Mahindra’s New XUV 5XO With NU_IQ Engine: A New Game Changer is Coming Soon

Mahindra XUV 5XO with NU_IQ Technology: In the 4-wheelers domestic car categories, Mahindra Auto has transformed itself into one of the strongest and trusted automotive brands in the Indian market over the past few years. The brand Mahindra consistently delivers exactly what Indian markets want, whether rugged, powerful SUVs or futuristic, tech-loaded electric vehicles like the XEV 9e.

Despite its strong line-up, Mahindra Auto still lacks a traditional mid-size SUV that can compete directly in the Indian market with the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, and Maruti Grand Vitara.

Though Mahindra 3XO has an impact in the Indian market extensively, it wasn’t able to make a frontline competition with Sierra, Creata, Seltos, or Vitara. And this time, with the launch of 5XO, Mahindra Auto is going to break this myth as it will be loaded with full performance and specs.

Why Mahindra Needs the XUV 5XO

Mahindra already made the THAR  for city commuters and mainly for mountain lovers, and on August 15, 2024, the successor of the THAR, THAR Roxx, was introduced. But a few drawbacks of this model company are facing, like it is competitively priced with the Hyundai Creta or Vitara. The common buyers who like the Creta or the Vitara typically look for 

• Driving Comfort 
• Smooth Automatic Options
• A premium Interior
• Easy manoeuvrability in tight, congested spaces in the city.

The THAR Roxx generally has a list of drawbacks, like

• Uncomfortable Ride Quality
• Stiff Suspension
• Poor Mileage
• Heavy and Unresponsive Steering
• Too much maintenance expense in the interior.

Despite these drawbacks, the THAR Roxx made continuous sales and grew in popularity among SUV lovers. But even for higher sales numbers, Mhindra needs a more conventional, family-oriented SUV that can be placed above the XUV 3XO, and yet below the XUV700. This is where the XUV 5XO will be a game changer.

NU_IQ- Mahindra’s Next Big Weapon In The Car Market 

On 15th August 2025, Manhindra officially introduced its all-new NU_IQ platform, which is a versatile and new-generation tech-based architecture that supports both ICE(Petrol/Diesel) and EV powertrains. This flexible, robust engine can accommodate SUVs ranging between 3990 mm and 4320 mm in length.

On Independence Day 2025, the Mahindra Auto showcased the Mahindra Vision X looked the closest to what the XUV 5XO might be. The Vision X is a small SUV under 4 meters, but Mahindra can use the same platform to produce a bigger 4.3-meter SUV, which is a perfect size to compete with the Tata Sierra and Hyundai Creta.

Mahindra has also trademarked the name “XUV 5XO”, which indicates that the new SUV with the NU_IQ platform has been planned. Mahindra will take great advantage of the name XUV because the old XUV500 was a popular model. Mahiondra can use the brand’s name popularity to grab the car market.

Mahindra XUV 5XO – What to Expect?

1. Exterior Design

It is expected, the new XUV 5XO will not be the same in design as the old XUV500. It will be coped up with a fresh, elegant, stylish, and aggressive design based on the Vision-X concept. The following stylish segment might be included

• A bold, raised bonnet for a strong road presence  
• The wheel base could be 18 inches

• Sharp, sporty character lines
• Flush-fitting door handles for a premium appeal
• A futuristic, stylish rear profile with connected tail lamps

Mahindra is known for producing muscular, dominating designs, and the XUV 5XO will likely carry forward this DNA.

2. Interior & Features

The interior could be more attractive than the XUV500 with a premium tech-loaded cabin with full features inspired by Vision X. Expected interior highlights could include 

• A curved digital display integrating the infotainment system and driver’s display
• Rectangular AC vents with a modern layout
• A large, functional centre console
• A new-generation 3-spoke steering wheel
• Premium upholstery and soft-touch materials
• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features
• Panoramic sunroof
• Ambient lighting

Judging by Mahindra’s recent SUVs, the XUV 5XO should offer one of the most feature-rich cabins in its segment.

Read More:- Maruti e Vitara Launch 2025: The Future of Electric SUVs in India

3. Engine Options (Expected)

Mahindra has several powerful engines in its portfolio, making the possibilities quite exciting.

Likely engines from the XUV 3XO:

• 1.2-litre TGDi petrol – the most powerful in its class
  
• 1.5-litre diesel engine – refined and fuel-efficient
  

These engines may get additional tuning to deliver higher power and torque for the larger XUV 5XO.

Possible higher-end engine options:

• 2.0-litre mStallion TGDi petrol
• 2.2-litre mHawk diesel
  

If Mahindra chooses to offer these bigger engines, the XUV 5XO will become the most powerful SUV in the segment—surpassing every competitor, including Creta, Seltos, and Elevate.

Of course, these details are still speculative, but Mahindra is known for surprising customers with segment-leading performance.

The upcoming  Mahindra XUV 5XO has the potential to be a blockbuster in the Indian SUV market. With a flexible new platform, powerful engines, a bold design, and modern features, this SUV could become Mahindra’s strongest rival to the Hyundai Creta. 

While the company has not officially confirmed the model yet, the trademark filing and platform capabilities indicate that the XUV 5XO may indeed be in the making.

If Mahindra executes this project well, the XUV 5XO could easily become one of the most successful SUVs in the mid-size segment in the Indian market.