Mahindra Vision S Test Mules Reveal Two Front-End Design Options

Mahindra Vision S test mules have been spotted with two different front-end designs

A new video shared on Instagram provides one of the clearest looks yet at the Mahindra Vision S in near-production form. The clip, shared by the page Games Of Alcohols, shows two Vision S test mules being driven through narrow hill station roads, and the footage reveals quite a bit, not just about the design but also about the level of equipment this sub-4m SUV is being developed with.

Two Mules, Two Different Front Ends

One of the key highlights of the video is that the two test mules feature noticeably different front-end designs, wrapped in full camouflage.

The first vehicle rolls up with circular LED headlights and a large front grille featuring four chunky main slats, six thinner slats behind them, and a mesh grille further back. The Mahindra Twin Peaks logo and an ADAS Level 2 radar unit on the central air dam were both covered up, but their presence was still noticeable.

The second test mule features a different front-end design. The circular headlights are gone, replaced by L-shaped units with three ice cube-style projector lights and L-shaped LED DRLs. The grille layout also differs, while the four main slats remain, the area behind them now has four horizontal lines instead of the finer mesh seen on the first mule. The front bumper and central air dam, however, appear to follow the same basic design as the first vehicle. This second test mule appears to be fitted with 17-inch 5-spoke directional alloy wheels.

Why Two Front Designs?

Mahindra has not confirmed why the two test vehicles feature different front-end designs. There is no confirmed answer yet, but two theories have emerged.

One school of thought suggests the first mule is an ICE version and the second is an electric variant. However, this reasoning is difficult to support because the second mule also carries a large front grille, and electric vehicles typically do not need a conventional radiator grille since there is no combustion engine behind it.

Another possibility is that Mahindra is evaluating two different front-end designs before finalising the production model. Only one of these designs will make it to the production version.

Interior and Feature Details

Despite the exterior differences, both test mules appear to share the same cabin setup. The side profile reveals flush-type door handles and cameras mounted on the ORVMs as part of a 360-degree camera system. Inside, leatherette upholstery with white contrast stitching is visible, along with grab handles on both the A-pillars and B-pillars. A large panoramic sunroof is also part of the package.

The presence of an ADAS Level 2 radar suggests the Vision S could offer advanced driver assistance features when it reaches production.

Powertrain Options Being Planned

Mahindra is working on multiple powertrain configurations for the Vision S. The lineup is expected to begin with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, the same unit currently doing duty in the Thar three-door and the XUV 3XO, along with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol option. A strong hybrid version is also planned for a later date. Finally, a fully electric variant is in the works as well, which will take on rivals such as the upcoming Tata Sierra EV when it arrives.

Mahindra has not announced a launch date for the Vision S yet. However, the SUV is still being tested, and more details are likely to come out in the coming months.

Editor's Analysis

Testing two Vision S prototypes with different front-end designs shows that Mahindra is still working on the SUV's final look. The company has not revealed why both designs are being tested, but it is common for manufacturers to evaluate different styling options before freezing the production model.

The Vision S is expected to use Mahindra's NU_IQ platform, which supports multiple powertrain options. Reports also say the platform is being developed for both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive markets, which means the SUV could also be sold outside India.

One of the test vehicles uses circular headlights that give it a look similar to the Mahindra Thar. If this design reaches production, it could help the Vision S stand out from many other sub-4m SUVs that follow a more conventional design.

The Vision S is expected to compete with the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and Skoda Kylaq. However, its styling gives it a more rugged character, putting it closer to SUVs like the Mahindra Thar Roxx and Maruti Jimny than most urban crossovers.