Mahindra has officially launched the Thar OG in India, marking the second substantial refresh for the three-door variant since the current generation debuted. The entry-level model starts at ₹10.32 lakh ex-showroom, climbing to ₹18.99 lakh for the range-topper. This rebranding—OG standing for “Original”—signals the company’s intent to position this as the authentic, hardcore version of its iconic off-roader.
Mahindra Thar OG launch: Pricing and trim structure
The Mahindra Thar OG arrives in three distinct trim levels, each targeting a different buyer psychology. At ₹10.32 lakh, the base variant undercuts expectations for what you’d expect from a modern Mahindra SUV, especially one wearing the Thar nameplate. Step up to the mid-range, and you’re looking at a meaningful jump in equipment. The top-spec hits ₹18.99 lakh, positioning it squarely against rivals like the Maruti Jimny and older-gen Force Gurkha models that still command strong resale value in smaller towns.
What’s crucial here: Mahindra isn’t just slapping a new name on last year’s model. The pricing suggests genuine mechanical changes underneath, which the company has confirmed through the platform and suspension overhaul.
What’s new under the skin
The Mahindra Thar OG runs on an upgraded platform that Mahindra claims improves rigidity and handling dynamics. The suspension has been reworked as well, though exact specifications remain under wraps until detailed reviews emerge. More significantly, electric power steering now replaces the hydraulic unit, a move that brings the Thar OG closer to modern SUV standards while raising questions about off-road feedback—something purists traditionally valued in the manual steering setup.
These mechanical changes matter more than cosmetic tweaks. A stiffer chassis and revised suspension geometry will alter how the Thar OG behaves on broken terrain, which is precisely where this vehicle builds its reputation in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns where sealed roads are aspirational.
Features and safety additions
The new Thar OG brings a raft of modern conveniences that the previous generation lacked. Depending on the trim, expect features like a touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, and improved interior plastics. Safety has been a long-standing weak point for the Thar, and the OG attempts to address this with additional airbags and structural improvements, though Mahindra hasn’t yet published a full safety kit breakdown.
The three-tier approach means buyers aren’t forced to pay for features they don’t want—a smart strategy in price-sensitive segments where the ₹10 lakh mark carries psychological weight. However, the gap between base and top spec (₹8.67 lakh) suggests significant feature compression in the entry model, which could mean a very spartan cabin experience.
Rivals and positioning
The Mahindra Thar OG launch positions it in an awkward but interesting middle ground. It’s cheaper than the five-door Thar that Mahindra introduced in 2023, yet more expensive than the Maruti Jimny’s starting price of ₹7.45 lakh. Against the Force Gurkha—the only other true three-door SUV competitor in this price band—the Thar OG’s modern platform and electric power steering give it an advantage in creature comforts, though the Gurkha retains a hardcore following for its spartan authenticity.
The real question: will buyers at ₹10.32 lakh prefer this over a used five-door Thar or a Jimny? Resale value for three-door SUVs remains stronger in rural and semi-urban markets, where the Thar’s brand dominance is unmatched. That’s the Thar OG’s hidden trump card.
The bottom line
The Mahindra Thar OG launch is a calculated move to refresh a model that’s been the default choice for anyone wanting a proper off-roader without spending ₹20+ lakh. The upgraded platform and electric power steering signal genuine engineering effort, not just a rebadge. At ₹10.32 lakh, it’s a compelling entry point, though the base variant’s inevitable feature starvation might push real buyers toward the mid-trim. The real test comes when waiting periods stabilize and long-term ownership data arrives—that’s when we’ll know if this refresh justifies the engineering investment or if Mahindra is simply banking on the Thar’s unshakeable reputation in smaller towns.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting price of the Mahindra Thar OG?
The Mahindra Thar OG launch begins at ₹10.32 lakh ex-showroom for the base variant, with the top trim reaching ₹18.99 lakh. On-road prices will vary by city and registration costs.
How many trims does the Thar OG come in?
The Mahindra Thar OG is available in three trim levels, spanning from the entry-level base model to a well-equipped top variant, allowing buyers to choose based on budget and feature needs.
What are the main changes in the new Thar OG?
The Thar OG gets an upgraded platform, reworked suspension, electric power steering, and improved safety features. It also receives modern conveniences like touchscreen infotainment and additional airbags depending on trim.