About a month ago, it was reported that Mahindra is working on a new generation Bolero that might get launched in the market in 2026. Now, a test mule of the same has been spotted testing for the first time. A video of the new Bolero being tested completely wrapped underneath a camouflage was posted on Instagram by MotoWagon.
The images suggest a complete departure from the current design which has been carried over for almost two and a half decades. While Mahindra has seemingly retained a box profile with a flat roofline and tall pillars, the overall design is completely different from the existing Bolero. For instance, the edges are more rounded this time, something Mahindra did with the new-gen Scorpio N.
The camouflage hides most of the intricate details about the new-gen Bolero but they also reveal key details about the upcoming SUV. For example, the front end of the new-gen Bolero wears a completely different look featuring a slatted grille with Mahindra’s Twin Peaks logo at the centre and flanked by new circular projector headlights.
The chunky front and rear bumpers along with the flared wheel arches amplify the vehicle’s stance. One of the most interesting additions are the flush-fitting door handles which make the SUV more modern and urbanised. The images also suggest new and larger alloy wheels employed and redesigned ORVMs. At the rear, it gets a vertical LED taillamps, and flay side-hinged tailgate. Like the current model, Mahindra has retained space to mount a spare wheel to keep Bolero’s utilitarian feel intact.
Next-gen Mahindra Bolero: New underpinnings, powertrain
The underpinnings of the new Bolero will also see a massive departure from the current model. As reported a month ago, Mahindra is developing a new modular platform called New Flexible Architecture (NFA) that will underpin a plethora of models. This is a monocoque platform as opposed to a traditional body-on-frame chassis underpinning the Boloro at present.
Mahindra’s upcoming NFA platform is set to make its debut on August 15 this year, serving as the foundation for a new concept vehicle. It is anticipated that this event may feature the next-generation Bolero in concept form. The Bolero remains a consistent performer in Mahindra’s lineup, particularly popular in Tier 3 cities and rural regions. However, it continues to face criticism from urban buyers due to its dated features and limited safety provisions.
With the new-generation model, Mahindra intends to rectify these shortcomings. Although the current Bolero has not yet undergone official safety testing, its closely related sibling, the Bolero Neo, received a 1-star safety rating from Global NCAP—an underwhelming result.
The versatile NFA platform is designed to support multiple powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric configurations. This flexibility paves the way for an all-electric version of the Bolero in the future. Internally codenamed U171, the next-generation Bolero is expected to be introduced sometime in 2026.
