Mahindra Scorpio N: When we talk about legacy, there are a few names in the Indian SUV space which are synonymous with the term and the Mahindra Scorpio is undoubtedly one of them.
But the all-new Scorpio N isn’t coasting on its ancestor’s reputation either. Now, Mahindra has started afresh, and done so with something new, bold, and rather surprisingly, premium.
Unofficially known to fans as the “Big Daddy of SUVs,” the Scorpio N is here to show that tough can be sophisticated as well.
So, it’s time to find out what it is that makes this beast of a machine tick and if it’s still sitting pride of place in the ever competitive world on 2025’s SUV market.
Design: Bold, Brawny, but So Much More Urban
The reality of the Scorpio N motto hits home when you look at it. The old boxy aesthetic has given way to a new, curvier and more muscular shape.
The chrome-slatted grill, LED projector lamps, signature DRLs and the chunky wheel arches ensure that it has a road presence that simply cannot be overlooked.
At the back, the new vertically oriented tail lamps are reminiscent of the original Scorpio but they’ve been updated with modern LED components.
The whole look is more mature, far less utilitarian, and certainly in touch with what today’s buyers of SUVs want these days — something that can pull off both a highway cruise and a boardroom drop-off with equal ease.
Cabin: Rugged Meets Premium
Step in, and you’ll know just how far Mahindra has progressed. The cabin of the Scorpio N is a world apart from what its predecessors used to offer.
You’re embraced with a two-tone dash, soft-touch materials, leatherette seating, and an 8-inch touchscreen with AdrenoX connected car tech.
Features include:
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay without the wire
Sony 3D surround sound system
Electric sunroof
Dual-zone climate control
Powered driver seat
Various drive modes (in upper trims)
Built-in Alexa support
In terms of space, the front and second rows are spacious enough. But the third row is for kids or for short trips at best if you’re getting the 7-seater.
Performance: Can handle demanding tasks and for large/fast projects!
Powertrain & performance The Scorpio N is powered by either a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol or a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel.
Both can be had with standard and automatic transmissions. For the off-road enthusiasts and adventure junkies, the diesel variant gets ready for the off-roading with a 4X4 option (badged as 4Xplor).
The diesel, in particular, is a hoot. It produces strong torque, is relaxed out on the highway and handles city traffic with ease.
There’s more to o the petrol motor is also fairly peppy and smooth, but somehow, it’s the diesel that feels more in sync with the Scorpio N’s character.
Ride quality has also greatly improved. Mahindra have dialled in the suspension, that end feels a lot more planted – especially at higher speeds.
Yes, there is body roll (this is a tall ladder-frame SUV, after all), but it’s moderated.
Safety: Well Equipped
The front fascia has been redesigned to get a new radiator grille and headlamps, while the rest of the exterior gets a handful of minor changes.
The Scorpio N gets a 5-star Global NCAP rating for adult safety and becomes one of the safest SUVs in the segment. Key safety features include:
Six airbags (in top variants)
ABS with EBD
Traction control
ESC
Hill-Hold and Hill-Descent Control
ISOFIX mounts
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Assertive SUV design with a strong road presence
Solid diesel option with available 4-wheel drive
Feature-packed cabin or upmarket?
Strong safety ratings
Smooth automatic gearbox
Cons:
Not a very comfortable third row
No AWD in petrol variants
It is less nimble than its monocoqued rivals because of its body-on-frame construction
Ride quality is just slightly stiff at slower speeds
Mahindra Scorpio N: Verdict: Worth the Hype?
The Mahindra Scorpio N is not just another face-lift, it’s a whole new car. It remixes the rough-n-ready DNA of the original with tech, comfort, and flair for the modern SUV.
So whether you’re a hardened Scorpio fan, or just after a tough, spacious SUV that’ll take a knocking and still look good, the Scorpio N is the vehicle for you.
In a word, Mahindra hasn’t brought a new SUV to life. It has built a statement.
One which states—legacy can grow, and in the case of the Scorpio N, it can grow marvellously.