Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio N has now been updated with a minor facelift that keeps things fresh and up to date. While its styling has seen extremely miniscule changes (which is not a bad thing), this update mainly focuses on updates inside the cabin and the features list.  

So with this update, does it now have the ace up its sleeve to compete with rivals like the Tata Safari. Let’s see:

Let’s be honest, the styling of the Scorpio N wasn’t in need of a refresh (old vs new compared here) as the SUV continues to have a good mix of ruggedness and maturity. 

It gets a tall and flat nose with heavy usage of chrome in and around the grille. The twin peaks Mahindra logo sits bang in the middle. The chunky LED headlights have been carried over as is, with LED projectors and LED DRL strips in the fog light, which draws inspiration from a Scorpion’s tale.

Keeping true to its name, that Scorpion-shaped styling continues to outline the windowline of the SUV, which has a large glass area. There isn’t much in terms of cladding for a beefy look, but the sheer size and height of the SUV imparts its strong presence. The only thing that is new in the entire design is the 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, which look more glamorous than before. Lower variants continue with 17-inch alloy wheels or steel wheels as you go across the variant lineup.

The Volvo-like LED taillights continue to be the highlight at the rear, but we do wish Mahindra had done some work to the bumper or body panels to give the car a better stance. As it stands, it still has hints of an MPV from specific angles due to its proportions, which look a bit narrow. It still stands pretty tall though, and has a roof-mounted spoiler and shark fin antenna to round things up. Take a look at the updated Mahindra Scorpio N in our detailed image gallery. 

Colour options on offer include the Everest White, Galaxy Grey, Stealth Black, Oceanic (Dark Blue) and Deep Forest. Which variant gets what colour options can be found here. 

This is where you’ll find the majority of the changes of this update: inside the cabin of the new Scorpio N. The basic design and the layout of the dashboard continue to be tall and rugged, matching the car’s personality.

The dual-tone brown and black theme and the steering wheel have also been carried over, and the only bit that has been redesigned is the central part of the dashboard. The vertical AC vents have been replaced with horizontal ones that sit below the new and bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The rotary controls for the climate features with buttons in the middle (thank you Mahindra for retaining physical knobs) followed by toggles for various features down below, are identical. 

We cannot comment on whether the quality of the cabin has improved or not, but we do hope Mahindra has used some softer materials, especially smoother finished plastics with better focus on fit and finish. 

The front seat should continue to offer power adjustments with a central armrest. We don’t expect changes in terms of space, so the second row shouldn’t disappoint, but expect the third row to be cramped and only good for kids or pets. Just like the existing model, we reckon both 6-seater (captain seats) and 7-seater options should be on offer. 

When the Scorpio N nameplate was launched, it changed the perception of the Scorpio brand being just utilitarian and functional when it came to its conveniences. It covers all the modern amenities like keyless entry, push-button start/stop, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear-view mirrors, auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents (second row only), automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

However, there were some gaps and this facelift addresses those ones. Firstly, the single-pane electric sunroof has been replaced by a bigger panoramic sunroof. Higher variants now get a new 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system (an upgrade over the smaller 8-inch unit) and a new 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.  The existing 12-speaker Sony sound system was good enough and has been carried forward. 

The safety suite of the new Scorpio N is largely the same as the outgoing model with features like electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, and ISOFIX mounts as standard equipment. However, we wish Mahindra made 6 airbags as standard with this update as lower variants still continue to get dual airbags only. An addition in this department is a 540-degree camera with a blind view monitor. 

The Scorpio N was also updated with a Level-2 autonomous driving assistance system (ADAS) with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (AT only), lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. 

The 2022 Global NCAP crash test score of five stars will be applicable to this model too. 

The drivetrain part of the new Mahindra Scorpio N is untouched, with both the petrol and diesel engines on offer (check variant-wise availability here). Both engines continue with their 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and the diesel is expected to be offered in two states of tune, like it is currently. 

The optional four-wheel drive system is only offered with the diesel engine. Here are the specs of the current model:

MT- Manual Transmission, AT- Automatic Transmission (torque converter), RWD- Rear-wheel drive, 4WD- Four-wheel drive

The 2026 Mahindra Scorpio N is available in seven variants: Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8S, Z8, Z8T, and Z8L.

If you want to check the variant-wise feature split, click on this link. Otherwise, keep reading ahead to know about each variant’s highlights.

Mahindra Scorpio N Z2

• Manual only variant is available with both petrol and diesel engines.

• Basic design gets dual barrel halogen headlights, black grille, LED turn indicators on ORVMs and LED tail lights. It sits on 17-inch steel wheels with no covers.

• Only available in a 7-seater configuration. 

• Basic interior features fabric seat upholstery with only tilt adjustable steering wheel. No driver seat height adjustment or leatherette inserts.

• Features include daily must-haves like manual AC with rear AC vents, all four power windows, 12V socket (third row), steering mounted controls, and a type-C port (second row)

• Gets a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 4-speaker sound system. No wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Driver gets a 4.2-inch black and white MID.

• Safety kit comprises dual airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, hill hold assist + hill descent control, ISOFIX mounts and all-wheel disc brakes.

• Click here to explore the Z2 variant in detail.

Mahindra Scorpio N Z4

• Gets all the drivetrain options, except for diesel 4WD automatic.

• Exterior enhancements include silver front grille, black finished roof rails, rear spoiler and wheel covers for the 17-inch steelies. 

• Better adjustments inside with height adjustable driver seat and lumbar support.

• New feature additions include electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs), blower control for second row AC vents, cruise control, and anti-pinch power window for the driver.

• Screen is now smaller at 8-inch, but with wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

• Rear wiper, washer and demister are the only additions in the safety kit.

Mahindra Scorpio N Z6

• Diesel-only variant gets both manual and automatic transmission options, but only with the two-wheel drivetrain.

• Very minute design difference with only a silver finish for the skid plate being different.

• Feature additions include a single-pane sunroof, and a rear-view camera.

• Also gets drive modes (Zip, Zam, Zoom) as well.

• No changes in the safety kit.

Mahindra Scorpio N Z8S

• No four-wheel drivetrain available, but gets all the other powertrain options.

• Richer exterior design features chrome grille, LED projector headlights with LED DRLs, LED projector fog lights, signature Scorpio metallic inserts and 17-inch alloy wheels. DRLs also get sequential turn indicators.

• Premium interior sports leatherette seats with piano black garnish on the centre console. Also gets leatherette on the steering wheel and gear lever.

• Cabin gets UV-cut windows for protection from the sun.

• Other new features include a front and rear parking camera, 65W Type-C fast charging ports in first and second row, and connected car technology with built-in Alexa (1 year subscription).

• Gets a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Driver gets an upgrade too with a 10.25-inch fully digital display.

• 6 airbags, SOS switch, and driver drowsiness detection added to the safety kit.

Mahindra Scorpio N Z8

• Powertrain options only include diesel 2WD manual and automatic.

• Chrome door handles are the only visual tweak outside. 

• Gets more convenience features like dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charger with active cooling, auto-folding ORVMs, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and push button start/stop.

• Tyre pressure monitoring system is the only improvement in the safety kit.

Mahindra Scorpio N Z8T

• One of two variants to get all the powertrain options, including four-wheel drive as well.

• Bigger 18-inch alloy wheels with wider 255/60 section tyres improve the stance and visual appeal.

• 12-speaker Sony sound system, 6-way powered driver seat and front ventilated seats improve the feature experience. 

• Better safety with front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming inside-rear-view mirror and an electronic parking brake as well.

Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L

• 6-seater version misses out on four-wheel drive option. 7-seater version gets all powertrains.

• No changes to the exterior or interior design. But the interior features a panoramic sunroof.

• Features like a 540-degree camera and blind view monitor help with visibility around the car. 

• Only variant to get Level-2 ADAS with features like adaptive cruise control (AT only), auto emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and high beam assist.

• If you want to know more about the Z8L variant, click here.

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• If you’re on a tight budget and just want a big car with all the basic daily-use features, along with a factory-fit infotainment system, then the base variant is the best option for you. If you want the convenience of an automatic, you will have to opt for the one-above-base Z4 variant.

• In case you need the ability of the four-wheel drive system, but don’t want to stretch your budget for the higher variants, go for the Z4 variant. It is only available with a manual however.

• Skip the Z6 variant and go for the Z8S variant if you want a balance of modern-day features and safety equipment. It also gets a richer exterior and interior, after which, there’s nothing that’s outright missing from a functional point of view. 

• Only pick the top-spec Z8L variant if you need captain seats in the second row, or want the safety net of autonomous driving features. Otherwise, pick Z8T for better value.

The new Mahindra Scorpio N continues to prove a great option for someone who wants a proper SUV with presence, performance, capability and a good balance of ride and handling. This update also addresses the features and tech package gaps the outgoing version lacked. If you’re looking for a rugged and tough SUV with dominant road presence and now with all the updated features, the Scorpio N continues to be a great option.

Here’s how the Mahindra Scorpio facelift compares with its competitors:

• Scorpio N facelift vs Safari

• Scorpio N facelift vs XUV 7XO