Mahindra’s upcoming Vision S compact SUV has been spotted testing in India once again, with two heavily camouflaged test mules seen together on the streets of Mussoorie. The latest spy shots have revealed an interesting difference between the two prototypes: both SUVs feature different front lighting arrangements.
While one test mule continues to use circular LED projector headlamps, the second vehicle gets a more production-oriented lighting setup featuring vertically stacked projector headlamps and distinctive inverted L-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
This is an important development because the new lighting arrangement appears closer to the design showcased on the Mahindra Vision S concept. It also suggests that Mahindra is evaluating different lighting components as the SUV moves towards production.
The Vision S is part of Mahindra’s upcoming SUV portfolio based on its new NU_IQ modular platform. The production version is expected to arrive in 2027, although the company has not officially announced its final name, specifications or launch date.
Here is everything revealed by the latest Mahindra Vision S spy shots.
Mahindra Vision S Spy Shots: Key Highlights
- Two camouflaged test mules spotted together in Mussoorie
- Both prototypes feature different front lighting setups
- One test mule gets circular LED projector headlamps
- Second prototype features vertically stacked projector headlamps
- Inverted L-shaped LED DRLs spotted
- Boxy and upright SUV design retained
- Flush-fitting door handles visible in earlier sightings
- Expected to be based on Mahindra’s NU_IQ platform
- Production expected to begin in 2027
- Final name, price and engine specifications not officially announced
Two Mahindra Vision S Test Mules Spotted Together
The latest spy images show two Mahindra Vision S prototypes travelling together through the narrow streets of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
Both vehicles are covered in camouflage, hiding most of their exterior design details. However, the front lighting arrangements are clearly different.
One prototype continues to use circular LED projector headlamps, while the second test vehicle features a more distinctive lighting setup.
This difference has attracted attention because the circular headlamps resemble temporary projector units used on other Mahindra SUVs, whereas the newer setup appears closer to the Vision S concept’s original design.
It is possible that Mahindra is testing different lighting components during the development process. However, the two prototypes do not confirm that the production SUV will be offered with two different headlamp designs or that they represent separate variants.
Production-Spec LED Headlights Spotted
The biggest highlight of the latest sighting is the lighting arrangement on the second test mule.
It features vertically stacked projector headlamps positioned within the front bumper area, accompanied by inverted L-shaped LED daytime running lights.
This design closely resembles the lighting signature showcased on the Vision S concept during Mahindra’s Freedom NU presentation in August 2025.
The arrangement gives the SUV a distinctive front appearance and helps maintain its upright, rugged styling.
The circular projector setup seen on the other test vehicle may be a temporary testing arrangement rather than the final production design. However, Mahindra has not officially confirmed the final lighting specifications.
Mahindra Vision S Exterior Design: What Else Has Been Spotted?
Although the camouflage hides several details, previous spy sightings have revealed important elements of the Vision S’s exterior.
The SUV follows a boxy and upright design philosophy, with styling cues that reflect Mahindra’s traditional rugged SUV character.
Some of the exterior details seen across earlier prototypes include:
- Upright front profile
- Wide front grille with vertical elements
- Squared-off body proportions
- Vertically positioned lighting elements
- Pronounced wheel arches
- Flush-fitting door handles
- Tailgate-mounted spare wheel
- Upright rear windscreen
- Chunky body cladding
The tailgate-mounted spare wheel is one of the most distinctive design features seen on earlier test vehicles. It gives the SUV a traditional off-road-inspired appearance.
The final production model could receive changes to the bumper, grille, alloy wheels and exterior trim compared with the concept.
Mahindra Vision S Interior: Features Spotted So Far
Earlier spy images have also provided a glimpse of the Vision S-based SUV’s cabin.
The production-oriented test vehicle appears to feature a modern dashboard with a digital instrument display and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Some interior elements appear to take inspiration from Mahindra’s existing SUVs, including the Thar, Thar Roxx and XUV 7XO.
Features and design details observed or suggested by earlier spy shots include:
- Digital instrument cluster
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Vertical AC vents
- Physical buttons for selected functions
- Three-spoke or two-spoke steering design across different prototype reports
- Electronic parking brake
- Panoramic sunroof seen or suggested in earlier testing
- Revised centre console
The exact display sizes, infotainment functions, seat features and safety equipment have not been confirmed by Mahindra.
Since these are test vehicles, the final equipment list could change before production.
Mahindra NU_IQ Platform: What Is It?
The upcoming Vision S is part of Mahindra’s new NU_IQ modular vehicle architecture, which was introduced alongside the company’s Vision concept range at the Freedom NU event in August 2025.
The platform has been designed to support multiple vehicle sizes and different powertrain configurations.
It is intended to accommodate internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) architectures, depending on the vehicle and its final configuration.
Mahindra showcased four major concepts under this future SUV design direction:
- Vision S
- Vision X
- Vision T
- Vision SXT
The Vision S represents a compact, rugged SUV direction within this family.
The modular architecture is important because it allows Mahindra to develop different body styles and powertrain options using a common underlying vehicle platform.
Mahindra Vision S Engine and Powertrain Options
Mahindra has not officially announced the final engine specifications of the production Vision S.
However, earlier test sightings and reports have suggested that the SUV could receive petrol and diesel engine options.
A diesel-powered test vehicle has previously been associated with an AdBlue filler arrangement, indicating the possibility of a modern diesel powertrain.
The production SUV could potentially use engine technology from Mahindra’s existing compact SUV portfolio, but the final engine, gearbox and output figures remain unconfirmed.
The NU_IQ platform is also designed with electric powertrain compatibility in mind. However, this does not confirm that an electric Vision S will be available at launch.
For now, buyers should wait for Mahindra’s official announcement before treating any engine or transmission details as final.
Mahindra Vision S Launch Timeline
Mahindra unveiled the Vision S concept in August 2025 as part of its Freedom NU showcase.
Since then, multiple test vehicles have been spotted on Indian roads, including sightings in hilly regions and different driving conditions.
The increasing number of test sightings suggests that development is progressing, although the company has not confirmed a specific launch date.
Mahindra’s NU_IQ-based SUV programme is expected to enter production from 2027. The Vision S-based production model is also expected to arrive during this period.
The final production name could be different from the Vision S concept name. Mahindra has not officially confirmed the nameplate.
Mahindra Vision S Expected Price and Rivals
Mahindra has not announced the price of the production Vision S.
Its final positioning will depend on the vehicle’s dimensions, engine options, features and variant lineup.
The SUV is expected to target buyers looking for a compact vehicle with rugged styling and a more traditional SUV appearance.
Depending on its final size and positioning, it could compete with compact and lifestyle-oriented SUVs in the Indian market.
Potential rivals could include the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and other compact SUV offerings. However, the exact competitive set will become clearer once Mahindra announces the production model’s dimensions and specifications.
Conclusion
The latest Mahindra Vision S spy shots provide another interesting look at the development of the upcoming compact SUV.
The most important detail is the appearance of two test mules with different front lighting arrangements. While one continues to use circular LED projector headlamps, the second features vertically stacked projectors and inverted L-shaped LED DRLs that appear closer to the original concept design.
The SUV’s boxy proportions, upright stance and rugged exterior styling are also expected to remain key parts of its identity.
Based on Mahindra’s NU_IQ platform, the Vision S-based production SUV is expected to arrive in 2027. Its final name, engine options, features and pricing are still awaited.
More details are likely to emerge as Mahindra continues testing the vehicle on Indian roads.
WordPress Tags: Mahindra Vision S, Mahindra SUV, Mahindra Upcoming Cars, Mahindra Vision S Spy Shots, Mahindra LED DRLs, NU_IQ Platform, Upcoming SUVs India, Mahindra 2027 SUVs
also read it: Mahindra Vision S 2027: Expected Price, Engine, Mileage, Features & India Launch
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