The Mahindra Scorpio has long been an icon in the Indian SUV market, loved for its rugged appeal, commanding presence, and powerful performance. With the launch of the Scorpio-N, Mahindra has taken a giant leap forward, blending the ruggedness of the old with the refinement of the new. Touted as the “Big Daddy of SUVs”, the Scorpio-N is not just a facelift – it’s a complete overhaul in terms of design, platform, features, and technology.
In this blog, we take a deep dive into what makes the Mahindra Scorpio-N a game-changer in the Indian SUV segment.
1. Bold and Modern Design
The Scorpio-N is built on an all-new ladder-on-frame platform, giving it a sturdy foundation that’s ideal for both urban and off-road use. Mahindra has managed to keep the muscular, upright stance of the original Scorpio intact while modernizing it with:
- A bold chrome-slatted grille
- Sleek dual-barrel LED projector headlamps
- Signature LED DRLs and dynamic turn indicators
- Chunky wheel arches with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Dual-tone roof rails and roof-mounted spoiler
- New Mahindra Twin Peaks logo
Despite its bold size, the design feels more urban and refined than ever before.
2. Luxurious and Tech-Packed Interior
The interior of the Scorpio-N is a massive step-up. Mahindra has focused on premium materials and a feature-rich experience. Key interior highlights include:
- Rich coffee-black leatherette upholstery
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with AdrenoX connected tech
- Sony 3D immersive audio with 12 speakers (in top variants)
- Electric sunroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (soon to be enabled via OTA)
- Fully digital instrument cluster with MID
- Drive mode selector (Zip, Zap, Zoom)
The cabin feels plush and refined, with ample space for all three rows. The third-row seats, however, are best suited for kids or short rides.
3. Performance and Engine Options
Under the hood, the Scorpio-N offers two powerful engine choices:
a. 2.0L mStallion Turbo-Petrol:
- Power: 200 PS
- Torque: 370 Nm (MT) / 380 Nm (AT)
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic
b. 2.2L mHawk Diesel:
- Power: 132 PS (base), 175 PS (higher variants)
- Torque: Up to 400 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic
The diesel variant also offers 4XPLOR, Mahindra’s intelligent 4WD system, with terrain modes and mechanical locking differential, making it a truly capable off-roader.
4. Ride and Handling
While the previous-gen Scorpio was criticized for body roll and harsh ride quality, the new Scorpio-N addresses those issues remarkably well:
- The new suspension setup with Frequency Dependent Damping and Watt’s Linkage in the rear axle ensures better handling and comfort.
- The SUV feels planted on highways and absorbs bad roads with ease.
- The steering is light at low speeds and weighs up well at higher speeds.
It strikes a fine balance between urban drivability and off-road ruggedness.
5. Safety Features
Mahindra has taken safety seriously with the Scorpio-N. It recently received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP for adult occupant protection, making it one of the safest ladder-frame SUVs in the market. Safety features include:
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- ABS with EBD
- Traction Control
- Rear parking camera with guidelines
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
Its robust build and safety credentials make it a dependable family SUV.
6. Variants and Pricing
The Scorpio-N is available in five trims: Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8, and Z8L. It is offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, with automatic options in higher variants.
Ex-showroom Prices (approx.):
- Z2: ₹13.60 lakh
- Z4: ₹15.20 lakh
- Z6: ₹16.40 lakh
- Z8: ₹18.50 lakh
- Z8L: ₹20.80 lakh (top-end)
With such a wide variant spread, the Scorpio-N caters to both value-conscious buyers and premium SUV seekers.
7. Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Rugged and refined design
- Powerful petrol and diesel engines
- Feature-rich and tech-laden interior
- 4XPLOR off-road capability
- 5-star Global NCAP rating
- Better ride and handling than previous gen
❌ Cons:
- Third-row space not ideal for adults
- No AWD petrol variant
- No ventilated seats or panoramic sunroof (some rivals offer these)
- Boot space is limited with all seats up
8. Competitors
The Scorpio-N competes with a range of SUVs in India:
- Tata Safari: Offers panoramic sunroof, better third-row space
- Hyundai Alcazar: More urban-oriented, monocoque design
- MG Hector Plus: Feature-rich but lacks 4WD
- Toyota Innova Crysta: More premium, but expensive and lacks diesel manual options
However, none offer the blend of ruggedness and modernity like the Scorpio-N with its 4X4 system at this price point.
9. Who Should Buy the Scorpio-N?
If you are looking for:
- A true-blue SUV with road presence
- An SUV that can tackle mountains and potholes equally
- A refined yet rugged machine for long drives
- A safe and comfortable family SUV
- A made-in-India beast with bold styling
…then the Scorpio-N is a perfect choice.
It’s not for someone seeking only city drives, luxury car finesse, or 7-seater MPV comfort. But if presence, power, and personality matter – few can match what the Scorpio-N delivers.
10. FAQs about Mahindra Scorpio-N
Q1: Is the Scorpio-N a 7-seater SUV?
Yes, it is available in both 6- and 7-seater configurations depending on the variant.
Q2: Is there a 4X4 option in the petrol variant?
No, the 4X4 (4XPLOR) system is available only in the diesel variants.
Q3: What is the mileage of Scorpio-N?
- Petrol: Around 11-13 km/l
- Diesel: Around 14-16 km/l (2WD), 12-14 km/l (4WD)
Q4: Is it suitable for off-roading?
Absolutely. The Scorpio-N with its 4XPLOR system, mechanical locking differential, and terrain modes is built for serious off-roading.
Q5: Does it have ADAS features?
No, ADAS is not available in Scorpio-N. However, it covers most safety and convenience features.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Scorpio-N is a bold, capable, and modern SUV that redefines what a ladder-frame SUV can be in today’s world. With excellent road manners, a plush cabin, off-road DNA, and solid safety ratings, it offers an unbeatable value proposition.
Whether you’re conquering city streets or climbing Himalayan passes – the Scorpio-N is ready to roar. In a world full of soft-roaders and crossovers, it proudly stands tall – like a true Big Daddy.
