It is no secret that Mahindra is preparing a long wheelbase 5-door version of the highly popular Mahindra Thar lifestyle SUV. The 5 door Mahindra Thar has been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian roads. Likely to be unveiled sometime in early 2023, the new Mahindra Thar LWB will rival the upcoming Maruti Jimny 5-door and the Force Gurkha Lifestyle SUV.
Ahead of the official reveal, the interiors of the 5 door Mahindra Thar has been leaked on the Internet. The spy images confirm that the LWB Thar will offer a more practical cabin to customers compared to the 3-door model. The dashboard design is identical to the current Thar 3 door. In fact, the front seat layout is also similar to the 3-door sibling. The vehicle will offer decent legroom space in the second row. Also visible is a larger boot with space to accommodate bigger bags & suitcases. Adding to it, the rear seats are in 50:50 split and one can fold them down to further increase the luggage space.
Mahindra has already confirmed that the 5-door LWB version of the Thar will be based on Scorpio N’s platform, which is basically the modified version of Thar’s platform. Mahindra has used high strength steel to construct the updated platform. The new model is expected to offer better handling and high speed manners compared to 3-door Thar.
The suspension setup will be shared with the Scorpio-N and the 5-door Thar is expected to offer improved comfort. The platform will be tweaked to accommodate the new LWB Thar. The new model will retain the original 3-door Thar look and feel along with features.
In terms of styling features, the new 5 door Thar will retain round headlamps, 7 slats front grille, front fenders mounted LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels and others. The spy images also confirm that the 5 door Mahindra Thar will retain the existing Thar’s tailgate. It is yet to be confirmed whether the LWB Thar will receive a convertible option or not.
The 2023 Mahindra Thar LWB is expected to receive more powerful petrol and diesel engine options. For reference, the Scorpio-N’s 2.0L turbo petrol engine is capable of producing 200bhp of power at 5,000rpm and a peak torque of 370-380Nm. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
The 2.2L turbo-diesel engine offers two states of tunes – 172bhp & 370Nm with MT & 400Nm with AT, and a 130bhp and 300Nm of torque. The 5-door version is expected to be offered with RWD as well as 4×4 drive options.
