Looking for the latest scoop on Mahindra’s upcoming “Baby Scorpio”? If yes, you’re in the right place. The Mahindra Vision S has been spotted testing again, and this time the prototype looks almost production-ready.
In this blog, you’ll get a clear and simple breakdown of everything we know so far — from the design hints and platform details to the expected petrol, diesel, and even EV powertrain options. I’ll also tell you what these new spy shots reveal about its features and when Mahindra is likely to showcase and launch this compact SUV.
By the end, you’ll have a complete, easy-to-understand update on the Mahindra Vision S and what makes it one of the most exciting upcoming SUVs in India.
What we saw in the latest test cars
I looked closely at the recent spy shots and reports. The test mule appears to be close to the production shape. You can clearly see a boxy, upright silhouette, short overhangs, and squared wheel arches. Some test cars even wore a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The headlamp layout follows the Vision S concept with circular or inverted-L styling.
Inside, the spy pictures show a semi-digital instrument cluster, a colour MID, rear grab handles and — in some test cars — a panoramic sunroof. That tells me Mahindra is aiming for a feature-packed cabin even in this sub-4-metre segment.
Platform, size and the NU.IQ story
The production Vision S will ride on Mahindra’s new NU.IQ modular platform. This is important because the platform is designed to carry internal-combustion engines, hybrids and full battery-electric drivetrains. Mahindra has confirmed that NU.IQ-based SUVs will start arriving from 2027. That means the Vision S is one of the early NU.IQ models.
NU.IQ supports wheelbases and lengths from roughly 3,990 mm to 4,320 mm. Reports place the Vision S toward the sub-4-metre end, which fits the “baby Scorpio” tag and India’s compact SUV rules and customer needs.
Petrol, diesel and EV — the likely powertrains
Multiple outlets have reported that Mahindra plans to offer multiple powertrains for the Vision S. While Mahindra has not confirmed final outputs, the commonly cited rumours are:
| Powertrain | Engine / Motor (rumour) | Estimated power | Likely timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.2-litre mStallion turbo | ≈ 130 PS (rumour) | Launch (early 2027) |
| Diesel | Refreshed 1.5-litre mHawk | ≈ 115 PS (rumour), higher torque quoted | Launch (early 2027) |
| Electric / Hybrid | NU.IQ EV-capable platform | Not announced (EV spec TBC) | Possible variant from launch or later (2027+) |
From this I take away two useful points. First, Mahindra intends flexibility — buyers should see petrol, diesel and some form of electrified option. Second, exact figures like torque, battery size or range are not yet confirmed. We should treat the PS numbers as informed rumours, not final specs.
Design cues, interior features and real-world examples
The Vision S mule keeps many of the concept’s cues. The short overhangs and rugged look suggest Mahindra wants the car to feel like a small SUV rather than a tall hatchback. The tailgate-mounted spare is a clear nod to traditional SUV styling — something buyers who like the Scorpio family will notice.
For example, the presence of a panoramic sunroof in test cars shows Mahindra is comfortable offering higher-end features in this class. Another specific detail: the semi-digital cluster and colour MID mirror what we now see in more premium compact SUVs. That creates an advantage when buyers compare interiors against rivals.
To put it in context: if you’re deciding between the Vision S and the XUV 3XO or an entry-level Scorpio-N, the Vision S aims to give you SUV looks, a modern cabin and the choice of drivetrains — all in a smaller package.
Market role, competitors and what it means for buyers
The Vision S is widely described as a “baby Scorpio.” It could be marketed as Scorpio Sport, Scorpio (mini), or slot next to or replace the Bolero Neo. Mahindra likely plans this car to sit below or adjacent to the XUV 3XO and Scorpio‑N, targeting buyers who want SUV styling in a city‑friendly size.
Why does that matter to you? Smaller SUVs are cheaper to run and easier to park while still offering the rugged look many people want. If Mahindra delivers petrol, diesel and EV choices, buyers will have more freedom. For example, an urban buyer who wants low running costs might wait for the EV or hybrid option, while someone who needs long highway range might choose the diesel.
Timing is important too. Multiple reports point to a production reveal in late 2026 with a market launch in early 2027. That aligns with Mahindra’s plan to start NU.IQ rollouts from 2027.
What’s not confirmed — and why that matters
I want to be clear about limits. Mahindra has not confirmed:
- Exact launch date or final model name
- Official engine outputs and torque numbers
- EV battery size, motor outputs or official range
- Trim levels and final pricing
That matters because these details decide real-world value. A 130 PS petrol is different to a 100 PS unit. A 300+ km EV vs a 200 km EV changes the buyer profile. So, while spy shots and manufacturer roadmaps give a strong hint, the final picture will only be clear after Mahindra’s official reveal.
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Final Thoughts
To wrap up, here are the key takeaways I’m watching:
- Mahindra Vision S (Baby Scorpio) is clearly moving toward production with near-production body panels visible in recent tests.
- It will sit on the flexible NU.IQ platform, supporting petrol, diesel and EV layouts — a major strength for future updates.
- Rumoured engines include a 1.2-litre mStallion petrol (~130 PS) and a 1.5-litre mHawk diesel (~115 PS); EV specs remain unannounced.
- Expect a production reveal in late 2026 and a market launch in early 2027, aligning with Mahindra’s NU.IQ rollout plan.
If you want, I can pull the latest spy and preview articles with dates so you can see the timeline of sightings and rumours, or I can monitor Mahindra’s announcements and send an update when official specs or a reveal date are published. Which would you prefer?
