2026 Mahindra Bolero Spotted! Rugged Design, Tech Makeover And More Features Expected
On the side, it gets chunky, squared-off wheel arches with black cladding and stylish dual-tone alloys. One of the biggest updates would be under the skin. The 2026 Bolero is expected to be the first Mahindra SUV built on the brand's new 'Freedom NU' flexible platform, which is set to make its debut on August 15, 2025.
According to the spy shots, the cabin has an all-black theme, a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The dashboard has also been updated.
Earlier leaks hinted at a semi-digital instrument cluster with a big TFT display and dual-zone climate control. On higher variants, a fully digital driver display is also expected.
Rumours also suggest the new Bolero might pack Level-2 ADAS features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and traffic sign recognition. Tech goodies could include wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger, powered driver's seat, push-button start, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, auto-dimming IRVM, and keyless entry.
Under the hood, the trusted 1.5L mHawk diesel engine is likely to remain, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. If these updates are anything to go by, the 2026 Mahindra Bolero will keep its tough personality while adding a lot more modern comfort and tech for today's SUV buyers.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
16 hours ago
- Mint
Mahindra, Ola, Ather gear up for big launches in August? SUVs, AI scooters and new EV tech expected
Three of India's prominent automotive companies are preparing for significant product and technology unveilings in August, in what is shaping up to be a pivotal month for the domestic mobility sector. The Mahindra & Mahindra will headline on 15 August with the introduction of four Vision SUV concepts: Vision T, Vision S, Vision SXT and Vision X, developed on its newly engineered Freedom NU platform. The monocoque architecture, known internally as the New Flexible Architecture (NFA), is designed to accommodate petrol, diesel, hybrid and fully electric powertrains, reported HT Auto. Production will take place at the company's Chakan facility, which has been allocated an annual capacity target of up to 1.2 lakh units. Mahindra's teaser campaign under the hashtag Freedom_NU has provided early glimpses of the concepts. The Vision T carries design cues reminiscent of the Thar, with pronounced wheel arches and a rugged stance. The Vision S exhibits similarities to the Scorpio, suggesting potential for an electric interpretation of the model. The Vision SXT adopts a pick-up inspired SUV format, which may evolve from Mahindra's earlier Global Pik-Up concept, while the Vision X is more compact and urban-oriented, indicating suitability for hybrid or electric family segments. Unlike a conventional model reveal, Mahindra's focus this year is platform-first. The Freedom NU's adaptability is intended to reduce engineering timelines and costs, enabling a broader range of vehicles without the need for entirely new structures. In addition to the four concepts, the updated Bolero Neo is anticipated, potentially adopting the same underpinnings. On the same day, Ola Electric will host its annual 'Sankalp' event at its Krishnagiri Gigafactory. Central to the announcements could be MoveOS 6, the latest iteration of its operating system for electric scooters. The update will likely incorporate artificial intelligence tools, including a chatbot, voice-assisted commands and predictive servicing, developed by Ola's AI unit, Krutrim. Ola has also previewed the 'Moonshot' Diamondhead motorcycle and is expected to enter the sports scooter category, a move that could expand its product portfolio significantly. Later in August, Ather Energy will stage the third edition of its Community Day. The Bengaluru-based firm is anticipated to reveal its EL platform, incorporating a revised powertrain, updated electronics, and battery components adapted from the existing 450 platform. Designed for scalability, the EL platform will likely underpin future scooters for Indian and export markets, with cost efficiency in mind. Ather could also debut its next-generation fast charging system and AtherStack 7.0 software update, which is expected to add new features and refine performance. Collectively, these launches point towards a strategic shift among Indian automakers to create flexible vehicle platforms, integrate software-driven features and expand electric mobility offerings in both SUV and two-wheeler categories.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Mahindra plans to export EVs to UK with trade agreement in place
Mumbai-based Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to export its electric vehicles (EVs) to the United Kingdom, leveraging opportunities arising from the recently finalised India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), Group CEO and Managing Director Anish Shah told PTI Videos. The company, a leading player in India's domestic EV segment, expects electric vehicles to account for 30 per cent of its overall sales by 2030. In 2022, Mahindra inaugurated its Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (M.A.D.E) facility in Banbury, Oxfordshire, which serves as the conceptual hub for the company's electric product portfolio. Shah highlighted India's potential to become a global hub for automobile manufacturing. "We are looking forward to exporting our electric vehicles to the UK and to take a bigger share of the UK market and competing in the UK on the back of this FTA," he said. Shah highlighted the government's approach to the India-UK trade agreement, noting that it opens up the domestic market to UK goods while also boosting Indian exports across multiple industries. He said the FTA is expected to foster innovation and strengthen manufacturing in the country. Using the automobile sector as an example, he pointed out that India has significant potential to become a global auto manufacturing hub. While the industry is currently smaller, improvements in ease of doing business, logistics costs, and import duties are enabling the production of higher-quality vehicles domestically. He added that India's manufacturing hub potential extends beyond domestic firms to global automakers. "We want the best global automakers to be in India and produce in India. It will spur businesses. It will be better... more competition makes us better over time. So it's very important for us to be able to have a very thriving auto industry in India, consumers having the choice of the best cars in the world," Shah said. Addressing concerns over the entry of global EV players such as Tesla and Vinfast into the Indian market, Shah said Mahindra sees competition as a growth opportunity. "We are actually excited about it. And it's something I say in all seriousness, because if you look back at the last 25 years, we had this question come up numerous times," he said, referring to past entries of Ford, Hyundai, and Kia. "And we've not just survived. We've gotten better as we've had competition that came in, and today we are actually standing at a much stronger position," Shah added. The company's strong research and development capabilities in India allow it to manufacture high-quality vehicles at competitive costs, he noted. "We think it's good for India to have a thriving auto ecosystem, and that's something that we feel is better for consumers and good for us," he said. Shah highlighted Mahindra's growing market share in the SUV segment, which has risen from 11 per cent to 27 per cent over time, with a 5.7 percentage-point increase in the last quarter alone. "Now we have not set specific numbers for 2030 as to what a market share should be. Our focus is on developing the best products. Execute very well, and that will enable us to keep a leadership position," he said. Mahindra plans to expand its product range across domestic and international markets. "We will focus on certain markets, first get to a strong market share, then focus on the next set of markets. So we see a lot of opportunities for growth, and it starts with creating the best products," Shah said. On the company's SUV strategy, he added: "We chose to be in SUVs because we had strength in that area. We could build authentic SUVs very well, and we've taken that strength and augmented it by a number of things around more refined cars, much better technology in cars, and that's helped us get where we are. As we go forward. We feel that we may look at other actions, we may look at slightly smaller SUVs to start with." Regarding potential global acquisitions, Shah said Mahindra will prioritise strategic moves that strengthen its core business. "SML (stake acquisition) is a classic example. It's one that takes our truck business to a different level and puts it on a much better path for growth and as we see opportunities to do that and to be able to deliver the returns for our investors, we will do it," he said. On rare earth magnet shortages affecting EV production, Shah said alternatives are being explored. "There are potential alternatives as well. So we are working through some of those," he noted. He added that India has strengthened its resilience through past disruptions such as the semiconductor shortage and expects to manage challenges arising from geopolitical factors. "As I said, it's one of the geopolitical disruptions. We had semiconductors, and going through that has made us stronger, and that has allowed us to look at what are the potential alternatives here. And I believe the government is also doing a lot to look at alternatives for vehicles and permanent magnets as well. So we feel that we should be able to handle that and then move forward on this," Shah said.
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Ola Electric teases 2 new scooters ahead of annual Sankalp 2025 event
Ola Electric has dropped a new teaser across its social media channels for its upcoming electric scooters, and the new offerings will be officially unveiled at the company's annual 'Sankalp 2025' event. The event will be held at the Ola Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, and will serve as a platform for unveiling the Indian EV brand's latest roadmap for products and technologies, including an official showcase of the latest MoveOS 6 software for electric two-wheelers. As of now, little is known about the upcoming Ola scooters, but we expect them to be debuted as new offerings instead of being slotted into an existing product range. The teaser clip brings us short glimpses of the design of the new models, of which one is expected to be positioned as a sporty electric scooter, while the other might be built as a family-oriented commuter. The sportier of the bunch appears to feature sleek lines and creases with a sculpted seat finished off with angular pillion grab handles. The latter gets a more muted design with a short front beak and a single-piece grab handle at the rear. Notably, the teaser gives us a brief glance at what appears to be a camera affixed to the front end of one of the upcoming models, potentially hinting at upcoming ADAS features for the next range of Ola e-scooters. Ola Electric to showcase latest MoveOS 6 software at Sankalp 2025: Ola on Tuesday, August 12, announced that it will be showcasing its latest MoveOS 6 software for its electric two-wheelers at the Sankalp event. The EV maker is expected to integrate AI features with the new software, bringing features such as an AI chatbot and a Krutrim-powered voice assistant, among others. At last year's event, the company rolled out the current MoveOS 5 with a range of safety and convenience features. Also Read : Ola S1 to Chetak: Electric scooters in India with longest single-charge range Will we get to see the Ola Diamondhead at Sankalp 2025? Ola Diamondhead will be the flagship motorcycle from the brand when it launches While most details are under wraps, Ola Electric is expected to unveil its Diamondhead electric motorcycle at Sankalp 2025. A part of the company's Moonshot project, the Ola Diamondhead is a jarring concept model built to stand out with its dome-shaped front end that features an LED strip running across in your average Cybertruck fashion. Designed as a sportbike, the model gets clip-on handlebars and a single-piece seat on an upswept tail section. While the design itself is quite striking, what stands out even further is the fact that the concept ditches traditional telescopic forks for a swingarm at the front. This is aimed at cutting out road feedback through the handlebars due to contact with the road surface. Although the design seems to be a stroke of genius, whether it can be effectively translated onto a production model remains unclear. Check out Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date:
