√Mahindra Vision Thar.e electric four-wheel-drive concept revealed

Stopped by Australian courts from offering a Jeep Wrangler look-a-like, Indian manufacturer Mahindra is working on a new electric option based on the Vision Thar.e concept.

Indian car-maker Mahindra may finally be able to put the controversy over its Jeep Wrangler look-a-like behind it, if this boxy new electric four-wheel-drive concept becomes a reality.

The Vision Thar.e, revealed at the company’s Futurescape exhibition in Cape Town, is believed to be a preview of an electrified replacement for the ageing three-door Thar SUV, and also suggests the next-generation Thar could have a five-door option.

Mahindra says the Vision Thar.e has “one-of-a-kind modular construction and adaptable components”, and is based on the company’s INGLO-born electric platform. Underneath is what Mahindra says is a “high-performance AWD electric powertrain”.

Mahindra says the Vision Thar.e cabin has a central infotainment screen that pivots, and an uncluttered layout.

Mahindra claims the Thar.e concept vehicle’s fabric materials are made of 50 per cent recycled PET plastics.

The exterior design suggests a generous ground clearance and good approach and departure angles for the new off-roader, with its wheels set into each corner, but given the wheel at each corner approach for a five-door SUV, ramp-over angle doesn’t look as promising. The boxy, four-wheel-drive design appears to borrow broad styling themse from the Land Rover Defender and new Ford Bronco.

Mahindra Australia has already tried to sell the existing Thar – a Jeep Wrangler look-a-like – but was stopped by Australian courts in 2021, following action taken by Jeep. Jeep claimed the three-door Thar is too similar to its own Wrangler.

Mahindra has previously said it plans to release two electric vehicles in Australia by the end of 2025, although hasn’t released further details or outlined whether this includes a production version of the Vision Thar.e concept pictured here.

The post Mahindra Vision Thar.e electric four-wheel-drive concept revealed appeared first on Drive.