Mahindra cars upcoming compact SUV, the Vision S, has once again been spotted testing on Indian roads. This time, two heavily camouflaged test mules were seen together at a traffic signal in Hyderabad, offering a fresh look at the SUV's exterior styling and lighting setup ahead of its expected 2027 launch.

The latest spy images, shared on November 11, 2026, provide a closer look at the front LED lighting, upright grille and rear design elements of the upcoming SUV. Interestingly, the test vehicles were spotted with their lights switched on, revealing details that were not clearly visible in earlier sightings.

The Mahindra Vision S is expected to become an important addition to the company's compact SUV portfolio. It will be based on Mahindra's new NU_IQ modular platform and is expected to compete in the sub-four-metre SUV segment.

Mahindra Vision S Spotted with Updated LED Lighting

One of the biggest highlights of the latest Hyderabad sighting is the front lighting arrangement. Both test mules feature an upright front fascia with six vertical grille openings, arranged in two groups of three.

The grille also gets horizontal elements inside the openings, while the lower bumper features two wide rectangular cutouts.

The front lighting setup appears to include multiple LED elements. These include an upper illuminated lamp, a short horizontal lighting strip extending towards the grille and a vertical lighting section positioned near the outer edges of the front fascia.

Although most of the front section remains covered in camouflage, the overall design appears consistent with the rugged styling previewed by the Vision S concept and its subsequent design patent.

Scorpio-Inspired Rear Design with Vertical Tail Lamps

The rear design is another interesting detail revealed in the latest spy images. The Vision S test mules feature illuminated red segments positioned high on the rear pillars, close to the rear windscreen.

These vertically arranged lighting elements remind us of the rear lighting design seen on the Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N.

The SUV also gets a separate lower tail-lamp assembly positioned near the tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The lower lighting unit features a horizontal element extending towards the centre of the rear section.

The combination of high-mounted pillar lamps and lower tail lamps gives the Vision S a distinctive rear appearance.

Mahindra Vision S Exterior Design: What to Expect?

The Mahindra Vision S is expected to retain the boxy and upright appearance showcased by its concept version.

Based on the latest spy images, the SUV features:

• Upright front fascia with a vertical grille

• Squared wheel arches

• Flat roofline

• Short rear overhang

• Tailgate-mounted spare wheel

• Vertical rear pillar lighting

• Conventional exterior door mirrors

The production version is expected to receive some changes compared with the concept model. However, its overall rugged SUV character is likely to remain an important part of the design.

Mahindra Vision S Interior and Features

Earlier test sightings have also provided a glimpse of the upcoming SUV's cabin. The interior is expected to receive a modern dashboard layout with horizontally positioned digital displays.

Previously spotted equipment includes a touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, vertical AC vents, cruise control, rear-centre armrest and electronic parking brake.

However, Mahindra has not officially confirmed the complete equipment list or final interior specifications of the production model.

The company is expected to offer a combination of technology, comfort and practical features to make the Vision S suitable for everyday urban driving.

Mahindra Vision S Engine and Platform Details

The upcoming Mahindra Vision S will be based on the company's NU_IQ modular platform. This architecture has been developed to support different vehicle sizes and powertrain configurations, including internal combustion engines and electric powertrains.

The SUV is expected to receive petrol and diesel engine options. A 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine are among the expected possibilities.

However, Mahindra has not officially confirmed the final engine specifications, transmission options or power outputs for the production-spec Vision S.

The possibility of an electric derivative also remains interesting, considering the flexibility of the NU_IQ architecture.

Mahindra Vision S Launch Timeline and Expected Positioning

Mahindra is expected to launch the production version of the Vision S in the first half of 2027 (H1 2027).

Once launched, the SUV is expected to strengthen Mahindra's presence in the sub-four-metre SUV category. It will likely be positioned between the XUV 3XO and the Thar in the company's broader product portfolio.

The Vision S could appeal to customers looking for a compact SUV with a rugged appearance, modern technology and practical everyday usability.

Official pricing, variant details, bookings and delivery timelines are yet to be announced.

Conclusion

The latest sighting of two Mahindra Vision S test mules at a Hyderabad traffic signal has revealed more details about the upcoming compact SUV. The illuminated LED lighting, six-slot front grille, Scorpio-inspired rear pillar lamps and tailgate-mounted spare wheel suggest that Mahindra is working towards a distinctive production design.

With its NU_IQ platform, expected petrol and diesel engine options and a targeted H1 2027 launch, the Vision S could become an important addition to India's compact SUV market. More details are expected to emerge as testing progresses.