Mahindra ScorpioN XL Edition Cadillac Escalade Like Tail

The Mahindra Scorpio-N XL has been one of the most anticipated SUV launches in India this year. As the successor to the highly popular Scorpio, the NXL model brings a completely revamped design and a host of new features. However, some enthusiasts have taken the makeover a step further by digitally rendering what an even bolder “Ultimate Edition” variant could look like.

In new images created by digital artist Kleber Silva, the Scorpio-N XL gets a completely bespoke rear-end inspired by the Cadillac Escalade. This includes elongated vertically-stacked LED tail lamps that span the entire width of the tailgate. The lights are housed in a black panel which contrasts with the body color, similar to the Escalade.

Below the tail lamps is a brushed aluminum finishing panel bearing the ‘Scorpio’ name in bold lettering. This gives the rear a premium feel reminiscent of high-end luxury SUVs. The tailgate itself is reprofiled with more angular lines and an integrated roof spoiler.

Further customizations include a dual exhaust setup with trapezoidal chrome-tipped pipes at both corners. The front grille is also redesigned with a new mesh pattern and chrome surrounds. Overall, the Ultimage Edition render modernizes the Scorpio-N XL’s design and injects a heavy dose of road presence.

While this imagined avatar is unlikely to see production, it shows the potential for the Scorpio-N XL to adopt a more striking personality. As one of Mahindra’s flagship models, customers may desire even more flair from range-topping variants. The SUV could showcase the brand’s capabilities and preview its design direction for the future.

Underpinning this daring exterior is the capable body-on-frame construction of the Scorpio-N XL. It retains the ladder-frame chassis from its predecessor but with 70% higher torsional rigidity. The wheels are pushed outward to the corners, allowing greater interior space on the same 2,750mm wheelbase.

Power comes from Mahindra’s new 2.0L turbocharged mStallion petrol engine or 2.2L mHawk diesel mill. The engines produce 203PS/380Nm and 175PS/400Nm respectively, representing a considerable boost in performance over the previous Scorpio. They are mated to 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions along with four-wheel-drive.

The Mahindra Scorpio-N XL’s cabin is completely transformed with a dual-tone black and brown color scheme. Matching leatherette upholstery creates a premium atmosphere lacking in previous Scorpios. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital driver’s display add high-tech elements. Standard features include a sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and electrically adjustable front seats.

In higher variants, the Scorpio-N XL gains kit like a 12-speaker Sony sound system, wireless charging, air purifier, and multiple driving modes. Safety is comprehensively addressed with up to 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The SUV has already achieved a full 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating, reflecting its robust engineering.

Priced from Rs. 15.45 lakh, the Scorpio-N XL squares up against other midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, Tata Harrier, and Kia Seltos. As an authentic ladder-frame SUV, it has few direct rivals besides the MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari. Its old-school body-on-frame construction provides tremendous off-road ability and durability compared to mainstream crossovers.

By combining go-anywhere toughness with a thoroughly modern design and feature set, the Scorpio-N XL has the potential to shake up the midsize SUV segment. The range-topping Ultimate Edition imagined here illustrates the scope for Mahindra to push boundaries even further. With the right mix of standout style and genuine 4×4 capability, the Scorpio formula still holds strong appeal for Indian SUV buyers.

Is Mahindra Scorpio N worth it?

Here are some key factors to consider regarding whether the new Mahindra Scorpio N is worth buying:

Pros of the Scorpio N:

Powerful engine options – The 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L diesel engines deliver up to 203PS power, making it one of the most powerful in its segment.
Torque-on-demand 4WD system – Available on higher variants, this improves off-road capability significantly compared to 2WD only rivals.
Towing capacity – With a best-in-class 3,000 kg tow rating, the Scorpio N can handle heavy trailers or boats with ease.
Features – Gets a long equipment list including dual-zone climate control, Sony sound system, adjustable mood lighting, etc. keeping it competitive.
Safety – Rated 5-stars in Global NCAP crash tests and gets multiple airbags, ESC, disc brakes all-round as standard.
Brand legacy – The Scorpio name has strong brand equity among Indian SUV buyers who trust its proven capabilities.

Cons of the Scorpio N:

Ride quality – Ladder-frame chassis affects high speed stability and ability to absorb bumps compared to monocoque crossovers.
Average interior design – Cabin layout and material quality trails newer rivals like Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos.
Limited dealership reach – Does not have the extensive sales and service network of mass-market brands.
Pricing – Starts at Rs 11.99 lakhs so is not as affordable or value-for-money as earlier Scorpios.

Overall, the Scorpio N makes for a very capable SUV if off-roading ability, power and towing capacity are priorities. But for comfortable daily city use, competitors like the Hyundai Creta could suit better. Test drives are recommended.

Is Scorpio N the best SUV?

Here are a few key points comparing the Mahindra Scorpio N against other popular SUVs in India:

Power – With 200+ hp on tap, the Scorpio N is among the most powerful in its segment. Other performance-oriented SUVs include MG Hector, Tata Safari and Hyundai Alcazar.
Off-roading – With 4WD, mechanically locking diffs, high ground clearance and water wading capacity, the Scorpio N has excellent off-road credentials. The Jeep Compass and Toyota Fortuner are other very capable 4×4 SUVs.
Towing capacity – At 3,000 kg, the Scorpio N has the highest rated towing capacity in its segment. Ideal for towing boats or trailers.
Features – Gets a decently equipped cabin with dual-zone climate control, Sony audio system, captain seats etc. However, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer more premium interiors.
Safety – The Scorpio N scored a full 5-stars in crash tests and gets multiple airbags, ESC etc as standard. The Mahindra XUV700 also offers high safety standards.
Value – Priced from Rs 11.99 lakhs, the Scorpio N is attractively priced considering its specs. The Tata Safari is another relatively affordable 7-seater SUV.
Brand appeal – Scorpio has a strong following among traditional SUV buyers who appreciate its body-on-frame robustness.

So in summary, the Scorpio N excels at off-roading, towing and driving excitement for the price. But it’s not the best all-rounder for factors like comfort, premium feel and connectivity. Test drives recommended to assess if it meets an individual’s priorities.

Is Scorpio a luxury car?

No, the Mahindra Scorpio is not considered a luxury car. Here are a few reasons why:

Positioning and pricing – The Scorpio is marketed as an affordable, rugged SUV. It is priced from Rs 11.99 lakhs onwards, which is significantly lower than typical luxury SUVs.
Features and equipment – Although fully-loaded Scorpio variants get some premium features like leather seats, sunroof etc., the overall equipment levels cannot match up to luxury makes. Key luxury amenities like ventilated seats, surround view cameras, head-up display etc are missing.
Ride quality – Due to its traditional body-on-frame construction, the Scorpio lacks the refined ride quality expected of luxury models. The ladder frame chassis causes more vertical movement and bumpiness compared to monocoque crossovers.
Cabin ambiance – The interior design and material quality is good for the price but not on par with premium SUVs. Some plastics and switchgear feel economical. The dashboard layout also looks dated.
Brand image – Mahindra is not positioned as an aspirational luxury brand in India. The Scorpio brand echoes ruggedness and value more than indulgence or exclusivity.
Competition – The Scorpio competes with mass-market SUVs like Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, Tata Harrier rather than luxury models like BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 etc.

So while fully loaded Scorpios offer a decent amount of features for the price, the overall positioning, driving experience and brand image is not quite luxury. It’s considered an affordable, no-nonsense SUV with focus on off-roading ability.

Is Scorpio a safe car?

Here are some key points about the Mahindra Scorpio’s safety:

Global NCAP crash test rating: The latest generation Mahindra Scorpio-N has achieved a full 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests. This indicates high levels of safety and build quality.
Structural rigidity: The Scorpio’s traditional body-on-frame ladder chassis provides strong structural rigidity compared to regular crossovers. This helps the cabin withstand impacts well.
Safety features: Mahindra has equipped the Scorpio-N with multiple standard safety features like – dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, speed alert system, ISOFIX child seat anchors etc.
Additional safety tech: Higher variants get even more safety kit including side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold control, rollover mitigation, panic brake alert etc.
Braking and lighting: All variants come with projector headlamps, LED DRLs, fog lamps and disc brakes on all four wheels for confident stopping power. Automatic emergency braking is also available.
Sturdy build quality: Reviews suggest the Scorpio feels very solidly built, especially compared to earlier generations. Panel gaps, material quality and paint finish have improved.
Off-road ability: The Scorpio’s 4WD system, high ground clearance and proven robustness make it capable over rough terrain, gravel, streams etc. without damage.

However, there are some limitations:

Handling could be better: The ladder frame affects dynamics compared to lighter monocoque crossovers, especially around corners taken quickly.
Crash compatibility: Heavy old-school SUVs like the Scorpio don’t fare as well in impacts with smaller, modern cars lacking crash protection.

So in summary, the latest Scorpio-N meets high safety standards for its price bracket and intended purpose. But it’s not quite as protective or foolproof as more premium crossovers.

Do Scorpio N have sunroof?

Yes, the new Mahindra Scorpio-N is available with an electric sunroof on certain variants.

Here are some more details on the Scorpio-N sunroof:

Sunroof availability: The sunroof feature is available only on the higher-spec trims of the Scorpio-N including the Z8L and Z8 variants. It is not offered on the entry-level or mid-range variants.
Sunroof type: It is an electric-operated glass sunroof which can tilt or slide open. The sunroof glass panel itself is quite large in size for the segment.
Single pane: The Scorpio-N gets a single pane sunroof without any additional sunshade or cover. So the cabin may heat up in very hot conditions when kept open.
Anti-pinch safety: The electric sunroof motor mechanism has anti-pinch safety to prevent accidental closure on hands or fingers. This is an important safety measure.
Remote operation: The sunroof can be operated via switches on the roof console as well as remotely using the key fob. So it can be opened before entering the car.
Added premium appeal: The sunroof makes the Scorpio-N cabin feel more airy and lends a more upmarket look relative to lower variants without it.
Affordable addition: The sunroof comes for a relatively affordable premium over non-sunroof trims compared to options from European brands.

So in summary, the Scorpio-N sunroof adds a touch of premium flair and practicality for buyers who opt for higher-spec variants and have the budget for it. It improves the overall package.

Why Mahindra Scorpio is so popular?

Here are some of the key reasons why the Mahindra Scorpio has been so popular in India:

Rugged appeal: The Scorpio’s traditional body-on-frame construction and upright, muscular design gives it a very rugged and macho appeal that resonates strongly with many Indian SUV buyers.
Off-road ability: With its 4WD system, high ground clearance and proven toughness, the Scorpio has fantastic off-road and all-terrain capabilities which make it very versatile for Indian conditions.
Powerful performance: The 2.2 liter CRDe diesel engine offers a muscular 140hp and 320Nm of torque, giving the Scorpio strong acceleration and overtaking power even when fully loaded.
Towing capacity: The Scorpio has a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 2,700 kg which adds to its versatility and appeal for buyers with lifestyle needs.
Comfortable 7-seater capacity: The roomy interior with captain seats and side-facing last row allow comfortable 7-seater accommodation, ideal for large families.
Affordability: Mahindra has always priced the Scorpio very competitively compared to other full-size 7-seater SUVs, enhancing its value-for-money appeal.
Successful marketing: Clever marketing campaigns positioning the Scorpio as a powerful, aspirational SUV have resonated strongly with the Indian audience.
Brand goodwill: Mahindra has built enormous goodwill and trust in the Scorpio name over two decades which gives buyers confidence in the product.
Extensive service network: Mahindra’s wide service network ensures easy availability of sales, service and spares even in remote locations.

So in summation, a combination of rugged appeal, capabilities, affordability and successful branding is what makes the Scorpio such a popular nameplate in India.

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