In a big step that’s poised to re-shape the Indian SUV terrain, car giant Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing for what industry sources term as a “Dhaakad” offensive come 2026. With 3 big SUVs lined up, including the hotly anticipated new XUV700, Mahindra is lining up to own the premium SUV space and take the fight to other local and global players.
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XUV700 Unleashed – The New Flagship
At the heart of Mahindra’s 2026 plans sits the all-new XUV700 that is reportedly set to be renewed as the XUV 7XO. This is not just a nip-and-tuck job but a complete overhaul expected to redefine benchmarks in the segment.
The upcoming XUV700 facelift, currently named W616, will be heavily inspired by Mahindra’s recent electric SUV concepts like the BE series. Industry analysts expect a more aggressive and futuristic look to help it stand out in a highly competitive market.
Design updates could include this sharper nose design, with a connected-LED headlamp setup, fresh grille design, squared-off cladding, new alloy wheels, connected-LED tail-lights, and more premium looking roof rails. The interior will also likely be a major improvement, with whispers of a triple-screen cabin design that we’ve seen in newer concept cars.
Where the SUV lovers are getting really excited is about the possible adoption of high tech. The existing XUV700 already houses a robust Advanced Adrenox suite-based equipped with FOTA (Firmware Over-the-Air) which brings with it 83 connected car features but with the new model, the company is expected to redefine the concept by way of superior autonomous driving technology and connectivity capabilities.
Hybrid Power: What Can You Do Right Now?
In yet another strategic move, Mahindra is targetting hybrid powertrains in 2026; the new XUV700 and Scorpio will be first in line to get the petrol-hybrid trims. This follows the industry trend to cleaner powertrains while still delivering the performance that an SUV buyer demands.
The hybrid system is likely to include a small electric battery and should keep the Mahindra’s power advantage intact while offering better fuel efficiency, and the tiny electric battery should be charged either through energy recuperation or from the diesel unit whenever the car is being driven. In anticipation of the upcoming tighter emission standards, the transition not only keeps Mahindra ready for the regulatory change, but it’s also an attempt to keep the buying customer’s smile intact!
Thar Facelift: The Iconic Off-Roader Reborn
Besides the range-topping XUV700, Mahindra is developing a “comprehensive update” to the Thar, whose facelifted model is set to be launched in 2026. Post its re-introduction in 2020, the Thar has garnered the interest of off-roading community and lifestyle SUV buyers spawning a sub-culture around the vehicle.
The next gen Thar is likely to get some style cues from the recently introduced Thar Roxx (5-door) but sticking to its hall-of-fame silhouette. Conditions will probably remain in the form of better quality and better comfort, and more efficient propulsion options.
Third Mystery SUV: Filling the Portolio Gap
This, of course, will be way down the line and as of now, not much is known about Mahindra’s third SUV due in 2026 although we dig up from industry sources it could be a production derivative of a concept from the Mahindra stable displayed at some of the recent auto shows. Potentials would be a coupe-SUV in premium crossover territory, or perhaps an entirely new model targeting urban buyers with a unique, feature-rich choice.
On top of that, Mahindra has also registered new names like “XUV 5XO” and “XUV 1XO”, which hints that upcoming product expansion is going to be a fair bit more substantial than the just-announced XUV700 and Thar facelifts.
Following through in a competitive market
These future launches are not just new vehicles, they are new positioning for Mahindra in the market. The company aims to roll out some 16 SUVs by 2030, including ICE vehicles and EVs. The 2026 launches represent a central part of this strategy.
Mahindra have been on a roll in terms of creating tough and feature packed SUVs that also provide great value. The continuing excellence of the existing XUV700, which has already clocked more than 1.4 lakh sales and became the fastest product in Mahindra’s history to do so, underscores the appetite of the market for premium Mahindra products.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV700 Hits Sales Milestone Of 2.5 Lakh Units Since 2021 Launch, Paving Way For Next-Generation Model By 2026, the current-gen XUV700 has already eclipsed a sales figure of 2.5 lakh units since its launch in 2021, and this provides a solid foundation to the next-gen model.
Tech and Features: Up to the Bar
What is rather interesting about Mahindra’s approach is that they are focusing on the technology and features. The current XUV700 itself has set high expectations courtesy of a host of connected features, ADAS, and premium fit and finish.
These thresholds will be furthered by the anticipated 2026 models likely boasting better driving assistance technology, smarter entertainment systems, and perhaps even more advanced safety technologies. This Boy’s Toy attention to the techie side of things is helping Mahindra pitch itself on to slightly higher shelf than that of value-for-money option.
FORMULATION OF POLICY RESPONSES Market Response and Competitive Reaction
Mahindra’s aggressive product line-up is also expected to compel rivals to fast forward their respective plans. Since other car makers such as MG, Hyundai and Tata are also readying similar big UV debuts, the 2026-27 period could witness some fierce rivalry in the Indian SUV segment, something that will likely work out great for consumers what with so many options, features, and aggressive pricing coming their way.
That could reverberate beyond the domestic market. Mahindra has displayed its international aspirations in the form of products such as the Scorpio Pickup, which is likely to be aimed at markets like South Africa to begin with and could extend to other countries later.
A Shaping Moment for Mahindra
The triple SUV launch slated for 2026 will be a first for Mahindra & Mahindra. Through a mix of daring design, cutting-edge technology and cleaner powertrains, the company isn’t just reacting to market trends, but is actively creating them.
For SsangYong fans and potential SUV customers, that would mean more exciting products in the SUV space with assault-craft design language that the Mahindra is sometimes known for with contemporary design and advanced features. The Dhaakad way – a word that reflects the bold, powerful character of the rides that are about the modernise the very notion of Indian Automobiles, redefine audience aspiration forever and also firmly establish Mahindra as a premium global SUV brand across all continents.
As we move closer to 2026, all eyes will be on Mahindra to see if these bold aspirations convert into market beating success, and if they really can deliver the dhaakad experiencethey’re talking about.
