New Delhi: Mahindra is gearing up to launch several new SUVs including electric cars for the Indian market. The company has decided to increase its production to meet the growing demand for its new breed of SUV. Mahindra aims to increase its production from 28,000 to 49,000 per month.

Mahindra is preparing a long-wheelbase five-door version of the Thar, which has already been tested on Indian roads. Mahindra Thar 5-door SUV speculated to launch at Auto Expo 2023; however, the domestic carmaker opted out of the biennale.

A new media report claims that the Mahindra Thar 5-door lifestyle SUV is set to launch in the Indian market in 2024. It will most likely be introduced in the first half of 2024, while the debut could take place in 2023.

The Mahindra Thar 5-door SUV is expected to be designed and developed on the new Scorpio-N ladder frame chassis which is made of high strength steel. The platform could be modified to suit a differently styled SUV. The lifestyle SUV will be longer than the 3-door Thar and shorter than the Scorpio-N. The SUV could also share the pentalink rear suspension with the new Scorpio-N.

The overall width and height of the 5-door Thar is likely to remain the same, while the wheelbase will increase to create more space in the second row. The longer wheelbase could affect its off-road capabilities as the approach angle of the 5-door Thar could be lower than the 3-door Thar. It can be had in a 6- or 7-seat configuration.

The Mahindra Thar 5-door SUV is expected to draw most of its features from the 3-door Thar. It could get features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and navigation, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, steering wheel controls, multiple airbags, rear parking and more.

It will be offered with a 2.0L turbo petrol and a 2.2L turbo diesel engine, which also powers the 3-door version. Engines could be tuned to generate extra power and torque. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available.