Mahindra Thar & XUV700 Facelifts Coming in 2026 – Major Design Changes Expected

Mahindra is now preparing to give a new and refreshed look to its two most popular SUVs – Thar and XUV700. It has been several years since the launch of both these vehicles, and the company has now planned their first major facelift. According to a recent report, Mahindra is not planning any major changes in 2025 at the moment and will focus completely on its electric vehicles this year. The facelift of Thar and XUV700 will now be brought directly in 2026.

The internal codename of the new version of Thar is Mahindra W515. In this new model, the company will make some important changes by taking inspiration from the Thar Roxx edition. Its exterior will be quite refreshed. It is expected that its front grille will be redesigned, headlights and taillights will be changed and newly designed bumpers will also be installed. Earlier, where halogen headlamps were available in Thar, now this time it can also be given C-shaped DRLs with LED projector headlights. At the same time, to further improve its look, new 18-inch alloy wheels and one or two new colors can also be given.

Many changes will also be made to its interior so that it looks more modern than before. Features like a new steering wheel, larger and new touchscreen infotainment system, fully digital instrument cluster, new layout of buttons and perhaps a sunroof will also be added. However, there will be no technical changes in the engine and transmission, that is, its performance will remain the same.

On the other hand, the XUV700 is also going to get a major facelift in 2026 and it has been codenamed Mahindra W616. This time its design will be largely inspired by Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e, and its look can match electric versions like XEV 7e. Its front will have vertical headlamps and inverted L-shaped DRLs which will be connected to a light bar. This new design may look a bit different to customers who like the old classic look. Also, the new radiator grille, angler wheel arch cladding, new 18-inch alloy wheels and revised taillights will make the look of this vehicle completely new.

There will be changes inside the XUV700 as well. The dashboard will be redesigned to fit a new passenger touchscreen. The steering wheel will also now be a new two-spoke unit with the Mahindra logo glowing with light. However, there will be no mechanical changes in this facelift as well and the engine and gearbox will remain the same as before.

Overall, Mahindra’s decision shows that it is working on a plan to completely transform its existing vehicles and keep them in the market for a long time. At the same time, in 2025, its entire focus will be on electric vehicles, which makes it clear that the company has moved towards the future.