Mahindra Thar OG Debuts With New Off-Road Hardware

Mahindra and Mahindra has launched the Mahindra Thar OG, an updated version of its three-door SUV, with introductory ex-showroom prices ranging from Rs 10.32 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh. The renamed model retains the core three-door format while introducing chassis, suspension, steering, braking, drivetrain, exterior, and cabin updates. The changes are aimed at improving both on-road refinement and off-road capability. The range continues with rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, three engine choices, and six-speed manual or six-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions depending on the selected trim and drivetrain layout.

Chassis, Suspension and Drivetrain Updates

The updated SUV is built on Mahindra's M Glyde 4G platform, which has been engineered with increased chassis stiffness for on-road and off-road driving. A key mechanical change is the rear Pentalink suspension system, which incorporates a Watts link mechanism. The steering system now uses electric power steering throughout the range. Higher-specification four-wheel-drive variants add an electronic locking differential, dedicated terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow, and four-wheel disc brakes. These braking functions are supported by an Electronic Stability Program 9.3 suite, adding to the hardware and control-system changes made to the three-door SUV.

Engine and Transmission Options

The powertrain lineup retains three engines, although output ratings have been revised for selected configurations. The 2.0-liter G20 TGDi mStallion turbo-petrol engine produces 119 kW, or 162 PS, and 330 Nm of torque. The 2.2-liter D22 mHawk diesel generates 111.9 kW, or 152 PS, and 330 Nm. The entry-level 1.5-liter D117 CRDe diesel remains exclusive to a rear-wheel-drive manual configuration and continues to deliver 87.2 kW, or 119 PS, and 300 Nm. Transmission choices remain a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque-converter automatic, depending on variant and drivetrain.

Exterior Design and Equipment Changes

The exterior receives a series of styling revisions while retaining the recognizable three-door SUV profile. Updates include a redesigned front fascia, circular LED headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights, revised front and rear bumpers, a wider track, and LED ice-cube fog lamps with cornering illumination. The rear also gets updated LED tail-lamps, while higher variants are equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels. These changes distinguish the refreshed model visually while accompanying the underlying chassis and mechanical revisions introduced across the lineup.

Cabin Features and Safety Equipment

Inside, the SUV receives truffle brown leatherette upholstery and a 26.03 cm high-definition infotainment touchscreen with smartphone mirroring. Other equipment includes a digital multi-information display, rear air-conditioning vents, wireless charging, and front and rear parking sensors. Safety equipment includes six airbags with head, pelvis, thorax, and shoulder protection. The combination of cabin technology, parking assistance, occupant protection, and the updated electronic stability system expands the equipment package while retaining the vehicle's focus on both everyday usability and off-road driving requirements.

Mahindra Thar OG Variant-Wise Prices

The lineup is organized into three core trims: AXT, LXT, and ZXT. The AXT rear-wheel-drive diesel manual starts at Rs 10.32 lakh. The LXT range begins at Rs 12.99 lakh for the 1.5-liter diesel manual with rear-wheel drive and extends to Rs 18.00 lakh for the 2.2-liter diesel automatic with four-wheel drive, while petrol versions range from Rs 14.77 lakh to Rs 17.23 lakh. The ZXT starts at Rs 13.99 lakh for the rear-wheel-drive diesel manual and reaches Rs 18.99 lakh for the 2.2-liter four-wheel-drive diesel automatic, with petrol variants priced from Rs 16.09 lakh to Rs 17.75 lakh.

Positioning of the Updated Three-Door SUV

Mahindra and Mahindra President, Automotive Business, Velusamy R, said, "With the Thar OG, we have elevated the iconic three-door Thar through significant advances in on-road refinement and off-road capability. We are confident the Thar OG will further strengthen the brand and attract a new generation of enthusiasts." The statement highlights the company's focus on improving refinement and capability while maintaining the model's established three-door identity. The combination of mechanical revisions, additional equipment, multiple powertrains, and a broad variant structure defines the updated product strategy.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The update gives Mahindra and Mahindra a revised three-door SUV offering with changes spanning chassis engineering, suspension, steering, drivetrain control, safety, and cabin equipment rather than relying only on cosmetic revisions. The wider range of hardware and powertrain configurations allows the model to address different requirements within its existing three-door format, from rear-wheel-drive diesel manual configurations to higher-specification four-wheel-drive versions. The next stage will depend on how the updated variants perform in the market and how customers respond to the revised equipment, pricing structure, on-road refinement, and off-road capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Mahindra Thar OG prices and engine options?
The Mahindra Thar OG is priced from Rs 10.32 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh in introductory ex-showroom pricing. It continues with three engine choices: a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol producing 162 PS, a 2.2-liter diesel producing 152 PS, and a 1.5-liter diesel producing 119 PS. Depending on the variant and drivetrain, buyers can choose between six-speed manual and six-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions. Four-wheel-drive versions also receive additional off-road hardware and terrain-focused electronic controls.