Mahindra Vision SXT Design Patent Filed In India, Could Join Vision S Lineup

Mahindra Vision SXT Design Patent Surfaces, Could Be a Second SUV Alongside Vision S

While the Mahindra Vision S has been going through road testing for a few months now, attention has shifted to another model from the same family. Design patent images for the Vision SXT have now appeared online, suggesting Mahindra could be developing a second SUV built on the same platform, this time with a stronger focus on off-road capability.

It is worth keeping in mind that this remains speculative at this stage. Mahindra has not confirmed any production plans for the Vision SXT, and design patents do not always make it to the assembly line. Many filed patents never go beyond the paperwork stage.

What the Patent Reveals

The patent drawings hold on to nearly every signature design cue that was first seen on the Vision SXT concept. At the front, there is an upright fascia with a rectangular grille made up of multiple vertical inserts. The headlamp units sit high on the corners, with vertically stacked lighting elements placed below them. The front bumper carries heavy sculpting and includes a sizeable skid plate. Along with the flat bonnet and short front overhang, the front end gives the SUV a more off-road-focused look.

The side profile carries the same distinct character. Squared wheel arches make room for large all terrain tyres, while a near flat roofline, upright pillars and generous ground clearance round off the stance. Thick tubular protection bars run along the lower part of the body, doubling up as rock sliders while also contributing to its rugged design. The patent also shows production spec door mirrors, pull type door handles, integrated roof rails and sturdy side steps.

A few changes have crept in when compared to the original concept. The Vision SXT concept featured two externally mounted spare wheels, but the patent shows just a single rear mounted spare tyre instead. The tailgate, rear bumper and lighting setup also appear simpler than what was shown on the concept.

Where the Vision SXT Could Fit

If Mahindra goes ahead and builds the Vision SXT, it could be positioned just above the Vision S in the lineup, effectively giving Mahindra another off-road-focused SUV. The Vision S is expected to serve as the more mainstream SUV from the NU_IQ family, while the Vision SXT could be aimed at buyers who want a more purpose built off road machine.

Both these models were first shown off during Mahindra's Freedom_NU showcase, where the company also revealed the Vision T and Vision X alongside the Vision S and Vision SXT. All four SUVs are built on the modular NU_IQ architecture.

A Flexible Platform Built for Multiple Powertrains

The NU_IQ platform has been engineered to support petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. It also allows for multiple wheelbase lengths along with front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and all wheel drive configurations. Mahindra has developed this platform keeping both domestic and international markets in mind, allowing it to build different types of SUVs on the same platform.

When it comes to the Vision SXT specifically, a four wheel drive setup could be offered, given its proportions, body protection elements and off road styling, all of which were visible on both the concept and the patent images.

If the Vision SXT reaches production, Mahindra's SUV lineup could gain another model with a stronger focus on off-road capability. Combined with the Vision S, which is already well into its road testing phase, this patent filing suggests Mahindra could be expanding the NU_IQ family with more than one SUV, although the company has not announced production plans for the Vision SXT.

" If the Vision SXT reaches production, it may not replace any existing Mahindra SUV. Instead, it could give buyers another off-road-focused option based on a different platform. How Mahindra positions it alongside the Thar Roxx will be interesting to watch. "