The Story Behind the Icon: Who Designed Mahindra Thar?

The Story Behind the Icon: Who Designed Mahindra Thar?

Updated at : 15 Jan 2026

Mahindra Thar is a dream come true which is being lived by car lovers of India. It is a car that is connected to the emotions of Indians. The powerful look and amazing features of Thar have made people of every generation crazy about it. But do you know who designed Mahindra Thar? Behind this beautiful symbol lies an interesting story of design, vision and development.

Have you ever wondered how this dream car came to life and built a strong fan base? Let's get to know everything about the Thar - Indian off-road legend and the designer of Mahindra Thar.

The Vision Behind the Thar and The Mahindra Jeep Legacy

The history of Mahindra Thar is quite old. Before Thar, Mahindra started with Jeep which was inspired from the Willys Jeep of World War II. Mahindra started its journey in 1947, they launched models like CJ series, MM540 and MM550 which could handle rough roads of India with great ease.

In the 20th century, people's desires started increasing. They wanted a modern, cool and smooth car with Jeep style. Then Mahindra launched Thar in 2010 which became the first choice not only for off-roading but also for those who wanted a strong machine with style.

Who Designed Mahindra Thar?

Mahindra thar designer name is Ramkripa Anthan, a prominent Indian automotive designer who has designed several successful Mahindra vehicles such as the XUV 700 and the Scorpio. Ramkripa joined the Mahindra Group in 1997 and redesigned the SUV. He was then promoted as the chief designer. After his promotion, he led the design of the popular second generation Thar.

Pratap Bose is publicly credited with designing the Thar Rocks. The sketches of the Thar Rocks and the final car design have been shared by Bose himself through Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS).

Mahindra Thar Design

Second-generation Thar was launched in 2020, it was a significant change. It was a change that was applauded from all facets. It was an amalgamation of modernity with tradition.

The primary features of the new design of Mahindra Thar are:

  • Boxy stance with wide arches to grip on rough roads. Convertible and hard-top options make it attractive.
  • The vertical slat grille and round lamps are DOA to retain the essence of the original Jeep.
  • The interior design of the Mahindra Thar includes touchscreen infotainment, better seating and improved ergonomics to appeal to the changing generation.
  • This blend of the strength of old roots and modernity makes the new Thar a hit both in cities and off-road.

Mahindra Thar Price and Variants

The Thar could be a way of life SUV but it is open to everyone.

  • The current Mahindra Thar price in India begins at ₹ 10.98 Lakh (ex-showroom) which is a nice price for a good car.
  • The Mahindra thar on road price in India changes from place to place, mostly being around ₹ 13-17 Lakh for a 4x4 kind.
  • The road cost of the Mahindra Thar in India changes by place and type, but usually begins at about ₹ 13.5 Lakh and can reach over ₹ 21 Lakh, based on the town, model (RWD/4WD, petrol/diesel), and choices for features or insurance.
  • The Mahind͏ra Thar 4x4 is pricier than the 4x2 type, but its off-road stuff makes it worth the cost.
  • This price plan has helped Mahindra attract both serious off-road fans and hopeful city shoppers.

Interior and feature

The Mahindra Thar is a premium vehicle with a rugged look and its infotainment display supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Its seats are cushioned enough for long rides even in tight spaces and are also capable of off-roading. The Mahindra Thar comes equipped with dual airbags for safety, ABS and ESP, hill hold and descent control.

Looking Ahead: Mahindra Thar 5-Door

Mahindra Thar 5 Door is one of the highly sought after cars. It's expected to come out soon, this change will give more use for families while keeping the tough SUV charm. The longer space be͏tween wheels, added doors and bigger insides make it a strong rival against mid-size SUVs and it also has the tested basics of a 4x4.

Why the Thar Became an Icon

The success of the Thar lies in its ability to be more than just a car. It has become:

  • A symbol of freedom for young explorers.
  • A nostalgic connection for those who remember the old jeeps.
  • A style statement for urban buyers who want to stand out.
  • The look will attract your eye, but the performance will have you thrilled forever.

So, when you spot a Thar next time, remember this: you are not assessing brilliant design and steel, you are witnessing a story of distinction and quality made in India.

Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar is not just a machine, but an emotion of love. The Mahindra Thar's looks are what draw people in. Enthusiasts around the world ask just one question: who designed the Mahindra Thar? The answer is Ramkripa and for him, it's not just a ride, it's a bundle of emotions. The nostalgia of vintage Jeeps, the spirit of adventure, and a luxurious lifestyle make it even better.

The tale of who made Mahindra Thar is as uplifting as the car itself, showing how sight and inventiveness can make a vehicle sign.

With cheap costs, fun choices and the new Mahindra Thar 5 Door, this legend is just getting stronger. The one thing that you can bet on is that the Thar is not just built but made with love and passion thus making it one of the best SUVs in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Thar affordable for the middle class?

Yes, it is affordable for the middle class. 2WD is cheaper than 4WD.

2. Is Thar good for offroading?

Yes, the Mahindra Thar is perfect for off-roading, because of its powerful 4x4 system, strong build, and angle.

3. Thar has the same experience of jeep?

No, Thar Jeep does not provide an accurate similar experience in the form of wrangler, although they share striking visual similarities and a common off-road heritage.

4. What is the mileage of Thar?

When it comes to city driving, many users report fuel efficiency of about 8-10 kmpl for petrol and 9-11 kmpl for diesel. However, on the highways, things get better—drivers often see around 10-13 kmpl with diesel variants.

5. Mahindra Thar available in 7 seats?

No, it's not available in 7 seats. Most likely it offers 5 seats.