Everything you wanted to know about the Mahindra ScorpioN: First drive review

The ScorpioN has not lived up to its expectation, it has exceeded them. This doesn't mean that it has surpassed the XUV 700 on the tech and gadget front, or the Thar in the coolness quotient. The features on ScorpioN are not the best in the segment or the space. But, that is not what was expected of it. The ScorpioN has furthered the badge of Scorpio, with its off-roading capabilities, rear-wheel drive and superlative ride quality. The suspension and steering surprised me. The engineering team at Mahindra has achieved a rare balance of off-road and on-road dynamics.
First drive review

First drive review

It is finally here. The manufacturer is calling it the Big Daddy of SUV, enthusiasts calling it the real rear-wheel drive SUV and we are calling it-the search engine crasher. Mahindra ScorpioN prices are out and we have a lot to discuss.
So, here it is, our first-drive review of the latest Mahindra Scorpio-N. Team Times Drive was invited for the national media drive at Mahindra’s plant in Chakan. After the launch, we drove to a curated off-road track next to Lonavala. We drove it around 170 km and thought of answering a couple of questions we have been fielding on our social platforms. So, in case you are interested in the new ScorpioN too, read on. This review will try and answer all your queries. But, as usual, let me start at the end.

What I Liked

Not so much

Old school looksRearview camera
Driving dynamicsInfotainment screen
Ride qualityThird Row space
Steering response
Off-road capabilities
Second-row space

Mahindra Scorpio-N: First Drive Conclusion

The ScorpioN has not lived up to its expectation, it has exceeded them. This doesn't mean that it has surpassed the XUV 700 on the tech and gadget front, or the Thar in the coolness quotient. The features on ScorpioN are not the best in the segment or the space. But, that is not what was expected of it. The ScorpioN has furthered the badge of Scorpio, with its off-roading capabilities, rear-wheel drive and superlative ride quality. The suspension and steering surprised me. The engineering team at Mahindra has achieved a rare balance of off-road and on-road dynamics. My drive was around 170 km and in that my biggest takeaway was removing the space constraints and bumpy ride issues of the elder one, and adding new age refinement and handling. With an old-school stance and its capabilities, the ScorpioN looks like a product which hardcore SUV lovers have been waiting for.
The ScorpioN pushes the boundary
The ScorpioN pushes the boundary

Mahindra Scorpio-N: Variants and Prices?

This is the most important question of all-ScorpioN pricing. In a very cleverly chalked-out presentation, Mahindra's top management started with the top-end pricings unlike what we see at launches. The reason was clear-aggressive pricing. The ex-showroom prices for the top-end diesel variant Z8L is Rs 19.49 Lakh and for the petrol powertrain Rs 18.99 Lakh. The base variant prices are Rs 12.49 and Rs 11.99 Lakh respectively. But, there is a twist. This article will be updated in a couple of weeks for the actual top-end pricings as Mahindra is still to announce the prices for two more options.
Mahindra ScorpioN variants and price
Mahindra ScorpioN variants and price
What about the 4X4 version or automatic transmission in the Mahindra Scorpio-N?
The answer, to both the questions, is yes. M&M has not announced the prices for the 4-wheel drive option or the automatic transmission variant yet. As per their official statement, we might see a price announcement on 21st July. That might revise the top-end prices and increase the number of variants as well. It will be interesting to see the customers’ reaction if the range goes beyond the Rs 22 Lakh ex-showroom.
Mahindra Scorpio-N Booking details?
Mahindra Scorpio-N dashboard layout
Mahindra Scorpio-N dashboard layout
The test drives for the latest ScorpioN are starting on the 5th of July 2022 in 30 cities and all over India by the 15th. The prices announced right now are only for the first 25000 customers.
Is the new Scorpio-N modern? What about the features?
Mahindra Scorpio-N comes packed with 6-airbags as standard
Mahindra Scorpio-N comes packed with 6-airbags as standard
The XUV700 and the Thar had given us a clear indication, of what the upcoming ScorpioN’s feature list is going to look like. At this age, even an old-school SUV has to have a load of features, and ScorpioN doesn’t disappoint. 8-inch infotainment screen, with navigation, 70+ connected car features including a few commands via Alexa sitting at home. The infotainment screen, we were told, was in a beta stage, but it will eventually get common features like Android Auto, and Apple Carplay (both wireless too). You get a wireless charger as well. Sony 3D audio output was a treat for a music lover like me. The Steering mounted controls include a cruise control option too. However, the dual-zone AC and tyre pressure monitoring system are welcome additions.
Looks
I know you have already read up on the Alturas-Volvo-WagonR angles in the ScorpioN and expecting something on that line. My views might disappoint you, I am afraid. Standing in front of the new ScorpioN, the only thing I noticed was the upright, butch, chromed up front with an old-school design theme. The double-barrel projector lamps, scorpion-sting-shaped DRL and fog lamp mix the new and old world design themes. The height, wheel arches, 18-inch alloys, roof rails, shark fin antenna, signature tail lamp and bulged-out side-opening tailgate make the ScorpioN look rugged, muscular and imposing SUV. It has a metrosexual dabang look.
Interiors
The seats, stitching and cushioning and the overall size of the seats make a proper statement-typical SUV. Coffee black leatherette feel, bold stitching and bolstered seats. The driver seat is powered now, and so are the ORVMs. The steering mounted control takes care of most of the functions and the steering also gets a rake adjustment. I would have liked the adjustable reach as well. This and the narrow access to the wireless charging pad were two issues I hope change in the next ScorpioN. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen comes with the usual, wireless connectivity like Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The infotainment setup, however, is in the beta version so the manufacturer has assured that the production version will not have any lag or miscommunication.
The improvement I was hoping for and looking for. The second-row seating, comfort and space. The engineers of M&M have heard the customers (or me, I am not sure) and they have transformed the second row of ScorpioN into one of the most comfortable spaces in the segment. The third row however is good for small kids and doesn’t get a dedicated AC vent. This also compromises the luggage space, definitely not enough if the ScorpioN is moving full house.
Mahindra Scorpio-N: Engine and Transmission Options
The ScorpioN gets both petrol and diesel versions, with the manual and automatic combo. The petrol engine produces around 200 bhp and a peak torque of 380 Nm. The 2L diesel engine has a figure of 175 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. With both the engines, the automatic and manual transmission will come as options. The ScorpioN also gets a new all-wheel-drive system with four traction modes - Tarmac, Snow, Mud and Desert. And, the familiar driving modes of Zip, Zap and Zoom.
How is the performance of ScorpioN?
On-Road Performance:
The ride quality and handling is the highlight of the latest ScorpioN. With the help of a new set of suspensions, frequency-dependent damping, and a precise steering system, an SUV has become a fantastic on-road machine. Especially when you compare it with the older Scorpio. This department for me has seen the most significant improvement. The car is stable on the straights, and the suspension keeps the car planted even at higher speeds and sharp bends. Even though it is evident, with its bulk the ScorpioN impressed with a controlled body roll. I drove the diesel automatic version of the ScorpioN in and around Pune-Lonavala and I was impressed. I enjoyed pushing it around the corners and ScorpioN didn’t fret. The power delivery of the diesel engine was linear, and comfortable at low RPMs as well. The 6-speed auto transmission was sorted, and precise and the lag was minimal. Overall the package makes you understand that XUV700 wasn’t a one-off case, this is the new Mahindra.
Off-Road Performance :
This department wasn’t a revelation or a surprise as such. With the kind of bulk, stance and equipment, ScorpioN did what I expected. I drove the automatic-four wheel drive version of the N and it made everything feel easy. Scorpio-N was controlled, calm and cool on the inclines, descent, slush, mud, and rocky terrains. No sweat. The articulations were extreme but the car crossed all of them without any hesitation. Thanks to instructors guiding us on the lines to take but the body on frame, 4X4 variant with mechanical and brake locking differential
ScorpioN gave me the confidence to push more. The electric shift-on-the-fly 4-Wheel Drive System was easy to switch. Use it with the correct traction mode and you are sorted.
Is ScorpioN similar to its predecessor? What is the future of Scorpio?
Mahindra has already announced that the older Scorpio will keep selling although with a suffix- Classic. We are yet to see the impact of ScorpioN’s prices on the Scorpio Classic. The logic behind the older and newer versions selling side by side is convincing. Pune-based Manufacturer says that the older version has a cult following and even though the ScorpioN shares the DNA, it is a totally new product. This practice was common a few years back but not anymore. However, in the case of M&M, we have seen the company adopting a similar practice with the Bolero/Bolero Neo duo.
What are the safety features in the Scorpio-N?
The ScorpioN comes with a long list of safety features including, crash compliant structure, up to 6 Airbags (Front +Side + Curtain), ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Driver Drowsiness Detection, Hill Hold and Descent Control and Roll Over Mitigation. Looking at the track record, ScorpioN should score well on the G NCAP crash test rating as well.
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