Mahindra’s New NU IQ Platform Explained: Flexible, Supportive And Capable!

After showing not one or two, but four concepts, Mahindra has now revealed the backbone that will be underpinning all these cars. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the NU IQ, Mahindra’s new monocoque architecture that can support multiple body styles and powertrains. All of its four concepts – the Vision S, Vision X, Vision T, Vision SXT – will be underpinned by this platform. 

Here’s everything you need to know about it: 

Flexibility! 

Mahindra’s NU IQ is flexible as it can support multiple powertrain options. Be it an ICE powertrain or a silent EV powertrain, or a blend of both Hybrid, the NU IQ has got it covered. Then there’s the size. During the presentation, Mahindra said it can accommodate sizes from sub-4 metres to around 4.5 metres, with the capability to accommodate a 2.6-metre wheelbase. 

Claims have also been made that there won’t be space constraints in the car, and you can check out the figures in the table below:

Supportive!

So, how is this platform supportive? A short and simple answer is multiple body styles. A clear example is these concepts that have been revealed. The Vision T is an evolved version of the Thar E concept, Vision SXT is a pickup version of the Thar E concept, Vision X previews the possible next-gen XUV 3XO, and the Vision S oozes proper baby Defender vibes. 

Different cars, same backbone. Supportive indeed! 

Capable! 

Despite being a monocoque, Mahindra claims you won’t lose out on the SUV-like driving positions that almost all its current cars are known for. Drivers will have a tall commanding position, giving them a “I’m the king of the road” type feeling. Paired with a 227mm ground clearance, you have an architecture that’s more than capable of doing some off-roading. 

But it’s not just off-roading and driving position that matters. This platform will boast a sophisticated 5-like rear suspension that’s found in much more luxurious cars for tidier road manners. 

Safety Matters! 

Mahindra and safety go hand in hand like the perfect wada paired with the perfect pav. And the SUV maker was quick to claim that this platform will be capable of nailing a perfect 5-star safety rating from both Global and Euro NCAP. It has also been claimed that it’s lighter and built with advanced high-strength materials to keep occupants safe. 

ZigSays

According to this author, Mahindra is usually synonymous with body-on-frame vehicles that are thoroughly capable both on and off the road. But with this new platform, Mahindra is taking on a bold leap into the future. With the capability to support different powertrains and different body styles, this announcement today is just a taste of what is in store for a bold new direction in the future.