Mahindra Scorpio-N

Inside the Scorpio-N, the biggest change compared to the previous generation is clear. The cabin is much more modern, better finished and obviously more premium. The dashboard is low and horizontal, reinforcing the rugged theme of the SUV. A coffee and black dual-tone theme with leatherette accents adds a sense of richness.
Siddharth admitted that he had some doubts about the colour combination:

“In pictures the brown looked dull, but when you are actually with it it seems to really be richer and a lot nicer.”

Cabin Layout and Quality

The Scorpio-N has a clean and functional dashboard with most of the controls within easy reach.
Some of the notable cabin elements are:

• Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with AdrenoX connected car technology
• Semi-digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Wireless charging pad
• Dual-zone climate control on higher trims

Fit and finish are improved over the previous Scorpio, although some of the lower plastics still feel basic for the price.

Seating Comfort
First Row

The front seats have a commanding driving position, which has always been a defining trait of the Scorpio. Large windows and a relatively short dashboard provide better outward vision. Driver seat height adjustment is available from mid variants and higher trims add a six-way powered driver seat.

Second Row

The second row comes in two setups:

• Three-seat bench (most variants)
• Captain seats (Z8L only)

Captain seats are more comfortable with fold-down armrests and ample under-thigh support.
Passengers also get:

• Rear AC vents
• USB Type-C charging port
• Dedicated blower controls

The seats themselves do not slide forward or backwards, which Siddharth pointed out as a small miss for a modern SUV.

Third Row

The Scorpio-N is standard with a three-row configuration, and is available in six- and seven-seater configurations. Access is easier than you might think because of the one-touch tumble mechanism on the second row.
However, the third row is most suitable for:

• Children
• Short-distance travel for young adults

Adults may find knee room limited, since the second row does not slide.

Mahindra has placed the Scorpio-N in a very broad price bracket to cater to both the traditional Scorpio buyers and new SUV buyers seeking a tough yet modern three-row SUV. The lineup begins with relatively accessible base variants but quickly moves into premium territory with the higher Z8 and Z8L trims that come with advanced technology, comfort and safety features.
Mahindra also offers the SUV in petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and optional four-wheel drive, which explains the huge spread of variants. Here are some of the most relevant trims available in the market.

Mahindra Scorpio-N Ex-Showroom Prices in India

Note: Prices depend on engine, transmission and drivetrain configuration.
The Z4 variant serves as the practical entry point into the Scorpio-N range, while the Z8 and Z8L trims include most of the premium features expected by buyers of modern SUVs.

Mileage figures for the Scorpio-N vary significantly depending on the engine, drivetrain and transmission configuration. As expected, the diesel engine is still the more efficient option, particularly for long-distance driving. From what has been seen and experienced during our testing, the petrol engine favours performance and refinement, rather than outright efficiency.
Important things that were noticed from our testing:

• Diesel variants have much better efficiency during highway cruising
• Automatic versions have slightly lower mileage than manual models
• The petrol engine uses more fuel in urban driving
• Highway efficiency is greatly improved when cruising at constant speeds

Observed Fuel Efficiency

The diesel engine is still the better option for people who drive frequently on the highways, while the petrol variant is for those who prioritise smooth and quiet performance.

Mahindra has greatly enhanced the safety credentials of the Scorpio-N when compared to the previous generation. The SUV now has a ring structure body construction that uses high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel for better crash protection. The SUV has also earned a five-star Global NCAP rating, which puts it among the safest vehicles in its class.

Passive Safety and Structural Protection

Safety equipment has been improved throughout the lineup. Some of the common safety features are: 

• Dual front airbags
• Electronic Stability Control
• ABS with EBD
• Hill hold and hill descent control
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• All-wheel disc brakes

Higher variants add:

• Side and curtain airbags
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Front parking camera and sensors

These safety elements work together in harmony to provide a safer and more well-put-together driving experience for families. The top-spec Z8L variant also introduces Level 2 ADAS features, which include forward collision warning, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Mahindra has given the Scorpio-N a good dose of comfort, connectivity and convenience features. The SUV draws on a number of technology elements from the brand's more recent models, especially the XUV range.

The Scorpio-N brings Mahindra's AdrenoX infotainment platform, which incorporates connected car technology and smartphone connectivity.
Key technology features include:

• Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Built-in navigation and telematics
• Amazon Alexa integration
• Wireless phone charging

Higher variants also get a 12-speaker Sony immersive 

sound system, which delivers impressive audio quality for the segment.

Siddharth said there was one drawback during his drive:

“The touchscreen works well but the resolution could definitely be better, especially in bright daylight.”

In addition to infotainment functions, the Scorpio-N also has a number of everyday convenience functions. These include push-button start/stop, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps and wipers, rear AC vents with blower control and a powered driver seat (top variants). All of which adds to the convenience that families expect in this price range.

The Scorpio-N has a capacity of 460 litres with all three rows in use. In practical terms, we tested that the boot can accommodate: 

• Two or three backpacks with all rows in place
• Multiple suitcases when the third row is folded
• Larger travel bags for longer journeys

When the third row seats are folded, the cargo space is 

greatly increased to about 786 litres. The maximum cargo capacity is reported to be as high as 1,799 litres with the second and third rows folded. However, the folded third-row seats do not sit completely flat.

The greatest transformation of the Scorpio-N appears when you start driving. The older Scorpio was renowned for its raw power and road presence, though refinement, ride quality and stability were never its forte. With the new generation, Mahindra has evidently focused on addressing those weaknesses.

City Driving

In city conditions, the Scorpio-N is much more refined. The steering is light and easy to handle at low speeds, making manoeuvring such a big SUV surprisingly manageable. The commanding driving position and large glass area also help to improve visibility in traffic.
The suspension set-up also deals with potholes and speed breakers with good composure. Body movement is more controlled than the old Scorpio, but because of the tall stance, there is a little bit of side-to-side movement over rough roads. 

Highway Driving

On highways, the Scorpio-N is much more stable than its predecessor. The SUV cruises comfortably at 100-120 kmph, and the diesel engine gives good mid-range torque for overtakes.
A major reason for improvement is the new suspension setup:

• Double wishbone suspension at the front
• Penta-link rear suspension with Watts linkage

Mahindra has also introduced frequency-dependent damping, like the XUV range, which helps the suspension to adapt to road conditions.

Siddharth emphasised the degree of improvement:

“The old car used to get nervous at higher speeds. This one has a planted feel to it and is much more mature.”

Mahindra offers the Scorpio-N in several trims, but the core lineup is around Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8 and Z8L variants. Each step up the ladder adds more comfort, technology and safety features.

What You Don’t Get

Despite the strong feature list, there are still a few things that are missing:

• No panoramic sunroof
• No sliding second-row seats
• Third-row space is limited for adults
• Touchscreen resolution could be better

The choice of which Scorpio-N variant to get is largely determined by how much technology and capability you want.

Best for Most Buyers: Z8 Diesel

The Z8 variant brings a good balance of features, performance and pricing. You get premium equipment like dual zone climate control and push button start while keeping the price lower than the fully loaded Z8L.

Best for Off-Road Capability: Z8L Diesel 4x4

Buyers who intend to explore rough terrains should look at the Z8L 4x4 variant. It adds Mahindra's 4XPLOR terrain management system with modes for sand, mud and snow.

Best Budget Option: Z4 Diesel

The Z4 delivers the essentials without leaving anything to be desired on the core Scorpio experience. It also offers access to automatic and four-wheel drive at a lower price point.