares for new launches in India and overseas markets.
The production version of the Vision S concept could become a significant addition to Mahindra's compact SUV portfolio. Its expected sub-4-metre dimensions, new platform and modern design could help the company target buyers looking for a compact SUV with a distinctive appearance.
The model could also benefit from the flexibility of the NU_IQ architecture, particularly if Mahindra introduces multiple powertrain options over time.
Pricing, variant details, features, engine specifications and the official production model name are yet to be announced. More details are expected closer to its launch.
For now, the planned 10,000-unit monthly NU_IQ production capacity highlights Mahindra's preparations for its next generation of SUVs. The first model, expected to be based on the Vision S concept, is likely to arrive in India by June 2027.
